Acoustic Engineer IV
Job Summary
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.
Key Responsibilities
Design underwater hydrophones and active/passive transducers using cylindrical ceramics, flexural disks, cantilever beams, geophones, and related technologies.
Perform analysis and simulation using MATLAB, Python, COMSOL, ANSYS, or equivalent FEA tools.
Develop engineering drawings, documentation, and specifications for manufacturing.
Modify and enhance existing acoustic subsystems to support new designs or improve performance.
Evaluate materials for acoustic behavior, durability, and chemical compatibility.
Build and prototype complex acoustic transducers.
Identify and resolve issues related to process, materials, or design; recommend enhancements and cost-reduction opportunities.
Initiate Engineering Change Notices and support manufacturing refinement for both low-rate and high-rate production.
Conduct or lead in-house and remote acoustic tests, including TVR, TPR, and beam pattern characterization.
Develop test plans, procedures, and detailed reports for government facility test events.
Apply risk assessment, failure analysis, and root-cause analysis to improve reliability and performance.
Support customer demonstrations and government testing activities.
Serve as a key technical contributor within a multidisciplinary engineering team.
May lead projects, including coordination of resources, schedules, and technical assignments.
Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to engineers, technicians, and manufacturing staff.
Support bid and proposal efforts, including technical writing and proof-of-concept development.
Maintain accurate engineering records and follow all Sparton processes and procedures.
Ensure all engineering and manufacturing activities comply with Federal, State, Provincial, and Company safety and health regulations.
Required Education & Experience
MSEE, BSME, MSAE, BS Physics or similar; PhD in acoustics/sonar/ultrasonics preferred.
Minimum of ten years of relevant experience in underwater acoustics or transducer design.
Strong theoretical foundation paired with hands-on experience in electronic design, modeling, analysis, and testing.
Skills & Qualifications
US Citizenship required; ability to obtain DoD Secret Clearance (existing clearance is a plus).
Experience designing acoustic architectures for complex underwater systems, particularly military sonar.
Demonstrated expertise in designing, fabricating, testing, and qualifying underwater hydrophones and transducers.
Proficient with FEA tools such as COMSOL, ANSYS, and/or OnScale (PzFlex).
Strong MATLAB and/or Python simulation skills.
Knowledge of piezoelectric materials and their applications.
Experience with potting materials (epoxies, urethanes) and hands-on assembly of acoustic systems.
Preferred
Experience with shock and vibration testing or designing for flow noise environments.
Strong documentation, technical writing, and proposal development skills.
High initiative, self-directed work style, and ability to lead complex technical efforts.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.
Travel/Physical Requirements
Minimal travel requirement.
Frequent sitting, standing, talking, communicating, using hands/fingers, feeling, and reaching with arms.
Occasional lifting, bending, or stooping up to 20 lbs.
Benefits Highlights
Healthcare: Robust medical, dental, vision, & disability coverage; virtual health solutions; company-paid basic life insurance; additional life & AD&D insurances; wellness clinic; 401k program with company match; and tuition reimbursement.
Additional Benefits: lifestyle spending account; generous employee referral program; prescription safety eyewear program; and voluntary benefits like longer-term care, legal, identity theft, pet insurance, and fertility assistance.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled Disclaimer: This job description does not list all duties of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.