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Sonar Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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Sonar information

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$16

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How much do sonar jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for sonar in Reston, VA is $23.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.24 and $25.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sonar?

A Sonar job typically involves operating and maintaining sonar equipment to detect, analyze, and interpret underwater objects or terrain. Professionals in this role may work in the military, marine research, or commercial industries, using sonar technology for navigation, communication, or search and rescue operations. They analyze sonar data, ensure equipment functionality, and collaborate with teams to provide accurate underwater mapping or threat detection. Strong technical skills and knowledge of acoustics and signal processing are often required.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the sonar position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sonar Operator, you need a solid foundation in acoustics, mathematics, and navigation, often gained through military or technical training. Familiarity with sonar systems, computer-based signal analysis tools, and, in some cases, specialized certifications like the Navy's Sonar Technician rating are important. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication skills set high performers apart. These skills are crucial for accurately interpreting sonar data, ensuring vessel safety, and collaborating effectively in high-pressure environments.

What are the typical challenges faced by sonar operators in their day-to-day work?

Sonar Operators often face the challenge of interpreting complex acoustic data in real time, which requires close concentration and the ability to distinguish relevant signals from background noise. Working in noisy, confined environments on ships or submarines can add to the demands of the role. Collaboration with navigation, engineering, and tactical teams is frequent and essential for mission success. Over time, operators develop specialized expertise that can lead to advanced roles in navigation, training, or marine research.

What does a sonar technician do?

A sonar technician operates and maintains sonar equipment used to detect underwater objects, navigate, and gather oceanographic data. They interpret sonar signals, troubleshoot technical issues, and often work in maritime or military environments, requiring technical skills and certifications in electronics or sonar systems.

What job categories do people searching Sonar jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Sonar jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Sonar jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Sonar job openings:

Sonar jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sonar job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,639 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Lead Electrical Engineer - Sonar Programs

General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc

Manassas, VA • On-site

$164K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago

General Dynamics Mission Systems rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

112th of 247 rated software companies

Job description

Basic Qualifications
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, or a related Science, Engineering, Technology or Mathematics field. Also requires 8+ years of job-related experience, or a Master's degree plus 6 years of job-related experience.
CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:: Must be able to obtain a Department of Defense Secret security clearance is required within a reasonable amount of time. . Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.
Responsibilities for this Position
General Dynamics Mission Systems is looking for a Lead Electrical Engineer for our Progeny Systems Business Area. As a lead member of a cross functional team, you will play a pivotal role in the design, development and maintenance of electronics for advanced acoustic systems, including active sonar transmission, acoustic sensor reception and processing, and next-generation technologies, making direct technical contributions that are critical to the success of our programs. Candidates must demonstrate recent, relevant technical expertise, team leadership experience and the ability to mentor junior engineers.
We encourage you to apply if you have several of these preferred skills or experiences:
  • FPGA and embedded systems development
  • Analog Signal Conditioning
  • Analog to Digital Converters
  • Digital and/or Networking electronics
  • Schematic and PCB design
  • Power electronics

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Act as lead electrical engineer and mentor junior engineers in various areas
  • Lead and perform detailed technical analyses for electrical systems to include concept, requirements, design, integration and life cycle maintenance
  • Lead and perform electrical requirements analysis, requirements definition, functional analysis, performance analysis, system design, detailed trade studies and interface definition studies of electrical elements
  • Lead and perform the generation, review and maintenance of electrical work products (i.e. plans, specifications, design documentation, schematics, drawings, etc.)
  • Lead and perform the generation of technical design and trade study documentation in support of proposal developments and customer presentations
  • Perform technical planning, cost and risk analyses, and supportability analysis for system electrical elements
  • Lead and perform design and analysis of analog and digital electronics including power, signal conditioning, analog-to-digital conversion, embedded processing and network communication applicable to acoustic hydrophone systems
  • Lead and perform hands-on tasks such as integration, testing, troubleshooting, and verification of electrical hardware
  • Develop test criteria and assist in the design of test systems including test software applications
  • Develop technical presentations, recommendations, and written communications to explain technical issues to program management and the customer
  • Work with development, system engineering, and production teams to accurately identify, characterize, resolve, document, and track hardware deficiencies
  • Track/Resolve end of life (EOL) issues by identifying components and defining suitable alternates, and/or by mitigating future risk in developing new designs
  • Troubleshoot - Be able to accurately define the problem, isolate the root cause, and identify solutions to fix and prevent recurrence

What you bring to the table:
  • Excellent team leadership and mentoring skills
  • A working knowledge of multiple electrical engineering disciplines, including FPGA and embedded systems, analog-to-digital conversion, power electronics, analog signal conditioning, digital and network electronics
  • The ability to effectively communicate technical matters to program management and internal/external stakeholders
  • Experience with requirements analysis, system/electrical design reviews and deliverables
  • Experience with system/electrical analyses, trade study development and technical proposal development
  • Experience with Electrical Computer-Aided Design (ECAD) and simulation tools
  • Proficiency in designing, developing and analyzing electronics for various applications
  • Expertise in use of electrical test equipment such as multimeters, power supplies, oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrum analyzers and impedance analyzers
  • Excellent troubleshooting skills

What sets you apart:
  • A working knowledge of Sonar and/or acoustic electronics applications
  • Expertise in FPGA and embedded systems development
  • A working knowledge of Digital Engineering concepts, processes and tools
  • Identifies opportunities to apply AI for continuous improvement and innovation

Our Commitment to You:
  • An exciting career path with opportunities for continuous learning and development.
  • Research oriented work, alongside award winning teams developing practical solutions for our nation's security
  • Flexible schedules with every other Friday off work, if desired (9/80 schedule)
  • Competitive benefits, including 401k matching, flex time off, paid parental leave, healthcare benefits, health & wellness programs, employee resource and social groups, and more
  • See more at gdmissionsystems.com/careers/why-work-for-us/benefits

Workplace Options:
This position is fully on-site.
While on-site, you will be a part of the Manassas, Virginia facility.
#LI-TM1
Salary Note
This estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled.
Combined Salary Range
USD $164,892.00 - USD $182,928.00 /Yr.
Company Overview
General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!
Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

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