Underwater Acoustics Engineering Scientist

As a young and fast-growing scaleup company, Optics11 is now looking for an Underwater Acoustics Engineering Scientist 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 startup 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:

• Design, implement, and assess advanced underwater acoustic modelling techniques and algorithms for Sonar systems.
• Data analysis of our fiber optic acoustic and non-acoustic sensors.
• Developing data analysis algorithms including beamforming, event detection and data classification.
• Evaluating data from field trials and preparing reports for internal/external stakeholders.
• Diving into big data sets with focus on delivering maximum insights with optimal effort.
• Assisting embedded and software development team in implementations of selected solutions/algorithm.

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 .
• Hybrid working model, who doesn't like to work at home from time to time? 

Qualifications:

• You have at least 3 years of of applied research experience.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent practical knowledge of mathematics, physics, data science techniques.
• Experience with hydrophone arrays and sonar data processing is a plus.
• 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.