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Hourly Underwater Acoustic Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sparton Corporation

Sparton is seeking an experienced Underwater Acoustics Engineer to lead the design, modeling, and testing of advanced underwater transducers and sensing systems used in critical defense applications.

Peraton

Underwater Acoustics Engineer

West Bethesda, MD · On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

Responsibilities Peraton is seeking an Underwater Acoustics Engineer to work directly with our Navy ... Provide engineering proficiency in the evaluation of acoustic and vibration data using MATLAB ...

Sparton Corporation

Sparton is seeking an experienced Underwater Acoustics Engineer to lead the design, modeling, and testing of advanced underwater transducers and sensing systems used in critical defense applications.

MIKEL INC

SYSTEMS ENGINEER III

Middletown, RI · On-site

Undersea Systems Engineer III Nature of Role: We are seeking a highly motivated Mid-Level Systems ... Implement and optimize real-time processing algorithms for underwater acoustic applications.

Sonatech

Systems/Project Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$150K - $220K/yr

We are seeking a highly motivated Systems Engineer to join Sonatech LLC in Santa Barbara ... underwater acoustic principlesUnderstanding of electronic systems with embedded SW ...

Sonatech

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Sonatech, LLC is a premier undersea acoustics engineering and manufacturing company. With a focus ... equipmentExperience with underwater acoustic positioning systems for tracking and ...

Sonatech

Systems/Project Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA

$150K - $220K/yr

We are seeking a highly motivated Systems Engineer to join Sonatech LLC in Santa Barbara ... Experience with underwater acoustic positioning systems for tracking and navigation * Understanding ...

Sonatech

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Sonatech, LLC is a premier undersea acoustics engineering and manufacturing company. With a focus ... Experience with underwater acoustic positioning systems for tracking and navigation * Understanding ...

Sonatech

Systems/Project Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$150K - $220K/yr

We are seeking a highly motivated Systems Engineer to join Sonatech LLC in Santa Barbara ... Experience with underwater acoustic positioning systems for tracking and navigation * Understanding ...

Sonatech

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Sonatech, LLC is a premier undersea acoustics engineering and manufacturing company. With a focus ... Experience with underwater acoustic positioning systems for tracking and navigation * Understanding ...

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Hourly Underwater Acoustic Engineer information

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$37.5K

$107.9K

$143K

How much do hourly underwater acoustic engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for hourly 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 does an hourly underwater acoustic engineer do?

An Hourly Underwater Acoustic Engineer specializes in designing, analyzing, and testing systems that use sound waves underwater. This can include sonar systems, underwater communication devices, and noise monitoring equipment for marine environments. They often work on a project or contract basis, supporting research, military, or commercial applications. Their responsibilities may involve fieldwork, data analysis, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to solve complex underwater sound challenges.

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

To thrive as an Hourly Underwater Acoustic Engineer, you generally need a strong background in physics, mathematics, and engineering, often supported by a degree in acoustics, ocean engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with acoustic modeling software, sonar systems, and data analysis tools, as well as certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) or relevant safety training, are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork skills make someone stand out in this position. These skills are crucial for accurately analyzing underwater sound phenomena, ensuring reliable system performance, and collaborating on complex marine projects.

What are some common challenges faced by hourly underwater acoustic engineers during fieldwork, and how can they be managed?

Hourly Underwater Acoustic Engineers often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, equipment malfunctions, and logistical constraints during field deployments. Managing these challenges requires thorough pre-deployment planning, regular equipment maintenance, and effective communication with team members. Flexibility and adaptability are essential, as unforeseen issues may arise that require quick problem-solving. Collaborating closely with marine technicians, vessel crews, and data analysts helps ensure the success and safety of underwater acoustic measurement projects.

What is the difference between Hourly Underwater Acoustic Engineer vs Underwater Acoustic Technician?

AspectHourly Underwater Acoustic EngineerUnderwater Acoustic Technician
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in acoustics or marine engineeringTechnical diploma or certification in underwater acoustics or marine technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, analysis, and testing in labs or field sitesEquipment maintenance, deployment, and data collection in underwater settings
Industry UsageResearch institutions, defense, marine survey companiesMarine service providers, research labs, underwater equipment firms

Hourly Underwater Acoustic Engineers focus on designing and analyzing acoustic systems, often working in labs or on field projects, while Underwater Acoustic Technicians handle equipment maintenance and data collection underwater. Both roles require specialized knowledge, but engineers typically have more advanced credentials and focus on analysis and design, whereas technicians focus on operational tasks.

More about Hourly Underwater Acoustic Engineer jobs

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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 Hourly Underwater Acoustic Engineer jobs?

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Hourly Underwater Acoustic Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hourly Underwater Acoustic Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 48% Full Time, 46% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,902 per year, or $51.9 per hour.

