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Acoustic Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

System Engineer III - Acoustic Signal Processing Job Summary: We are seeking an experienced ... Collaborate with Navy engineers, scientists, and operators to transition R&D efforts into ...

Senior Bioacoustics Scientist

Miami, FL · On-site

$105K - $145K/yr

SEFSC MMTD's passive acoustics research supports conservation and management of protected and endangered species through assessment studies, including moored passive acoustic studies, vessel surveys ...

Senior Bioacoustics Scientist

Miami, FL

$87K - $119K/yr

SEFSC MMTD's passive acoustics research supports conservation and management of protected and endangered species through assessment studies, including moored passive acoustic studies, vessel surveys ...

Acoustics Engineer (onsite)

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

The Acoustic Engineer is an early-career engineer with developing expertise in sound and vibration ... Research patents and technical literature to identify state-of-the-art solutions and develop ...

Underwater Acoustics Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

... maintaining R&D and in-service electro-mechanical systems for naval applications. This position ... Provide engineering proficiency in the evaluation of acoustic and vibration data using MATLAB ...

... maintaining R&D and in-service electro-mechanical systems for naval applications. This position ... Provide engineering proficiency in the evaluation of acoustic and vibration data using MATLAB ...

Acoustics Engineer (onsite)

York, PA · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

The Acoustic Engineer is an early-career engineer with developing expertise in sound and vibration ... Research patents and technical literature to identify state-of-the-art solutions and develop ...

... maintaining R&D and in-service electro-mechanical systems for naval applications. This position ... Provide engineering proficiency in the evaluation of acoustic and vibration data using MATLAB ...

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Acoustic Research information

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How much do acoustic research jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for acoustic research in the United States is $38.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $53.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in acoustic research?

To thrive in Acoustic Research, you generally need a strong background in physics, engineering, or a related field, with expertise in sound analysis and signal processing. Proficiency with specialized software (such as MATLAB or LabVIEW), acoustic measurement instruments, and often certifications in acoustics are highly valuable. Analytical thinking, strong communication, and collaborative problem-solving are key soft skills for success in this field. These qualities are vital for developing innovative acoustic solutions and advancing research projects in both independent and team-based settings.

What kinds of projects and teams do professionals in acoustic research typically work on?

Professionals in Acoustic Research often collaborate on interdisciplinary projects, including designing quieter machinery, optimizing room acoustics, or improving audio device quality. Teams usually include engineers, scientists, and sometimes product designers, as projects often blend theoretical research with practical application. Typical activities may involve laboratory experiments, data analysis, simulation modeling, and preparing technical reports. This collaborative approach not only fosters professional growth but also broadens your knowledge and impact within the field of acoustics.

What is an acoustic research job?

An Acoustic Research job involves studying sound and vibration to improve audio technology, noise control, and acoustic environments. Professionals in this field work in industries such as audio engineering, architecture, automotive, and defense. Their duties may include conducting experiments, developing new materials, analyzing sound behavior, and designing acoustic solutions. They often use specialized equipment and software to measure and manipulate sound properties. This research helps enhance product performance, environmental noise management, and human auditory experiences.

More about Acoustic Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Acoustic Research jobs? Cities with the most Acoustic Research job openings:
What states have the most Acoustic Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Acoustic Research jobs include:
Infographic showing various Acoustic Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,638 per year, or $38.8 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Sparton is an innovative defense contractor headquartered in DeLeon Springs, Florida, with a rich heritage dating back to 1900. Renowned for our exceptional manufacturing capabilities, we specialize in producing high-quality sonobuoys critical to the United States' undersea warfare arsenal, enhancing national security against current and future adversaries. But we are more than manufacturers; we are problem solvers. Our team of dedicated engineers and skilled professionals' tackles some of the most challenging issues in defense technology. Our expertise includes advanced research systems, maritime solutions, sophisticated sensor technologies and payload delivery capabilities.
Job Summary:
Sparton is seeking an experienced Underwater Acoustics Engineer to lead the design, modeling, and testing of advanced underwater transducers and sensing systems used in critical defense applications. This role is ideal for a creative problem solver who enjoys full-lifecycle ownership-from concept development to prototype build, manufacturing support, and government-range testing. You will work independently and as a technical leader within a multidisciplinary team, helping define approaches that solve some of Sparton's most challenging acoustic problems.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Design & Development
  • Design underwater hydrophones and active/passive transducers using cylindrical ceramics, flexural disks, cantilever beams, geophones, and related technologies.
  • Perform analysis and simulation using MATLAB, Python, COMSOL, ANSYS, or equivalent FEA tools.
  • Develop engineering drawings, documentation, and specifications for manufacturing.
  • Modify and enhance existing acoustic subsystems to support new designs or improve performance.
  • Evaluate materials for acoustic behavior, durability, and chemical compatibility.

