ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Sonar Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Amentum

Sonar Test Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Join Amentum's Navy On-Site Team in Manassas, VA, as a Sonar Test Engineer. You'll play a critical role in the research, development, and maintenance of ARCI SONAR systems for both in-service and new ...

Amentum

Sonar Test Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Join Amentum's Navy On-Site Team in Manassas, VA, as a Sonar Test Engineer. You'll play a critical role in the research, development, and maintenance of ARCI SONAR systems for both in-service and new ...

Pae

Sonar Test Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

Join Amentum's Navy On-Site Team in Manassas, VA, as a Sonar Test Engineer. You'll play a critical role in the research, development, and maintenance of ARCI SONAR systems for both in-service and new ...

Amentum

Sonar Test Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

Join Amentum's Navy On-Site Team in Manassas, VA, as a Sonar Test Engineer. You'll play a critical role in the research, development, and maintenance of ARCI SONAR systems for both in-service and new ...

Amentum

Sonar Test Engineer-Manassas, Virginia

Opal, VA

$80K - $120K/yr

Join Amentum's Navy On-Site Team in Manassas, VA, as a Sonar Test Engineer. You'll play a critical role in the research, development, and maintenance of ARCI SONAR systems for both in-service and new ...

New

HII

$54K - $66K/yr

The Acoustics (Sonar) Engineering Technician role is a demanding position requiring in-depth technical expertise, a strong understanding of system requirements, and extensive experience with ...

HII

$54K - $66K/yr

The Acoustics (Sonar) Engineering Technician role is a demanding position requiring in-depth technical expertise, a strong understanding of system requirements, and extensive experience with ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSonar Engineer JobsSonar Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Sonar Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$35.2K

$108.6K

$168.5K

How much do sonar engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for sonar engineer in Virginia is $108,621.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,800.00 and $137,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Sonar Engineer do?

A Sonar Engineer designs, develops, and maintains sonar systems used for underwater detection, navigation, and communication. They work with acoustic signal processing, hardware integration, and software development to enhance sonar performance. Their role is critical in industries like defense, marine exploration, and offshore engineering, ensuring reliable underwater sensing and mapping.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sonar Engineer?

To thrive as a Sonar Engineer, you need a solid background in acoustics, electrical engineering, and signal processing, often backed by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with sonar simulation software, underwater measurement systems, and certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) or security clearance for defense projects are commonly required. Problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and strong communication skills are important soft skills for success in this role. These qualifications ensure you can design, implement, and troubleshoot sonar systems while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams on complex projects.

How much do sonar engineers make?

Sonar engineers typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced skills in signal processing, underwater acoustics, and certifications can lead to higher salaries, especially in defense or research sectors.

What is a sonar engineer?

A sonar engineer designs, develops, and maintains sonar systems used for underwater detection, navigation, and communication. They often work with acoustic signal processing, electronic hardware, and software tools, requiring knowledge of marine environments and engineering principles.

What are popular job titles related to Sonar Engineer jobs in Virginia?

For Sonar Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Sonar Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Sonar Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

Sonar Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sonar Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,621 per year, or $52.2 per hour.

Sonar Test Engineer

Amentum

Manassas, VA • On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Ready to support the fleet? This position requires on-site work in Manassas and occasional travel.
Join Amentum's Navy On-Site Team in Manassas, VA, as a Sonar Test Engineer. You'll play a critical role in the research, development, and maintenance of ARCI SONAR systems for both in-service and new-construction platforms.
The Role
Working alongside the team, you will define, execute, and analyze tests for complex electronic and mechanical sonar systems. You'll troubleshoot functional issues, ensure industry compliance, and eventually certify as a Sonar Test Director to oversee software longevity testing. This role is highly collaborative, agile, and involves shift work during key testing events.
Responsibilities:
  • Interacts with other engineering groups to define, document, analyze, perform, and interpret tests for products, systems, components, or modifications.
  • Identifies functional problems and suggests resolutions.
  • Defines internal quality control standards and the maintenance of reliability programs.
  • Conducts performance verification testing.
  • Documents and analyzes test cases and provides feedback and recommendations for product or design changes.
  • Ensures testing procedures comply with required industry specific standards.
  • Contributes to the development of improvements to overall testing and quality programs for improved results.
  • May coordinate with vendors or suppliers to modify or develop testing for components or other parts.
  • Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature.
  • Certify as Sonar Test Director to oversee and evaluate software longevity testing.
  • Event testing often demands shift work where evening and mid shifts will require support.

Minimum Qualifications and experience:
  • Must have an Active Secret US Government Clearance. Note: US Citizenship is required to maintain a Secret Clearance.
  • Education/Job-Related Experience: Bachelor's + 5 years' experience, OR Associate's + 9 years' experience, OR HS Diploma + 13 years' experience.
  • Technical Skills: Working knowledge of ARCI SONAR systems and integrated software.
  • Strong written and oral skills; proficient in MS Teams and collaborative tools.
  • Ability to investigate, troubleshoot and design solutions to problems in operational software and hardware
  • Qualify to setup and use various test support equipment
  • Bug/Defect Identification
  • Ability to work well in an agile and collaborative work environment
  • Perform Validation and Verification of Program Trouble Reports
  • Ability to travel as required
  • Ability to work on-site in an office environment
  • Ability to follow OSHA and Navy safety requirements including wearing personal protective equipment
  • Ability to support shift work (evening/mid) for event testing

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering
  • Deep understanding and knowledge of SONAR theory and Submarine SONAR operations.
  • Experience with JIRA, Confluence, MATLAB, and Linux.
  • Familiarity with Navy safety requirements and OSHA standards.

Compensation Details:
US:$80,000-$120,000
The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.
Benefits Overview:
Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
  • Educational reimbursement
  • Parental leave
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Tax-saving options
  • Disability and life insurance
  • Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.
Original Posting:
08/12/2026 - Until Filled
Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.
Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.

Apply