Job Description

We’re hiring a cleared DSP scientist with hands-on experience in sonar systems, underwater acoustics , and real-time sensing platforms . If you’ve built, tested, or modeled systems like torpedo detection, marine mammal classification , or Navy sensor arrays , this role is built for you.

This is a 100% onsite, lab-based R&D role in Columbia, MD. Active Secret Clearance is required on day one.

Please note: While we respect and work with all scientific disciplines, this specific role requires direct experience in acoustic signal chains, underwater physics, or sonar systems. General data science or non-defense backgrounds won’t be prioritized.

This is true R&D work (mission-driven, unbureaucratic, and anchored in long-term contracts) supporting the U.S. Navy and defense communities. You’ll be part of a collaborative, high-trust lab environment, working with physicists, engineers, and researchers who value autonomy and technical rigor.

And if you know us, you know we only work with people and projects we believe in. This brilliant and driven group develops advanced acoustic sensing technologies, biologically inspired algorithms, and signal processing systems that directly support U.S. Navy and defense applications.

What You’ll Work On

• Design and implement algorithms for acoustic detection, classification, localization (DCL) , and tracking
• Apply brain-inspired auditory models to complex classification problems like marine mammal recognition and torpedo detection
• Develop wide-area distributed ocean sensing systems using novel sensors and signal processing techniques
• Apply machine learning to signal classification problems such as underwater object detection and ocean noise analysis
• Build and prototype real-time sensing systems integrating custom signal chains, sensor arrays, and acoustic modeling tools
• Lead modeling and simulation efforts across acoustic and sensor domains
• Collaborate in a multi-disciplinary R&D environment with domain experts in sonar systems, underwater physics, and naval technology
• Contribute to new sensor concepts, hardware development, and lab/field testing
• Write proposals, prototype original ideas, and contribute across the full R&D lifecycle

What You Bring

• 8+ years of experience in signal processing, acoustics , or applied algorithm development
• PhD or MS in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Mathematics , or a related field
• Fluency in MATLAB and/or Python for algorithm design and analysis
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a small, high-functioning technical team
• U.S. Citizenship and an active Secret clearance (required)

Ace Experience

• Physics-based system modeling or hands-on work with sensor hardware
• Comfort with Linux, Java, or C++
• Experience applying machine learning in acoustic or sensory systems
• Background in proposal writing or leading research initiatives

Why This Role and Why Now? Here's why...

• This is a low-bureaucracy, high-trust environment, built for researchers who think in systems, care about their craft, and enjoy solving complex problems that matter.
• If you’ve spent your career in labs or technical programs and you’re looking for a place to invent, build, and collaborate with real purpose, this is one of the best teams we know.

You’ll work in a purpose-built R&D lab with a tight-knit, thoughtful team that values autonomy, technical depth, and the clarity that comes from good science.

You'll partner with collaborative, kind, brilliant researchers, designers, engineers, and thought leaders.

You'll have a work-home where respect, collaboration, autonomy, and appreciation of each other's talents and acumen are valued and required parts of the day. With great benefits, strong comp, and consistent, steady, planned, and established work.

Your ability to express complex ideas, conclusions, and persuasive insights clearly and respectfully (whether in writing, conversation, or code) will be met with the same level of thoughtfulness and clarity here .

Important Notes

• This position is onsite-only in Columbia, Maryland
• The work, equipment, and data are all in the lab; no remote or hybrid options
• Must be a U.S. Citizen with active Secret clearance or higher.

Sound like your lane? Reach out directly or apply here.

Not a fit for you, but know someone with real sonar or DSP domain depth who’s cleared and ready to move? Pass this on. You’ll be doing both of us a favor.

We’re sharing this through our NerdUp ecosystem , where we connect brilliant people with work that’s as serious and inspiring as they are.

If the timing or fit isn’t quite right for you, share it with your smartest sibling, your favorite former labmate, or that quiet genius you always wanted to work with again.

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Thanks for being part of our nerd-world for 25 years. We’re grateful you’re here.

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