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Underwater Robotics Engineer information

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$29K

$105.6K

$169K

How much do underwater robotics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for underwater robotics engineer in the United States is $105,605.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $127,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do underwater robotic engineers make?

Underwater robotic engineers typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior engineers or those with specialized skills in robotics, control systems, or deep-sea environments may earn higher salaries. The field often requires knowledge of robotics, programming, and underwater systems.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Underwater Robotics Engineer, and why are they important?

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 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.

What do Underwater Robotics engineers do?

Underwater Robotics engineers design, develop, and test autonomous or remotely operated underwater vehicles used for exploration, research, and inspection. They work with sensors, control systems, and software to ensure the robots operate effectively in challenging aquatic environments, often requiring knowledge of engineering, programming, and marine science.

Is robotics a dead field?

Robotics, including underwater robotics engineering, remains a growing field with ongoing advancements in automation, AI, and sensor technologies. Skilled engineers are in demand for developing autonomous systems, maintaining complex equipment, and working in diverse environments such as underwater exploration and research.

What are Underwater Robotics Engineers?

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 engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and aerospace engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries. Executive-level engineering roles or those in leadership positions may also reach this compensation level, often including bonuses and stock options.
More about Underwater Robotics Engineer jobs
What states have the most Underwater Robotics Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Underwater Robotics Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Underwater Robotics Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Underwater Robotics Engineer jobs are:
Underwater Robotics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Underwater Robotics Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,605 per year, or $50.8 per hour.
Sr. Electrical Engineer

Sr. Electrical Engineer

Oceaneering International, Inc.

Hanover, MD • On-site

$107K - $139K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Oceaneering rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

261st of 427 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description


As a Senior Electrical Engineer (industry equivalent: Electrical Engineer 3), serve as a vital member of the Oceaneering Aerospace and Defense Technologies (ADTECH) engineering team - an engineering center of excellence, and an exciting part of our dynamic, global enterprise. Within our Oceaneering Technologies (OTECH) group, you will be responsible for performing diverse activities associated with the development and implementation of complex power and control systems for unique underwater robotic and electromechanical systems, helping solve our customers' toughest challenges - typically for US Navy and other US Government military customers.
Most of our projects are one-of-a-kind, which means you will never be stagnant and will always work on something new and compelling. And, by "work," we don't just mean "analyze and design" - most of our engineers do not simply sit behind a desk, but when the design is done choose to "get their hands dirty" assisting with building and testing their creations. At Oceaneering, we are committed to "making it work!"
Responsibilities
  • Electrical design and analysis of components and subsystems for underwater robotic and electromechanical systems.
  • Given incomplete, high-level requirements for a system or subsystem of moderate complexity, generate proper designs and work to complete tasking with latitude to make decisions under minimal supervision - individually and in a teamwork environment.
  • Exercise excellent technical judgement, creativity, and initiative with attention to detail consistently throughout your work product, with awareness of the "system" perspective.
  • Prepare and participate in regular design reviews.
  • Work closely in concert with mechanical, software, and systems engineers, as well as other cooperative disciplines, to solve problems and constructively architect a working system.
  • Supervise/mentor junior engineers or technicians, when necessary.
  • Responsible and accountable for your results, working with considerable autonomy, but also knowing when to ask for assistance.
  • Desire to stretch and expand your talents, expertise, competency, and responsibilities.

Qualifications
Essential Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science or advanced degree from an accredited university in Electrical/Electronic Engineering (or related field/curriculum having an Electrical concentration, such as Computer Engineering or Robotics Engineering). Significant commensurate experience may be considered.
  • Minimum 3 years practical technical experience in the creative (Electrical) engineering process, including participation in the concept, analysis, simulation, design, drawing, assembly, integration, troubleshooting, and testing of complex electrical, electromechanical, and automated/robotic and underwater vehicle systems.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a United States Government Security Clearance (active clearances preferred, but not prerequisite).
  • Must be a US citizen.

