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Acoustic Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This role blends acoustic analysis, product development, materials science, and cross-functional collaboration , offering hands-on exposure to engineered-to-order solutions. Key Responsibilities:

This role blends acoustic analysis, product development, materials science, and cross-functional collaboration , offering hands-on exposure to engineered-to-order solutions. Key Responsibilities:

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Acoustic Scientist information

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$44K

$81.5K

$151K

How much do acoustic scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for acoustic scientist in the United States is $81,521.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $99,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an acoustic scientist do?

An Acoustic Scientist studies sound, vibration, and their interactions with different environments. They work on projects such as improving building acoustics, reducing noise pollution, designing better audio technology, and understanding how sound waves travel. Their research is applied in industries like architecture, engineering, healthcare, and audio production. Acoustic Scientists often use advanced software and equipment to analyze sound and develop solutions to complex acoustic problems.

What are some common challenges acoustic scientists face when conducting fieldwork, and how can they be addressed?

Acoustic Scientists often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, background noise interference, and equipment malfunctions during fieldwork. To address these, it's important to plan for contingencies by bringing backup equipment, scheduling recordings during optimal environmental conditions, and using specialized software to filter out unwanted noise. Collaboration with other team members, such as engineers or ecologists, can also help troubleshoot technical issues and ensure accurate data collection in diverse environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an acoustic scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Acoustic Scientist, you need a solid background in physics, mathematics, and acoustics, often supported by a relevant degree such as physics, engineering, or acoustical engineering. Familiarity with specialized software like MATLAB, LabVIEW, and acoustic modeling tools, as well as experience with measurement instrumentation, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you interpret data and collaborate on multidisciplinary projects. These abilities are crucial for accurately analyzing sound phenomena, developing innovative solutions, and ensuring successful project outcomes in both research and applied settings.

What is the difference between Acoustic Scientist vs Acoustic Engineer?

AspectAcoustic ScientistAcoustic Engineer
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD in Acoustics, Physics, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Acoustics, Engineering, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, R&D departmentsProduct development, testing facilities, manufacturing
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government agencies, research institutionsConsumer electronics, automotive, aerospace, construction
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on research, theory, and fundamental acousticsFocuses on applying acoustics to design and product development

Acoustic Scientists primarily conduct research and develop theories in acoustics, often working in labs or academic settings. Acoustic Engineers apply these principles to design and improve products or systems, working closely with manufacturing and industry teams. Both roles require strong knowledge of acoustics, but their focus and work environments differ.

What states have the most Acoustic Scientist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Acoustic Scientist jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Acoustic Scientist jobs?

For Acoustic Scientist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Acoustic Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,521 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Acoustic Test Engineer 2/3-Sunnyvale, California

Loma Mar, CA • On-site

NORTHROP GRUMMAN
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees

$91K - $137K/yr

Full-time, Other

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 372 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time
Description
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is seeking an Acoustic Test Engineer level 2 or 3 to participate in testing US Navy Machinery (turbines, generators, and gears) based out of Sunnyvale, CA. Northrop Grumman manufactures, assembles, and tests the machinery onsite in our Sunnyvale facility.
This role supports testing conducted during a 24/7 operation for durations of 30 to 45 days. The role does require shift support with extended hours for stretches up to 7 days within that 30-to-45-day window. This would occur approximately 4 times per year. All hours over 80 hours per two-week period are compensated. Any night shift work also carries a premium pay bonus.
The fast paced and stimulating test environment offers the opportunity to grow technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and sound engineering judgement. We are looking for talented engineers to take on this challenge and grow with Northrop Grumman.
What You'll get to Do:
  • Work as a member of the test engineering team to lead and support acoustic acceptance testing of hardware including vibration (accelerometers) and sound (microphones).
  • Troubleshoot issues using basic fundamental skills along with advanced techniques including acoustic cameras, sound intensity, impact testing, and modal analysis.
  • Lead and support acoustic testing for the development and qualification of new systems and hardware.
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams to develop test plans and analyze results.
  • Prepare technical reports and presentations summarizing findings and recommendations for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Prior acoustic experience is not required for this role. Exposure to data acquisition is preferred.

Basic Qualifications for Acoustic Analyst level 2:
  • Bachelor's Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) discipline with 2 years relevant work experience; or Master's Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) with no relevant work experience.
  • Experience with MATLAB or equivalent tool to process and analyze large data sets.
  • Willingness to work in a hands-on environment with large hardware.
  • Must be a US citizen.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret Clearance.

Basic Qualifications for Acoustic Analyst level 3:
  • Bachelor's Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) discipline with 5 years relevant work experience; or master's degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) with 3 years of relevant experience; or Ph.D in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) with no relevant work experience.
  • Experience with MATLAB or equivalent tool to process and analyze large data sets.
  • Willingness to work in a hands-on environment with large hardware.
  • Must be a US citizen.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with data acquisition systems including measuring vibration (accelerometers) or noise (microphones).
  • Experience collecting and analyzing large data sets.
  • Experience in conducting advanced measurement techniques such as modal analysis.

Primary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939