Undersea Acoustic Communications Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

About The Position

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking an acoustic communications engineer or scientist to join a multidisciplinary team developing and evaluating undersea acoustic communication systems. The role supports U.S. Navy capabilities through performance prediction and evaluation of underwater acoustic communications systems. The engineer will develop physics-based and signal-level models to support the design and analysis of communication waveforms, algorithms, sensors, and system architectures operating in challenging underwater environments. The position involves developing and applying models of underwater acoustic communication and end-to-end system performance; conducting trade studies and sensitivity analyses involving channel conditions, hardware limitations, and design parameters; analyzing laboratory and field-test data and comparing measurements with model predictions; and evaluating and developing waveforms and processing techniques. The role also collaborates with experimental, acoustics, signal-processing, and systems-engineering teams and documents and communicates technical methods, results, and recommendations. APL describes its culture as vibrant and welcoming, encouraging employees to bring their authentic selves to work, grow, build connections, and contribute creative ideas. Its campus is in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Acoustics, Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Applied Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related field.
Knowledge of digital communications, signal processing, acoustics, or a related area.
Experience developing models, simulations, algorithms, or scientific computing applications.
Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or a comparable scientific programming language.
Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Ability to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by the start date and ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance; U.S. citizenship is required for eligibility to access classified information.

Nice To Haves

Master’s or PhD degree in a relevant discipline.
Experience with underwater acoustic communications, sonar, or acoustic signal processing.
Experience with detection, modulation/demodulation, or channel estimation.
Knowledge or experience with acoustic propagation modeling.
Experience collecting or analyzing acoustic communications test data.

Responsibilities

Develop and apply models of underwater acoustic communication and end-to-end system performance.
Conduct trade studies and sensitivity analyses involving channel conditions, hardware limitations, and design parameters.
Analyze laboratory and field-test data and compare measurements with model predictions.
Evaluate and develop new waveforms and processing techniques.
Collaborate with experimental, acoustics, signal-processing, and systems-engineering teams.
Document and communicate technical methods, results, and recommendations.

Benefits

Robust education assistance program.
Retirement contributions and retirement plans.
Paid time off.
Medical insurance.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Life insurance.
Short-term disability coverage.
Long-term disability coverage.
Flexible spending accounts.
Training and development.
Potential sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance, as applicable.