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Underwater Robotics Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

NTG Staffing

Project Electrical Engineer

Hanover, MD · On-site

... unique underwater robotic and electromechanical systems, helping solve customers' toughest challenges-typically for the U.S. Navy and other U.S. Government Department of Defense customers.

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Underwater Robotics information

See Washington salary details

$12.5K

$330.2K

$453K

How much do underwater robotics jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for underwater robotics in Washington is $330,226.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $283,100.00 and $446,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an underwater robotics job?

An Underwater Robotics job involves designing, building, operating, and maintaining robotic systems used in underwater environments. These robots, often called remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) or autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), perform tasks like ocean exploration, infrastructure inspection, and environmental monitoring. Professionals in this field typically have expertise in robotics, engineering, and marine technology. They work in industries such as defense, marine research, oil and gas, and underwater archaeology.

What skills and qualifications are needed for underwater robotics?

To thrive in Underwater Robotics, you need a strong background in robotics engineering, mechanical or electrical engineering, and computer programming, often supported by a relevant degree. Experience with remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), underwater sensors, CAD software, and certifications such as commercial diving or ROV pilot technician are highly valuable. Excellent problem-solving abilities, adaptability in extreme environments, and effective teamwork skills help you excel in this field. These competencies ensure safe, efficient design, deployment, and operation of robotic systems in challenging underwater settings.

What does a typical work environment look like for underwater robotics professionals?

Professionals in Underwater Robotics often split their time between laboratory settings, where they design and test robotic systems, and on-site field locations such as offshore platforms, research vessels, or underwater construction sites. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including oceanographers, engineers, and divers—is common to ensure the successful deployment and operation of robotics technology. While much of the job involves technical tasks like software coding and hardware integration, fieldwork may require travel and extended periods at sea. This dynamic work environment offers opportunities to develop versatile skills and contribute to cutting-edge marine technology projects.

What do underwater robotics engineers do?

Underwater robotics engineers design, develop, and test autonomous and 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. Strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and software engineering is essential for this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Underwater Robotics jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Underwater Robotics jobs in Washington are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Washington are hiring for Underwater Robotics jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Underwater Robotics job openings:

Underwater Robotics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Underwater Robotics job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $330,226 per year, or $158.8 per hour.

2027 Graduate - Subsea Robotics Engineer - Maritime Robotics

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

$85K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 74 rated research

Job description

Description
Are you excited about developing software that enables autonomous underwater vehicles to operate in challenging real-world environments?
Do you enjoy combining robotics, dynamics, controls, and software engineering to solve complex mission problems? If so, the Maritime Robotics Group is looking for an early-career Subsea Robotics Engineer to join our Modeling and Control team.
Our mission is to develop, integrate, test, and deploy advanced robotic capabilities that provide our nation with an advantage in autonomous maritime systems. We build software that enables autonomous and remotely operated underwater vehicles to navigate, maneuver, interact with their environment, and accomplish challenging operational missions. Our work spans simulation, controls, autonomy, system integration, laboratory testing, and at-sea experimentation, with an emphasis on delivering robust capabilities that transition to operational systems.
As a member of our team, you will work closely with robotics, software, mechanical, electrical, and ocean engineers to develop and deploy advanced underwater robotic systems.
As a member of our team, you will:
  • Develop robotics software for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), and other subsea robotic systems using ROS 2.
  • Design, implement, and maintain modular software in C++ and Python on Linux-based systems.
  • Develop and integrate dynamics, controls, guidance, navigation, and autonomy algorithms for underwater robotic platforms.
  • Build high-fidelity simulation environments and modeling tools to support software development, system integration, and mission planning.
  • Integrate sensors, actuators, and vehicle subsystems into robust robotic software architectures.
  • Evaluate vehicle performance through simulation, laboratory testing, and field experiments, using collected data to improve system performance.
  • Support integration and testing of robotic systems in laboratory, pool, and at-sea environments.
  • Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to transition software from development into operational robotic systems.

Qualifications
You will meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you:
  • Have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • Have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. When prompted to upload attachments, please include a copy of your college transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable).
  • Have experience developing robotic software using ROS 2.
  • Have experience developing software on Linux.
  • Are proficient in Python and C++.
  • Have experience developing, implementing, or testing dynamic systems, feedback control algorithms, robotic simulation, or autonomous systems through coursework, research projects, internships, or professional experience.
  • Have familiarity with software engineering best practices, including Git-based version control, debugging, testing, and documentation.
  • Enjoy working in multidisciplinary teams to solve challenging engineering problems.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and ultimately obtain a Secret clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have experience developing dynamics, controls, guidance, navigation, or autonomy software for robotic systems.
  • Have experience modeling and simulating robotic or autonomous systems using Gazebo, Ignition, Stonefish, Isaac Sim, MATLAB/Simulink, or similar tools.
  • Have experience integrating robotic sensors such as IMUs, DVLs, sonars, cameras, pressure sensors, or manipulators.
  • Have experience with state estimation, system identification, trajectory generation, optimization, or motion planning.
  • Have experience with containerized software development, continuous integration, or modern DevSecOps workflows.
  • Have participated in field testing, vehicle integration, or deployment of robotic systems.
  • Have demonstrated initiative in developing new technical capabilities or leading engineering efforts.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [email protected].
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$85,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$165,000 Annually

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