Underwater Acoustics Specialist

Company Description

Build bold. Deliver impact. Win together.

At General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada, we’re not just engineering technology — we’re shaping the future of defence and security. Our teams design and deliver advanced, mission-critical solutions that enhance national security, strengthen communities, and protect the people we serve.

If you’re looking for meaningful work that contributes to a safer, more secure world, you’ll find purpose here. Every day, your skills will directly impact programs that matter.

Job Description

We are seeking an Acoustics Specialist with experience in underwater acoustics and submarine detection, ideally within the Airborne or Naval Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) domain. In this role, you will support the development, testing, and operational use of acoustic processing systems. Responsibilities include designing operator interfaces and documenting system behavior, performing acoustic and post-mission data analysis to improve system performance, and supporting operational test and evaluation activities such as harbour and sea acceptance trials. You will also develop training and realistic acoustic test scenarios, contribute to proposal and product development efforts, support demonstrations and industry engagements, and collaborate with customers on system requirements, design, testing, and verification of compliance.

In this role you will:

• Designs the Operator Machine Interface for new Acoustic systems features and documents expected system behavior in product operator manuals.
• Conducts Acoustic Data analysis as well as Post Mission analysis with an eye to improving product performance.
• Performs & directs operational testing and evaluation for Acoustics systems both at GDMS-C and customer premises, including but not limited to the planning and execution of Harbour and Sea Acceptance Test events.
• Develops and conducts product training for experienced Acoustics operators.
• Develops realistic Acoustic test scenarios for the testing and qualification of the Acoustic Processor products.
• Provides support for proposal development by proposing requirements and design for new features.
• Provides support for Business development in Canada and internationally by travelling to tradeshows to perform Acoustic systems demonstrations and developing business relationships.
• Liaises with customer counterparts on system feature requirements, design, test and proof of compliance matters.

Additional Responsibilities

• When required assists Test Leads in producing plans for system integration and formal system test.
• When required assists Test leads in producing system test descriptions.
• When required assists Test leads for traceability of system requirements to test. Supports this activity for hardware and software.
• When required reports to the project engineer on all aspect of system integration and formal test.
• When required assists Test lead in preparing formal test reports.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering; or Military experience 
• Operational experience as an acoustics subject matter expert or equivalent.
• Experience in ASW in an operational and/or training role 
• Acoustic analysis skills for classification of passive and/or active (including multistatics).
• Strong interpersonal skills, whether working as a self-motivated individual, a team member or leader.
• Broad knowledge of system development process and lifecycles.
• Broad knowledge of the requirements definition and management.
• Experience with naval mine detection would also be beneficial.
• Experience working with or familiarity with AI/ML models is preferred
• NATO Clearance Eligible required 

It is a requirement that General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada be registered with the Canadian Controlled Goods program and that all of its workforce be security assessed. Successful applicants must meet all applicable security requirements, including but not limited to the ability to obtain and maintain a Canadian government security clearance. Applicants may be required to meet additional security requirements in order to gain access to technical data, classified areas or information that is subject to international regulations. You must be eligible to work in Canada.

Additional Information

The hiring range for this position is $95,000-$135,000 and will be dependent on educational background, experience and qualifications. 

Benefits

As a full-time employee at General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada, you’ll enjoy a competitive total rewards package that supports your professional and personal well-being:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and eligible dependents from day one (no cost), including flexible benefits options (HCSA) emergency travel insurance, and 24/7 virtual care services.
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP), onsite fitness facilities, and employee resource groups.
• Defined Contribution Pension Plan with employer contributions after 3 months, RRSP access from day one, and financial planning support.
• Flexible time off including vacation, holidays, parental leaves with top-up options, sick leave, and disability programs.
• Career development through learning platforms, educational assistance, mentoring, and reimbursement of professional memberships.
• Additional perks such as employee discounts, free onsite parking, social clubs, and an annual scholarship program for employees’ children.

Why join us?

Purposeful Innovation: You’ll work on innovations that genuinely make a difference. You’ll apply advanced thinking, design expertise, and practical problem-solving to help equip military and allied forces with leading-edge systems. You’ll be surrounded by some of the brightest minds in the defence sector, contributing to next-generation technologies in an environment that celebrates creativity, new ideas, and modern solutions.

Connection: We believe people do their best work when they feel they belong, and their ideas can flourish. Different perspectives, experiences, and ways of thinking help us innovate and grow. Strong relationships with our teammates help us unite, overcome challenges, and deliver the world-class quality we’re known for. Here, we are committed to inclusivity and ensures every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered.

Challenging and Rewarding Career Pathways: Your career path matters to us. From mentorship and regular check-ins with your leader to educational support, professional certifications, and continuous training, you’ll have the resources you need to thrive. We encourage internal mobility so you can explore different business areas, broaden your skillset, and expand your network. You’ll be working on high-profile, impactful projects that challenge your skills, expand your expertise, and allow you to both learn from mentors and guide others along the way.

Accommodation 

If you require accommodation during any stage of the application process, please contact Human Resources via [email protected] .

Closing Date

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.