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Defense Contractor Physics Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Business Development Lead - Defense Space Systems

Torrance, CA · On-site

$175K - $250K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

Strong experience of government acquisition, capture, contracting, and program development ... Technical education or equivalent experience in aerospace, engineering, physics, or complex defense ...

Technical Product Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$196K - $227K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We're building foundation AI models for physics that enable end-to-end industrial automation from ... defense contractors, top-tier automotive OEMs, and national energy companies into intuitive ...

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Defense Contractor Physics information

What is the difference between Defense Contractor Physics vs Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer?

AspectDefense Contractor PhysicsDefense Contractor Mechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Physics or related field; security clearance often requiredBachelor's or higher in Mechanical Engineering; security clearance often required
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, defense facilities, project officesManufacturing sites, design labs, testing facilities
Industry UsageDeveloping advanced defense systems, missile technology, sensor designDesigning mechanical components, systems integration, testing
Common Search/ComparisonDefense Contractor Physics vs Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer

Defense Contractor Physics and Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer roles share overlapping credentials and work environments within the defense industry. Physics roles focus on research, sensor development, and theoretical modeling, while Mechanical Engineering roles emphasize design, manufacturing, and testing of physical components. Both positions require security clearances and are integral to defense projects, but they differ in technical focus and daily tasks.

What are popular job titles related to Defense Contractor Physics jobs in California?

For Defense Contractor Physics jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Defense Contractor Physics jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Contractor Physics jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Defense Contractor Physics jobs?

Cities in California with the most Defense Contractor Physics job openings:

Infographic showing various Defense Contractor Physics job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Senior Underwater Acoustics Physicist / Digital Signal Processing Engineer - Part Time - 26-028

AUSGAR Technologies Inc

San Diego, CA

$112K - $154K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Description

JOB TYPE: FULL-TIME


MUST POSSESS A SECRET SECURITY CLEARANCE (PREFERRED) OR THE ABILITY TO OBTAIN ONE.


WE USE E-VERIFY TO ELECTRONICALLY CONFIRM THE EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY OF NEWLY HIRED EMPLOYEES.


COMPETITIVE SALARY, COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS AND A COMPANY THAT CARES! 


AUSGAR Technologies, Inc., an equal opportunity employer, is an established, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Department of Defense, government contractor with core competencies in Information Assurance, Cybersecurity and Systems Engineering. With offices on both the East and West coasts, an inviting culture and above-standard benefits, opportunity abounds for the right individual!


Senior Underwater Acoustics Physicist / Digital Signal Processing Engineer - 26-028 - San Diego, CA


As a growing Department of Defense Contractor, AUSGAR Technologies has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Underwater Acoustics Physicist / Digital Signal Processing Engineer to join our team of smart and innovative technical team members in the Point Loma area of San Diego.


We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Underwater Acoustics Physicist/Digital Signal Processing Engineer to support advanced underwater acoustic research, sonar system development and performance analysis for defense and naval applications. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in signal processing, acoustic propagation modeling, statistical analysis, algorithm development and software engineering. This position requires expertise in analyzing complex acoustic datasets, developing innovative signal processing techniques, and supporting the design, evaluation, and optimization of underwater sensing systems.

  • Develop, implement and optimize advanced digital signal processing algorithms for underwater acoustic and SONAR applications.
  • Analyze and interpret large volumes of underwater acoustic data to characterize system performance and evaluate detection capabilities.
  • Design, implement and enhance conventional and adaptive beamforming algorithms for two-dimensional and three-dimensional array processing.
  • Develop and maintain DIFAR processing algorithms, visualization tools and associated analysis techniques.
  • Perform SONAR equation performance predictions and assess system effectiveness against specified target signals and operational scenarios.
  • Conduct acoustic propagation modeling using Bellhop and other propagation models to evaluate environmental effects on system performance.
  • Develop software applications and automated tools for acoustic data processing, visualization and analysis.
  • Design and execute Monte Carlo simulations to evaluate localization accuracy, detection probability and overall sensor performance.
  • Develop statistical models utilizing Gaussian, Rayleigh, Binomial and related probability distributions to support system performance assessments.
  • Design and implement automated detection algorithms for tonal, transient and broadband acoustic signals.
  • Develop simulation environments capable of generating realistic underwater acoustic scenarios, including environmental noise, multipath propagation and sensor array responses.
  • Perform filtering, frequency translation, decimation, correlation and spectral analysis of acoustic signals.
  • Support machine learning initiatives by evaluating regression and clustering techniques for acoustic data analysis and sensor optimization.
  • Document technical methodologies, software and analytical approaches while providing technical guidance and mentoring to engineering teams.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative solutions for complex underwater sensing and signal processing challenges.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:?? 

  • Possess a Secret security clearance (preferred) or the ability to obtain one.
  • Bachelor's degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computer Engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited college or university.
  • 10+ years of experience in underwater acoustics, digital signal processing or sonar system development (20+ years preferred).
  • Strong understanding of underwater acoustic propagation, array processing and sonar performance analysis.
  • Experience developing signal processing algorithms using C and Python.
  • Experience with beamforming, DIFAR processing and acoustic array processing techniques.
  • Knowledge of SONAR equation analysis and performance prediction methodologies.
  • Experience with Bellhop or similar underwater acoustic propagation models.
  • Experience developing simulation and modeling tools using Monte Carlo techniques.
  • Strong statistical analysis skills with experience applying probability distributions to engineering problems.
  • Ability to analyze large datasets and present technical findings clearly. Excellent problem-solving, analytical and technical communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience supporting U.S. Navy or Department of Defense underwater acoustic programs.
  • Experience with machine learning techniques for acoustic signal analysis.
  • Experience developing acoustic visualization and analysis software.
  • Knowledge of localization techniques including Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA).
  • Experience with acoustic array simulation and environmental modeling.
  • Familiarity with adaptive beamforming, detection theory and sensor performance optimization.

Salary Range: $150K-$165K


Based on your qualifications, you will be placed in Level I-V. 


An essential qualification for this position is successfully obtaining a security clearance issued by the Federal Government, which may require successful completion of a background check. 


We use E-Verify to electronically confirm the employment eligibility of newly hired employees.


AUSGAR's salary range is dependent upon a variety of factors, which include experience, skills, education, certifications and geographical location. Our salary range includes a base salary and excellent benefits package as part of our total compensation.


AUSGAR Technologies, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran

and need assistance in completing the application, you have the right to request reasonable accommodation. Please e-mail us at jobs@ausgar.com if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access www.ausgar.com careers page as a result of your disability.