Also called: Underwater Acoustics Engineer, Sonar Engineer
Designs sound-based systems that let submarines, ships and underwater drones 'see' in the dark ocean.
You lower a new sonar array off a research boat and ping sound into the water, recording echoes off a target on the seafloor. Back on shore you write code that sorts real echoes from whale calls and shrimp noise.
Mostly defense contractors and Navy labs.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Master's degree, about 6 years after high school. Master's in acoustics, electrical engineering or ocean engineering; security clearance often needed.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $60k – $150k.
Majors to look at: Acoustical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Ocean Engineering.
Growing about average. Not tracked separately by BLS; a small, steady specialty.
Low risk for 10 years. AI helps sort sonar signals; designing systems, sea trials and classified defense work stay human.
Classes: AP Physics, AP Calculus, Computer science, Earth or marine science.
Official data: O*NET occupation 17-2199.
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