Sonar Tactical Decision Aid Subject Matter Expert

Leidos; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 73,450 - 132,775; Full time

Job summary

Leidos in Bethesda, MD is seeking an expert in undersea warfare to apply ASW knowledge to the design and testing of sonar tactical decision aids. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure accuracy in operational systems.

The ideal candidate will have substantial fleet operational experience, particularly in ASW. This role involves preparing detailed briefings and interfacing with government customers while offering the opportunity to travel for demonstrations and training.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of fleet operational experience related to ASW operations.
• Experience working at an IUSS site supporting mission operations.
• Familiarity with recent undersea warfare tactics and acoustic sensors.
• Ability to obtain an interim security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary SME for Integrated Undersea Surveillance System.
• Perform functional and verification testing of sonar software.
• Develop training materials and user guides.
• Travel up to 25% to fleet sites for demonstrations.

Skills

ASW expertise

Acoustic knowledge

Oceanographic knowledge

Team collaboration

Education

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

Tools

Fleet acoustic analysis tools

Job description

Description

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 to real‑world mission systems.

What You’ll Work On

• Serve as the primary subject matter expert (SME) for Integrated Undersea Surveillance System and secondary SME 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.

Primary 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.
• 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.

Basic Qualifications

• 12+ years of fleet operational experience directly related to ASW operations, systems, and theory in lieu of a degree; OR bachelor’s degree in mathematics, physics, acoustics, oceanography, or engineering and 10+ years of directly related ASW operational experience.
• Experience working at an IUSS site 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.
• Ability to obtain an interim security clearance.

Desired Qualifications

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including technical documentation and stakeholder briefings.
• Knowledge of Fleet acoustic analysis tools.

Pay Range

Pay Range: $73,450.00 – $132,775.00 (general guideline only; actual compensation may vary).

Commitment to Non‑Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.