Hydrographic Surveyor Jobs
Hydrographic Surveyor jobs are open across government agencies, engineering firms, oil and gas, and maritime industries, from entry-level field technician to senior project manager, with specializations in bathymetric mapping, offshore survey operations, and coastal engineering. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Saildrone is a maritime defense company and the global leader in autonomous unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). With more ocean miles and real-world operational experience than any USV manufacturer or operator, Saildrone maintains active, combat-deployed systems supporting national security and force projection around the world, 24/7/365.
Saildrone's manufacturing and R&D headquarters are located in Alameda, CA, with business development and sales operations in Washington, DC, an established European entity supporting regional business development, sales, and operations, and a deployment hub in the Middle East. By combining proven autonomous operations, edge computing, advanced sensing, renewable power, and the most advanced and robust unmanned surface technology on the planet, Saildrone is shaping how the Navy of the future operates. Join a fast-moving, mission-driven team at the forefront of maritime security and autonomous innovation.
THE ROLE
Saildrone is seeking a Part-Time Hydrographic Surveyor to join our Ocean Mapping Team. Reporting directly to the Bathymetry Operations Manager, you will play a critical role in supporting the real-time execution, quality assurance, and processing of bathymetric surveys deployed on Saildrone's uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs). We are looking for a skilled technical specialist who takes full ownership of survey deliverables, adapts quickly to remote operations, and independently drives precision and data integrity in a fast-paced environment.
We are looking for a skilled technical specialist who takes full ownership of survey deliverables, adapts quickly to remote operations, and independently drives precision and data integrity in a fast-paced environment. This is a part-time role requiring dedicated weekend watch standing, with operational shifts scheduled for either Friday/Saturday from 22:00 to 10:00 UTC or Saturday/Sunday from 10:00 to 22:00 UTC
THE RESPONSIBILITIES
The Hydrographer will perform duties to include data QA/QC, equipment setup/calibration, data acquisition, data processing, equipment maintenance, and production of final deliverables/reports. Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
- Stand scheduled remote watches to oversee live hydrographic data acquisition across international USV missions.
- Monitor sonar performance, sound velocity profiles, and oceanographic sensor health to maintain high-quality bathymetric data collection.
- Coordinate closely with Mission Pilots and the Lead Surveyor to adjust survey line plans, manage vehicle speeds, and address coverage holidays.
- Perform routine data processing, cleaning, and quality assurance checks during active survey shifts.
- Diagnose sensor or data logging errors in real time and communicate system status to technical support teams.
- Ensure strict adherence to Saildrone SOPs, safety standards, and international hydrographic regulations.
- Provide clear, documented status reports and shift handoffs to support seamless, 24/7 survey operations.
THE QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Hydrography, Oceanography, Geomatics, Remote Sensing or related discipline.
- 3 or more years experience in the Survey or Geoscience industry as a survey professional.
- Familiarity with multibeam systems such as Kongsberg, Norbit, Teledyne and acquisition software such as Seafloor Information Systems (SIS), Norbit DCT or Qinsy.
- Ability to work irregular hours, rotating weekends, and shift work.
- Candidate is detail-oriented with a disciplined approach to communications, processes, and projects.
DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Category A/B Hydrographer Certification.
- NSPS-THSOA Certified Hydrographer.
- Three or more years of experience processing bathymetric/hydrographic data with Qimera or CARI.
- Possess excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Experience using uncrewed surface vehicles or other autonomous systems for survey operations, including remote watch-standing, telemetry monitoring, and real-time troubleshooting.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Work is performed on a computer and requires ability to operate a keyboard and other peripheral devices.
To view Saildrone's candidate privacy policy, please visit: https://www.saildrone.com/privacy-policy.
BENEFITS
At Saildrone, we're building operational capability that matters—and that requires people who can do their best work over the long term. We invest in our team's well-being, financial security, and professional growth so you can focus on delivering real-world impact with confidence and stability. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support you and your family while you contribute to a mission with lasting significance.
- Generous Time Off: Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual plus a robust annual holiday schedule and paid sick leave ensure you can rest, reset, and sustain performance over time.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Premium, multi-tier Medical, Dental, and Vision plans with significant company contributions for employees and dependents—providing security and peace of mind.
- Shared Ownership in the Mission: Equity grants are a core part of our compensation, allowing you to participate in the long-term value you help create through meaningful, operational work.
