James Harris joined Oceaneering Technologies (OTECH) in Hanover, Maryland, as a full-time Senior Software Engineer in the summer of 2023. But his journey with Oceaneering began earlier, as a summer intern in 2022. Today, James continues to contribute to the same project that first introduced him to the company—a testament to Oceaneering’s trust in its interns and its emphasis on continuity and growth.
A Typical Day
James starts his mornings with momentum, often wrapping up tasks from the day before. At 10:00 AM, his team—a collaborative group of 15-20 engineers—gathers for a daily meeting to synchronize efforts, discuss progress, and tackle challenges. These sessions set the tone for a productive day ahead.
After the meeting, James dives into his current tasks, which range from writing technical documents and designing software architectures to creating diagrams. While still in the design phase for some aspects of the project, James has also been doing a lot of hands-on work setting up network communications on the project servers.
From Intern to Full-Time Engineer
James describes his transition from intern to full-time employee as seamless.
“They treated me like a full-time employee even when I was an intern—in a good way. They trusted me with meaningful work, and that respect carried over when I joined the team permanently.”
During his internship, James worked on the same project he’s currently involved with, albeit at an earlier stage.
“When I started, the project was still in the bid and design phase. A month after my internship ended, we won the contract, and my former boss immediately sent me the job link. It was clear they valued the work I had done.”
James credits Oceaneering’s supportive culture for making his early career experience so fulfilling.
“The company treats interns with respect and gives them real responsibilities, which is both empowering and motivating.”
Career Highlights and Growth
One of James’ most rewarding experiences was when he assisted with a hardware test for the first time.
“It was amazing to see the physical impact of our work. I got to collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineers and gain insights into how different disciplines come together to solve complex problems.”
This hands-on experience reinforced James’ appreciation for Oceaneering’s interdisciplinary culture.
“As a software engineer, it’s easy to feel siloed behind a screen. Seeing how our work integrates into the bigger picture was incredibly rewarding.”
James is also involved in the company’s mentorship program, both as a mentee and a committee member advocating for its success.
“Having a mentor has been invaluable for my professional growth, and I enjoy contributing to initiatives that support others in their development.”
Advice for Aspiring Interns and Employees
As someone who’s experienced both sides of the hiring process, James emphasizes the importance of genuine interest.
“If you’re applying, show that you’re specifically excited about working at Oceaneering. Tailor your resume, reach out, and make a personal connection. It makes a huge difference.”
Looking Ahead
James sees his career evolving toward roles with more people interaction, potentially in management.
“I love the technical work, but my passion lies in working with people, learning about their experiences, and contributing to a team. I thrive on collaboration.”
One Word to Describe Oceaneering?
“Respect,” James says without hesitation. “It’s mutual here. Everyone respects your time, autonomy, and contributions, and that respect is reflected back. It creates an environment where you feel valued and empowered to grow.”
James’ story is an example of how Oceaneering nurtures talent, from internship to full-time employment and beyond. Oceaneering offers the opportunity to build interesting careers in an industry where innovation and problem-solving are the order of the day.