Undersea Acoustic Communications Specialist

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking an Undersea Acoustic Communications Engineer to join a multidisciplinary team advancing U.S. Navy capabilities through underwater acoustic communications system performance prediction and evaluation.

You will develop physics-based and signal-level models to support waveform design, sensors, and system architectures for challenging underwater environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (Electrical Engineering, Acoustics, etc.).
• Knowledge of digital communications, signal processing, acoustics, or 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 both independently and in a multidisciplinary team.
• Eligible for Interim Secret clearance by start date and ultimately Top Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

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.

Skills

Digital communications

Signal processing

Acoustics

MATLAB

Python

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Acoustics, Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Applied Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science or related field

Master's or PhD degree preferred

Job description

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking an Undersea Acoustic Communications Engineer to join a multidisciplinary team advancing U.S. Navy capabilities through underwater acoustic communications system performance prediction and evaluation.

You will develop physics-based and signal-level models to support waveform design, sensors, and system architectures for challenging underwater environments.