Principal Underwater Acoustics Engineer

The Mitre Corporation•New Bedford, MA

6d•$173,200 - $259,800•Onsite

About The Position

MITRE is seeking a Principal Underwater Acoustics Engineer to provide technical leadership and advance maritime capabilities addressing government mission needs and national maritime and defense priorities. The role independently leads multidisciplinary efforts spanning algorithm development, modeling and simulation, data analysis, rapid prototyping, system integration, laboratory evaluation, and field testing. The engineer applies deep technical expertise and sound engineering judgment to define undersea and maritime problems, assess tradeoffs, and develop capabilities and recommendations that help government sponsors advance maritime systems. The position is part of the Maritime and Acoustics Department in MITRE’s Signals and Electronics Division. The department works across underwater acoustics, HF propagation, sonar analysis, acoustic communications, and prototype sensing systems. Its work includes physics-based modeling and algorithm development, hands-on hardware prototyping and evaluation in the BlueTech Lab, and field testing in operational environments. The engineer will also contribute to workforce development, program development, and the department’s technical vision and roadmap. The position requires a minimum of three days per week on-site and an active Top Secret U.S. Government-issued security clearance. The salary range is $173,200–$259,800 annually, with a midpoint of $216,500.

Requirements

Typically, at least 10 years of related experience with a bachelor’s degree, 8 years with a master’s degree, or 5 years with a PhD, or an equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
A BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related field.
A strong foundation in applied mathematics, physics, and engineering, with 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 clearly communicate approaches and results to internal and external stakeholders.
A proactive, self-directed approach to technical work, with strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
An active Top Secret U.S. Government-issued security clearance. U.S. citizenship is required to be eligible for a security clearance.
Ability to work on-site at least three days per week.

Nice To Haves

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 U.S. government systems and the U.S. 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.

Responsibilities

Independently lead multidisciplinary teams addressing complex undersea and maritime problems, using advanced analytical methods and engineering judgment to identify 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 planning and execution of field testing and BlueTech Lab evaluations, and translate 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, multidimensional 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 beyond them.