- Retirement Savings: Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with flexible pre-tax and Roth payroll contribution options supports long-term financial planning.
- Investment in Your Growth: We support your continuous learning through an annual professional development reimbursement program, empowering you to sharpen your skills and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving field.
- Relocation Support: For eligible roles, we offer relocation assistance to help bring the world's best talent to our mission-critical locations.
Saildrone is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
THE COMPANY
Saildrone is a maritime defense company and the global leader in autonomous unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). With more ocean miles and real-world operational experience than any USV manufacturer or operator, Saildrone maintains active, combat-deployed systems supporting national security and force projection around the world, 24/7/365.
Saildrone's manufacturing and R&D headquarters are located in Alameda, CA, with business development and sales operations in Washington, DC, an established European entity supporting regional business development, sales, and operations, and a deployment hub in the Middle East. By combining proven autonomous operations, edge computing, advanced sensing, renewable power, and the most advanced and robust unmanned surface technology on the planet, Saildrone is shaping how the Navy of the future operates. Join a fast-moving, mission-driven team at the forefront of maritime security and autonomous innovation.
THE ROLE
Saildrone is seeking a Part-Time Hydrographic Surveyor to join our Ocean Mapping Team. Reporting directly to the Bathymetry Operations Manager, you will play a critical role in supporting the real-time execution, quality assurance, and processing of bathymetric surveys deployed on Saildrone's uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs). We are looking for a skilled technical specialist who takes full ownership of survey deliverables, adapts quickly to remote operations, and independently drives precision and data integrity in a fast-paced environment.
We are looking for a skilled technical specialist who takes full ownership of survey deliverables, adapts quickly to remote operations, and independently drives precision and data integrity in a fast-paced environment. This is a part-time role requiring dedicated weekend watch standing, with operational shifts scheduled for either Friday/Saturday from 22:00 to 10:00 UTC or Saturday/Sunday from 10:00 to 22:00 UTC
THE RESPONSIBILITIES
The Hydrographer will perform duties to include data QA/QC, equipment setup/calibration, data acquisition, data processing, equipment maintenance, and production of final deliverables/reports. Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
- Stand scheduled remote watches to oversee live hydrographic data acquisition across international USV missions.
- Monitor sonar performance, sound velocity profiles, and oceanographic sensor health to maintain high-quality bathymetric data collection.
- Coordinate closely with Mission Pilots and the Lead Surveyor to adjust survey line plans, manage vehicle speeds, and address coverage holidays.
- Perform routine data processing, cleaning, and quality assurance checks during active survey shifts.
- Diagnose sensor or data logging errors in real time and communicate system status to technical support teams.
- Ensure strict adherence to Saildrone SOPs, safety standards, and international hydrographic regulations.
- Provide clear, documented status reports and shift handoffs to support seamless, 24/7 survey operations.
THE QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Hydrography, Oceanography, Geomatics, Remote Sensing or related discipline.
- 3 or more years experience in the Survey or Geoscience industry as a survey professional.
- Familiarity with multibeam systems such as Kongsberg, Norbit, Teledyne and acquisition software such as Seafloor Information Systems (SIS), Norbit DCT or Qinsy.
- Ability to work irregular hours, rotating weekends, and shift work.
- Candidate is detail-oriented with a disciplined approach to communications, processes, and projects.
DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Category A/B Hydrographer Certification.
- NSPS-THSOA Certified Hydrographer.
- Three or more years of experience processing bathymetric/hydrographic data with Qimera or CARI.
- Possess excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Experience using uncrewed surface vehicles or other autonomous systems for survey operations, including remote watch-standing, telemetry monitoring, and real-time troubleshooting.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Work is performed on a computer and requires ability to operate a keyboard and other peripheral devices.
To view Saildrone's candidate privacy policy, please visit: https://www.saildrone.com/privacy-policy.
BENEFITS
At Saildrone, we're building operational capability that matters—and that requires people who can do their best work over the long term. We invest in our team's well-being, financial security, and professional growth so you can focus on delivering real-world impact with confidence and stability. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support you and your family while you contribute to a mission with lasting significance.
- Generous Time Off: Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual plus a robust annual holiday schedule and paid sick leave ensure you can rest, reset, and sustain performance over time.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Premium, multi-tier Medical, Dental, and Vision plans with significant company contributions for employees and dependents—providing security and peace of mind.
