Acoustic Engineer IV

Sparton•De Leon Springs, FL

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Twenty-Six Defense Maritime is seeking an experienced Underwater Acoustics Engineer to lead the design, modeling, and testing of advanced underwater transducers and sensing systems used in critical defense applications. This role is ideal for a creative problem solver who enjoys full-lifecycle ownership—from concept development to prototype build, manufacturing support, and government-range testing. You will work independently and as a technical leader within a multidisciplinary team, helping define approaches that solve some of Twenty-Six Defense Maritime's most challenging acoustic problems.

Requirements

MSEE, BSME, MSAE, BS Physics or similar; PhD in acoustics/sonar/ultrasonics preferred.
Minimum of ten years of relevant experience in underwater acoustics or transducer design.
Strong theoretical foundation paired with hands-on experience in electronic design, modeling, analysis, and testing.
US Citizenship required; ability to obtain DoD Secret Clearance (existing clearance is a plus).
Experience designing acoustic architectures for complex underwater systems, particularly military sonar.
Demonstrated expertise in designing, fabricating, testing, and qualifying underwater hydrophones and transducers.
Proficient with FEA tools such as COMSOL, ANSYS, and/or OnScale (PzFlex).
Strong MATLAB and/or Python simulation skills.
Knowledge of piezoelectric materials and their applications.
Experience with potting materials (epoxies, urethanes) and hands-on assembly of acoustic systems.
Strong documentation, technical writing, and proposal development skills.
High initiative, self-directed work style, and ability to lead complex technical efforts.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.

Nice To Haves

PhD in acoustics/sonar/ultrasonics
existing clearance is a plus
experience with shock and vibration testing or designing for flow noise environments.

Responsibilities

Design underwater hydrophones and active/passive transducers using cylindrical ceramics, flexural disks, cantilever beams, geophones, and related technologies.
Perform analysis and simulation using MATLAB, Python, COMSOL, ANSYS, or equivalent FEA tools.
Develop engineering drawings, documentation, and specifications for manufacturing.
Modify and enhance existing acoustic subsystems to support new designs or improve performance.
Evaluate materials for acoustic behavior, durability, and chemical compatibility.
Model, simulate, build, and test complex acoustic transducers.
Independently build or direct prototype fabrication for verification and qualification testing.
Identify and resolve issues related to process, materials, or design; recommend enhancements and cost-reduction opportunities.
Initiate Engineering Change Notices and support manufacturing refinement for both low-rate and high-rate production.
Conduct or lead in-house and remote acoustic tests, including TVR, TPR, and beam pattern characterization.
Develop test plans, procedures, and detailed reports for government facility test events.
Apply risk assessment, failure analysis, and root-cause analysis to improve reliability and performance.
Support customer demonstrations and government testing activities.
Serve as a key technical contributor within a multidisciplinary engineering team.
May lead projects, including coordination of resources, schedules, and technical assignments.
Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to engineers, technicians, and manufacturing staff.
Support bid and proposal efforts, including technical writing and proof-of-concept development.
Maintain accurate engineering records and follow all Sparton processes and procedures.
Ensure all engineering and manufacturing activities comply with Federal, State, Provincial, and Company safety and health regulations.
Use appropriate personal protective equipment when required.

Benefits

Robust medical, dental, vision, & disability coverage.
Healthcare concierge to help you navigate your benefit selections.
Virtual health solutions for physical therapy, menopause, and diabetes.
Company paid Basic Life Insurance. Additional Life & AD&D Insurances are available.
On-site wellness clinic.
Competitive compensation.
401k program to plan for your future with company match 75% up to 8%.
Company Paid Time Off (Vacation and Sick).
Paid parental leave.
Adoption assistance.
Fertility and family building assistance.
Flexible work schedules available based on position: 9/80 schedule providing every other Friday off, 5/8s, 4/10s, 3/12s.
Lifestyle spending account.
Perks at work.
Generous employee referral program.
Tuition reimbursement.
Voluntary benefits available: longer term care, legal, identity theft, pet Insurance, and many more options.