STAPLE Toolkit (STK) Subject Matter Expert

Leidos•Bethesda, MD

About The Position

Leidos’ High Fidelity Simulation Business Area designs and delivers cutting-edge system-of-systems solutions that power world-class simulation, training, and analysis products for the U.S. Navy. In this role, you will leverage your Naval operational and acoustic expertise to support the design, development, and delivery of advanced sonar tactical decision aids (TDAs) and related tools. You will collaborate with software developers, analysts, and fleet users to ensure tactical realism, operational relevance, and technical excellence in Leidos’ undersea warfare products. This position offers a unique opportunity to directly impact Fleet readiness and undersea dominance by applying your anti-submarine warfare (ASW) knowledge and acoustic intelligence (ACINT) experience to real-world mission systems. What You’ll Work On · Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for the tactical applicability and usage of the STAPLE Toolkit (STK). · Participate in development planning, functional system testing, and program verification tests (PVTs) at development or fleet facilities. · Lead the creation and management of user documentation, including new STK User Guides and major revisions to Analyst Guides and training materials. · Support STK-Next Generation (STK-N) user interface (UI) / user experience (UX) design and evaluation, ensuring user-centered functionality aligned with fleet needs. · Conduct training sessions and user demonstrations for fleet users and senior-level commands. · Collaborate with cross-functional development teams to ensure operational accuracy in acoustic models, sensors, and system interfaces. · Prepare and deliver detailed briefings and analyses to fleet stakeholders and external organizations. · Provide operational insight into ASW system performance, sonar data interpretation, and tactical employment strategies. · Apply project and team management skills to coordinate tasking, track progress, and ensure on-time delivery of system upgrades, documentation, and training.

Requirements

12+ years of fleet operational experience directly related to ASW operations, systems, and theory in lieu of degree; OR bachelor’s degree in mathematics, physics, acoustics, oceanography, or engineering and 10+ years of directly related ASW operational experience.
Significant at-sea experience evaluating acoustic data.
Familiarity with recent undersea warfare tactics, acoustic sensors, and beamforming principles.
Strong background in ACINT, acoustic theory, and oceanography.
Experience performing PVTs or functional system tests.
Demonstrated project or team management experience, including planning, task delegation, and coordination across engineering or fleet teams.
Proven ability to build strong working relationships across multi-disciplinary teams.
Active security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience using STK-Next at Fleet commands or as an ACINT rider; and at a least senior chief of a sonar division.
Experience with STAPLE Toolkit (STK) or related undersea warfare tactical decision aids.
Certified Master Training Specialist (MTS) or previous instructor experience.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including technical documentation and stakeholder briefings.
Experience creating user guides, training materials, and conducting technical instruction.
Familiarity with software development processes and user interface (UI/UX) design.
Knowledge of Fleet acoustic analysis tools and data processing methods.

Responsibilities

Apply in-depth ASW, acoustic, and oceanographic knowledge to system design, testing, and evaluation.
Perform functional and verification testing of sonar decision aid software across multiple system configurations.
Collaborate with developers to troubleshoot, verify, and validate system functionality and user interface improvements.
Lead small project teams or task elements, providing project management oversight, scheduling, and coordination across internal and external stakeholders.
Develop and maintain training materials, user guides, and operational procedures.
Interface with government customers, fleet representatives, and partner organizations to gather feedback and align capabilities with user needs.
Travel (up to 25%) to fleet sites or test facilities for demonstrations, training, and system testing.