Acoustic Engineer IV

Sparton Corporation

On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Sparton is an innovative defense contractor headquartered in DeLeon Springs, Florida, with a rich heritage dating back to 1900. Renowned for our exceptional manufacturing capabilities, we specialize in producing high-quality sonobuoys critical to the United States' undersea warfare arsenal, enhancing national security against current and future adversaries. But we are more than manufacturers; we are problem solvers. Our team of dedicated engineers and skilled professionals' tackles some of the most challenging issues in defense technology. Our expertise includes advanced research systems, maritime solutions, sophisticated sensor technologies and payload delivery capabilities.
Job Summary:
Sparton is seeking an experienced Underwater Acoustics Engineer to lead the design, modeling, and testing of advanced underwater transducers and sensing systems used in critical defense applications. This role is ideal for a creative problem solver who enjoys full-lifecycle ownership-from concept development to prototype build, manufacturing support, and government-range testing. You will work independently and as a technical leader within a multidisciplinary team, helping define approaches that solve some of Sparton's most challenging acoustic problems.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Design & Development
  • Design underwater hydrophones and active/passive transducers using cylindrical ceramics, flexural disks, cantilever beams, geophones, and related technologies.
  • Perform analysis and simulation using MATLAB, Python, COMSOL, ANSYS, or equivalent FEA tools.
  • Develop engineering drawings, documentation, and specifications for manufacturing.
  • Modify and enhance existing acoustic subsystems to support new designs or improve performance.
  • Evaluate materials for acoustic behavior, durability, and chemical compatibility.

Build & Prototyping
  • Model, simulate, build, and test complex acoustic transducers.
  • Independently build or direct prototype fabrication for verification and qualification testing.
  • Identify and resolve issues related to process, materials, or design; recommend enhancements and cost-reduction opportunities.
  • Initiate Engineering Change Notices and support manufacturing refinement for both low-rate and high-rate production.

Testing & Integration
  • Conduct or lead in-house and remote acoustic tests, including TVR, TPR, and beam pattern characterization.
  • Develop test plans, procedures, and detailed reports for government facility test events.
  • Apply risk assessment, failure analysis, and root-cause analysis to improve reliability and performance.
  • Support customer demonstrations and government testing activities.

Project & Team Leadership
  • Serve as a key technical contributor within a multidisciplinary engineering team.
  • May lead projects, including coordination of resources, schedules, and technical assignments.
  • Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to engineers, technicians, and manufacturing staff.
  • Support bid and proposal efforts, including technical writing and proof-of-concept development.
  • Maintain accurate engineering records and follow all Sparton processes and procedures.
  • Safety & Compliance
  • Ensure all engineering and manufacturing activities comply with Federal, State, Provincial, and Company safety and health regulations.
  • Use appropriate personal protective equipment when required.

Required Education & Experience
  • MSEE, BSME, MSAE, BS Physics or similar; PhD in acoustics/sonar/ultrasonics preferred.
  • Minimum of ten years of relevant experience in underwater acoustics or transducer design.
  • Strong theoretical foundation paired with hands-on experience in electronic design, modeling, analysis, and testing.

Skills & Qualifications
  • US Citizenship required; ability to obtain DoD Secret Clearance (existing clearance is a plus).
  • Experience designing acoustic architectures for complex underwater systems, particularly military sonar.
  • Demonstrated expertise in designing, fabricating, testing, and qualifying underwater hydrophones and transducers.
  • Proficient with FEA tools such as COMSOL, ANSYS, and/or OnScale (PzFlex).
  • Strong MATLAB and/or Python simulation skills.
  • Knowledge of piezoelectric materials and their applications.
  • Experience with potting materials (epoxies, urethanes) and hands-on assembly of acoustic systems.
  • Preferred: experience with shock and vibration testing or designing for flow noise environments.
  • Strong documentation, technical writing, and proposal development skills.
  • High initiative, self-directed work style, and ability to lead complex technical efforts.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.

Travel/Physical Requirements
  • Minimal Travel Requirement
  • The physical demands describe here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. This job operates in a professional office environment and a manufacturing environment. The employee may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to a variety of extreme conditions in the plant. The noise level in the work environment may be loud.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, talk, and communicate, use hands/finger, feel, and reach with arms. This position requires the ability to lift, bend or stoop as necessary up to 20 lbs.

Benefits Highlights
  • Healthcare
  • Robust medical, dental, vision, & disability coverage.
  • Healthcare concierge to help you navigate your benefit selections.
  • Virtual health solutions for physical therapy, menopause, and diabetes.
  • Company paid Basic Life Insurance. Additional Life & AD&D Insurances are available.
  • On-site wellness clinic.

Paid Benefits
  • Competitive compensation.
  • 401k program to plan for your future with company match 75% up to 8%, plus a 1% company contribution.
  • Company Paid Time Off (Vacation and Sick).
  • Paid parental leave.
  • Adoption assistance.
  • Fertility and family building assistance.

Additional Benefits.
  • Flexible work schedules available based on position:
  • 9/80 schedule providing every other Friday off
  • 4/10s, Monday through Thursday
  • 3/12s, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
  • Lifestyle spending account.
  • Perks at work.
  • Generous employee referral program.
  • Tuition reimbursement.
  • Voluntary benefits available: longer term care, legal, identity theft, pet insurance, and many more options.
  • Voluntary Tricare supplement available for military retirees.
  • Prescription safety eyewear program.

These are highlights of Elbit America benefits. If there is a conflict with these highlights, company policy or benefits plan documents shall govern. Benefits are subject to change.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Disclaimer
This job description does not list all the duties of the job. You may be asked by your supervisors or managers to perform other duties. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not a contract for employment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
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