Principal Acoustic Systems Engineer

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory•Cambridge, MA

19h•Onsite

About The Position

Draper's Acoustic and Vibration Technologies group is seeking a Principal Acoustic Systems Engineer to serve as a development lead for novel sound and vibration technology. This key role requires you to concept, define and execute novel programs for sensing and communications systems. You will also direct the shaping and capture of new business through the development of customer relationships, proposals, presentations, and whitepapers. This is a technical leadership position that will ultimately deliver timely, high-performance technology to national security customers. The ideal candidate has a technology background in the architecture and design of acoustic sensor systems, including the hardware, software, and algorithms related to infrasound to ultrasound signal acquisition, acoustic transducer system design, transducer modeling and simulation, transducer arrays and signal processing, passive and/or active noise and vibration control, system integration and deployment, test and measurement of acoustic systems, and interfacing with government customers. In addition, candidates should have experience leading large multi-disciplinary teams of physicists, engineers, and technicians. Presenting and publishing documentation to internal and external customers is required.

Requirements

Requires a master's degree in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, optics, or similar.
5-10 years experience in Physics Engineering or related with a master's degree.
0-5 years experience in Physics Engineering or related with a PhD degree.
Proficiency in programming language.
Ability to write software routines to run laboratory experiments including data collection, storage, and basic data reduction.
Demonstrated consistency, accountability and flexibility managing multiple and competing priorities.
Proven ability to lead technical solutions to complex user requirements.
Excellent communication, technical writing, oral presentation, and interpersonal skills.
Experience with C, C++, and/or MATLAB (Python) for algorithm development on a variety of devices and instruments.
Experience with LTspice, MATLAB (Python), Simulink, COMSOL and/or other multi-domain modeling applications.
Experience with Audio Precision, National Instruments, Liquid Instruments, and/or similar test and data acquisition systems.
Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a US government security clearance.

Nice To Haves

PhD degree preferred.
Candidates ideally possess a M.S. or Ph.D. in electrical engineering, applied physics, or a related field with a concentration in acoustics, signal processing, and/or control systems.

Responsibilities

Develops and applies advanced design methods, theories, and research techniques.
Analyzes, develops, and recommends design approaches to meet prototype or production requirements.
Responsible for planning and conducting hardware projects or phases of projects.
May provide technical consultation and work leadership to other team members.
Development of quantum, optical, and/or photonic sensors and instruments.
Provide recommendations for performance improvements and cost reduction efforts.
Apply quantitative analysis in determining root cause of highly technical problems and propose, develop and implement solutions for corrective action.
Develop and maintain effective internal/external relationships.
Help define the analysis approach for a particular problem and independently execute assignments.
Contribute high quality content for technical reports and presentations with minimal guidance.
Proactively identify needs and concerns associated with design decisions and communicate them to project leadership.
Drive solutions to complex problems with limited direction – contribute to requirements development, propose ways forward, and adapt appropriately to changes in requirements.
Perform analytical modeling and finite element analysis of complex electro-mechanical systems.
Able to provide insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and to apply analysis techniques across a range of technical disciplines.
Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies.
Actively mentor less experienced engineers and provide thoughtful, constructive feedback.
Independently drive solutions to complex problems - develop requirements, propose ways forward when customer requirements are unclear or incomplete, and adapt appropriately to changes in requirements.
Subject Matter Expert (SME) able to perform advanced analytical modeling and finite element analysis of complex electro-mechanical systems.
Able to provide insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and to apply analysis techniques across a range of technical disciplines.
Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies.
Develop, document, and teach best practices to less experienced engineers; Demonstrate strong organization, planning, and time management skills to achieve program goals.
Performs other related duties as assigned.