Underwater Acoustics Research Associate

Job Details

Purpose

The Environmental Sciences Laboratory (ESL) delivers capabilities to government customers for multiple 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 modeling and simulation, signal processing, experimentation, and data analysis.

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and assess advanced underwater acoustic modeling techniques and algorithm development across various disciplines such as signal processing, statistical inference, propagation modeling, and system integration.

Conduct analysis of real and simulated data from SONAR systems.

Conduct objective, research-centric assessments of internal and external SONAR system and algorithm performance.

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.

Other related functions as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or other applied science(s)

Demonstrated experience with signal processing and data analysis

Demonstrated excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to resolve complex technical problems

Demonstrated proficiency with MATLAB, Python or similar analysis environments.

Demonstrated ability to document and communicate research findings

Ability to travel in support of meetings and field work

Applicant must be highly organized, have excellent attention to detail, and possess sound scientific judgment. The position will require effective management of their own time with the ability to plan, coordinate, and execute multiple tasks simultaneously. Regular and punctual attendance.

US Citizen. Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information at the level appropriate to the project requirements of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D. degree and training in acoustics and signal processing

Experience modeling and analyzing 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 modeling, underwater acoustics, wave propagation, signal processing and / or sonar; applied mathematics, machine learning, uncertainty modeling and / or statistics; developing in both Windows and Linux environments

Advanced software proficiency in MATLAB, Linux shell scripting, Python, and / or other scientific computing languages

Experience with laboratory equipment, measurement, field work and troubleshooting

Cumulative GPA of 3.0 with 3.5 in major coursework.

General Notes

An agency designated by the federal government handles the investigation as to the requirement for eligibility for access to classified information. Factors considered during this investigation include but are not limited to allegiance to the United States, foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations, drug involvement, the likelihood of continuation of such conduct, etc.

Please mark "yes" on the application question that asks if additional materials are required. Failure to attach all additional materials listed below may result in a delay in application processing.

UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes :

• 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage
• Retirement contributions
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid holidays

Salary Range

$110,000-$155,000+ / negotiable depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

Standard office conditions

Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation

Use of manual dexterity

Some weekend, evening and holiday work

Intrastate / interstate / international travel

Use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Will work outdoors, indoors and over water

Offshore work on ships

Required Materials

Resume / CV

3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor

Letter of interest

Unofficial college transcripts

Important   for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers :  You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers :  As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.

Employment Eligibility :

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion / transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility :

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks :

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.