Principal Underwater Acoustics Engineer

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The Maritime and Acoustics Department in MITRE’s Signals and Electronics Division is a cross-domain team of engineers and scientists working at the intersection of underwater acoustics, HF propagation, sonar analysis, acoustic communications, and prototype sensing systems. We work on some of the most technically demanding problems in undersea and maritime defense, designing and testing prototype systems, developing propagation models and sensing algorithms, and advancing acoustic communications for contested environments, all in direct support of government sponsors with real-world mission impact. Our work spans physics-based modeling and algorithm development, hands-on hardware prototyping and evaluation in the BlueTech Lab, and field testing of systems in operational environments.

Job Description:

We are seeking a Principal Underwater Acoustics Engineer to provide technical leadership and advance maritime capabilities that address critical government mission needs in support of national maritime public sector and defense priorities. You will independently lead multidisciplinary technical efforts spanning algorithm development, modeling and simulation, data analysis, rapid prototyping, system integration, laboratory evaluation, and field testing. You will apply deep technical expertise and engineering judgment to define challenging undersea and maritime problems, assess engineering tradeoffs, and translate this work into capabilities and recommendations that help government sponsors advance the development, evaluation, and deployment of maritime systems.

The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in applied mathematics, physics, and engineering, along with demonstrated technical leadership in established areas of expertise and the ability to lead and contribute to projects beyond those areas. Relevant experience may include acoustic sensing, acoustic communications, sonar and radar signal processing, uncrewed underwater vehicles, maritime autonomy, oceanography, or related technical areas. You will also contribute to workforce development, program development, and the department’s technical vision and roadmap.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Independently lead multidisciplinary teams addressing complex undersea and maritime problems, using advanced analytical methods and engineering judgment to identify innovative technical approaches.
• Lead the design, development, and evaluation of signal processing algorithms for underwater sensing and acoustic communication systems.
• Direct and conduct physics-based and empirical modeling of acoustic propagation and undersea sensor system performance.
• Lead the development and integration of sensor, communication, and embedded-system prototypes, advancing hardware and software from concept through laboratory and field evaluation.
• Lead the planning and execution of field testing and BlueTech Lab evaluations, translating test results into actionable findings for government sponsors.
• Guide and contribute to the design of transducers and acoustic sensors for small form-factor and autonomous underwater system applications.
• Analyze complex, multi-dimensional maritime datasets and develop defensible technical recommendations.
• Lead technical engagement with government sponsors and communicate technical approaches, results, and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders.
• Shape and establish new research and development efforts by connecting emerging mission needs with promising technical approaches.
• Support department leadership in workforce shaping and development, including mentoring staff, strengthening technical capabilities, and maintaining awareness of emerging technologies.
• Help evolve the department’s technical vision and contribute to its technical roadmap.
• Build effective collaboration across organizations and engineering disciplines, leading technical efforts within established areas of expertise and contributing effectively beyond them.

Basic Qualifications:

• Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a bachelor’s degree; or 8 years with a master’s degree; or 5 years with a PhD; or an equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
• BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related field.
• Strong foundation in applied mathematics, physics, and engineering, with demonstrated professional or research experience applying quantitative methods to complex technical problems in one or more relevant areas, such as acoustic, radar, or sonar signal processing; algorithm development; detection and estimation theory; wave propagation; numerical methods; modeling and simulation; experimental data analysis; prototype development and evaluation; or communication theory.
• Experience using MATLAB, Python, or comparable analytical tools to develop models, implement algorithms, simulate physical systems, or analyze experimental data.
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead technical development and multidisciplinary teams, exercise sound technical judgment, and communicate approaches and results clearly to internal and external stakeholders.
• Proactive, self-directed approach to technical work, with strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Must have an active Top Secret U.S Government issued Security Clearance. Per the U.S. Government’s eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a security clearance.
• This position requires a minimum of 3 days per week on-site

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI clearance.
• Subject matter expertise in acoustic, radar, and sonar signal processing and prototype development.
• Experience in underwater-domain areas such as underwater acoustics, acoustic communications, acoustic propagation modeling, or transducer and acoustic sensor development.
• Experience developing or integrating sensor, communication, or embedded-system prototypes for maritime applications.
• Experience planning, conducting, and analyzing laboratory and field tests of maritime sensors, communication systems, or related technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to build effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders and coordinate technical work across organizations and engineering disciplines.
• Experience with US government systems and the US government research ecosystem.
• An established network of technical collaborators and government sponsors within the research and development community.
• Proven ability to translate emerging mission needs and technical opportunities into new, sustained research and development programs.

This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):

Top Secret

This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):

Top Secret

Salary compensation range and midpoint:

$173,200 - $216,500 - $259,800 Annual

Work Location Type:

Onsite

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.

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