Acoustic Engineer I

Acoustic Engineer Airmar Technology Corporation |

Location:

Milford, NH If interested in this job opportunity, please submit your cover letter and resume to humanresources@airmar.com.

JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking a Transducer Engineer to design, develop, and optimize electroacoustic transducers for sonar systems. The ideal candidate will have expertise in piezoelectric materials, acoustic modeling, transducer fabrication, and acoustic testing for underwater applications. This role involves collaboration with cross-functional teams to deliver high-performance sonar solutions for recreational, commercial, and scientific applications. This role is for either a recent graduate with a relevant degree or an early career professional with 1-3 years' experience. Airmar is a world leader in the development of sonar transducers for recreational fishing, commercial fishing, and scientific applications such as navigational surveys. At our site in Milford New Hampshire, we manufacture all our transducers in-house. Airmar develops a wide range of acoustic systems and transducer types, our product range includes but is not limited to wide bandwidth CHIRP transducers, phased arrays for imaging applications, doppler velocity sensors, acoustic uplink transducers for acoustic communications, hydrophones for acoustic communication, and air-coupled transducers for industrial applications. Working at Airmar will provide you with the opportunity to work on a wide range of acoustic technologies and unique materials. We are seeking a skilled individual who is motivated to develop into an expert in the field of acoustics and transducer design.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Design & Development Design and model electroacoustic transducers for sonar applications (e.g., active/passive sonar, side-scan, multibeam). Use numerical methods such as finite element analysis (COMSOL) and analytical acoustic simulations (Python) to optimize transducer performance for the desired bandwidth, sensitivity, beam width, and power handling capability. Design transducer components such as piezoelectric components, transforming inductors, and acoustic matching layers for optimal transducer performance. Contribute to the development of new manufacturing processes for new transducer designs Ensure reliability and durability in underwater conditions (pressure, temperature, corrosion). Testing & Validation Conduct and oversee electrical and acoustic transducer testing (e.g., impedance, transmit/receive response, beam patterns). Perform characterization of transducers in test tanks Write test software for testing of transducers in Python to automate data acquisition and signal generation. Analyze test data to validate performance against specifications and iterate designs as needed. Troubleshoot transducer failures and implement corrective actions. Collaboration & Documentation Work with the manufacturing, mechanical design, firmware/software, and electrical engineers to integrate transducers into sonar systems. Collaborate with manufacturing and mechanical teams to ensure designs are scalable for production. Document design specifications, test reports, and technical manuals for internal and customer use. Stay updated on emerging transducer technologies and propose innovations.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Experience Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Acoustics, Physics, or related field. 0 to 3 years of experience in sonar transducer design, piezoelectric materials, or underwater acoustics. Proficiency in FEA (COMSOL, ANSYS, PZFlex) and acoustic modeling (MATLAB/Python scripts). More interested in capability than knowing a specific tool. Hands-on experience of acoustic testing, and characterization (impedance analyzers, hydrophone measurements). Strong understanding of electroacoustic principles Familiarity with underwater acoustics Soft Skills Strong problem-solving and analytical skills. Excellent communication and teamwork abilities. Attention to detail in documentation and testing.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ABILITIES

Job Requires Frequent Occasional None Bending Kneeling Squatting Climbing Standing Walking Sitting Reaching Fine Motor Skills Pushing Pulling Repetitive Motions Wrist Elbow Shoulder Hand Lifting Job Requires Frequent Occasional Up to 50 lbs. Up to 25 lbs.