Underwater Acoustics Engineering Scientist

As a young and fast-growing scaleup company, Optics11 is now looking for an Underwater Acoustics Engineer who is motivated to carry out underwater acoustics research and development with an emphasis on Sonar, acoustic modelling, signal processing, and data analysis.

Optics11 is an Amsterdam-based high-tech scale-up on a mission to innovate underwater security and put Netherlands on the map of European sonar industry. Our novel fiberoptic technology is redefining underwater security, enabling advanced sonar solutions for safeguarding of key naval and underwater infrastructure. Our high-paced development has been met with an ever growing interest from the market, with selection of our towed array technology for the new generation of Dutch submarines being the latest testament to our progress. As we transition towards commercial deployments, we are seeking ambitious, mission-driven professionals to join us in shaping the next chapter of our growth and success.

Key responsibilities:

• Execute Acoustic Modelling and Signal Processing Tasks: Implement and refine existing modelling and analysis methods for fiber-optic systems, applying principles of wave propagation, acoustic sensing, and signal processing.

• Analyze and Interpret Experimental Data: Process and evaluate fiber-optic datasets from laboratory and field trials to extract insights that support design improvements and validation.

• Develop and Test Algorithms: Contribute to the development and testing of algorithms for beamforming, event detection, filtering, and data classification under guidance from senior engineers.

• Document and Communicate Progress: Maintain clear, structured documentation of methods, results, and conclusions. Proactively communicate progress, challenges, and proposed solutions to the team.

• Collaborate Across Functions: Work closely with software, embedded, and hardware engineers to ensure smooth data flow, model integration, and system testing.

• Improve Team Workflows and Tools: Identify opportunities to improve data handling, simulation scripts, and processing pipelines, contributing to better team efficiency and clarity.

• Share Knowledge and Provide Feedback: Contribute to internal discussions by sharing your learnings, simplifying complex findings for others, and offering constructive feedback on shared work.

What's in it for you? 

• Competitive salary . 

• Innovative high-tech, international organization .

• The opportunity to work in a cross-functional and interdisciplinary environment .

• A lot to learn and to develop, we stimulate personal development .

• A flat organization, the less hierarchy, the better .

Qualifications:

• 1–3 years of experience in research or development within acoustics, sonar, or related domains.

• A strong background in underwater acoustics, signal processing, applied physics, or equivalent.  

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• You have a can-do mentality with no fear of getting your hands dirty when needed.

• You have strong verbal and written communication skills in English (Dutch is an advantage).

• You can work independently as well as in a team with well-developed communication skills.

• Applicants should be eligible for NATO/Dutch security clearance.

Technical skills:

• Experience with physical modelling, underwater acoustics propagation, wave propagation, signal processing, sonar and applied mathematics.

• Excellent programming skills (e.g. C++, Python, etc.) with readiness to deepen your Python proficiency.

• Good understanding of signal processing techniques and their implementations (e.g. denoising, filtering, Fourier/wavelet transform, PCA, classification algorithms).

• Knowledge of AI, machine learning techniques is a plus.

• Experience with CUDA, PyTorch, TensorFlow, LabView skills is a plus.

• Experience with fiber optic measurement principles and/or interferometry is a plus. 

You'll be working with clients in the defense and security sectors, obtaining a Certificate of No Objection issued by the AIVD (Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service) is mandatory. This means you will need to undergo a security screening. For more information, please refer to details on security screening. 

More information:

So now you know we're doing awesome projects and if you see you fit the profile, we would like to get to know you. Apply and drop your details or, in case of questions, get in touch with our recruiter Dora Öveges via dora.oveges@optics11.com.