Preferred Qualifications: (expected to possess or perform most of these)
  • Experience selecting and integrating varying pieces of high-tech Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) equipment to interoperate well together, including designing necessary interfaces.
  • Good working knowledge and experience selecting and sizing current and latest available electrical and electronic components and wiring devices, such as signal conditioning, power supplies, control devices, switching devices, SSRs, safety devices, terminal blocks, connectors, DIN rail, wiring, cabling, marshalling, dressing, etc.
  • Experience selecting and interfacing components of industrial quality embedded microprocessor, single-board computer (SBC) based control systems, including defining necessary signals, sensors, and actuators, and selecting appropriate I/O; may also require custom electrical designs where COTS components are either inadequate or unavailable.
  • Experience designing, interfacing, translating, and integrating various data communications signaling, such as Ethernet, USB, RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, SPI, I2C, CAN, etc., including their associated media and protocols in high-noise potential environments.
  • Experience with DC power systems design.
  • Calculate and estimate system power and energy requirements.
  • Experience designing, wiring, cabling, grounding for minimizing electrical noise and EMI, as appropriate.
  • Good electrical drawing/drafting skills - accurately create and read detailed schematics, wiring diagrams, cable drawings, system cabling and block diagrams, etc.
  • Proficiency in proper use and application of various standard electronic test equipment; e.g., DMM/multimeters, oscilloscopes, power analyzers, spectrum analyzers, communications analyzers, CTDR, OTDR, optical power meters, etc.
  • Proficiency with advanced Computer Aided Design (CAD), Simulation, and Analysis software packages such as Altium Designer, SPICE, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, SolidWorks Electrical, MathCAD, MATLAB, etc.
  • Proficiency with common office productivity software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, etc.
  • Good written and oral communications skills, including ability to effectively document, convey, and present engineering concepts and products to team members and customers.

Additional Desired Qualifications: (stronger candidates may possess one or more of these)
  • Experience in the marine (surface or, preferably, underwater) industry and associated technologies, including ROVs, AUVs, and related robotic and electromechanical systems; also sonar systems.
  • Working knowledge of applicable industry professional, technical, and military standards (IEEE, ANSI, IEC, ISO, NEMA, NEC, MIL, etc.)
  • Good practical technician skills (assembly, wiring, soldering, cabling, etc.)
  • Experience with fiber-optics.
  • Experience with Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design.
  • Experience with brushless motor drives, robotics, and automation.
  • Experience designing, analyzing, and tuning closed-loop feedback control systems.
  • Experience with low-medium voltage, single- and 3-phase power systems (120, 240, 480, 3000+ VAC).
  • Experience applying machine safety systems and standards.
  • Experience with programming languages and/or script writing (software).
  • Ability and flexibility to travel on occasion, typically pre-planned for up to one to two weeks at a time; may be within the US, outside the US, or offshore, onboard a boat.

We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. Employee benefits vary by role, however, may include Health and Wellness, Mental Health, Retirement Savings, Life and Disability, Paid Maternity and Parental Leave, Paid Time Off, Tuition Reimbursement, and an Employee Assistance Program.
Compensation $80,600.00 - $121,000.00
About Us
Oceaneering is a global provider of engineered services and products, primarily to the offshore energy industry. We develop products and services for use throughout the lifecycle of an offshore oilfield, from drilling to decommissioning. We operate the world's premier fleet of work class ROVs. Additionally, we are a leader in offshore oilfield maintenance services, umbilicals, subsea hardware, and tooling. We also use applied technology expertise to serve the defense, material handling, aerospace, science, and renewable energy industries.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
All qualified candidates will receive consideration for all positions without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other non-merit factor.
About the Team
Oceaneering Aerospace and Defense Technologies (AdTech) delivers solutions that enable humans to work safely and effectively in harsh environments - from underwater to the outer reaches of space. Our innovative solutions support the development and application of practical, cost-effective systems that meet our customers' challenges - from routine to extreme. Our experience and expertise across multiple industries uniquely positions us as a leader in the government, space, and maritime services markets. Our products and services meet the rigorous demands of the complex environments in which they operate, delivering results without compromising safety or reliability.

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