Principal Scientist – Underwater Acoustics

Sofar Ocean

. Lead Sofar’s underwater acoustics strategy and define the technical vision for its underwater acoustics platform .

Posted 9/17/2026full-timeCalifornia • United StatesLead💰 $137,000 - $185,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates deep expertise in underwater acoustics, including the development of acoustic sensing systems and algorithms for detection, classification, and environmental characterization. Proficient in translating scientific research into operational products while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Underwater Acoustics ExpertiseAcoustic Sensing System DevelopmentStatistical Signal ProcessingMachine Learning ApplicationPh.D. in Relevant Field

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Detection AlgorithmsClassification TechniquesLocalization MethodsAcoustic Propagation UnderstandingData AnalysisModeling and SimulationField Experiment DesignEnvironmental CharacterizationAI/ML Model DevelopmentAcoustic Data Processing

Soft Skills

Excellent CommunicationCross-Functional Collaboration

Tools & Technologies

Embedded Sensing SystemsAcoustic Intelligence PlatformsField Deployment ToolsData Quality Validation Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

U.S. Government Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

Ocean AcousticsMarine Acoustic PropagationAmbient Noise AnalysisOceanographic ContextGeoacoustic ContextOperational Sensing SystemsResearch Partnerships

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cloud

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead Sofar’s underwater acoustics strategy and define the technical vision for its underwater acoustics platform
Develop capabilities to detect, classify, localize, and track acoustic sources and targets using passive and/or active techniques
Drive AI/ML model development for edge-based and cloud-based acoustic intelligence
Advance ocean soundscape mapping and characterization, including ambient noise, acoustic propagation, and oceanographic and geoacoustic context
Provide acoustics expertise for sensing-system design, including hydrophone/array selection, calibration, geometry, deployment strategy, data quality, and performance validation
Collaborate with ocean and sensing scientists and hardware and software engineers to translate domain expertise into operational products
Design and conduct field experiments and at-sea data collection
Perform data analysis, modeling, and simulation studies, including propagation and detection-performance modeling
Define product requirements, technical roadmaps, and priorities for new underwater acoustic capabilities
Represent Sofar with customers, research partners, government agencies, and the broader ocean acoustics community

Requirements

What you’ll need

Deep expertise in underwater acoustics
Practical experience developing acoustic sensing systems or algorithms for detection, classification, localization, mapping, or environmental characterization
Strong understanding of marine acoustic propagation, ambient noise, signal processing, and practical ocean-sensing constraints
Experience with real-world acoustic datasets, field deployments, and/or operational sensing systems
Experience applying statistical signal processing, machine learning, or modern AI methods to acoustic detection, classification, or environmental inference
Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a cross-functional team
Experience translating scientific research into operational products or customer-facing capabilities
Ph.D. in acoustics, ocean engineering, electrical engineering, applied physics, oceanography, or related field, or equivalent experience for highly qualified candidates of any education level
Strong reputation within the ocean acoustics community
Experience leading externally funded research programs or strategic technical partnerships
Experience leveraging LLMs to magnify personal impact
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance
Must be a U.S. citizen to obtain the required security clearance
Familiarity with embedded sensing systems, firmware constraints, or edge processing for acoustic applications
Familiarity with autonomous ocean platform constraints, including power, bandwidth, onboard compute, sensor calibration, and long-duration deployments
Comfort working in production codebases when necessary
Willingness to come into the office 3 days per week

Benefits

Comp & perks

Visa sponsorship and immigration lawyer support
Equity package may be included in compensation
AI tools permitted for interview preparation
Encouragement to apply even without every listed credential
Relocation consideration for candidates willing to move to the SF Bay Area