Principal Scientist Platform Technologies

Principal Scientist Platform Technologies

An immediate full-time Principal Scientist opportunity in Groton, Connecticut, with a leading defense employer. This role focuses on advanced undersea vehicle technologies and offers the chance to lead cutting-edge R&D. Ideal for experienced scientists with a background in hydrodynamics, acoustics, or mechanical engineering.

Imagine your expertise in hydrodynamics and acoustics shaping the next generation of undersea defense technology. A confidential employer in Groton, Connecticut, seeks a Principal Scientist to drive innovation in maritime systems that safeguard naval superiority. Here, your work will move from whiteboard to real-world testing, giving you the rare chance to see your ideas deployed in mission-critical environments.

As the technical lead, you will spend about half your time designing and developing advanced undersea vehicles—tackling challenges in propulsion, maneuvering, control, and materials. The other half balances project leadership with strategic business development, including writing proposals that win funding from top-tier DoD sponsors. You will run tests, analyze performance data, and brief customers on outcomes, ensuring every concept is battle-ready.

We are looking for a PhD-level scientist with a decade or more of hands-on experience in maritime R&D. You are equally comfortable in MATLAB and C++, and you have a proven history of fielding systems and leading small, multidisciplinary teams. You thrive when breaking new ground, whether that means exploring computational fluid dynamics or inventing new test protocols. If you already hold a security clearance, even better.

This is more than a job; it is a chance to define the future of undersea warfare. You will collaborate with the brightest minds across Groton, Concord, and Arlington, with the preferred location offering immediate opportunity. If you are ready to lead programs that matter, apply today and let's start a conversation about how your skills can protect those who serve.

• You must hold a PhD in hydrodynamics, mechanical engineering, acoustics, or a closely related field
• Deep subject matter expertise is required in at least one area, such as hydrodynamics/CFD, controls theory, mechanical design, or experiment design
• You need extensive experience with computational methods, including programming in C++, Fortran, and MATLAB
• You must have hands-on experience fielding systems, running prototype demonstrations, and post-processing data to evaluate performance
• You must possess strong proposal writing skills and a demonstrated ability to lead new business captures
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills are essential for leading meetings and delivering customer briefings

• You will work on exciting, technically challenging, cutting-edge undersea vehicle technologies that directly impact national security
• The role exposes you to a wide variety of multidisciplinary fields, accelerating your professional growth and expertise
• You will enjoy unique opportunities to lead high-visibility R&D programs for top DoD customers like DARPA, ONR, and NAVSEA
• A collaborative environment encourages innovation and provides the resources to prototype and test novel maritime systems
• You will build a powerful network through technical conferences and direct interactions with government and industry leaders
• The position offers stability and long-term career progression within a growing, mission-driven organization

• Lead the design and development of innovative undersea vehicle systems, allocating roughly half your time to hands-on technical work
• Provide project leadership, guiding cross-functional teams to achieve milestones on complex maritime R&D efforts
• Write compelling proposals and drive new business captures to secure funding for next-generation technologies
• Conduct advanced research in hydrodynamics, propulsion, maneuvering, and control for underwater vehicles
• Develop and execute sophisticated test methodologies to validate prototype performance in real-world conditions
• Collaborate on electromechanical component design and the integration of advanced materials into undersea applications
• Communicate technical results to stakeholders through clear presentations, reports, and customer debriefs

• Experience serving as a principal investigator on R&D programs for DARPA, ONR, NAVSEA, or similar DoD agencies is highly desired
• Proven technical leadership in modeling and simulation of advanced submarine system capabilities will make you a standout candidate
• A background in developing undersea robotic systems, including autonomous underwater vehicles, is a strong plus
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and drive technical execution of submarine system development efforts is valued
• A track record of presenting at major technical conferences underscores your thought leadership in the field

Ready for the Next Step?