Sonar Tactical Decision Aid SME

OpalSoft; Manassas (VA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

OpalSoft in the United States seeks an experienced naval acoustics expert to support the design, development, and delivery of advanced sonar tactical decision aids and related tools for submarine operations.

You will serve as the primary SME for Submarine SONAR systems and participate in development planning, testing, and PVTs, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure acoustic accuracy and effective interfaces.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of fleet operational experience in ASW operations or 10+ years with a relevant degree and related ASW experience.
• Experience working onboard submarines supporting mission operations.
• Knowledge of recent undersea warfare tactics, acoustic sensors, and beamforming principles.
• Background in acoustic theory or oceanography.

Responsibilities

• Apply in-depth ASW, acoustic, and oceanographic knowledge to system design, testing, and evaluation.
• Perform functional and verification testing of sonar TDA software across configurations.
• Collaborate with developers to troubleshoot, verify, and validate system functionality and UI improvements.
• Develop and maintain training materials, user guides, and operational procedures.

Skills

ASW operations experience

Fleet operational experience

Acoustic theory knowledge

Oceanography familiarity

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in mathematics, physics, acoustics, oceanography, or engineering

Job description

In this role, you will apply your naval operational and acoustic expertise to support the design, development, and delivery of advanced sonar tactical decision aids (TDAs) and related tools.

What You'll Work On:

• Serve as the primary subject matter expert (SME) for Submarine SONAR systems (CTDA/STDA) and for other TDA systems such as STK and STK-N.
• Participate in development planning, functional system testing, and program verification tests (PVTs) at development or fleet facilities.
• 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.

Responsibilities:

• Apply in-depth ASW, acoustic, and oceanographic knowledge to system design, testing, and evaluation.
• Perform functional and verification testing of sonar tactical decision aid software across multiple system configurations.
• Collaborate with developers to troubleshoot, verify, and validate system functionality and user interface improvements.
• Develop and maintain training materials, user guides, and operational procedures.

Qualifications:

• 12+ years of fleet operational experience directly related to ASW operations, systems, and theory in lieu of a degree; OR a bachelor's degree in mathematics, physics, acoustics, oceanography, or engineering and 10+ years of directly related ASW operational experience.
• Experience working onboard submarines supporting mission operations.
• Familiarity with recent undersea warfare tactics, acoustic sensors, and beamforming principles.
• Background in acoustic theory or oceanography.
• Proven ability to build strong working relationships across multidisciplinary teams.