Sensing and Communications Scientist

Great Bay Staffing Group; Groton (CT); On-site; USD 150,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Great Bay Staffing Group is seeking an Undersea Acoustic Systems Scientist to contribute to cutting-edge submarine defense research and sonar signal processing.

The role offers opportunities to work on autonomous underwater systems and acoustic communications, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams on technically challenging maritime projects in Groton or Pawcatuck, CT.

Qualifications

• MS/PhD in engineering or related field.
• Experience with underwater acoustic communications.
• Solid knowledge of digital/analog circuit design.
• Strong physics and mathematics fundamentals.
• Ability to contribute to and lead complex technical tasks.
• Excellent communication and collaboration with PMs and customers.
• Experience supporting senior technical staff on tech solutions.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop undersea acoustic systems and sonar signal processing.
• Lead development of maritime systems including autonomous underwater vehicles.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet Navy requirements.
• Plan and conduct at-sea experiments and field tests.
• Engage in all R&D phases from theory to deployment.
• Provide technical expertise to subsea and underwater comms projects.
• Partner with senior staff and customers to meet mission needs.

Skills

Acoustic communications

Circuit design

Physics & math

Technical leadership

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Undersea systems

Navy defense knowledge

Education

MS or PhD in engineering or related field

Job description

Undersea Acoustic Systems Scientist - Sonar Signal Processing & Maritime Defense Research

Join our innovative Sensing and Communications Department as an Undersea Acoustic Systems Scientist, where you'll contribute to cutting-edge research and development programs addressing critical national security challenges. This position offers exceptional opportunities to work on advanced subsea technology, acoustic communication systems, and autonomous underwater systems while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams of subject matter experts on technically-challenging maritime defense projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop complex undersea acoustic systems and sonar signal processing solutions for maritime defense applications
• Lead and support development of innovative maritime systems programs, including autonomous underwater systems and acoustic communication technologies
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to address complex system design challenges while satisfying rigorous Navy and defense requirements
• Design, plan, and execute at‑sea experiments and field testing of integrated acoustic systems
• Participate in all phases of the research and development lifecycle, from first-principle analysis and theoretical modeling through prototyping, testing, and deployment
• Contribute technical expertise to project teams working on subsea technology and underwater communication systems
• Partner with senior technical staff and customers to develop innovative technology solutions that meet mission‑critical needs

Required Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Applied Physics, or related technical discipline
• Proven experience with acoustic communication systems design or implementation for underwater applications
• Strong working knowledge of digital and analog circuit design and electronics systems
• Rigorous understanding and application of fundamental physics and mathematics principles to complex engineering problems
• Demonstrated ability to technically contribute to and lead complex technical tasks at a detailed level
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with project managers, integrated product team (IPT) leads, and government customers
• Experience supporting and partnering with senior technical staff to develop innovative technology solutions

Desired Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience developing and/or designing communications systems for wireless and/or underwater applications
• Experience designing complex undersea systems including custom PCB design, embedded software development, data acquisition systems, and signal processing algorithms
• Proven track record managing multiple multidisciplinary technical programs with responsibilities including scheduling, budgeting, resource coordination, and accountability for deliverables
• Experience with US Navy undersea warfare operations, leadership, and maritime defense technologies
• Experience leading programs through various stages of the technology lifecycle, from science and technology research through development and deployment
• Background in sonar systems, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), or maritime robotics
• Familiarity with Navy technologies, operations, and defense acquisition processes

About Groton & Pawcatuck, Connecticut

This position offers flexibility to work from either Groton or Pawcatuck, Connecticut - vibrant coastal communities located in the heart of the Submarine Capital of the World. The area boasts a rich maritime heritage, world-class research facilities, and proximity to beautiful New England beaches and recreational opportunities. With easy access to major cities like Boston, New York, and Providence, combined with a lower cost of living and exceptional quality of life, southeastern Connecticut offers the perfect balance of professional opportunity and coastal living. The region is home to a thriving defense technology ecosystem, providing unparalleled networking and career development opportunities in underwater systems and maritime defense.

Why This Is a Great Opportunity

This role offers a unique opportunity to work on exciting, technically‑challenging projects that directly impact national security and maritime defense capabilities. You'll collaborate with some of the brightest minds in underwater acoustics, sonar technology, and autonomous systems while advancing your career in one of the most dynamic sectors of defense research and development.

Key benefits of this opportunity include:

• Work on cutting‑edge subsea technology and acoustic systems that push the boundaries of underwater communications
• Engage in the complete R&D lifecycle - from theoretical analysis to real-world testing and deployment
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of engineers, scientists, and Navy subject matter experts
• Lead and contribute to high‑impact programs addressing critical national security challenges
• Competitive compensation package with annual salary range of $150,000 - $170,000
• Professional development opportunities in advanced maritime technologies and defense systems
• Flexible work location options between Groton and Pawcatuck, CT facilities