- Shared Ownership in the Mission: Equity grants are a core part of our compensation, allowing you to participate in the long-term value you help create through meaningful, operational work.
- Retirement Savings: Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with flexible pre-tax and Roth payroll contribution options supports long-term financial planning.
- Investment in Your Growth: We support your continuous learning through an annual professional development reimbursement program, empowering you to sharpen your skills and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving field.
- Relocation Support: For eligible roles, we offer relocation assistance to help bring the world's best talent to our mission-critical locations.
Saildrone is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
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Find Hydrographic Surveyor JobsHydrographic Surveyor Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in hydrographic surveyor jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in hydrography, geomatics, oceanography, or a related science or engineering field
- Proficiency with multibeam and single-beam sonar systems and post-processing software such as CARIS or Hypack
- Experience collecting and processing bathymetric data to IHO S-44 or NOAA specifications
- NSPS or FIG Category A hydrographic surveyor certification or equivalent recognized credential
- Ability to operate in offshore or coastal field environments, including vessel-based survey operations
- Familiarity with GNSS positioning systems, motion reference units, and sound velocity profiling equipment
Tips for Your Hydrographic Surveyor Job Search
Tailor your resume to survey deliverables
Hiring managers want to see specific outputs you've produced: bathymetric charts, multibeam sonar datasets, or hydrographic reports to IHO standards. List the chart datum systems and software you've used rather than generic phrases like 'data collection experience.'
List your certifications and equipment proficiency
Employers filter hard on NOAA, USACE, or FIG-certified candidates and specific hardware like Kongsberg, R2Sonic, or Trimble systems. Put your certifications and equipment names in a dedicated skills section so they aren't missed by reviewers scanning quickly.
Target postings by project type not just title
Job titles vary widely: hydrographic field technician, marine survey specialist, or coastal data analyst may all describe the same work. Search by project type, like port dredging, offshore pipeline survey, or coastal flood mapping, to find openings your title search might miss.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists hydrographic surveyor openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare for field scenario questions in interviews
Interviewers for hydrographic roles frequently ask how you'd handle equipment failure mid-survey, tide window constraints, or data gaps from multibeam coverage. Prepare two or three concrete examples from past fieldwork that show your decision-making under real survey conditions.
Negotiate based on mobilization and fieldwork demands
Hydrographic roles often involve extended offshore rotations or remote deployments that standard compensation benchmarks don't reflect. When an offer comes, ask specifically about per diem rates, rotation schedules, and equipment allowances alongside the base figure.
Hydrographic Surveyor Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most hydrographic surveyors?
Saildrone, Prairie Engineers, P.C., and Benchmark Ecological Services are hiring the most hydrographic surveyors right now, with openings concentrated in Texas, Illinois, and Missouri, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand tends to cluster around active dredging contracts, coastal resilience projects, and offshore energy development.
How many hydrographic surveyor jobs are remote?
About 100% of hydrographic surveyor openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the fundamentally field-based nature of most survey work. The sub-areas most likely to offer remote arrangements are data processing, quality control, and project management roles where deliverables can be reviewed and edited from an office or home environment.
How do you become a hydrographic surveyor?
Start with a bachelor's degree in geomatics, oceanography, civil engineering, or a related discipline. Gain field experience through internships or entry-level positions with survey firms or government agencies like NOAA or the Army Corps of Engineers. Pursue an NSPS Category A or FIG-recognized hydrographic certification once you have qualifying sea time and project hours, then build proficiency in multibeam systems and processing software.
Can you get a hydrographic surveyor job with little experience?
Entry-level hydrographic roles exist and are specifically designed for candidates with a relevant degree but limited field hours. Focus on positions titled field technician or survey assistant, which provide supervised sea time that counts toward professional certification. Demonstrating hands-on experience with sonar or GNSS equipment from academic fieldwork, internships, or related marine or land surveying work accelerates your path considerably.
What does the hydrographic surveyor interview process look like?
Interviews typically begin with a phone or video screen focused on your equipment background and certification status. A technical interview follows, covering data processing workflows, tide and datum corrections, and how you've handled coverage gaps or equipment malfunctions in the field. Final-stage conversations often involve a project manager and address your availability for offshore rotations, mobilization timelines, and your familiarity with client delivery standards.
Where can I find and apply to hydrographic surveyor jobs?
You can find and apply to hydrographic surveyor jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience level, equipment background, and project type preferences, then apply directly to each one that fits.
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