Senior Electrical Engineer - Maritime Acoustic Sensor Systems
30 days ago
Austin
Job DescriptionSaronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing defense autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations for the Department of Defense (DoD) through autonomous and intelligent platforms. Position OverviewSaronic Technologies is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer with expertise in maritime acoustic sensor systems to join our Electrical Engineering - Advanced Development group.This role focuses on the research, evaluation, and development of underwater acoustic sensing technologies - including sonar transducers, hydrophones, acoustic modems, and signal processing subsystems - supporting navigation, detection, and situational awareness capabilities for autonomous surface vessels.The ideal candidate has extensive experience in acoustic system design, integration, and testing within marine or defense environments, and a strong background in hardware evaluation, data analysis, and system trade studies. This position requires both analytical depth and hands-on experimentation in lab and at-sea environments.Key Responsibilities • Lead R&D initiatives in maritime acoustic sensing and underwater signal systems for autonomous vessel applications., • Evaluate and benchmark acoustic sensors and subsystems (e.g., sonar arrays, hydrophones, acoustic modems, Doppler sensors) across commercial and defense-grade offerings., • Design and execute experiments for acoustic performance testing, calibration, and environmental validation in laboratory and sea-trial conditions., • Develop and analyze trade studies comparing acoustic hardware and architectures to inform system selection, performance optimization, and integration paths., • Design and document system architectures for acoustic data acquisition, amplification, filtering, and digital conversion., • Collaborate with autonomy, software, and mechanical teams to integrate acoustic systems into vessel control and perception frameworks., • Develop and validate signal conditioning and analog front-end circuitry for low-noise, high-fidelity acoustic measurements., • Author detailed R&D documentation, including test reports, design specifications, and performance assessments., • Contribute to system safety, reliability, and environmental qualification efforts, including compliance with applicable maritime and defense standards., • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to Saronic’s acoustic sensing roadmap and experimental methodologies.Required Qualifications, • B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Acoustics, or related discipline., • 7+ years of experience in acoustic system design, integration, or testing - preferably in commercial marine, defense, or undersea applications., • Expertise with underwater acoustics, including sonar, hydrophones, and acoustic communication systems., • Experience in hardware benchmarking, R&D testing, and performance analysis of acoustic sensors and electronics., • Strong understanding of signal processing concepts, analog front-end design, and data acquisition systems., • Familiarity with marine environmental factors affecting acoustic propagation (temperature, salinity, depth, and noise)., • Proficiency in schematic design and documentation tools (e.g., Altium, AutoCAD Electrical, or SolidWorks Electrical)., • Hands-on experience with lab instrumentation (oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, data loggers, acoustic test equipment)., • Strong technical writing and presentation skills, with ability to produce rigorous R&D and evaluation documentation., • Comfortable working in laboratory, dockside, and sea-trial environments.Preferred Qualifications, • Experience developing or integrating active and passive sonar systems for maritime platforms., • Familiarity with acoustic transducer design, impedance matching, and waterproofing methods., • Knowledge of marine and defense standards (MIL-STD-167, MIL-STD-461, IEC 60529, etc.)., • Experience with acoustic modeling software (e.g., COMSOL, MATLAB, BELLHOP, or equivalent)., • Background in sensor fusion and data analysis pipelines for multi-sensor acoustic systems., • Experience supporting hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) or real-time signal processing systems.Benefits, • Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services, • Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care, • Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents, • Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays, • Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents, • Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses, • Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan, • Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success, • Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage, • Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office Physical Requirements, • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer., • Occasional standing and walking within the office., • Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment., • Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports., • Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies.