Underwater Acoustics Research Associate

Position Overview

The Environmental Sciences Laboratory (ESL) delivers capabilities to government customers for numerous applications, from on‑site real‑time data‑intensive underwater acoustic signal processing to standalone remote field systems. ESL is seeking a motivated individual to conduct SONAR and underwater acoustics research and development, with an emphasis on acoustic modelling and simulation, signal processing, experimentation, and data analysis.

• Job Posting
  
  Title:
  
  Underwater Acoustics Research Associate
• Hiring Department: Applied Research Laboratories
• Position Open To: All Applicants
• Weekly Scheduled
  
  Hours:
  
  40
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Earliest
  
  Start Date:
  
  Immediately
• Position Duration: Expected to Continue
• Location: PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS

• Design, implement, and assess advanced underwater acoustic modelling techniques and algorithm development across various disciplines such as signal processing, statistical inference, propagation modelling, and system integration.
• Conduct objective, research‑centric analysis and assessments of real and simulated data for ARL:
  
  UT and industry SONAR systems and algorithms.
• Communicate results of scientific research to sponsors and scientific community through briefings, working groups, meetings, technical reports, and publications.
• Support the planning and execution of at‑sea experimentation including hardware and software preparation, logistics, travel, data collection, and data analysis.
• Collaborate with and participate in dynamic, multi‑functional teams in support of specific program objectives.
• Perform other related functions as required.

• PhD degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or other applied science(s).
• Demonstrated and varied experience with signal processing and data analysis.
• Demonstrated excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to resolve complex technical problems.
• Proficiency with MATLAB, Python or similar analysis environments.
• Ability to document and communicate research findings.
• Ability to travel in support of meetings and field work.
• US citizen with eligibility for classified information access.

• PhD with training in acoustics and signal processing.
• Experience modelling and analysing ocean acoustic propagation.
• Experience with analytical mathematical techniques and numerical computation to model acoustic systems and environments.
• Prior research work experience in DoD‑related applications.
• Experience with physical modelling, underwater acoustics, wave propagation, signal processing and/or sonar; applied mathematics, machine learning, uncertainty modelling and/or statistics; developed in both Windows and Linux environments.
• Advanced software proficiency in Matlab, Linux shell scripting, Python, or other scientific computing languages.
• Recent or immediate eligibility for access to classified information.
• Experience with laboratory equipment, measurement, field work and troubleshooting.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 with 3.5 in core area.

• Standard office conditions.
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
• Use of manual dexterity.
• Some weekend, evening and holiday work.
• Possible interstate/intrastate travel.

• Resume/CV.
• Three work references with contact information (at least one supervisor reference).
• Letter of interest.
• Unofficial college transcripts.

• 100% employer‑pay basic medical coverage.
• Retirement contributions.
• Paid vacation and sick time.
• Paid holidays.

$120,000 – $165,000+/negotiable depending on qualifications.

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Applicant must be a U.S. citizen and subject to a government security investigation. Eligibility for classified information access must be at the level appropriate to project requirements.