Acoustics Physics Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

Tract Capital adopts a unique approach to digital infrastructure investment. Leveraging experience and strategic insights honed over three decades of creating successful companies in the space, we excel in nurturing and advancing leading-edge digital infrastructure enterprises. Our team of specialized experts are united by a singular purpose: to support the growth of digital infrastructure. Tract Capital goes beyond simple investment by acting as a strategic partner and catalyst for innovation within the sector. We ensure our engagements not only generate strong financial results but also develop essential digital infrastructure to meet growing demands. Tract Capital has introduced two digital infrastructure strategies. The first is a horizontal powered land strategy focused on creating master planned data center campuses called Tract. The second is the mega-campus vertical development strategy called Fleet Data Centers.

Senior Acoustics Engineer owns acoustic and noise compliance design for our behind-the-meter (BTM) power generation and battery energy storage systems (BESS) deployed at mega-scale data center campuses. This role develops noise impact assessments, defines equipment attenuation requirements, and ensures BTM assets comply with local noise ordinances and permitting conditions—from early site feasibility through commissioning and long-term operations.

• Own acoustic design and Basis of Design (BOD) for BTM power generation and energy storage assets (reciprocating engines, gas turbines, fuel cells, BESS), including noise source characterization, propagation modeling, and attenuation specifications.
• Conduct site-specific noise impact assessments using industry-standard sound modeling tools (SoundPLAN, CadnaA, or equivalent); determine compliance with local municipal noise ordinances and permit conditions.
• Define and specify noise control measures for generation equipment: acoustic enclosures, exhaust silencers, intake attenuators, anti-vibration mounts, and barrier walls; coordinate specifications with OEMs and EPC partners.
• Support environmental permitting processes by preparing acoustic studies, noise technical reports, and community impact analyses for local, state, and federal submittals.
• Perform vibration assessments for generation and storage equipment; ensure structural isolation requirements are communicated to civil and structural engineers.
• Coordinate with EHS, Legal, and civil teams on community stakeholder engagement and noise condition compliance monitoring.
• Develop and maintain acoustic design standards, specifications, and reusable BOD templates to support Fleet's portfolio-scale deployment model.
• Support FAT, SAT, and commissioning activities with acoustic performance testing and noise limit verification; drive corrective actions if compliance thresholds are not met.
• Establish KPIs for acoustic performance across Fleet's operational BTM portfolio; lead root cause analysis for noise-related complaints or permit exceedances.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Acoustical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline.
• 7+ years in acoustics/noise control engineering for industrial, power generation, or mission-critical infrastructure environments.

• Expert‑level acoustic modeling and noise impact assessment skills using tools such as SoundPLAN, CadnaA, or equivalent, with a track record of demonstrating compliance with municipal noise ordinances and permit conditions.
• Proven ownership of acoustic design and Basis of Design (BOD) for complex power generation and BESS projects, including noise source characterization, propagation modeling, and attenuation specifications for reciprocating engines, gas turbines, fuel cells, and BESS.
• Hands‑on leadership in designing and specifying noise and vibration control measures (acoustic enclosures, exhaust silencers, intake attenuators, anti‑vibration mounts, barrier walls) and coordinating these requirements with OEMs, EPCs, and civil/structural teams.
• Demonstrated experience driving environmental permitting and lifecycle noise compliance, including authoring acoustic studies/technical reports, supporting agency and community stakeholder reviews, and leading corrective actions when thresholds are exceeded.
• Ability to develop and standardize acoustic design practices at portfolio scale, including setting KPIs, building reusable standards/templates, and leading root‑cause analyses for noise‑related issues across an operational asset fleet.

• Experience with noise control design for reciprocating engines, gas turbines, BESS, or large rotating equipment.
• Proficiency with acoustic modeling software (SoundPLAN, CadnaA, ODEON, or equivalent).
• Familiarity with relevant standards and regulations (ISO 1996, ANSI/ASA, EPA noise guidelines, local municipal ordinances).
• INCE (Institute of Noise Control Engineering) membership or Board of Noise Control Engineers (BONCE) certification preferred.
• Experience supporting community noise permitting and stakeholder engagement processes.
• Experience working within EPC-delivered projects and managing acoustic vendor scopes.

• Expected Salary Range DOE: $120,000 - $150,000 Salary Base + Bonus

• Travel as needed to vendors and sites up to ~20%.
• May participate in on‑call escalation during commissioning and noise compliance verification activities.

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Tract Capital employees enjoy competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including 100% employer‑covered medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401K program, standard paid holidays, and unlimited PTO.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties to meet the organization’s ongoing needs.

Tract Capital is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status.

If you need assistance applying for any of our open positions, please contact us at info@tractcapital.com.