Apprentice Sonar Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description

Keep the Fleet Ready — Hands-On Technical Role Supporting U.S. Navy Operations

If you enjoy troubleshooting, working with real equipment, and being part of a tight-knit team, this role puts you right in the middle of mission-critical work supporting U.S. Navy sonar systems.

Leidos is hiring a Towed Systems Technician in Poulsbo, WA to support the maintenance, repair, and deployment of towed acoustic arrays used on submarines and surface ships.

Why This Role Stands Out

• Hands-on technical work — not a desk job

• Tight-knit, team-oriented environment — people genuinely enjoy working together

• Autonomy without micromanagement — you’re trusted to manage your work

• Visible impact — you’ll see systems go from broken to mission-ready

• Flexible work environment — music, phones, and a relaxed (but productive) shop culture

What You’ll Be Doing

• Troubleshoot, test, and repair electronic and mechanical components of towed sonar systems

• Perform inspections and fault isolation on array modules

• Support system assembly, installation, and removal on submarines and surface ships

• Work both in the shop and pier-side environments

• Assist with shipping, receiving, equipment handling, and inventory tracking

• Operate tools, test equipment, and material handling equipment (including forklifts)

• Travel (CONUS/OCONUS) as needed to support operational requirements

What the Work Environment Is Actually Like

• Day starts with a quick team sync at 0700 to align on priorities

• Work rotates between shop tasks, maintenance, and pier-side support

• Mix of independent work and team collaboration throughout the day

• Schedule can shift based on operational needs—keeps the work dynamic

• Leadership is hands-off and supportive—you’re expected to own your work, not be micromanaged

• Team culture is laid-back but focused to meet strict deadlines —people often build strong friendships inside and outside of work

What Makes Someone Successful Here

• Stays engaged and takes initiative—there’s always something that needs to get done

• Can focus and follow tasking in a fast-moving environment

• Takes ownership of learning and completing qualifications (PQS)

• Asks questions and seeks hands-on learning opportunities

• Enjoys problem-solving and working with equipment

Training & Career Growth

You’ll start as a Tech II and receive on-the-job training.

• Clear path to Tech III (typically within 1–2 years) after completing qualifications

• Opportunities to advance into higher-level technician roles (Tech IV/V)

• Ability to support more advanced work, including CASREP missions and increased travel

• Proven track record of employees moving to other IMA sites for career progression

Basic Qualifications

• Technical training in electronics (trade school, apprenticeship, or military equivalent)

• 2+ years of experience testing, troubleshooting, or repairing electrical/electronic systems

• Experience using electronic test equipment and hand/power tools

• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain a Secret clearance

• Valid driver’s license

• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs

Preferred Background

• Military experience (especially Navy, submarine, or surface fleet)

• Experience with sonar or related systems (AN/BQQ, SQQ-89, etc.)

• Fiber optics experience or certification

• Mechanical aptitude and/or forklift experience

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office

Compensation

• This position is covered under the Service Contract Act and is subject to minimum wage requirements as well as the minimum Health and Welfare benefit.

• Leidos will ensure that all provisions are met through their wages and benefits. The pay for this position will be $24.34/hr.

The Bottom Line

This role isn’t just about turning wrenches—it’s about being part of a team that takes pride in getting systems operational and supporting real-world missions.

People who succeed here enjoy the work, the team, and the environment—and many stay connected long after they leave.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.