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Ocean Acoustics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Naval Sea Systems Command

SCIENTIST

Newport, RI · On-site +1

$101K - $156K/yr

Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: experience using models or simulations to conduct analysis of sonar systems and/or ocean acoustics. Additional qualification information can be ...

Jobtailor

Senior Bioacoustics Scientist

Miami, FL · On-site

$140 - $190/hr

Provide general laboratory assistance, including data archiving, computer maintenance, and construction and maintenance of acoustic hydrophone recorders and associated oceanographic equipment.

NORTHROP GRUMMAN

Acoustic Test Engineer 2/3

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$91K - $137K/yr

... Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas ... Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is seeking an Acoustic Test Engineer level 2 or 3 to participate ...

NORTHROP GRUMMAN

Acoustic Test Engineer 2/3

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$91K - $137K/yr

... Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas ... Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is seeking an Acoustic Test Engineer level 2 or 3 to participate ...

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Ocean Acoustics information

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$58

How much do ocean acoustics jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for ocean acoustics in the United States is $35.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.96 and $42.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is ocean acoustics?

Ocean acoustics is the scientific study of how sound behaves in the ocean environment. It involves understanding how sound waves travel through seawater, interact with marine life, seafloor, and underwater structures, as well as how they can be used for communication, navigation, and monitoring ocean processes. Ocean acoustics is crucial for applications such as submarine navigation, detecting underwater earthquakes, studying marine animals, and monitoring environmental changes. Professionals in this field often use specialized equipment like hydrophones and sonar systems to collect and analyze acoustic data. The work can support research, environmental protection, and military operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an ocean acoustics specialist?

To excel as an Ocean Acoustics Specialist, you need a strong background in physics, mathematics, and marine science, often supported by a graduate degree in oceanography or a related field. Familiarity with acoustic modeling software, signal processing tools, and data analysis platforms such as MATLAB or Python is typically required. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills for interpreting data and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial for accurately assessing underwater sound environments and contributing valuable insights to marine research, environmental monitoring, and policy development.

What are some common challenges faced by ocean acoustics professionals when collecting and analyzing underwater sound data?

Ocean acoustics professionals often encounter challenges such as dealing with background noise from ships or marine life, equipment malfunctions in harsh ocean environments, and the complexity of interpreting acoustic signals affected by changing water conditions. Data collection can be impacted by weather, currents, and logistical constraints related to deploying and retrieving instruments. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including marine biologists and engineers, is essential for addressing these challenges and ensuring accurate data analysis.

What is the difference between Ocean Acoustics vs Marine Acoustic Engineer?

AspectOcean AcousticsMarine Acoustic Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Acoustics, Oceanography, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Marine Engineering, Acoustics, or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, ocean observatories, field deploymentsShipboard, offshore platforms, research vessels
Industry UsageStudying sound propagation in oceans, marine life, submarine detectionDesigning and testing marine acoustic systems, sonar equipment

Ocean Acoustics focuses on understanding sound behavior in the ocean environment, while Marine Acoustic Engineers apply this knowledge to develop and optimize marine sonar and communication systems. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in their primary focus and work settings.

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Ocean Acoustics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ocean Acoustics job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,007 per year, or $35.1 per hour.

Principal Ocean Systems Engineer Communications with Security Clearance

Wallach Search Group

Groton, CT • On-site

Other

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Location: Groton, CT We are looking for a highly motivated Principal Ocean Systems Engineer to join our Groton (CT) or Concord (MA) teams. Successful candidates will have a BS/MS/PhD degree in electrical, ocean, or mechanical engineering, acoustics or related field with a focus in maritime systems development . Professional experience of 7+ years in DoD or related industry is preferred, but not required for highly qualified candidates. Successful applicants will support the development of state-of-the-art sonar and communication systems for autonomous underwater vehicles, undersea systems, and other marine applications. Knowledge of acoustic communications, underwater sensors and transducers, electronics design, array processing, underwater acoustic propagation modeling, detection and estimation, embedded systems, and data acquisition a plus. Experience in the following related fields is also highly desired: RF communications, robotics, sonar systems, and signal processing. Responsibilities: • Design and development of innovative maritime systems (50%)
• Project leadership (25%)
• Proposal writing, marketing, and new business captures (25%) Required Attributes and Skills: • BS/MS/PhD in electrical/ocean/mechanical engineering, acoustics, or related field
• Subject matter expertise in one or more of the following: digital communications, maritime hardware design and prototyping, robotics, and acoustic signal processing
• Experience with marine hardware or system design (sensor arrays, data acquisition, low power embedded processors, batteries, power amplifiers, transducers, subsea cables and connectors)
• Experience as a project lead
• Working knowledge of digital and analog circuits
• Exceptional communication skills (written and oral) to lead meetings and prepare written briefs for internal reviews and with customers
• Experience fielding systems, running prototype demonstrations, post processing data to determine system performance, and creating presentation materials to debrief customer
• Expert Matlab programming skills Desired Attributes and Skills: • Experience writing proposals and leading new business captures • Several years’ experience developing and/or designing sonar and/or communications systems
• Experience as principal investigator working on R&D programs for DARPA, ONR, NAVSEA, or other similar DoD customers
• Experience designing electronic/software systems for maritime systems (buoys, UxVs, moorings, submarines)
• Experience with C/C++ and Linux programming skills
• Prior experience with underwater propagation models and/or simulation of wireless communication channels to be used for system performance characterization
• Prior experience with acoustic modems (design or use-of)
• Experience designing/implementing algorithms for adaptive equalization • Experience with DoD approved data encryption devices, anti-tamper, and information assurance
• Prior experience in design and development of underwater acoustic sensors
• Prior experience creating technical content for new products, ideas, or other business development pursuits
• Experience presenting at technical conferences An immediate full-time position is open at the following locations:
• Groton CT / Pawcatuck CT (preferred location)
• Concord MA Candidates must possess or be able to obtain a DoD security clearance.

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