Head Of Acoustics

HSB Technical Ltd; Ferndown; On-site; GBP 86,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

HSB Technical Ltd is recruiting an experienced Head of Acoustics to lead an engineering business focused on underwater acoustics, sonar systems and marine defence technology. You will oversee acoustic analysis, testing facilities and multidisciplinary project delivery, shaping the company’s acoustic technology roadmap.

The role suits a senior or principal acoustics engineer progressing into leadership, with responsibility for technical direction, budgeting and collaboration with R&D management.

Qualifications

• Relevant degree in Engineering, Acoustics, Physics or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Significant experience in underwater acoustic analysis, ideally within marine defence or sonar applications.
• Strong understanding of underwater acoustics, acoustic propagation, modelling and simulation.
• Experience using, developing and validating specialist acoustic analysis software.
• Knowledge of fibre-reinforced composites, acoustic damping materials and associated manufacturing processes.
• Experience in acoustic testing, experimental analysis and technical validation.
• Ability to develop innovative engineering solutions to complex technical specifications.
• Understanding of engineering design, manufacturing processes and design-to-cost principles.
• Experience leading technical projects or providing technical direction to engineering teams.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and technical decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication skills, including technical reporting, presentations and customer engagement.
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities and contribute to engineering strategy.
• Experience supporting technical bids, project estimates and engineering risk assessments.
• Must be eligible to obtain UK Government Security Clearance (SC) without caveats.

Responsibilities

• Lead and provide technical direction to the acoustics engineering and design team
• Oversee underwater acoustic analysis, modelling, simulation and testing activities
• Manage acoustic engineering and R&D projects, ensuring delivery to specification, budget and deadlines.
• Manage and develop specialist acoustic testing facilities and the Development Test Centre.
• Develop, maintain and validate acoustic analysis software and engineering design tools.
• Lead acoustic development programmes in line with the company's technology roadmap.
• Support the design and development of sonar-related systems, acoustic composites and damping materials.
• Work with engineering and manufacturing teams to develop innovative, cost-effective and manufacturable solutions.
• Provide specialist technical support for customer enquiries, tenders and new business opportunities.
• Prepare engineering estimates, technical bid reports, project plans and risk assessments.
• Review and approve acoustic analysis reports, engineering specifications and technical documentation.
• Investigate and evaluate new technologies, materials and potential design solutions.
• Support collaborative research and development programmes with external organisations.
• Represent the business in technical meetings, customer presentations and industry events.
• Mentor and develop engineers, providing technical guidance and reviewing their work.

Skills

Underwater acoustics

Acoustic analysis

Engineering leadership

Project management

Technical reporting

Customer engagement

Education

Engineering/Acoustics/Physics degree

Job description

Job Title

Head of Acoustics

Department

R&D and Engineering

Location

Dorset

Type

Permanent

Salary

£95,000 per annum

About HSB Technical

HSB Technical Ltd is a specialist recruiter within the Power & Propulsion, Shipbuilding, Maritime, Energy, Subsea and Fire & Security sectors, supporting businesses with permanent and contract recruitment across the UK.

Position Summary

HSB Technical is recruiting for an experienced Head of Acoustics to join an established engineering business specialising in underwater acoustics, sonar systems and marine defence technology.

The successful candidate will lead acoustic analysis, engineering development and research activities, including responsibility for specialist acoustic testing facilities. Working alongside senior engineering and R&D management, you will provide technical expertise, drive innovation and support the development of advanced acoustic technologies.

This opportunity may also suit a Senior or Principal Acoustic Engineer looking to progress into a technical leadership position.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and provide technical direction to the acoustics engineering and design team
• Oversee underwater acoustic analysis, modelling, simulation and testing activities
• Manage acoustic engineering and R&D projects, ensuring delivery to specification, budget and deadlines.
• Manage and develop specialist acoustic testing facilities and the Development Test Centre.
• Develop, maintain and validate acoustic analysis software and engineering design tools.
• Lead acoustic development programmes in line with the company's technology roadmap.
• Support the design and development of sonar-related systems, acoustic composites and damping materials.
• Work with engineering and manufacturing teams to develop innovative, cost-effective and manufacturable solutions.
• Provide specialist technical support for customer enquiries, tenders and new business opportunities.
• Prepare engineering estimates, technical bid reports, project plans and risk assessments.
• Review and approve acoustic analysis reports, engineering specifications and technical documentation.
• Investigate and evaluate new technologies, materials and potential design solutions.
• Support collaborative research and development programmes with external organisations.
• Represent the business in technical meetings, customer presentations and industry events.
• Mentor and develop engineers, providing technical guidance and reviewing their work.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

• Relevant degree in Engineering, Acoustics, Physics or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Significant experience in underwater acoustic analysis, ideally within marine defence or sonar applications.
• Strong understanding of underwater acoustics, acoustic propagation, modelling and simulation.
• Experience using, developing and validating specialist acoustic analysis software.
• Knowledge of fibre-reinforced composites, acoustic damping materials and associated manufacturing processes.
• Experience in acoustic testing, experimental analysis and technical validation.
• Ability to develop innovative engineering solutions to complex technical specifications.
• Understanding of engineering design, manufacturing processes and design-to-cost principles.
• Experience leading technical projects or providing technical direction to engineering teams.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and technical decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication skills, including technical reporting, presentations and customer engagement.
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities and contribute to engineering strategy.
• Experience supporting technical bids, project estimates and engineering risk assessments.
• Must be eligible to obtain UK Government Security Clearance (SC) without caveats.