Principal Acoustic Engineer

SES-Government Solutions
parental leave, paid time off, sick time, tuition reimbursement, 401(k), retirement plan
United States, Massachusetts, Fitchburg
Oct 11, 2025
Job ID:112646 The Leonardo DRS Naval Power Systems business is a trusted provider of innovative naval gas and hybrid power systems, control technology and support solutions for the U.S. Navy and navies around the world. Job Summary The ideal candidate is an individual possessing strong mechanical engineering technical skills, a superior knowledge of airborne and structure-borne acoustic analysis, and an understanding of the design considerations for large rotating equipment. This position is in-office or hybrid based out of DRS's Fitchburg, MA location. Job Responsibilities You are expected to work independently or collaboratively as part of an integrated project team, using judgment and discretion in making complex decisions. You will act as a SME and mentor to more junior colleagues. You will execute acoustic analysis on large rotating assemblies, including: * Structure Borne Noise * Airborne Noise * Narrow Band and Octave Analysis * Transmission Paths * Mitigation Methods Modeling Tools will include: * Empirical methods * Finite Element (low frequency structure borne or airborne noise) * Boundary Element Method (low frequency airborne noise) * Statistical Energy Analysis (high frequency noise) Critical to success in the role is the ability to breakdown complicated technical challenges and find innovative solutions that meet the program's requirements without adding unnecessary weight, cost, or risk. You will need the ability to clearly document and communicate, orally and in writing, technical and programmatic information to technical and non-technical individuals including the team, project leadership, and to other functions including executive management. As part of regular activities, this role will have customer interaction where you will confidently and competently represent DRS in front of customers, including the US Navy. You will review, analyze, and status project milestones and provide accurate estimates to complete projects or analyses. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Bachelor of Science degree from a 4-year accredited college or university in Mechanical Engineering or other suitable degree with a minimum of 8 years of experience in evaluating acoustic performance of turbo machinery assemblies, large rotating machinery assemblies (e.g., motors and or generators) or similar components. Expert-level ability to perform Finite Element and Statistical Energy Analyses. Experience in execution of acoustic testing and model validation, including sound intensity, modal analysis, and data acquisition with instrumentation such as accelerometers, microphones, and strain gauges. Prior hands-on experience to be able to evaluate model and physical test data to recognize good vs bad data, forced vs. resonant behavior, background vs. operational noise, etc. Experience in the analysis of acoustic sources generated by flow-induced compressible fluids including preceding elements. Expert experience with the MATLAB for data analysis and modeling and/or programming to create application specific analysis tools. You must be a US citizen and be able to pass screening for a security clearance. Preferred Qualifications Experience with the development of rotating machinery and associated manufacturing drawings. Familiarity with data acquisition systems for acoustic testing and digital signal processing. Prior experience with data post processing, optimization and analysis. Practical knowledge and application of statistical analysis methods. Knowledge of MIL-STD- 740-1, and -2, MIL-STD-1474. Familiarity with Computer Aided Design (CAD) Tools (Siemens NX and/or Solidworks preferred). Experience with Program Management tools (MS Project preferred) and/or agile Project Management tools- (Jira preferred). Experience with execution of projects for the US military. Active security clearance. Key Words for Search Finite Element Analysis, FEA Statistical Energy Analysis, SEA Boundary Element Method, BEM MATLAB Modal Analysis Statistical Analysis Model(ing) Simulation Test Noise Reduction Mitigation Measurement Analysis Aerodynamic Fluid dynamic(s) Structure Borne, SBN Air Borne, ABN Acoustic(s) Noise, Vibration and Harshness, NVH Engineers Steam Turbine Fan(s) U.S. Citizenship required. This position may require an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment. The salary range for this position is $70,744 to $101,164 per year. This range reflects the good faith estimate of pay the employer is willing to offer at the time of posting. Several factors can influence the pay scale, including but not limited to: Federal contract labor categories and contract wage rates, collective bargaining agreements, geographic location, business considerations, scope, and responsibilities of the position, local or other applicable market conditions, and internal equity. Other factors include the candidate's qualifications such as prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education/training, and certifications. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for: annual performance-based bonuses, equity awards, and overtime pay (for non-exempt employees as applicable. Our benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), employer matching 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave (including ant state-mandated paid sick leave), parental leave benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional development support, and life and disability insurance coverage. Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours. Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.