Undersea Acoustic Systems Engineer

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks an Undersea Acoustic Systems Engineer to lead modeling, design, testing, and evaluation of acoustic transducers and sensor systems for undersea applications.

You will advance U.S. Navy capabilities by maturing concepts from initial analysis through prototype and performance evaluation, applying acoustics, mechanics, materials, electronics, and signal processing to develop source and receiver technologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Acoustics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, Ocean Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of acoustics, vibration, wave propagation, and electromechanical or piezoelectric systems.
• Experience designing, modeling, and/or testing acoustic transducers, sensors, or related hardware.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or a comparable scientific programming language.

Responsibilities

• Lead the analysis and implementation of acoustic sources, receivers, transducers, and/or arrays.
• Develop physics-based models of the electrical, mechanical, and acoustic transducer systems.
• Conduct design trades involving materials, geometry, bandwidth, sensitivity, source level, and directivity
• Plan and conduct laboratory, tank, and field testing to characterize systems performance.
• Compare measurements with model predictions and refine models accordingly.

Skills

Acoustics

MATLAB/Python

Transducers design

Team leadership

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Acoustics/EE/ME/AP/OCE/related field

Tools

COMSOL

Job description

Description

Are you a hands-on technical leader who enjoys working across the range of hardware design from computational models to laboratory measurements and field testing?

Are you searching for an opportunity to apply your skills in a creative and collaborative environment?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking an engineer or physicist to lead the modeling and simulation, design, testing, and evaluation of acoustic transducers and sensor systems for undersea applications. You will contribute to advancing U.S. Navy capabilities through working with a multidisciplinary team to mature concepts from initial analysis through prototype and performance evaluation. You will apply expertise in acoustics, mechanics, materials, electronics, and signal processing to develop source and receiver technologies and assess performance from the component through the system level.

As an Undersea Acoustic Systems Engineer, you will ...

• Lead the analysis and implementation of acoustic sources, receivers, transducers, and/or arrays.
• Develop physics-based models of the electrical, mechanical, and acoustic transducer systems.
• Conduct design trades involving materials, geometry, bandwidth, sensitivity, source level, and directivity
• Plan and conduct laboratory, tank, and field testing to characterize systems performance.
• Compare measurements with model predictions and refine models accordingly.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Have a Bachelor's degree in Acoustics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, Ocean Engineering, or a related field.
• Have strong knowledge of acoustics, vibration, wave propagation, and electromechanical or piezoelectric systems.
• Have experience designing, modeling, and/or testing acoustic transducers, sensors, or related hardware.
• Are proficient in MATLAB, Python, or a comparable scientific programming language.
• Are able to lead technical efforts and work effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Possess a Master's or PhD degree in a relevant discipline
• Have experience with underwater acoustic projectors, hydrophones, transducer arrays, or acoustic communications hardware.
• Have experience with multiphysics or finite-element modeling tools such as COMSOL
• Have experience designing, fabricating, integrating, or environmentally testing prototype hardware.
• Have experience evaluating transducers as part of an end-to-end sonar, communications, or sensing system.
• Have experience leading technical teams, mentoring staff, or applying collaborative software-development best practices.
• Have an active Secret or higher level clearance.

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually