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Underwater Robotics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr Robotics Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$114K - $149K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Sr Robotics Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$114K - $149K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Sr Robotics Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$114K - $149K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Sr Robotics Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$114K - $149K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Sr Robotics Engineer

Irvine, CA

$114K - $149K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Showing results 41-60

Underwater Robotics information

See salary details

$11K

$291.6K

$400K

How much do underwater robotics jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for underwater robotics in the United States is $291,565.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $250,000.00 and $394,500.00 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.

How much do underwater robotics make?

Underwater robotics engineers and technicians typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced roles involving design, programming, or field operations may offer higher salaries, especially with specialized skills in remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) or autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs).

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.
More about Underwater Robotics jobs

What cities are hiring for Underwater Robotics jobs?

Cities with the most Underwater Robotics job openings:

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

The most popular types of Underwater Robotics jobs are:

What states have the most Underwater Robotics jobs?

States with the most job openings for Underwater Robotics jobs include:

Infographic showing various Underwater Robotics job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 90% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $291,565 per year, or $140.2 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


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

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Job description

Description
Are you driven by robotics and autonomous system development?
Do you enjoy hands-on design, integration, and testing of Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)?
Are you interested in applying your skills to meaningful projects that advance the state of uncrewed and autonomous systems?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
We are seeking a UAV Robotics Engineer to help conceive, design, fabricate, integrate, and test a variety of novel UAV systems and payloads. In this role, you will contribute directly to the development of advanced autonomous capabilities and help shape the future of uncrewed systems. You will join a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, and technicians who are passionate about rapid prototyping, system design and integration, and rigorous field testing. Our team supports critical programs that directly benefit the nation's warfighters while fostering a collaborative, innovative, and fast-paced work environment.
As a UAV Robotics Engineer, your primary responsibilities will include...
  • Designing, fabricating, integrating, and testing UAV airframes, subsystems, and payloads.
  • Designing, integrating and testing mission-critical electronics for a variety of robotic systems.
  • Planning, executing, and leading local and remote field tests, incorporating feedback from end users to inform design revisions.
  • Serving as a technical lead and mentor within a multidisciplinary engineering team.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Possess a BS in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics or related fields.
  • Have 2+ years of relevant experience working with UAVs, UGVs, UAS, UUVs or related robotic systems.
  • Have experience with the design, integration, and flight testing of both fixed-wing and multirotor UAVs.
  • Demonstrate strong skills in:
  • Are willing and able to support local and remote field test events, including operations in harsh and austere environments.
  • Hold an active Secret security 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...
  • Hold an MS or PhD in a relevant engineering discipline.
  • Have experience developing and flight-testing autonomous UAV behaviors.
  • Are comfortable working across mechanical, electrical, and software domains.
  • Have led complex UAV development efforts from concept through deployment.
  • Have integrated perception sensors such as EO/IR cameras, LiDAR, radar, or RF payloads into UAV platforms.
  • Are comfortable making real-time engineering decisions during flight and field operations.
  • Have experience operating UAVs in GPS-degraded, RF-challenged, or denied environments.
  • Have experience with a variety of UAV airframe types (e.g., multirotor, fixed-wing, VTOL, coaxial, traditional helicopter).
  • Have experience with Uncrewed Underwater, Ground or Surface Vehicles (UUV, UGV, USV).
  • Thrive in fast-paced, prototype-driven environments with evolving requirements.

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 Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
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
$195,000 Annually

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