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Underwater Acoustics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Peraton

Underwater Acoustics Engineer

West Bethesda, MD

$104K - $166K/yr

Responsibilities Peraton is seeking an Underwater Acoustics Engineer to work directly with our Navy customers on developing and maintaining R&D and in-service electro-mechanical systems for naval ...

Peraton

Underwater Acoustics Engineer

West Bethesda, MD

$104K - $166K/yr

Responsibilities Peraton is seeking an Underwater Acoustics Engineer to work directly with our Navy customers on developing and maintaining R&D and in-service electro-mechanical systems for naval ...

Sparton Corporation

Sparton is seeking an experienced Underwater Acoustics Engineer to lead the design, modeling, and testing of advanced underwater transducers and sensing systems used in critical defense applications.

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How much do underwater acoustics jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for underwater acoustics in the United States is $96,917.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,500.00 and $151,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To excel in Underwater Acoustics, you need a strong background in physics, mathematics, oceanography, and engineering, typically supported by a relevant degree such as electrical engineering, marine science, or acoustical engineering. Experience with specialized software for acoustic modeling and signal processing, as well as familiarity with oceanographic instrumentation and data acquisition systems, is often required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and teamwork skills help professionals interpret complex data and coordinate with diverse project teams. These abilities are essential for delivering accurate analyses, solving practical challenges, and successfully supporting research or commercial projects in marine environments.

What are the typical daily responsibilities in an underwater acoustics role?

Professionals in Underwater Acoustics often spend their days conducting data analysis on acoustic signals collected from underwater equipment, designing and testing acoustic sensors, and developing models to interpret sound propagation in marine environments. They collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including oceanographers, engineers, and environmental scientists, to develop solutions for challenges such as underwater communication or marine wildlife monitoring. Fieldwork may involve deploying and calibrating equipment at sea, followed by detailed reporting and presentation of findings to stakeholders. Continuous learning and adapting to new technologies are also integral parts of the role, making every day both challenging and intellectually rewarding.

What is underwater acoustics?

An Underwater Acoustics job involves studying and applying sound propagation underwater for various purposes, such as marine research, defense, and industrial applications. Professionals in this field analyze how sound waves travel through water to detect objects, map ocean floors, and monitor marine life. They often work with sonar systems, underwater communication technologies, and noise pollution analysis. Career opportunities exist in government agencies, private research firms, and environmental organizations. A background in physics, engineering, or marine science is typically required.

More about Underwater Acoustics jobs
What cities are hiring for Underwater Acoustics jobs? Cities with the most Underwater Acoustics job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Underwater Acoustics jobs? The most popular types of Underwater Acoustics jobs are:
What states have the most Underwater Acoustics jobs? States with the most job openings for Underwater Acoustics jobs include:
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Underwater Acoustics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Underwater Acoustics job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,917 per year, or $46.6 per hour.

Underwater Acoustics Engineer

Peraton

West Bethesda, MD

$104K - $166K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

46th of 221 rated it services

Job description

Responsibilities

Peraton is seeking an Underwater Acoustics Engineer to work directly with our Navy customers on developing and maintaining R&D and in-service electro-mechanical systems for naval applications.  This position will be located on-site in Bethesda, MD.

What you'll do:

  • Work within a government-contractor team in the execution of the overall engineering, test, and analysis of hull, mechanical, and electrical (HM&E) systems.
  • Support the assigned project or programs through numerical modeling, acquisition, signal processing, analysis and reporting of acoustic and vibration data.
  • Provide engineering proficiency in the evaluation of acoustic and vibration data using MATLAB software for data acquisition, post processing and reporting of results.
  • Work with PCs as well as embedded architectures running Windows and Linux operating system and using program languages including MATLAB, LabVIEW, and C++/C#.
  • Responsible for developing and recommending technical solutions to acoustic signal processing challenges with limited guidance, working within the constraints of existing architectures.
Qualifications

What you'll need:

  • Education:  2 years experience with a Bachelors in Electrical, Mechanical Engineering (or closely related degree) required
  • Clearance:  Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain an interim DoD Secret clearance prior to hiring
  • Experience with the theories and concepts of underwater acoustics, including and understanding of the physics of acoustic transmission, measurement and associated analysis techniques
Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary Range$104,000 - $166,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.EEOEEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017

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