Research Scientist-Arctic Acoustics Modeling and field Operations

Amentum; Washington; On-site; USD 110,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off and holidays

Retirement benefits (401(k) matching)

Educational reimbursement

Parental leave

Employee stock purchase plan

Tax-saving options

Disability and life insurance

Pet insurance

Job summary

Amentum seeks a qualified scientist to perform acoustic modeling and field operations in Arctic environments. You will integrate satellite data, ocean forecasts, and field observations into numerical simulations, validate models with empirical data, and support on-ice experiments while communicating results clearly to internal teams.

The role requires adaptability to harsh environments, strong programming skills, and the ability to work across multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Strong programming and modeling experience for acoustic simulations.
• Experience with wave propagation and numerical methods.
• Familiarity with ocean science observing equipment.

Responsibilities

• Use acoustic propagation models to predict transmission loss and ambient sound.
• Incorporate satellite and oceanographic data into simulations.
• Test and validate models against under-ice acoustic recordings.
• Support on-ice field work and logistics for experiments.
• Author technical reports and present findings to teams and stakeholders.
• Travel for data collection, with trips typically 3–4 weeks per year.

Skills

Scientific programming

Numerical simulations

Observational equipment

Signal processing

Education

Degree in Oceanography, Physics, Acoustics, Engineering or Applied Math

Tools

Fortran

C++

Python

Matlab

Job description

Work Schedule

M – F 8 AM – 5 PM EST

Essential Responsibilities

• Acoustic Modeling & Prediction:Utilize numerical acoustic propagation models to generate statistical predictions of transmission loss and ambient sound in realistic Arctic environments.
• Data Integration & Analysis:Incorporate complex environmental datasets—including satellite observations, oceanographic forecasts, and field observations—into numerical simulations to ensure accurate real-world modeling.
• Model Validation:Test and validate physical models for transmission loss and ambient sound predictions against empirical acoustic recordings gathered in under-ice environments.
• Field Operations & Logistics:Support experimental preparation and on-ice Arctic field work. This encompasses testing observing equipment in a laboratory setting, assisting with experiment planning, and managing field logistics.
• Scientific Communication:Author technical reports, document experimental methodologies, and present complex scientific findings clearly to internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Travel & Deployment:Participate in occasional field travel to collect data in Arctic environments (travel is not expected to exceed 3–4 weeks per year).

Work Environment, Physical Demands, and Mental Demands

Field work is required.

Minimum Requirements (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

I. Knowledge

• Scientific Programming:Extensive experience utilizing programming languages such as Fortran, C++, Python, or Matlab for modeling and data analysis.
• Numerical Simulations:Deep understanding of numerical simulations and mathematical methods applied to wave propagation.
• Observational Equipment:Familiarity with the mechanics, deployment, and operation of acoustics and/or ocean science observing equipment.
• Signal Processing:Strong foundational knowledge in signal processing techniques as applied to experimental physics or oceanography.

II. Skills

• Experimental Data Analysis:Proven skill in reducing, processing, and analyzing complex, noisy datasets (e.g., under-ice acoustic recordings) to extract actionable scientific insights.
• Technical Writing:Strong scientific writing skills, with the ability to document algorithms, physical models, and field results clearly for both peer-reviewed and operational audiences.
• Equipment Troubleshooting:Hands-on capability to set up, calibrate, and troubleshoot sensitive observational equipment in a lab environment prior to field deployment.

III. Abilities

• Adaptability & Field Readiness:Ability to successfully operate and collect data in remote, harsh, or austere environments (specifically Arctic on-ice conditions) for short durations (3-4 weeks/year).
• Autonomy & Initiative:Self-directed and capable of driving both computational and logistical tasks forward with minimal supervision.
• Collaboration:Ability to work seamlessly across multidisciplinary teams, bridging the gap between theoretical modelers and physical field operators.
• Precision:Highly detail-oriented, ensuring rigorous accuracy in both numerical code execution and physical equipment calibration.

Security Clearance Required

Candidates without a secret clearance can be considered; they will be upgraded to secret once they receive their interim clearance. We will need to start once security paperwork is in the DOW database and the SF86 has been verified.

• Minimum Education: Education:Degree in Oceanography, Physics, Acoustics, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related scientific discipline.

  (Specify required degree level here, e.g., M.S. or Ph.D., or B.S. with equivalent experience).

• Domain Experience:Demonstrated applied experience in experimental data analysis, wave propagation simulations, and acoustics.
• Unique Backgrounds:Candidates who possess a blend of rigorous computational modeling experience combined with practical, hands‑on mechanical troubleshooting or field‑expedition experience are highly encouraged to apply.

Minimum Years of Experience

0-2 Ph.D., 2-4, Masters, 3-5 BS.

Preferred Qualifications

AI if applicable to your program

Other Responsibilities

Safety

- Amentum enforces a safety culture whereby all employees have the responsibility for continuously developing and maintaining a safe work environment. As appropriate, each employee is responsible for completing all training requirements and fulfilling all self‑aid/buddy aid responsibilities, participating in emergency response tasks and serving on safety committees and teams.

Quality

- Quality is the foundation for the management of our business and the keystone to our goal of customer satisfaction. It is our policy to consistently provide services that meet customer expectations. Accordingly, each employee must conform to the Amentum Quality Policy and carry out job activities in compliance with applicable Amentum Quality System documents and customer contracts. Each employee must read and understand his/her Quality Management and Customer Satisfaction responsibilities.

Procedure Compliance

- Each employee must read, understand and implement the general and specific operational, safety, quality and environmental requirements of all plans, procedures and policies pertaining to his/her job. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

#javelin

Compensation Details

$110,000 - $120,000

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good‑faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits Overview

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
• Educational reimbursement
• Parental leave
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Tax‑saving options
• Disability and life insurance
• Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara‑O’Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

Original Posting

09/04/2026 - Until Filled

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs. Labor Laws Posters

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.