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Underwater Robotics Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Techoundsllc

Sr Robotics Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$114K - $149K/yr

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in embedded electronics, power systems, underwater ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or a closely related field

Techoundsllc

Sr Robotics Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$114K - $149K/yr

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in embedded electronics, power systems, underwater ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or a closely related field

Techoundsllc

Sr Robotics Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$114K - $149K/yr

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in embedded electronics, power systems, underwater ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or a closely related field

Techoundsllc

Sr Robotics Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$114K - $149K/yr

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in embedded electronics, power systems, underwater ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or a closely related field

Techoundsllc

Sr Robotics Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$114K - $149K/yr

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in embedded electronics, power systems, underwater ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or a closely related field

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All JobsUnderwater Robotics Engineer JobsUnderwater Robotics Engineer Jobs in California

Underwater Robotics Engineer information

See California salary details

$28.6K

$104.2K

$166.8K

How much do underwater robotics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for underwater robotics engineer in California is $104,222.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $125,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an underwater robotics engineer?

Underwater Robotics Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain robotic systems that operate in underwater environments. These engineers work on remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), and related technologies used for ocean exploration, marine research, offshore energy, and underwater infrastructure inspection. Their responsibilities often include system integration, troubleshooting, programming, and ensuring the reliability of robotic systems in challenging underwater conditions. They typically have backgrounds in mechanical, electrical, or computer engineering, and strong problem-solving skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an underwater robotics engineer?

To thrive as an Underwater Robotics Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical, electrical, or robotics engineering, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with underwater vehicle control systems, CAD software, programming languages (such as C++ or Python), and certifications in ROV/AUV operation are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and the ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams help engineers excel in complex environments. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing, deploying, and maintaining reliable robotic systems in challenging underwater conditions.

What are some common challenges faced by underwater robotics engineers when deploying robots in real-world environments?

Underwater Robotics Engineers often encounter challenges such as unpredictable ocean currents, varying water visibility, and equipment corrosion due to saltwater exposure. Ensuring reliable wireless communication and precise navigation in deep or murky waters can also be difficult. These engineers work closely with multidisciplinary teams—including marine scientists and mechanical engineers—to troubleshoot and adapt robotic systems for diverse underwater missions. Regular field tests and iterative improvements are essential for successful deployments.

What is the difference between Underwater Robotics Engineer vs Marine Systems Engineer?

AspectUnderwater Robotics EngineerMarine Systems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Electrical, or Marine Engineering; specialized training in roboticsBachelor's in Marine Engineering, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering; certifications in marine systems
Work EnvironmentDesigning, testing, and maintaining underwater robotic systems in labs or on shipsDeveloping and managing marine vessel systems in shipyards or offshore facilities
Industry UsageResearch institutions, defense, oil & gas, underwater explorationMaritime industry, shipping companies, offshore energy

Underwater Robotics Engineers focus on designing and maintaining robotic systems used underwater, often in research or exploration. Marine Systems Engineers work on the broader systems of ships and offshore platforms. While both roles require engineering credentials and may work in marine environments, their specific focus areas differ, with Underwater Robotics Engineers specializing in robotic technology and Marine Systems Engineers focusing on vessel and platform systems.

How much do underwater robotics engineers make?

Underwater robotics engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced skills in robotics, programming, and marine environments can lead to higher compensation, especially in research or specialized industries.

What are popular job titles related to Underwater Robotics Engineer jobs in California?

For Underwater Robotics Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Underwater Robotics Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Underwater Robotics Engineer jobs in California are:

Underwater Robotics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Underwater Robotics Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,222 per year, or $50.1 per hour.

Senior Electronics Engineer - Underwater Robotics

EV.Careers

Irvine, CA • On-site

$145 - $220/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Irvine, United States | Posted on 07/14/2026

We're hiring a Senior Electronics Engineer for a small-team underwater robotics manufacturer in Irvine that builds ROVs used by the Navy, oil and gas operators, marine research groups, and commercial dive teams worldwide. This is a hands-on IC seat where you'll own the electronics side of new product development: schematic capture, PCB design, motor drive, battery systems, embedded firmware, sealed enclosures, and sensor integration on hardware that ships to real customers.

If you're at a big company waiting six months for a design review to close, this is the opposite. You'll ship real hardware, fast, on a small team where the person who designs the board also brings it up.

Comp: $145,000 to $220,000 base depending on level of experience, DOE, plus performance bonus. Onsite in Irvine.What you'll actually do
  • Own PCB design in Altium (or transition from Cadence, OrCAD, PADS, Mentor, or KiCad; a 3 to 4 week ramp is fine for someone senior)
  • Design and validate power electronics: DC power distribution, motor drive for underwater thrusters, battery management, charging and protection circuits
  • Write and debug embedded firmware on ARM Cortex M, STM32, PSoC, or similar for real-time control
  • Design sealed and pressure-rated electronics for underwater operation: conformal coating, enclosure integration, connector selection, waterproofing
  • Integrate sensors, comms modules, and control systems into finished product
  • Take a board from concept through bring-up, validation, and manufacturing release
RequirementsWhat we need you to bring
  • 5 or more years of hands-on electronics design experience on shipping products
  • Strong PCB design chops with a professional tool (Altium preferred; adjacent tools OK with willingness to transition)
  • Real power electronics or motor drive experience on production hardware
  • Embedded firmware fluency at the register level, not just app-layer
  • Comfort at a workbench with oscilloscope, logic analyzer, and power supply solving real problems
  • Ability to work onsite in Irvine
  • Marine, subsea, ROV, AUV, UUV, or underwater electronics background
  • Sealed, ruggedized, or IP-rated hardware experience (medical implants, aerospace, defense, EV, industrial automation all count)
  • Battery pack design for high-drain applications
  • Active DoD clearance (some of our work supports Navy customers)
  • Experience owning a product end to end from prototype through production
  • Multi-hat, small-team engineering culture experience
Why this seat over your current job
  • Small team, so you own the hardware end to end instead of being one specialist on a 40-person program
  • Real product that ships to global customers today, not a lab prototype or PowerPoint concept
  • Hands-on IC track, no forced move into people-management to progress
  • Direct line to the product roadmap; if you think a design should change, you talk to the person who decides
  • Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off and company-paid holidays
  • Fast decision cycles and short reporting chain
Logistics
  • Onsite in Irvine, CA
  • Occasional travel up to 15% for customer sites and sea trials
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds when handling test equipment and prototype hardware
  • Authorized to work in the US
  • Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off and company-paid holidays
  • Fast decision cycles and short reporting chain
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