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Lead Acoustic Sensor Engineer

Arlington, VA

About the Team:

The Sensors Division at STR excels at applied research and advanced technology development of impactful sensor system technology to address warfighter and intelligence needs. Our contributions are the culmination of modeling, development, integration, and test and evaluation of new capabilities, with validation testing at each step of development.

The Advanced Systems Development (ASD) Group within the Sensors Division executes a broad portfolio of undersea and overhead technologies to impact sensing capabilities in contested areas.  The Group develops signature exploitations, implements advanced algorithms and processing, and creates novel sensing technologies spanning acoustic and optical domains for platforms such as AUVs.

STR is seeking a Lead Engineer recognized in the theory, modeling, design, and fabrication of undersea acoustic sources, sensors and systems.   You will lead initiatives for novel acoustic sensing methods and work across multidisciplinary teams to implement and demonstrate them in specific warfighter and intelligence applications.

What you will do:

  • Define and lead research into paradigm-breaking acoustic sources, sensors and systems, culminating in fabrication and demonstration of prototype systems  
  • Develop comprehensive test plans and associated test infrastructure to ensure solutions remain on track with objectives during all stages of development
  • Lead multidisciplinary teams involving mentoring of individuals, coordination and communication across technical teams, and reporting to internal and external stakeholders
  • Engage customer and develop compelling, innovative technical solutions to address maritime warfighter needs

Who you are:

  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is needed by the U.S. Government
  • BS, MS, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related fields with 10+ years of relevant experience
  • Proven proficiency in sensor theory, design, and fabrication of acoustic sensors designed to operate in remote undersea environments, including deep-sea or towed array operations
  • Demonstrated ability to exploit novel physics for improved transduction, to include  non-linear effects and single-node directional discrimination
  • Proficient with combining multiple external vendors and fabricators with in-house fabrication and integration resources to arrive at complete systems that meet functional objectives
  • Ability to design and implement testing methods and apparatus to assess sensor functionality, performance, and readiness
  • Ability in specifying required laboratory spaces, equipment, and processes to accomplish system fabrication and integration
  • Adherence to best practices for sensor development and testing using system engineering processes that allow for continuous risk-reduction and evolution of functionality
  • Track record forming and leading multidisciplinary teams for complex systems requiring coordination with dependent subsystem teams
  • Ability to prepare and deliver briefings to customers, program managers, and senior management with messages appropriately tailored to the audience and purpose.

Even Better:

  • Demonstrated experience in underwater acoustic processing to include array processing, beamforming, and sonar techniques
  • Experience and insight into the business of military undersea source and sensor procurement spanning contractors, vendors, and stakeholders allowing informed decisions about internal investment and business capture strategy
  • Breadth of experience involving testing in ocean environments

STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.

STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.

STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at www.str.us for more info.


STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at appassist@str.us and provide your contact info.

Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.

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