SYSTEMS ENGINEER III

MIKEL invests in people and technology – empowering the creative process, building responsive relationships, and propelling innovative solutions from conception to completion for the U.S. Navy. MIKEL is a small woman owned business that has been providing Undersea Warfare Solutions to the Department of Defense since the company’s inception in 1999. 

Be a part of our dynamic team whose solutions and services enable the Navy to solve their toughest problems and meet their mission requirements. We have undersea operations experience, combined with engineering and specific subject matter expertise, that provides an in-depth understanding of the problem and a novel, innovative and cost-effective solution. MIKEL is committed to providing an environment that challenges its employees to use and advance their skills and knowledge to provide solutions that exceed customer expectations.

Position: Undersea Systems Engineer III

Nature of Role:  We are seeking a highly motivated Mid-Level Systems and Software Engineer to support a U.S. Navy acoustic laboratory engaged in the research, development, integration, testing, and sustainment of advanced computing systems for underwater acoustic sensing and object localization. The selected candidate will serve as a technical contractor supporting mission-critical sonar and acoustic technologies that enhance the Navy’s undersea warfare capabilities.

This position requires a multidisciplinary engineer with experience in hardware and software development, signal processing systems, embedded computing platforms, data acquisition architectures, and networked systems operating in both laboratory and at-sea environments. The candidate will work closely with government scientists, acoustic engineers, software developers, and defense industry partners to design, develop, integrate, test, and maintain advanced acoustic processing systems.

The successful candidate will contribute directly to innovative research and operational systems that support fleet readiness and provide enhanced situational awareness for Navy warfighters.

Responsibilities:

Systems Engineering and Development

• Design, develop, integrate, and sustain advanced computing systems supporting underwater acoustic sensing and object localization technologies.
• Analyze technical requirements and translate operational needs into effective hardware and software solutions.
• Support the development of real-time signal processing systems and acoustic data processing applications.
• Design and implement embedded computing solutions, data acquisition systems, and distributed processing architectures.
• Develop and maintain system interfaces supporting sensors, acoustic arrays, instrumentation, and networked systems.
• Participate in system architecture development, technical design reviews, and engineering assessments.

Software Engineering

• Develop, modify, test, and maintain software applications supporting acoustic signal processing, data collection, visualization, and analysis.
• Implement and optimize real-time processing algorithms for underwater acoustic applications.
• Develop software using modern programming languages and engineering best practices.
• Support software integration activities across laboratory, test, and operational environments.
• Perform software verification, validation, debugging, and performance optimization.

Test, Evaluation, and Integration

• Plan and execute laboratory and field testing activities.
• Support in-water exercises and acoustic system evaluations.
• Conduct system integration, troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and corrective action implementation.
• Analyze test results and provide recommendations for system improvements.
• Support installation, configuration, and maintenance of hardware and software systems.

Technical Documentation and Compliance

• Prepare and maintain engineering documentation including:
• System design descriptions
• Interface control documents
• Test procedures and reports
• User guides and technical manuals
• Configuration management records
• Ensure compliance with Department of Defense (DoD) cybersecurity requirements, engineering standards, and quality processes.
• Support configuration management, accreditation, and cybersecurity activities.

Team Collaboration and Leadership

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams consisting of scientists, acoustic engineers, software developers, and government stakeholders.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians.
• Participate in technical reviews, working groups, and customer meetings.
• Communicate technical information effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant engineering experience supporting complex hardware and software systems.
• Experience developing and integrating computing systems in laboratory, test, or operational environments.
• Experience with software development using one or more programming languages such as:
  • C
  • C++
  • Python
  • MATLAB
  • Java
• Experience with Linux and/or Windows operating systems.
• Experience with networking concepts, protocols, and distributed computing systems.
• Experience troubleshooting hardware and software integration issues.
• Ability to analyze complex technical problems and develop practical engineering solutions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience supporting Navy, DoD, or defense-related programs.
• Knowledge of underwater acoustics, sonar systems, or signal processing techniques.
• Experience with real-time embedded systems and high-performance computing architectures.
• Experience with data acquisition systems and sensor integration.
• Familiarity with digital signal processing (DSP) concepts and algorithm implementation.
• Experience with version control systems such as Git.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks including:
  • RMF
  • NIST 800-53
  • STIG implementation
• Experience supporting at-sea testing, field exercises, or laboratory research environments.
• Experience with Agile software development methodologies.

Active Secret or higher security clearance.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team.
• Ability to balance multiple technical tasks and priorities.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to engineering quality.
• Ability to learn and apply emerging technologies in support of Navy mission requirements.
• Demonstrated initiative, creativity, and technical leadership.
• Commitment to supporting mission-critical systems that enhance naval operational effectiveness and warfighter capability.

Work Location: Newport RI

MIKEL offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), 401k Retirement Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Paid Time Off (PTO), and Tuition Reimbursement.

Department of Defense Secret Security Clearance or higher is required at time of hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.

MIKEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.