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Sonar Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sonalysts, Inc. is seeking an experienced submarine SONAR operator to help the Navy shape acquisition identify and advance new capabilities based on their understanding of at-sea operations. The ...

Submarine Sonar Analyst

Waterford, CT · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

Sonalysts, Inc. is seeking an experienced submarine SONAR operator to help the Navy shape acquisition identify and advance new capabilities based on their understanding of at-sea operations. The ...

Sonalysts, Inc. is seeking an experienced submarine SONAR operator to help the Navy shape acquisition identify and advance new capabilities based on their understanding of at-sea operations. The ...

Qualified Advanced SONAR operator Service Contract Act (SCA) Compensation & Benefits: This is an hourly, overtime-eligible position that falls under the Service Contract Act (SCA). In accordance with ...

New

Qualified Advanced SONAR operator Service Contract Act (SCA) Compensation & Benefits: This is an hourly, overtime-eligible position that falls under the Service Contract Act (SCA). In accordance with ...

New

Partner Program Manager

Austin, TX

$127.90K - $165.50K/yr

Sonar is driving the future of agent-centric software development. As the leader in AI code review ... Role Overview As our Partner Program Manager, you will be the architect and operator of the ...

Partner Program Manager

Austin, TX · On-site

$127.90K - $165.50K/yr

Sonar is driving the future of agent-centric software development. As the leader in AI code review ... Role Overview As our Partner Program Manager, you will be the architect and operator of the ...

Partner Program Manager

Austin, TX · On-site

$127.90K - $165.50K/yr

Sonar is driving the future of agent-centric software development. As the leader in AI code review ... Role Overview As our Partner Program Manager, you will be the architect and operator of the ...

Partner Program Manager

Austin, TX

$127.90K - $165.50K/yr

Sonar is driving the future of agent-centric software development. As the leader in AI code review ... Role Overview As our Partner Program Manager, you will be the architect and operator of the ...

... shape the operating model for what an elevated HRBP role looks like at Sonar this year and beyond. What you will do * Partner with GTM leaders as a strategic thought partner on org design ...

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Sonar Operator information

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How much do sonar operator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for sonar operator in the United States is $18.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sonar Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sonar Operator, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and typically a background in electronics or acoustics, often obtained through military training or relevant technical courses. Familiarity with sonar systems, signal processing software, and navigation tools is essential for accurately interpreting underwater data. Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help Sonar Operators relay information efficiently and respond to rapidly changing situations. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of maritime operations where accurate detection and interpretation of sonar data are vital.

What are some common challenges faced by Sonar Operators when working on a team during maritime operations?

Sonar Operators often work in high-pressure environments where accurate and timely information is critical for navigation, detection, and safety. A common challenge is maintaining clear communication with bridge officers and other technical crew members, especially during complex missions or adverse weather conditions. Additionally, interpreting sonar data in real-time can be demanding, requiring strong attention to detail and the ability to quickly adapt to changing underwater conditions. Effective teamwork and regular training help Sonar Operators overcome these challenges and ensure mission success.

What are sonar operators?

Sonar operators are specialized personnel, typically in the navy or maritime industries, who use sonar (Sound Navigation and Ranging) systems to detect, identify, and track objects underwater. Their primary duties include interpreting sonar signals, distinguishing between different types of underwater contacts, and relaying vital information to commanders or navigation teams. Sonar operators play a crucial role in submarine detection, navigation safety, and search-and-rescue operations. They often work in challenging environments and must have strong attention to detail, technical skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

What is the difference between Sonar Operator vs Underwater Drone Operator?

AspectSonar OperatorUnderwater Drone Operator
CredentialsTypically requires sonar certification or training, technical knowledge of sonar systemsRequires drone operation certification, familiarity with underwater robotics
Work EnvironmentMarine vessels, offshore platforms, research vesselsControlled environments, underwater or surface water bodies, remote locations
Industry UsageMaritime, defense, research, oil & gasResearch, inspection, environmental monitoring, underwater exploration

Sonar Operators and Underwater Drone Operators both work in marine environments and require technical certifications. While Sonar Operators focus on sonar systems for detection and mapping, Underwater Drone Operators control remotely operated vehicles for exploration and inspection. Both roles are essential in maritime industries but differ in equipment and specific tasks.

