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Sonar Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Develop embedded software in support of sonar and anti-submarine warfare systems within a cross-functional engineering team. * Design and implement models and algorithms in MATLAB and C/C to enhance ...

Technical Writer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Technical Writer Required Skills: • Extensive experience and top-level qualifications with BQQ-10 sonar operations. Technical Writer Highly Desirable Skills: • Experience performing maintenance ...

DevOps Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$53.25 - $73/hr

Aware of scan tools (SONAR, Fortify Scan etc) * Experience in groovy and python scripts * Experience in automating the process * Created monitors, alarms and notifications for EC2 hosts using Cloud ...

Translate complex undersea acoustic and sonar algorithms into efficient, production-quality C/C++ and Python code. * Analyze and profile system performance, identifying bottlenecks and implementing ...

Translate complex undersea acoustic and sonar algorithms into efficient, production-quality C/C++ and Python code. * Analyze and profile system performance, identifying bottlenecks and implementing ...

Submarine Acoustic Analyst

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$80K - $128K/yr

This is an excellent opportunity for a USN Sonar Technician (STS or STG) to apply his Navy experience and continue supporting the deploying submarine fleet. * The successful candidate will process ...

This is an excellent opportunity for a USN Sonar Technician (STS or STG) to apply his Navy experience and continue supporting the deploying submarine fleet. * The successful candidate will process ...

This is an excellent opportunity for a USN Sonar Technician (STS or STG) to apply his Navy experience and continue supporting the deploying submarine fleet. * The successful candidate will process ...

This is an excellent opportunity for a USN Sonar Technician (STS or STG) to apply his Navy experience and continue supporting the deploying submarine fleet. * The successful candidate will process ...

Submarine Acoustic Analyst

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$80K - $128K/yr

This is an excellent opportunity for a USN Sonar Technician (STS or STG) to apply his Navy experience and continue supporting the deploying submarine fleet. * The successful candidate will process ...

This is an excellent opportunity for a USN Sonar Technician (STS or STG) to apply his Navy experience and continue supporting the deploying submarine fleet. * The successful candidate will process ...

Selenium Automation Tester - Herndon VA

Herndon, VA · On-site

$47.25 - $62.50/hr

... Sonar, and Jenkins • Experience working in Angular, Python, Java/JEE, JPA/Hibernate, Web services (REST), SQL • Experience developing automated tests using or executing on AWS and Docker ...

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Sonar information

See Reston, VA salary details

$16

$23

$30

How much do sonar jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 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:

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.

Program Manager/Project Analyst - Submarine Sonar Systems with Security Clearance

SPA

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Support the Submarine Acoustic Systems Program Office by providing management expertise to oversee undersea weapon system research, technology initiatives, and development activities.

  • Assist government program managers in developing, managing, and evaluating weapon system requirements, acquisition documentation, contractual deliverables, and supporting system design and development milestones.

  • Support planning, programming, budgeting, and execution (PPBE) processes by developing fiscal estimates, tracking budgets, funding obligations, and executing Earned Value Management System.


Job description

Overview Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter . Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted. The Undersea Technology Portfolio, within SPA's Sea, Land, & Air Division, conducts rigorous and objective analyses to enable the Navy and other DoD organizations to make decisions, plans, and strategies to deliver emerging technologies and warfighting capabilities. We support clients across the undersea, naval special warfare, and expeditionary warfare enterprises, including those within resourcing and requirements, acquisition, and science and technology. SPA has a future need for a Program Manager or Senior Project Analyst. Responsibilities The candidate will support the Submarine Acoustic Systems Program Office and act as a program manager or project analyst. The candidate will provide management expertise to government Program or Project Managers who oversee Undersea Acoustic Systems. The candidate will: * Provide Undersea Weapon System subject matter expertise to NAVSEA affiliated PEOs and program managers for selected appropriated programs. * Assist in managing, overseeing, and executing research and technology initiatives and weapon system development. * Assist government program managers in developing and managing weapon system requirements and acquisition documentation and program actions. * Support government program managers in developing, managing, and evaluating contractual documentation and deliverables from the prime system integrator in support of system design and development acquisition milestones. * Assist in planning, programming, budgeting, and execution (PPBE) for undersea warfare systems. This includes assisting in developing fiscal estimates, exhibits, documents, briefs and schedules to satisfy the PPBE process. * Track budgets, spend plans, funding obligation and execution, and other programmatic needs. Coordinate with stakeholders as directed to obtain funding data, resolve issues, identify discrepancies, and produce reports related to budget status. Execute Earned Value Management System. Qualifications Required Qualifications: * 15 years' experience in program/project management * Bachelor's level degree in any technical or managerial discipline * 15 or more years of experience in the overall planning, direction and execution of major ship/submarine maintenance programs, systems development efforts, and research or technology initiatives * Knowledge of Program Management, including the acquisition process, budgeting process, and financial tracking (Earned Value Management (EVM) and other metrics), funding execution, and the contracting process * Experience drafting program, financial and acquisition planning documentation to support planning and execution * Experience with quantitative, programmatic and technical fact-finding in the generation of various technical data * Demonstrated leadership and strong communication and customer management skills * Supervisory Experience * Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office products, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel * Active Secret Security DoD clearance Desired Qualifications: * Relevant experience in Navy/NAVSEA/Team Sub acquisition or in-service programs that includes leading programs or projects and interfacing with an end item customer * Experience with BQQ-10, Arrays, Sonar, Towed Arrays, TB-16, TB-23, TB-29, TB-33, ARCI highly desired * Relevant experience on Navy Sonar/radar, Combat System, Training System, Electronic Warfare or Imaging System, or on other Undersea Warfare programs SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. VA Pay Transparency Range: $130k - $170k. Pay Range Information At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $130,000.00/Yr. - USD $170,000.00/Yr.