Senior Electrical Engineer – Maritime Acoustic Sensor Systems

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms.

Position Overview

Saronic 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.

• Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages).

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