Senior Principal Acoustic Engineer

Company Overview

Sentient Digital, Inc. (SDi) is an engineering and technology company specializing in undersea warfare and maritime security solutions. With expertise spanning acoustics, digital signal processing, and mission systems integration, SDi develops proprietary products and provides deep engineering expertise that address the most complex challenges facing defense and security customers. Headquartered in Brunswick, Maine, SDi serves customers across the Department of Defense and allied nations.

Description

We are seeking an exceptionally experienced Senior Principal Acoustic Engineer to serve as a recognized subject matter expert in underwater acoustics and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) systems. This senior technical leadership role demands a career-long track record of direct contributions to U.S. Navy ASW programs, including sonar development, acoustic signature management, acoustic intelligence (ACINT), and undersea surveillance systems. The ideal candidate has spent decades supporting Navy acquisition, in-service support, and operational ASW capabilities across platforms such as submarines, surface combatants, maritime patrol aircraft, and fixed/towed arrays.

As a senior principal-level engineer, you will provide authoritative technical guidance, mentor high-performing teams, resolve complex acoustic challenges, and shape future Navy ASW architectures.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the principal technical authority on underwater acoustic phenomena, sonar performance modeling, acoustic propagation, target strength, noise reduction, and ASW sensor effectiveness across multiple Navy platforms.
• Lead or provide senior oversight for acoustic design, analysis, testing, and evaluation of advanced sonar systems, including hull-mounted, towed, variable-depth, and air-deployed arrays.
• Conduct in-depth acoustic signature management studies for submarine quieting, platform stealth, and counter-detection risk reduction.
• Perform modeling and simulation of acoustic environments using tools such as CASS/GRAB, Bellhop, or equivalent Navy-standard propagation and performance prediction models.
• Support Navy acquisition programs through requirements definition, technical performance measures (TPM), risk assessments, trade studies, and milestone reviews (e.g., PDR/CDR).
• Interface directly with senior Navy stakeholders (e.g., NAVSEA, OPNAV, fleet commands, warfare centers) to provide expert briefings, resolve technical issues, and recommend ASW capability improvements.
• Mentor mid-level and senior engineers in underwater acoustics principles, ASW tactics, and program execution best practices.
• Contribute to acoustic intelligence (ACINT) analysis, including acoustic classification, tactical oceanography, and integration with non-acoustic sensors.
• Oversee or participate in at-sea testing, data collection, and post-mission analysis for ASW systems.
• Drive innovation in emerging areas such as distributed acoustic sensing, machine learning for acoustic signal processing, and multi-domain ASW integration.
• Ensure compliance with DoD/Navy standards, security protocols, and export controls.

Required Qualifications

• Extensive career (30\+ years) directly supporting U.S. Navy ASW programs, with demonstrated impact across multiple decades of submarine, surface, or airborne ASW systems development and sustainment.
• Deep expertise in underwater acoustics, sonar engineering, and ASW applications, including experience with programs such as Virginia Class, Seawolf, Los Angeles Class, SURTASS, IUSS, P-8A Poseidon, or similar.
• Bachelor's degree (Master's or PhD preferred) in Acoustics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline with a strong focus on acoustics/vibration.
• Proven track record as a subject matter expert (SME) in acoustic modeling, signal processing, array design, or platform acoustic quieting.
• Familiarity with Navy acquisition processes, in-service engineering support, and interaction with Team Submarine / PMS organizations.
• Active or recent DoD security clearance (Secret or higher); TS/SCI eligibility strongly preferred.
• U.S. citizenship required.

Additional Information

Candidates must be willing to submit to a background check prior to employment.

Physical requirements for this position include the ability to lift 25 pounds regularly, the ability to move safely in confined spaces, the ability to wear personal protective gear correctly when needed, the ability to go onsite to company and customer worksites, the ability to remain seated for extended periods of time, the ability to use a computer keyboard, and the ability to see and respond to dangerous situations when needed.

Sentient Digital, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.