Principal Ocean Systems Engineer Communications

Groton, Connecticut

Job TypeDirect Hire

Confidential Opportunity

Principal Ocean Systems Engineer Communications

A confidential defense employer in Groton, Connecticut, seeks a Principal Ocean Systems Engineer to drive innovation in undersea communications and sonar systems. This full-time direct-hire role is an opportunity to shape next-generation maritime technology with a team that values technical leadership and mission impact.

Role Snapshot

CompanyConfidential Employer

LocationGroton, Connecticut, USA

IndustryDefense

CompensationDOE

Employment TypeFull Time/Direct Hire

Remote StatusNo Remote

Total Openings1

Work Experience7 years

Opportunity

Are you an experienced systems engineer ready to lead the charge in undersea communications? A confidential defense employer is searching for a Principal Ocean Systems Engineer to tackle the most challenging problems in maritime technology. This full-time position, based in Groton, Connecticut or Concord, Massachusetts, offers the chance to work on projects that directly support national security and push the boundaries of what is possible beneath the waves.

You will drive the creation of advanced sonar and communication systems for autonomous underwater vehicles and other maritime platforms. Your work will involve everything from conceptual design and hardware prototyping to field testing and performance analysis. This is not a desk job—you will be out on the water, validating your designs and seeing your ideas come to life. Each project you lead will directly shape the future of undersea warfare and protect those who serve.

The ideal candidate brings a graduate degree in engineering or a related field, along with deep expertise in digital communications, acoustic signal processing, or maritime hardware. You have led teams, written winning proposals, and delivered results for demanding DoD customers. Your MATLAB skills are expert-level, and you are no stranger to low-power embedded processors, sensor arrays, or transducers. You thrive on solving complex problems and can clearly communicate your vision to both technical and non-technical audiences.

This is your opportunity to join a team that values innovation, initiative, and impact. You will be entrusted with significant responsibility and given the resources to succeed. If you are a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain a security clearance and are ready to make waves in undersea technology, we want to hear from you. Apply today and take the next step in your career.

Non-Negotiables

A BS, MS, or PhD in electrical, ocean, or mechanical engineering, acoustics, or a closely related field is required
Subject matter expertise in digital communications, maritime hardware design, robotics, or acoustic signal processing is essential
Hands-on experience with marine hardware such as sensor arrays, data acquisition systems, and embedded processors is a must
Demonstrated project leadership experience within defense or related industry settings is non-negotiable
Exceptional written and oral communication skills for customer briefs and team coordination are required
Expert-level MATLAB programming skills are a firm requirement
The candidate must be a US citizen and able to obtain a DoD security clearance

What's In It For You

Work on cutting-edge undersea communication and sonar projects that directly impact national defense
Take ownership of innovative R&D programs with the autonomy to shape technical direction
Collaborate with a highly skilled team in a supportive, mission-driven environment
Gain visibility and professional growth through direct customer interactions and technical conference presentations
Enjoy the quality of life in Groton, Connecticut, a community with deep maritime heritage and access to New England coastlines
The role offers a clear path for career advancement as a principal investigator on high-profile DoD programs
Benefit from a full-time, direct-hire position with stability and long-term potential

Responsibilities

Lead the design and development of innovative maritime communication and sonar systems for autonomous underwater vehicles and other platforms
Serve as a principal investigator, guiding technical projects from concept through prototype demonstration and testing
Write proposals and lead new business captures to secure R&D funding from DoD agencies like DARPA, ONR, and NAVSEA
Field systems off-site, run prototype demonstrations, and process collected data to assess system performance
Collaborate with customers and internal teams to create presentation materials and debrief stakeholders on outcomes
Plan and manage project schedules, resources, and team assignments to achieve milestones
Author technical reports, white papers, and conference presentations to disseminate results and support business development

Preferred Qualifications

Several years of experience developing sonar or communications systems is highly valued
Experience as a principal investigator on R&D programs for DARPA, ONR, NAVSEA, or similar DoD customers is preferred
C/C++ and Linux programming skills are a strong plus
Prior experience with acoustic modems, adaptive equalization, or underwater propagation models is desired
Knowledge of data encryption, anti-tamper, and information assurance requirements is advantageous
A track record of presenting at technical conferences and creating technical content for business development is a differentiator
Experience designing electronic or software systems for maritime platforms like buoys, UxVs, or submarines is a bonus

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Principal Ocean Systems Engineer Communications

Role Snapshot

Opportunity

Non-Negotiables

What's In It For You

Responsibilities

Preferred Qualifications

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