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Lead Undersea Acoustic System Engineer

Woburn, MA

About the Team:

The Sensors Division within STR focuses on the development and analysis of advanced sensor systems in the RF, acoustic, and electro-optical domains. This includes the design and development of novel sensors and advanced information processing techniques from ideation to prototype implementations. The Undersea Systems and Acoustics (USA) Group develops and delivers advanced undersea sensor and signal processing systems related to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and counter-ISR applications.

The Role:

The USA Group is hiring a Lead Undersea Acoustic System Engineer who can apply extensive hands-on expertise to lead the design, development, integration, and testing of advanced acoustic systems similar to active sonars,  acoustic localization systems, sonar-testing echo-repeaters, acoustic modems, uncrewed vehicle passive detection and tracking systems, and/or acoustic counter-measures.  

As a Lead Undersea Acoustic System Engineer, you will lead cross-functional engineering teams responsible for fielding first-of-a-kind innovative prototype systems that generally include acoustic sensor arrays, sources, embedded processing hardware, power systems, and platforms.

Developing such systems often involves early trade studies and designs that progressively lead to subsystem testing in the laboratory and then to prototype field testing in the ocean. This progression requires an understanding of the signal processing and algorithms fundamental to real-time acoustic systems as well as the expertise to design, implement, integrate, and test complex undersea hardware systems that deliver those algorithmic and system concepts.

While depth in all areas is not necessary, breadth of expertise across mechanical, electrical, embedded signal processing, and ocean engineering is necessary. To that end, a successful candidate is expected to have experience with simulation and analysis of undersea systems (acoustic, thermal, electrical, mechanical), experience implementing and integrating undersea systems, knowledge of ocean engineering best-practices, hands-on laboratory and field test planning and execution, and experience with rapid prototyping.    

The expectation is that you can harness this breadth of experience to get from a system concept to a system in the water implementing processing algorithms in real time.   

Strong technical, interpersonal, communication, and technical leadership skills are also expected.

What you will do:

Technical Leadership and Innovation:

  • Apply advanced knowledge of undersea system domains (acoustic, mechanical, electrical, thermal) to define, develop, and validate novel solutions to complex and broad problems
  • Lead the conceptualization, analysis, design, and development phases of new undersea technical solutions (algorithms, processing, test approaches, system or mechanical designs, etc.) 
  • Lead and manage moderate size engineering teams (5-10 engineers) through complete project lifecycles including task definition, delegation, and progress tracking
  • Oversee, software, hardware, and system design reviews, ensuring adherence to best practices and requirements
  • Proactively evaluate and adopt cutting-edge tools, methods, and processes to enhance engineering outcomes
  • Initiate and lead cross-disciplinary collaborations, identifying opportunities across diverse technical domains, stakeholders, other projects, and customer bases
  • Clearly communicate complex concepts, vision, and strategy through technical presentations and reports to diverse stakeholders, ensuring alignment and understanding at all organizational levels
  • Independently plan, coordinate, and lead laboratory evaluations and at-sea field tests

Who You Are:

  • PhD or MS with 5+ years, or BS with 7+ years of relevant technical experience in underwater acoustics, ocean engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering,  applied physics, or related field
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is needed by the U.S. Government
  • Demonstrated expertise in developing undersea electro-mechanical systems
  • Experience with undersea acoustics and sonar processing chains
  • Proven ability to lead and manage engineering teams through complete project lifecycles
  • Strong technical, interpersonal, and communication skills
  • Proficient at technical writing
  • Ability to interact with technical and non-technical customers and external teammates to understand their technical issues, frame potential solutions, and develop collaborative projects
  • Scientific curiosity and creativity
  • Skills in C/C++, Python, and/or MATLAB

Even Better:

  • Active security clearance
  • Specific experience with developing low-latency, responsive acoustic systems such as active sonar systems, acoustic ranging/localization systems, echo-repeater testing systems, and/or acoustic counter-measures
  • Experience using modeling and simulation to set system performance expectations for advanced undersea acoustic systems
  • Experience interacting with U.S. Navy and other U.S. Government organizations and processes
  • Knowledge of one or more of the following topic areas:
    • Underwater acoustic propagation modeling; acoustic communications; UUV design, design tools, and component technology; architectures for unmanned systems; sensor, source, and array design (towed, conformal, drifting, or bottomed)
  • Experience with field testing, especially at-sea testing including system deployment, operation, and recovery operations

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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