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Underwater Robotics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ocean Program Manager

Chelmsford, MA · On-site

$134K/yr

Platforms include offshore energy & structures, anchoring systems, UUV (unmanned underwater vehicle), underwater robotics, vessel launch and recovery systems, diver communication, fiber optics ...

Ocean Program Manager

Chelmsford, MA · On-site

$134K/yr

Platforms include offshore energy & structures, anchoring systems, UUV (unmanned underwater vehicle), underwater robotics, vessel launch and recovery systems, diver communication, fiber optics ...

Robotics AI Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

We are looking for a hands-on field-robotics engineer who integrates commercial platforms, sensors ... • Underwater communication, tether management, pressure-rated hardware, degraded visibility ...

Hardware Engineer

Stanford, CA · On-site

$145K - $191K/yr

Advise all of the flagship projects in the SRC on hardware decisions: field robotics, underwater robotics, manufacturing robotics, medical robotics and domestic robotics. * Contribute to portions of ...

NY · On-site

$55 - $65/hr

Currently, SAIL is conducting multiple projects ranging from Hybrid Aerial Underwater Robotic System (HAUCS)- a cyber physical system (CPS) for aquaculture, to sensors and platforms for maritime ...

Hardware Engineer

Stanford, CA · On-site

$145K - $191K/yr

Advise all of the flagship projects in the SRC on hardware decisions: field robotics, underwater robotics, manufacturing robotics, medical robotics and domestic robotics. * Contribute to portions of ...

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 Sep 6, 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.

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 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $291,565 per year, or $140.2 per hour.

Robotics Mechanical Engineer

SRI International

Menlo Park, CA • On-site

$90K - $134K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Overview
SRI International's Robotics Laboratory develops first-of-a-kind robotic systems for government and commercial customers. Our work spans robotic surgery and teleoperation, humanoid and wearable robotics, underwater and field systems, autonomous platforms, novel mechanisms and actuators, advanced sensing, and laboratory automation.
The lab has contributed to systems and technologies including early robotic surgery platforms, Taurus telemanipulation systems, wearable robotics, novel transmissions and actuators, and automated scientific systems. We work across a broad range of applications, but the common thread is turning difficult ideas into working hardware.
We are looking for a Robotics Mechanical Engineer who likes to design, build, test, and iterate.
You will work at our office in Menlo Park, CA, with mechanical, electrical, software, controls, and research engineers to develop robotic systems from early concepts through fabrication, integration, and test. Projects vary widely, so we value strong engineering fundamentals, hands-on ability, curiosity, and comfort working on problems where the requirements are still evolving.
Responsibilities
What You'll Do
  • Design mechanisms, structures, fixtures, and robotic assemblies in SolidWorks.
  • Take concepts from sketches through CAD, drawings, fabrication, assembly, and test.
  • Build and debug electromechanical systems in the lab.
  • Use rapid prototyping and fabrication methods including 3D printing, machining, laser cutting, and related processes.
  • Develop drawings, tolerances, and basic GD&T.
  • Select and integrate motors, actuators, transmissions, bearings, sensors, and other robotic hardware.
  • Develop test fixtures, make measurements, diagnose failures, and improve designs based on what you learn.
  • Work closely with software, controls, electrical, and systems engineers during integration.
  • Maintain CAD, drawings, revisions, and engineering data using SolidWorks PDM.

Qualifications
What We're Looking For
  • BS or higher degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or a related field.
  • Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals and machine-design intuition.
  • Experience with 3D CAD; SolidWorks strongly preferred.
  • Hands-on experience building and testing physical hardware.
  • Must understand engineering drawings, tolerances, fits, and basic GD&T.
  • Ability to take an open-ended problem, develop practical concepts, and iterate quickly.
  • Comfortable troubleshooting across mechanical, electrical, sensing, and software boundaries.
  • Clear communication and the ability to work on multidisciplinary teams.
  • U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.

Helpful Experience - some, not all
  • Robotics or electromechanical systems
  • Mechanisms, actuators, transmissions, or end effectors
  • Rapid prototyping and machine-shop experience
  • DFM/DFA and working with fabrication vendors
  • Mechanical testing, instrumentation, metrology, or calibration
  • FEA or other engineering analysis tools
  • Python, MATLAB, ROS/ROS 2
  • Medical, wearable, underwater, field, or autonomous robotic systems
  • Hands-on engineering projects through internships, research labs, student teams, competitions, or personal builds

The best aligned candidates will be mechanically grounded, curious, and comfortable learning new things. This is a hands-on engineering role: we expect you to make good engineering decisions, build things, test them, learn from failures, and improve the design.
The salary range is: $90,580-$134,740. Salary ranges will vary and are based on several factors, including geographic location, market competitiveness and equity amongst internal employees in similar roles. Positions may also qualify for SRI's Pay for Outstanding Performance program or the annual Performance Based Compensation program. SRI also has a competitive benefits package, to view details please go to https://www.sri.com/resources/benefits/. SRI will accept applications until the position is filled.
SRI is an independent nonprofit research institute headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., with a rich history of supporting government and industry. We create and deliver world-changing solutions for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future. For almost 80 years, we have collaborated across technical and scientific disciplines to discover and develop groundbreaking products and technologies and bring innovations and ideas to the marketplace.