Job Details

About Sonatech

Sonatech, LLC is a premier undersea acoustics engineering and manufacturing company. With a focus on supplying advanced SONAR solutions for the US Navy, our technical expertise, customized design capabilities and diverse manufacturing abilities have led to Sonatech products being deployed in virtually every class of underwater Navy system currently in operation.

Located in beautiful Santa Barbara, CA, we pride ourselves on having a culture of innovation as well as first-class customer service. Sonatech has a challenging and rewarding work environment where employees have the opportunity to develop their careers by taking on new responsibilities and providing innovative solutions.

Job Description and Key Responsibilities

This is a senior-level position, reporting to the Transducer Engineering Manager. As a Transducer Engineer, you will play a critical role in researching, designing, developing, documenting and testing transducers that will be integrated into the next generation of underwater acoustics systems. You will be expected to collaborate closely with other departments to transform concepts into fully functional designs, ensuring that all components meet performance and reliability standards.

• Design new piezoelectric transducers for underwater applications.
• Design and selection of piezoelectric components and other passive materials useful for transducer/sensor design.
• Provide mechanical and electrical design expertise to support the production of piezoelectric products.
• Test and evaluate new designs using common laboratory equipment used for acoustic products as well as acoustically in test tanks.
• Test and evaluate transducers in the Sonatech Acoustic Test Facility, using Sonatech developed software and hardware.
• Improve mechanical designs of existing transducers to reduce cost and improve manufacturing processes.
• Acoustic analysis of transducer performance parameters necessary to characterize a transducer.
• Perform trade-off and value analysis during the product design phase while optimizing development costs.
• Coordinate projects and tasks with other mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineers to complete assignments and projects on schedule.
• Maintain project files and appropriate records of work.
• Research and investigate leading edge technologies for creating new products or processes.
• Transform concepts into fully functional designs based on specification requirements, incorporating input from customers and collaborating with engineers across multiple disciplines.

Required Education and Basic Experience

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, Acoustics, Physics or a related field
• 7-10 years minimum experience in piezoelectric transducer design and manufacture in the defense, medical, oil & gas, or industrial markets
• Knowledge of piezo-ceramic types, modes, and properties useful for transducer design
• Proficient with mechanical design software such as Solid Works, AutoCAD, or Inventor
• Knowledge of Finite Element Method (FEM) software such as COMSOL or ANSYS is a plus.
• Knowledge of how to design metal, plastic, and ceramic parts including material selection and fabrication techniques
• Knowledge of adhesives for different materials and their uses in transducer production
• General knowledge of electronics, soldering, connectors, etc.
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Good interpersonal skills and an ability to work with every level of the organization

Required Citizenship and Security Clearance

• US Citizenship is required
• Ability to obtain a U.S. government security clearance

Benefits

Benefits include medical, dental and vision, life insurance, paid vacation and sick time, 3% 401K contribution (no matching required), company events

Salary Range

Salary Range: $145,000- $180,000

Job Type: Full-time, onsite at our Santa Barbara office from Monday to Friday

Sonatech is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled