Senior Acoustic Engineer

Millbank Holdings Ltd; Frenchay; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor in the UK is seeking a Contract Acoustics Engineer to support advanced submarine projects. You will apply your skills in noise and vibration analysis as part of a collaborative engineering team, contributing to performance optimization and design testing. Ideal candidates will have experience in Matlab/Simulink and possess a degree in a relevant engineering discipline. This position offers a supportive environment with professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Inclusive workplace culture

Professional development opportunities

Equal opportunities employer

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with Matlab/Simulink modelling and underwater acoustic testing.
• Ability to specify, set up, and analyse acoustic or vibration instrumentation.
• Experience in continuous improvement and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist advice on submarine noise, vibration and acoustic signatures.
• Conduct analytical and numerical modelling of acoustic and vibration phenomena.
• Carry out data collection, testing, analysis, and reporting.
• Produce and review engineering documentation.
• Investigate and resolve vibration issues on in-service vessels.
• Support system updates and life extensions across the submarine fleet.
• Provide engineering authority across teams.

Skills

Matlab/Simulink modelling

Instrumentation specification

Data acquisition

Development testing in underwater environments

Education

Degree or HNC/HND in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related discipline

Job description

Do you have hands‑on experience with Matlab/Simulink modelling and underwater acoustic testing? Can you demonstrate your ability to specify, set up, and analyse acoustic or vibration instrumentation in complex engineering environments? Are you ready to apply your acoustic expertise to one of the most technically advanced defence projects in the world, where your work directly contributes to the performance and stealth of next‑generation submarines?

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Contract Acoustics Engineer (Outside IR35) to join a high‑profile defence project during a period of growth and expansion. This role will see you applying your specialist knowledge of noise, vibration, and acoustic signatures to support the design, testing, and performance optimisation of submarine systems. You’ll be part of a collaborative engineering environment that values innovation, technical excellence, and professional development.

• Outside IR35 contract engagement.
• Opportunity to contribute to world‑class submarine engineering projects.
• Exposure to advanced modelling, testing, and acoustic analysis.
• Supportive and inclusive culture, promoting professional growth and development.

Your duties and responsibilities will be:

• Provide specialist advice and direction on submarine noise, vibration, and acoustic signatures performance.
• Conduct analytical and numerical modelling of acoustic and vibration phenomena.
• Carry out data collection, testing, analysis, and reporting—including on‑site, supplier, and at‑sea trials.
• Produce and review engineering documentation such as specifications, test procedures, safety assessments, and technical reports.
• Investigate and resolve signatures and vibration issues from in‑service vessels, identifying and implementing corrective actions.
• Support system updates, life extensions, and upgrades across the submarine fleet.
• Provide engineering authority and advice across internal teams and stakeholders.

You will have the following qualifications & experience:

• Degree or HNC/HND (or equivalent) in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering discipline.
• Matlab/Simulink modelling and simulation.
• Instrumentation specification, setup, and data acquisition.
• Development testing in underwater environments.

It’s great if you also have the following

• Background in acoustic or sonar systems engineering.
• Strong technical documentation and reporting skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Experience in continuous improvement and innovation.
• Proficiency with standard office and analysis software.

The setting for the role

This is a contract position, offered outside IR35, working as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team on a major defence programme. The role may involve occasional travel to testing facilities, supplier sites, or operational environments.

Please note that security clearance (up to DV level) may be required for this role, and eligibility to obtain such clearance will be discussed during the interview process.

Millbank Holdings Ltd is an equal opportunities employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workforce. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of background, and encourage candidates from under‑represented groups to apply.

We are proud to be a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, and we are committed to ensuring an accessible and supportive recruitment process for everyone. If you require any adjustments at any stage, please let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate.

Millbank operates as both an Employment Agency and an Employment Business.