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Entry Level Underwater Acoustic Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Preferred Qualifications • Strong background in acoustic wave propagation in fluids and solids ... underwater acoustics, ultrasound, elastic waves and structural vibrations etc. Personal growth ...

Researcher/Engineer Senior

Washington, DC · On-site

$118K - $162K/yr

The Division's scientists and engineers perform collaborative research with scientists affiliated ... travels underwater], the propagation and scatter of acoustic signals in the ocean and land ...

Researcher/Engineer Senior

Washington, DC · On-site

$118K - $162K/yr

The Division's scientists and engineers perform collaborative research with scientists affiliated ... travels underwater], the propagation and scatter of acoustic signals in the ocean and land ...

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Entry Level Underwater Acoustic Engineer information

See salary details

$37.5K

$107.9K

$143K

How much do entry level underwater acoustic engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level underwater acoustic engineer in the United States is $107,902.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,000.00 and $117,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level underwater acoustic engineer?

Entry level underwater acoustic engineers are professionals who apply principles of acoustics, physics, and engineering to study and solve problems related to sound propagation underwater. They often work on designing, testing, and maintaining sonar systems, underwater communication devices, or acoustic monitoring equipment. At the entry level, these engineers typically assist in data collection, equipment setup, analysis, and reporting under the supervision of senior engineers. Their work is crucial in industries such as marine research, naval defense, offshore oil and gas, and environmental monitoring.

What does an entry level underwater acoustic engineer do?

As an Entry Level Underwater Acoustic Engineer, you can expect to assist with designing, testing, and analyzing sonar systems, underwater sensors, or acoustic communication devices. Your daily responsibilities may include running computer simulations, processing acoustic data collected from field experiments, and supporting senior engineers with setting up and calibrating equipment. You’ll often work as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with oceanographers, software developers, and mechanical engineers to solve real-world challenges related to underwater sound transmission. Early in your career, you'll gain hands-on experience through supervised fieldwork, lab testing, and report preparation, building a strong foundation for future advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level underwater acoustic engineer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Underwater Acoustic Engineer, you need a solid background in acoustics, physics, or electrical engineering, often supported by a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with simulation software (such as MATLAB or COMSOL), data acquisition systems, and signal processing tools is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills help you excel in both fieldwork and collaborative projects. These skills and qualities are crucial for developing, testing, and analyzing underwater acoustic systems to ensure reliable performance in complex marine environments.

What is the difference between Entry Level Underwater Acoustic Engineer vs Entry Level Marine Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Underwater Acoustic EngineerEntry Level Marine Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in acoustics, marine engineering, or related field; basic knowledge of underwater acousticsBachelor's in marine engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field; knowledge of ship systems
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, underwater testing sites, naval or defense facilitiesShipyards, marine vessels, offshore platforms
Employer & Industry UsageDefense, research institutions, underwater communication companiesShipping companies, offshore oil & gas, naval fleets

Entry Level Underwater Acoustic Engineers focus on underwater sound systems and sonar technology, often in research or defense settings. In contrast, Entry Level Marine Engineers work on ship systems and vessel operations. Both roles require related engineering degrees but differ in their specific focus and work environment.

More about Entry Level Underwater Acoustic Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Underwater Acoustic Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Entry Level Underwater Acoustic Engineer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Underwater Acoustic Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Underwater Acoustic Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Entry Level Underwater Acoustic Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Entry Level Underwater Acoustic Engineer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Underwater Acoustic Engineer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Underwater Acoustic Engineer jobs are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Underwater Acoustic Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,902 per year, or $51.9 per hour.

R&D Software Engineer (ESA)

University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX • On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


University Of Texas at Austin rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

128th of 621 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Posting Title:

R&D Software Engineer (ESA)

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Hiring Department:

Applied Research Laboratories

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt from FLSA

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Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

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Location:

PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS

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Job Details:

Purpose

Research and development of software applications for sonar and underwater acoustics including algorithm design, implementation, verification, and performance analysis in the Advanced Technology Laboratory (ATL).

Responsibilities

  • Design, implement and test real-time and data analysis software applications to support the development of high-frequency tactical sonar systems.

  • Work and communicate with a cross disciplinary team of engineers and scientists to meet project deadlines and milestones.

  • Integrate sonar software or hardware with other systems or platforms.

  • Profile or verification of signal processing or control algorithms and software applications.

  • Troubleshoot and debug issues observed in ARL developed sonar systems.

  • Document and present work performed.

  • Other related functions as assigned.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field.

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.

  • Demonstrated ability programming in the C++ programming language.

  • Thorough understanding of object-oriented programming concepts, data structures/design patterns/algorithm performance analysis.

  • Must possess basic understanding of Linux operating systems and administration.

  • Strong communication skills and readiness to work with team leads to ensure technical execution matches design goals.

  • Aptitude and willingness to continually learn new technologies and apply new skills.

Applicant must have a dynamic skill set, willing to work with new technologies, be highly organized and capable of planning and coordinating multiple tasks and managing their time. The position will require attention to detail, effective problem solving skills and excellent judgment. Ability to work independently with sensitive and confidential information, maintain a professional demeanor, work as a team member without daily supervision and effectively communicate with all groups of clients. Able to work under pressure and accept supervision. Regular and punctual attendance.

US Citizen. Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information at the level appropriate to the project requirements of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Two years of professional experience programming in the C++ programming language.

  • Demonstrated technical proficiency in developing multi-threaded, multi-process, multi-machine computational software applications in a Linux environment.

  • Experience with open-source build tools such as CMake.

  • Experience utilizing common application debugging and performance profiling tools.

  • Understanding of common network protocols such as TCP/IP.

  • Familiarity with interpreted scripting languages such as Python or Bash. 

  • Knowledge of database concepts and/or familiarity with SQL.

  • Exposure to geospatial analysis and GIS concepts.

  • Exposure to radar or underwater acoustic theory and common digital signal processing techniques.

  • Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.

General Notes

An agency designated by the federal government handles the investigation as to the requirement for eligibility for access to classified information. Factors considered during this investigation include but are not limited to allegiance to the United States, foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations, drug involvement, the likelihood of continuation of such conduct, etc.

Please mark "yes" on the application question that asks if additional materials are required.  Failure to attach all additional materials listed below may result in a delay in application processing.

Visit our website (www.arlut.utexas.edu) for additional information about Applied Research Laboratories.

UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes:  
·    100% employer-paid basic medical coverage 
·    Retirement contributions  
·    Paid vacation and sick time 
·    Paid holidays 
Please visit our Human Resources (HR) website  to learn more about the total benefits offered.

Salary Range

$88,500-$120,000+/negotiable depending on qualifications.

Working Conditions

  • Standard office conditions

  • Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation

  • Use of manual dexterity

  • Possible weekend, evening and holiday work

  • Possible interstate/intrastate travel

Required Materials

  • Resume/CV

  • 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor

  • Letter of interest

  • Unofficial college transcript.

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded.  Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.

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Employment Eligibility:

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

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Retirement Plan Eligibility:

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

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Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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Pay Transparency:

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

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Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form.  You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States.  Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment.  Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

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E-Verify:

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

  • E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
  • Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
  • Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.


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