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Entry Level Underwater Acoustic Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Basic programming or data analysis experience (e.g., R, MATLAB, Python, or similar) * Experience managing or working with large datasets * Ability to process and interpret complex acoustic datasets

... underwater acoustic communications and navigation, deep-submergence (manned or autonomous), ocean ... Students in the engineering and science fields with an interest in marine engineering and science ...

Basic programming or data analysis experience (e.g., R, MATLAB, Python, or similar) * Experience managing or working with large datasets * Ability to process and interpret complex acoustic datasets

... engineers and engineer-divers (when required). Dive teams use full-face masks with communications ... Learn how to deploy acoustic imaging devices and apply them to underwater surveys; * Maintain ...

... engineers and engineer-divers (when required). Dive teams use full-face masks with communications ... Learn how to deploy acoustic imaging devices and apply them to underwater surveys; * Maintain ...

... engineers and engineer-divers (when required). Dive teams use full-face masks with communications ... Learn how to deploy acoustic imaging devices and apply them to underwater surveys; * Maintain ...

... engineers and engineer-divers (when required). Dive teams use full-face masks with communications ... Learn how to deploy acoustic imaging devices and apply them to underwater surveys; * Maintain ...

Senior RF Engineer

Woburn, MA · On-site

$134K - $184K/yr

... underwater acoustics. This position is within the Space Missions and Sensing (SMS) Sector of the ... The SMS Sector is seeking a RF Engineer to support design, development, integration and test ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$140K - $220K/yr

Develop and implement autonomy algorithms for autonomous underwater vehicles and robotic systems ... Experience with IMUs, GPS, sonar, acoustic sensors, cameras, DVLs, or other robotic sensing ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

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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.

Underwater Acoustician

AIS, Inc.

Beaufort, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

A.I.S., Inc. (AIS) is a national scientific services firm supporting maritime activities requiring certification of compliance with environmental regulation ns as well as collecting data for use by Federal, State, Municipal, and other government agencies along the US coastline. AIS is seeking an Acoustician to support NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center's (SEFSC) Advanced Technology and Innovation Branch
Primary Function:
This role supports the collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of passive acoustic datasets to assess marine soundscapes, species distribution, and anthropogenic impacts. The position integrates data processing, scientific analysis, and collaborative research to inform fisheries science and ecosystem management. This position is contingent upon contract award and available funding.
Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Manage and analyze passive acoustic datasets collected across the southeastern U.S., ensuring continuity of long-term monitoring efforts
  • Coordinate with project partners to support year-round data collection, deployment planning, and data integrity
  • Assist with field collection of passive acoustic data as required
  • Perform QA/QC of acoustic datasets using established scientific and community standards
  • Maintain organized records of data availability, quality, and metadata
  • Manage and track datasets using structured data systems (e.g., spreadsheets, tracking tools)
  • Package and deliver acoustic datasets, metadata, and analytical outputs to national data archives (e.g., NCEI Passive Acoustic Archive)
  • Analyze acoustic data to characterize marine soundscapes, including biological, geological, and anthropogenic components
  • Assess occurrence and distribution of marine species, including fishes and marine mammals, using manual and automated detection methods
  • Analyze vessel noise and acoustic signatures to support ecosystem and anthropogenic impact studies
  • Support development of scientific products including reports, manuscripts, and proposals
  • Participate in interdisciplinary working groups and collaborative research efforts
  • Assist in proposal development for extramural funding opportunities
  • Support outreach and stakeholder engagement activities related to passive acoustic monitoring
  • Prepare for and participate in scientific meetings, workshops, and symposia

Compensation: Candidates will be paid an hourly rate to be negotiated and total compensation will vary depending on candidates' depth of experience. This is a full-time position. AIS benefits package includes health and dental insurance, vacation, sick and holiday benefits.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in marine biology, oceanography, data science, or related field, OR Bachelor's degree with 1+ year of relevant research experience
  • Experience analyzing passive acoustic data or working with acoustic datasets
  • Ability to participate in fieldwork and data collection activities
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Experience working collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams
  • Basic programming or data analysis experience (e.g., R, MATLAB, Python, or similar)
  • Experience managing or working with large datasets
  • Ability to process and interpret complex acoustic datasets
  • Strong attention to detail in QA/QC and data validation workflows
  • Ability to manage multiple data streams and project priorities
  • Effective communication of technical findings to diverse audiences

Preferred Qualifications:
  • PhD in marine biology, acoustics, or related field
  • Extensive experience analyzing passive acoustic data
  • Experience with acoustic analysis tools (e.g., Raven Pro, MATLAB, R)
  • Experience with Python and/or cloud-based data platforms
  • Knowledge of signal processing techniques
  • Experience contributing to scientific publications or leading analyses

Travel:
  • Travel required (limited) for field data collection, collaboration meetings, and scientific conferences.

Location:
  • 101 Pivers Island Road, Beaufort, NC 28516 - Southeast Fisheries Science Center's Beaufort Laboratory

Contact:
If you would like to apply for this exciting new opening, please visit our Careers Page to submit the required information:
  • Resume
  • Cover letter detailing relevant experience.
  • 3 professional references (name, email address and phone number)

All documents must be submitted for your application to be considered. If you have any questions pertaining to this opening, please reach out to our Talent Team or call 774-770-5833.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of A.I.S. to recruit, hire, train, promote, transfer and compensate our employees and provide all other conditions of employment including Company sponsored events without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, lawful alien status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.
Must be able to work in the U.S. • VEVRAA Federal Contractor • Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals • Equal Opportunity Employer