System Engineer/Program Engineer

  • R0157848
  • On Site
  • Washington, District of Columbia, United States
  • Full time
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From the official NRL website: The Acoustics Division conducts basic and applied research addressing the physics of acoustic signal generation, propagation, scatter, and detection with the objective of improving the strategic and tactical capabilities of the Navy and Marine Corps in the ocean and land operational environment. The Division’s scientists and engineers perform collaborative research with scientists affiliated with national and international academic, private, and governmental research organizations. 

Acoustics research spans classical and quantum physics, signal processing, the impact of fluid dynamics on the oceans sound speed field [speed at which sound travels underwater], the propagation and scatter of acoustic signals in the ocean and land environments, structural and physical acoustics including the development of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and nanotechnology based sensors, and the application of networked unmanned underwater vehicles and associated sensors to the Navy’s Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW); Mine Countermeasures (MCM); and Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

Work Schedule: 8 hours, on site during peak hours unless otherwise approved. Travel is required. 

Essential Responsibilities:

  • To assist in the design, building and maintaining various experimental equipment, apparatus, and components in support of the Branch research efforts. This could involve system design, software programming, hardware design and configuration, and signal processing among others.
  • Candidate should possess strong hands on exp, software exp and math and physics skills and understanding.
  • Position could lead to system engineer or project engineer role.
  • The candidate should be able to work well in a team environment and assist with field tests.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a Government Security Clearance and access to the NRL facility. Must be US citizen.

Work Environment, Physical Demands, and Mental Demands: Some work will be at sea testing and will require significant ship time and dock time and heavy lifting. 

The Minimum Requirements are:

  • Must have advanced degree in physics, engineering or similar tech/science field.
  • Have a 3.0 GPA or higher.
  • Have laboratory experience and familiarity with data acquisition systems and/or robotics.
  • Must have some experience in programming or willingness to learn Matlab, and/or C, C++, and/or HDLs.
  • Must have experience in data acquisition, hardware and software  
  • Ability to technically mentor others, be able to manage and direct technical work
  • Be able to build data acquisition systems and well are participating in sea experiments lasting several weeks at a time or more.
  • Needs flexibility to easily move between different tasks as required by the Branch experimental needs.
  • Must be able to organize and prioritize multiple tasks.
  • Must be able to work in an office and laboratory environment.
  • Must be able to work a 40-hour workweek, normally Monday through Friday. However, times and day may vary depending on business requirements. Needs to be available to work overtime during critical peaks should the situation occur.
  • Must be able and willing to travel as some of the experimental work is done outside of NRL.
  • Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
  • Willingness to participate in sea tests is a plus, but not a requirement
  • Another big plus would also be experience with autonomous underwater vehicles.
  • On the computer science side, familiarity with ADM/Xilinx products and programming environment, such as VIVADO, VITIS or the ability to program FPGA and MPSoC (Multiprocessor System-on-Chip) would be great.

Minimum Education: Advanced degree a plus

Minimum Years of Experience: 5-10 years of exp

Other Responsibilities:

Safety - Amentum enforces a safety culture whereby all employees have the responsibility for continuously developing and maintaining a safe work environment. As appropriate, each employee is responsible for completing all training requirements and fulfilling all self-aid/buddy aid responsibilities, participating in emergency response tasks and serving on safety committees and teams.

Quality - Quality is the foundation for the management of our business and the keystone to our goal of customer satisfaction. It is our policy to consistently provide services that meet customer expectations. Accordingly, each employee must conform to the Amentum Quality Policy and carry out job activities in compliance with applicable Amentum Quality System documents and customer contracts. Each employee must read and understand his/her Quality Management and Customer Satisfaction responsibilities.

Procedure Compliance - Each employee must read, understand and implement the general and specific operational, safety, quality and environmental requirements of all plans, procedures and policies pertaining to his/her job. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

#javelin

       

Compensation Details:

$140,000

       

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

 

Benefits Overview:

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance

  • Paid time off and holidays

  • Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)

  • Educational reimbursement

  • Parental leave

  • Employee stock purchase plan

  • Tax-saving options

  • Disability and life insurance

  • Pet insurance

 

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

       

Original Posting:

04/02/2026 - Until Filled

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

       

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed,  marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.

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