More about Sonar Operator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Sonar Operator jobs? The most popular types of Sonar Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Sonar Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Sonar Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Sonar Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,401 per year, or $18.5 per hour.
Submarine Sonar Analyst

$90K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Sonalysts, Inc. is seeking an experienced submarine SONAR operator to help the Navy shape acquisition identify and advance new capabilities based on their understanding of at-sea operations. The successful candidate will be a key contributor to the development of innovative technologies and prototype projects that will expand the capabilities of the submarine force and the Navy at large. The position requires 100% on-site work in Waterford, CT.

Who are we:

Sonalysts, Inc. is a small, 100% employee owned business (ESOP) which supports a very diverse set of customers. While the company was originally founded in 1973 with a focus on sonar analysis (hence the name) for the Navy, Sonalysts has since expanded into a variety of other Defense and Commercial spaces.  With current contracts supporting the Navy, Air Force, and Army and many other customers, Sonalysts relies on the skills and knowledge of its employee owners to help solve the Department of Defense's most challenging problems while providing the best benefit to our customers.  Ranging from retired service members from all branches of the military, to professionals with a wide mix of different commercial and technical backgrounds, Sonalysts has a diverse and capable workforce.  From software development, to operations analysis, engineering, wargaming, targeted knowledge elicitation, or large group facilitation - Sonalysts is capable of meeting any challenge.

By utilizing a small central corporate structure, coupled with a largely de-centralized approach to project management, Sonalysts is competitive with larger Defense Contractors while remaining agile and entrepreneurial at heart to provide rapid and innovative responses to customer requests. This allows our employee-owners to lead and support existing projects and to get involved with developing new business and winning new work.   If you are looking for a way to use your technical or operational knowledge to support solving challenging problems for the military while being afforded the flexibility and empowerment of being a contractor or potential future leader in a small business, then Sonalysts may be the place for you.

What you will be doing:

  • Work on interesting and challenging analysis, research, development, and acquisition projects such as:
    • Advanced SONAR algorithm development
    • Labeling real-world SONAR data for artificial intelligence/machine learning use
  • Serve as a liaison between active duty submariners and engineers on new acquisition programs
  • Use analytical and problem-solving skills to help inform government program decisions
  • Support industry and/or government teams in the transition of concepts to prototypes to fleet release
  • Leverage previous operational experience to support government engineering teams in the development of new technologies

 The Opportunities of Employee-Ownership

  • Providing important support to various projects and key systems across the company.
  • Salary ranges between $90,000-$125,000, dependent on experience, qualifications and other relevant business criteria.  
  • Becoming an integral part of an innovative employee-owned company which includes:
    • Flexible Time Program enabling an optimal work-life balance by permitting partners to arrange their work around personal appointments, parent-teacher conferences, children's activities and the like, so long as the partner gets the job done on-time.
    • Paid Time Off
    • 401(k) Plan with company match
    • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
    • Sales Bonus Program
    • Special Performance and Retention Bonus Program
    • Health and Dental Insurance
    • Dependent Care Assistance Plan
    • Health Care Reimbursement Plan
    • Employee Referral Bonus Program
    • Professional Development through Tuition Reimbursement Program, Online Training Program and Targeted Skills Program
    • Relocation Assistance to Southeastern Connecticut, to be in the vicinity of our Waterford, CT headquarters. Southeastern Connecticut offers unlimited waterfront access from restaurants to parks, beaches and downtown areas, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, thrilling nightlife entertainment, fascinating history, and abundance of farms and vineyards with offerings of markets and farm-to-table dinners and is conveniently located at the mid-way point of Boston and New York City and within an hour drive of three major commercial airports.  Visit Southeastern Connecticut for the famous lobster rolls, apple cider and steamed cheeseburgers and stay for the highly ranked schools, low crime rates and abundance of attractions.

Required Qualifications:

  • U.S. Citizen, possessing an active Department of Defense SECRET security clearance*
  • At least 3 years of experience as a submarine SONAR supervisor

Strongly Desired Experience/Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in mathematics, engineering, operations research, or an applied science
  • Experience in applying advanced analytical techniques to solve complex problems

*Maintaining a U.S. Government security clearance involves a comprehensive background check. Candidates are eligible for a clearance if they have demonstrated sound financial management (including good credit) over time, are free of criminal records, have limited foreign contacts or ties, and other factors indicative of a position of trust to protect information sensitive to the U.S. Government. 

Sonalysts, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of, race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, disability, or other basis protected by law.

This job is not available to residents of New York City because of local law restrictions there.

Drug Testing Employer

www.sonalysts.com

Employment Type: FULL_TIME