Acoustic Engineer IV

Sparton is an innovative defense contractor headquartered in DeLeon Springs, Florida, with a rich heritage dating back to 1900. Renowned for our exceptional manufacturing capabilities, we specialize in producing high-quality sonobuoys critical to the United States' undersea warfare arsenal, enhancing national security against current and future adversaries. But we are more than manufacturers; we are problem solvers. Our team of dedicated engineers and skilled professionals' tackles some of the most challenging issues in defense technology. Our expertise includes advanced research systems, maritime solutions, sophisticated sensor technologies and payload delivery capabilities.

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. This role is ideal for a creative problem solver who enjoys full-lifecycle ownership-from concept development to prototype build, manufacturing support, and government-range testing. You will work independently and as a technical leader within a multidisciplinary team, helping define approaches that solve some of Sparton's most challenging acoustic problems.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Design & Development

• 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 & Prototyping

• Model, simulate, build, and test complex acoustic transducers.
• Independently build or direct prototype fabrication for verification and qualification testing.
• 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.

Testing & Integration

• 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.

Project & Team Leadership

• 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.
• Safety & Compliance
• Ensure all engineering and manufacturing activities comply with Federal, State, Provincial, and Company safety and health regulations.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment when required.

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
• The physical demands describe here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. This job operates in a professional office environment and a manufacturing environment. The employee may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to a variety of extreme conditions in the plant. The noise level in the work environment may be loud.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, talk, and communicate, use hands/finger, feel, and reach with arms. This position requires the ability to lift, bend or stoop as necessary up to 20 lbs.

Benefits Highlights

• Healthcare
• Robust medical, dental, vision, & disability coverage.
• Healthcare concierge to help you navigate your benefit selections.
• Virtual health solutions for physical therapy, menopause, and diabetes.
• Company paid Basic Life Insurance. Additional Life & AD&D Insurances are available.
• On-site wellness clinic.

Paid Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• 401k program to plan for your future with company match 75% up to 8%, plus a 1% company contribution.
• Company Paid Time Off (Vacation and Sick).
• Paid parental leave.
• Adoption assistance.
• Fertility and family building assistance.

Additional Benefits.

• Flexible work schedules available based on position:
• 9/80 schedule providing every other Friday off
• 4/10s, Monday through Thursday
• 3/12s, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
• Lifestyle spending account.
• Perks at work.
• Generous employee referral program.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Voluntary benefits available: longer term care, legal, identity theft, pet insurance, and many more options.
• Voluntary Tricare supplement available for military retirees.
• Prescription safety eyewear program.

These are highlights of Elbit America benefits. If there is a conflict with these highlights, company policy or benefits plan documents shall govern. Benefits are subject to change.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Disclaimer

This job description does not list all the duties of the job. You may be asked by your supervisors or managers to perform other duties. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not a contract for employment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

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