Sonar Tactical Decision Aid Subject Matter Expert

LEIDOS, INC.

Apply to this job
Bethesda, MD Until 8/22/2026 10+ years exp H-1B sponsor history First posted June 18, 2026 Last posted June 18, 2026
Job description

Leidos’ High Fidelity Simulation Business Area designs and delivers cutting-edge system-of-systems solutions that power world-class simulation, training, and analysis products for the U.S. Navy. In this role, you will leverage your Naval operational and acoustic expertise to support the design, development, and delivery of advanced sonar tactical decision aids (TDAs) and related tools. You will collaborate with software developers, analysts, and fleet users to ensure tactical realism, operational relevance, and technical excellence in Leidos’ undersea warfare products.

This position offers a unique opportunity to directly impact Fleet readiness and undersea dominance by applying your anti-submarine warfare (ASW) knowledge to real-world mission systems.

What You’ll Work On

  • Serve as the primary subject matter expert (SME) for Integrated Undersea Surveillance System and secondary SME for other TDA systems such as STK and STK-N.

  • Participate in development planning, functional system testing, and program verification tests (PVTs) at development or fleet facilities.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional development teams to ensure operational accuracy in acoustic models, sensors, and system interfaces.

  • Prepare and deliver detailed briefings and analyses to fleet stakeholders and external organizations.

  • Provide operational insight into ASW system performance, sonar data interpretation, and tactical employment strategies.

  • Apply project and team management skills to coordinate tasking, track progress, and ensure on-time delivery of system upgrades, documentation, and training.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Apply in-depth ASW, acoustic, and oceanographic knowledge to system design, testing, and evaluation.

  • Perform functional and verification testing of sonar tactical decision aid software across multiple system configurations.

  • Collaborate with developers to troubleshoot, verify, and validate system functionality and user interface improvements.

  • Develop and maintain training materials, user guides, and operational procedures.

  • Interface with government customers, fleet representatives, and partner organizations to gather feedback and align capabilities with user needs.

  • Travel (up to 25%) to fleet sites or test facilities for demonstrations, training, and system testing.

Basic Qualifications

  • 12+ years of fleet operational experience directly related to ASW operations, systems, and theory in lieu of degree; OR bachelor’s degree in mathematics, physics, acoustics, oceanography, or engineering and 10+ years of directly related ASW operational experience.

  • Experience working at an IUSS site supporting mission operations.

  • Familiarity with recent undersea warfare tactics, acoustic sensors, and beamforming principles.

  • Background in acoustic theory or oceanography.

  • Proven ability to build strong working relationships across multi-disciplinary teams.

  • Ability to obtain an interim security clearance.

Desired Qualifications

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, including technical documentation and stakeholder briefings.

  • Knowledge of Fleet acoustic analysis tools.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:

June 17, 2026

For 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 $73,450.00 - $132,775.00

The 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 this role

Summary

Support design, development, testing, and delivery of sonar tactical decision aids for naval operations.

Job title

Sonar Tactical Decision Aid Subject Matter Expert

Experience level

12+ years or 10+ years with relevant degree

Minimum experience

10+ years exp

Industry

defense

Location requirements

Bethesda, MD, on-site; travel up to 25% allowed

Salary

$73k–$133k

Visa sponsorship

H-1B sponsor history

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

fleet operational experienceASW systemsacoustic sensorsbeamformingacoustic theory

Preferred skills

communicationsfleet acoustic analysis tools

Specializations

sonaracousticundersea warfareASWoceanography
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Bethesda, MD, USA

On-site City