Build & Prototyping
  • Model, simulate, build, and test complex acoustic transducers.
  • Independently build or direct prototype fabrication for verification and qualification testing.
  • Identify and resolve issues related to process, materials, or design; recommend enhancements and cost-reduction opportunities.
  • Initiate Engineering Change Notices and support manufacturing refinement for both low-rate and high-rate production.

Testing & Integration
  • Conduct or lead in-house and remote acoustic tests, including TVR, TPR, and beam pattern characterization.
  • Develop test plans, procedures, and detailed reports for government facility test events.
  • Apply risk assessment, failure analysis, and root-cause analysis to improve reliability and performance.
  • Support customer demonstrations and government testing activities.

Project & Team Leadership
  • Serve as a key technical contributor within a multidisciplinary engineering team.
  • May lead projects, including coordination of resources, schedules, and technical assignments.
  • Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to engineers, technicians, and manufacturing staff.
  • Support bid and proposal efforts, including technical writing and proof-of-concept development.
  • Maintain accurate engineering records and follow all Sparton processes and procedures.
  • Safety & Compliance
  • Ensure all engineering and manufacturing activities comply with Federal, State, Provincial, and Company safety and health regulations.
  • Use appropriate personal protective equipment when required.

Required Education & Experience
  • MSEE, BSME, MSAE, BS Physics or similar; PhD in acoustics/sonar/ultrasonics preferred.
  • Minimum of ten years of relevant experience in underwater acoustics or transducer design.
  • Strong theoretical foundation paired with hands-on experience in electronic design, modeling, analysis, and testing.

Skills & Qualifications
  • US Citizenship required; ability to obtain DoD Secret Clearance (existing clearance is a plus).
  • Experience designing acoustic architectures for complex underwater systems, particularly military sonar.
  • Demonstrated expertise in designing, fabricating, testing, and qualifying underwater hydrophones and transducers.
  • Proficient with FEA tools such as COMSOL, ANSYS, and/or OnScale (PzFlex).
  • Strong MATLAB and/or Python simulation skills.
  • Knowledge of piezoelectric materials and their applications.
  • Experience with potting materials (epoxies, urethanes) and hands-on assembly of acoustic systems.
  • Preferred: experience with shock and vibration testing or designing for flow noise environments.
  • Strong documentation, technical writing, and proposal development skills.
  • High initiative, self-directed work style, and ability to lead complex technical efforts.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.

Travel/Physical Requirements
  • Minimal Travel Requirement
  • The physical demands describe here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. This job operates in a professional office environment and a manufacturing environment. The employee may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to a variety of extreme conditions in the plant. The noise level in the work environment may be loud.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, talk, and communicate, use hands/finger, feel, and reach with arms. This position requires the ability to lift, bend or stoop as necessary up to 20 lbs.

Benefits Highlights
  • Healthcare
  • Robust medical, dental, vision, & disability coverage.
  • Healthcare concierge to help you navigate your benefit selections.
  • Virtual health solutions for physical therapy, menopause, and diabetes.
  • Company paid Basic Life Insurance. Additional Life & AD&D Insurances are available.
  • On-site wellness clinic.

Paid Benefits
  • Competitive compensation.
  • 401k program to plan for your future with company match 75% up to 8%, plus a 1% company contribution.
  • Company Paid Time Off (Vacation and Sick).
  • Paid parental leave.
  • Adoption assistance.
  • Fertility and family building assistance.

Additional Benefits.
  • Flexible work schedules available based on position:
  • 9/80 schedule providing every other Friday off
  • 4/10s, Monday through Thursday
  • 3/12s, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
  • Lifestyle spending account.
  • Perks at work.
  • Generous employee referral program.
  • Tuition reimbursement.
  • Voluntary benefits available: longer term care, legal, identity theft, pet insurance, and many more options.
  • Voluntary Tricare supplement available for military retirees.
  • Prescription safety eyewear program.

These are highlights of Elbit America benefits. If there is a conflict with these highlights, company policy or benefits plan documents shall govern. Benefits are subject to change.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Disclaimer
This job description does not list all the duties of the job. You may be asked by your supervisors or managers to perform other duties. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not a contract for employment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
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