Signal Processing Engineer
La Jolla, CA, United States
- Engineering
- Full-time
- underwater acoustic systems
- signal processing engineer
- maritime systems
The Signal Processing Engineer role at Leidos involves leading the development and testing of underwater acoustic systems for maritime defense applications, focusing on system reliability from prototype to deployment. The position requires expertise in acoustic testing, automation, software development, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to enhance maritime technology performance. Candidates must hold relevant engineering degrees, have experience with underwater acoustic systems and software, and possess U.S. citizenship with security clearance.
Description
Leidos is seeking an underwater acoustic Signal Processing Engineer to lead cutting-edge development and testing efforts within the Maritime Systems portfolio. This role is a unique opportunity to drive innovation in acoustic systems installed on underwater vehicle systems or other deployments of sensors that support critical defense and national security missions. You will contribute to a multidisciplinary team developing advanced maritime technologies, ensuring system reliability and performance from prototype design to full-scale system deployment for ongoing Navy missions. Leidos’ Maritime business area is a recognized leader in C4ISR technologies, delivering innovative, mission-critical solutions across sensor networks, unmanned systems, and tactical platforms. We’re known for achieving “industry firsts” in the most challenging maritime domains. Join us and be part of a world-class team delivering unmatched solutions for today's most pressing maritime missions.
Primary Responsibilities
- Lead the acoustic test of systems from bench testing, to tank testing, to open water testing.
- Test and Validate: Develop and execute comprehensive test plans, procedures, and protocols to ensure system functionality, reliability, and compliance with requirements.
- Hands-On Testing: Perform hands-on testing, validation, and verification of software and hardware systems, including integrated electro-mechanical systems.
- Collaborate: Work closely with systems engineers, software developers, and hardware teams to identify and resolve issues during testing phases.
- Automate Testing: Develop automated testing frameworks and tools to streamline validation processes.
- Analyze Results: Document and analyze test results, providing detailed reports and recommendations for system improvements.
- Support Development: Ensure a “design for testing” focus during system development and integration.
- Mentor Team: Guide and mentor a matrixed team of engineers through testing phases of the product lifecycle
Basic Qualifications.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Systems, Mechanical, Electrical, Software, Ocean), Computer Science, Physics, or Math with 4-8 years of experience.
- 4+ years of hands-on experience in underwater acoustic systems: use of acoustic test equipment, development of signal processing and software for acoustic systems, execution of test, and data analysis in Matlab/Python.
- Strong software background, including Linux experience and experience with testing frameworks, scripting languages, and automation tools.
- Proficiency in test automation, data acquisition systems, and hardware-in-the-loop testing.
- Excellent problem solving skills and ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues.
- U.S. Citizenship with a current SECRET security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications.
- Experience with operational acoustic systems.
- Experience in C++ software development, use of software repositories, and in following configuration management best practices.
- Master’s degree in Engineering (Systems, Mechanical, Electrical, Software, Ocean), Computer Science, Physics, or Math.
- Familiarity with UUVs, deployed subsea systems, and underwater payloads.
- U.S. Citizenship with a current TOP SECRET clearance.
Come break things (in a good way). Then build them smarter.
We're the tech company everyone calls when things get weird. We don’t wear capes (they’re a safety hazard), but we do solve high-stakes problems with code, caffeine, and a healthy disregard for “how it’s always been done.”
Original Posting:
December 29, 2025For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.
About Leidos
Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.
Pay and Benefits
Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.
Securing Your Data
Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com.
If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.
Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.




