Sonar Operator & Sonar Team Lead
Location: UK (multiple sites depending on business unit requirements)
Engagement Type: 12-Month Fixed Term Contract (Inside IR35)
Start Date: Early 2026 (project kick-off Q1)
Sector: Defence / Maritime / Underwater Systems
About the Organisation
Our client is a leading UK Defence Prime operating across multiple business units delivering mission-critical capability to the Royal Navy and wider defence community. Due to an upcoming project mobilisation, we are seeking experienced Sonar Operators, including one Team Lead, to join a high-profile maritime programme supporting underwater battlespace operations.
Role Overview
You will join a specialist team responsible for providing sonar expertise, acoustic interpretation, and underwater battlespace awareness. This project will support trials, evaluation, and operational analysis across surface and subsurface platforms. Successful candidates will work closely with engineering, trials, and programme teams to ensure the effective delivery of sonar systems capability.
Key Responsibilities
For All Sonar Operators
* Operate sonar, acoustic, and underwater detection systems in support of trials, test events, and operational evaluation.
* Interpret passive and active acoustic signatures and provide real-time situational awareness.
* Support the planning, execution, and reporting of underwater trials and exercises.
* Assist engineering teams with system validation, procedural refinement, and capability assessment.
* Maintain accurate logs, reports, and post-event analysis documentation.
* Work within a multidisciplinary project team across several business units.
* Contribute to continuous improvement of sonar processes and operational best practices.
Team Lead – Additional Responsibilities
* Lead a team of Sonar Operators, providing guidance, tasking, and performance oversight.
* Own the delivery of sonar-related outputs across the programme.
* Act as the primary point of contact between operations, engineering, and programme management.
* Coordinate schedules, resource planning, and project milestones.
* Ensure technical reports, risk assessments, and deliverables meet quality and compliance standards.
Required Experience
* Current or former Royal Navy Sonar Operator (e.g., AB(CIS/Sonar), Leading Seaman (UW), Petty Officer (UW) or equivalent).
* Strong hands-on experience with surface or subsurface sonar systems (e.g., Type 2050, 2087, 2094, 2193 or similar).
* Proven experience interpreting acoustic data in real-time operational environments.
* Understanding of underwater battlespace tactics, threat recognition, and platform signatures.
* Experience working in high-pressure or mission-critical situations.
* Eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC or DV preferred).
For Team Lead Role
* Demonstrable leadership experience in a naval or defence environment.
* Proven ability to manage operators, schedules, training, and high-value deliverables.
Desirable Skills
* Experience in trials, test & evaluation, maritime systems integration or acceptance.
* Experience working directly with defence primes or MoD programmes.
* Strong communication and reporting skills.
* Knowledge of underwater acoustics theory, sonar modelling, or signal processing.
Engagement Details
* Contract: 12-month fixed term (with extension potential depending on programme stage).
* IR35 Status: Inside IR35.
* Start: Early next year – project mobilisation in Q1.
* Work Pattern: Hybrid depending on site and trials schedule (some travel to naval facilities or trials ranges required).
* Security Clearance - SC Minimum.
Why Join?
* Opportunity to support a major underwater defence capability programme.
* Work with a leading UK Defence Prime and specialist engineering teams.
* A role that values ex-Service expertise and contributes directly to national security.
* Long-term pipeline of maritime capability projects.