Spec sheet

Automatically summarized from the employer’s posting. Check the original description below for full requirements.

Physics

Undersea Acoustic Communications Engineer at Johns Hopkins APL in Laurel, MD, focuses on modeling and evaluating underwater acoustic communication systems. Role involves building physics-based and signal-level models for waveform design and system analysis.

$100,000–$245,000 / year · Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Acoustics, Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Applied Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or...

Required

digital communications
signal processing
acoustics
MATLAB
Python
modeling
simulations
scientific computing

Preferred

Master’s or PhD
underwater acoustic communications
sonar
acoustic signal processing
detection
modulation/demodulation
channel estimation
acoustic propagation modeling

Benefits

medical
retirement
PTO
education assistance

Employer description

Description

Are you an expert in combining wave physics with signal processing and scientific computing to solve complex real-world problems?

Are you searching for an opportunity to apply your skills in a creative and collaborative environment?

If so, we’re looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking an acoustic communications engineer or scientist to join a multidisciplinary team developing and evaluating undersea acoustic communication systems. As a member of our team, you will contribute to advancing U.S. Navy capabilities through underwater acoustic communications systems performance prediction and evaluation. You will develop physics-based and signal-level models to support the design and analysis of communication waveforms, algorithms, sensors, and system architectures operating in challenging underwater environments.

As an Undersea Acoustic Communications Engineer, you will …

Develop and apply models of underwater acoustic communication and end-to-end system performance Conduct trade studies and sensitivity analyses involving channel conditions, hardware limitations, and design parameters Analyze laboratory and field-test data and compare measurements with model predictions Evaluate and develop new waveforms and processing techniques Collaborate with experimental, acoustics, signal-processing, and systems-engineering teamsDocument and communicate technical methods, results, and recommendations
Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you…

Have a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Acoustics, Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Applied Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related fieldHave knowledge of digital communications, signal processing, acoustics, or a related areaHave experience developing models, simulations, algorithms, or scientific computing applicationsAre proficient in MATLAB, Python, or a comparable scientific programming languageAre able to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary teamAre able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you…

Possess a Master’s or PhD degree in a relevant disciplineHave experience with underwater acoustic communications, sonar, or acoustic signal processingHave experience with detection, modulation/demodulation, or channel estimationHave knowledge or experience with acoustic propagation modelingHave experience collecting or analyzing acoustic communications test data
About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [email protected].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually
Are you an expert in combining wave physics with signal processing and scientific computing to solve complex real-world problems?

Are you searching for an opportunity to apply your skills in a creative and collaborative environment?

If so, we’re looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking an acoustic communications engineer or scientist to join a multidisciplinary team developing and evaluating undersea acoustic communication systems. As a member of our team, you will contribute to advancing U.S. Navy capabilities through underwater acoustic communications systems performance prediction and evaluation. You will develop physics-based and signal-level models to support the design and analysis of communication waveforms, algorithms, sensors, and system architectures operating in challenging underwater environments.

As an Undersea Acoustic Communications Engineer, you will …

Develop and apply models of underwater acoustic communication and end-to-end system performance Conduct trade studies and sensitivity analyses involving channel conditions, hardware limitations, and design parameters Analyze laboratory and field-test data and compare measurements with model predictions Evaluate and develop new waveforms and processing techniques Collaborate with experimental, acoustics, signal-processing, and systems-engineering teamsDocument and communicate technical methods, results, and recommendations
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you…

Have a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Acoustics, Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Applied Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related fieldHave knowledge of digital communications, signal processing, acoustics, or a related areaHave experience developing models, simulations, algorithms, or scientific computing applicationsAre proficient in MATLAB, Python, or a comparable scientific programming languageAre able to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary teamAre able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you…

Possess a Master’s or PhD degree in a relevant disciplineHave experience with underwater acoustic communications, sonar, or acoustic signal processingHave experience with detection, modulation/demodulation, or channel estimationHave knowledge or experience with acoustic propagation modelingHave experience collecting or analyzing acoustic communications test data