Lead Underwater Sensor Engineer

The MITRE Corporation • San Diego, CA

1d • $156,400 - $234,600 • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

We are seeking a Lead Underwater Sensors Engineer to contribute across research and development, modeling and simulation, rapid prototyping, and testing and evaluation in support of national maritime defense priorities. Desired backgrounds span acoustic communications, maritime sensing, and oceanography, as well as electrical, computer, mechanical, or ocean engineering disciplines with a foundation in signals, systems, or applied physics. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical leadership in their established areas of expertise, while also being confident contributing to and leading work across domains.

Requirements

• Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 6 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 3 years’ experience in in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related field; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
• Proactive self-starter with strong analytical, problem solving, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong technical background with experience in one or more of the following: acoustic, radar, and/or sonar signal processing; algorithm development; detection and estimation theory; wave propagation; numerical methods; experimental data analysis; prototype development; and/or communication theory.
• Experience using analytical software tools such as MATLAB or Python for modeling, simulation, and analysis of physical systems.
• Demonstrated experience providing technical leadership (e.g., leading projects, setting technical direction, or serving as a subject matter expert) while operating as an individual contributor.
• Ability to obtain and/or maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance.
• U.S. Citizen to be considered for a security clearance.
• This position requires a minimum of 50% hybrid on-site.

Nice To Haves

• Possesses an asctive Top Secret/SCI clearance.
• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or related field.
• Expertise in acoustic, radar, and sonar signal processing, and prototype development.
• Experience with field testing of maritime devices.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional technical efforts and foster effective working relationships with internal and external parties, without direct supervisory responsibility.
• Experience with U.S. government systems and the U.S. government research ecosystem.
• An established external network of government sponsors and contacts.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical lead for underwater sensing and acoustic communication systems, owning end-to-end technical solutions without direct people-management responsibilities.
• Provide technical direction for the design and development of signal processing algorithms for underwater sensing and acoustic communication systems.
• Lead physics-based and empirical modeling of acoustic propagation and undersea sensor system performance, guiding approach, methods, and quality standards.
• Drive rapid prototyping of sensors, communication platforms, and embedded underwater systems, advancing hardware from concept through field-ready integration.
• Plan and technically lead field testing and BlueTech Lab evaluations, ensuring rigorous test design and translating results into actionable findings for government sponsors.
• Guide the design of transducers and acoustic sensors for small form-factor and autonomous underwater system applications.
• Independently analyze complex, multi-dimensional maritime datasets and deliver clear, defensible recommendations that sponsors can act on.
• Support sponsor engagement by presenting technical findings, influencing research directions, and responding to emerging mission needs.
• Act as a technical focal point collaborating across department domains including sonar analysis, multi-domain wave propagation, and acoustic communication and sensing.
• Mentor and coach other engineers and scientists on technical best practices, code quality, and analytical rigor, while remaining an individual contributor (no direct reports).
• Contribute to technical roadmaps, architecture decisions, and proposal development for new research initiatives and system capabilities.

Benefits

• competitive benefits
• exceptional professional development opportunities for career growth
• a culture of innovation that embraces adaptability, collaboration, technical excellence, and people in partnership

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior