Acoustic Systems Engineer

Vatn Systems; Bristol (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Vatn Systems, based in the United States, is seeking an Acoustic Systems Engineer to integrate acoustic devices with our autonomous underwater vehicles and collaborate with the acoustics and autonomy teams.

You will plan in-water data collections, isolate defects across the sensing chain, develop automated analysis pipelines, and contribute ROS 2 nodes for payload data capture on vehicle platforms.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in robotics perception or autonomous systems.
• Strong Python and/or MATLAB skills for software development and data analysis.
• Demonstrated system analytical / system level debugging skills.
• Solid understanding of linux operating system and commandline operations.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute in-water data collections for forward looking sonar designs.
• Isolate defects to root cause across the sensing chain — sensor, analog front end, acquisition software, vehicle integration, or environment — and drive corrective action to closure against requirements.
• Develop and maintain automated analysis pipelines that ingest multichannel recordings and produce spectra, beamformed outputs, detection and tracking metrics, and homing performance summaries.
• Develop and maintain ROS 2 nodes for these acoustic systems, launch configurations, and recording tools supporting payload data capture and playback on vehicle platforms.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

System debugging

Tools

ROS 2

Job description

About Vatn Systems

Vatn Systems is an innovative startup at the forefront of designing and manufacturing autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Our mission is to revolutionize underwater security, exploration, research, and operations through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled engineering. Our AUVs are defining the next generation of underwater autonomy.

The Role

As an Acoustic Systems Engineer, you will integrate acoustic devices with VATN autonomous underwater vehicles, work with specialists to characterize the performance, and implement improvements. Devices you will work with include in-house acoustic forward looking sonar arrays, passive acoustic monitoring systems, and countermeasure devices. You’ll work closely with the acoustics and autonomy team to characterize real-world sensor behavior and close the loop between fielded performance and algorithm development.

What You’ll Do

• Plan and execute in-water data collections for forward looking sonar designs
• Isolate defects to root cause across the sensing chain — sensor, analog front end, acquisition software, vehicle integration, or environment — and drive corrective action to closure against requirements
• Develop and maintain automated analysis pipelines that ingest multichannel recordings and produce spectra, beamformed outputs, detection and tracking metrics, and homing performance summaries
• Develop and maintain ROS 2 nodes for these acoustic systems, launch configurations, and recording tools supporting payload data capture and playback on vehicle platforms..

What We’re Looking For

Required

• 3–5 years of experience in robotics perception or autonomous systems
• Strong Python and/or MATLAB skills for software development and data analysis
• Demonstrated system analytical / system level debugging skills
• Solid understanding of linux operating system and commandline operations
• Willingness to work in the field system and participate in weekly field test exercises.

Nice To Have:

• Exposure to transducers, hydrophones, or other analog sensor front ends, including their failure modes and interface requirements
• Familiarity with underwater or ocean acoustics, including propagation, array theory, or the sonar equation

Vatn is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially having you join our team in shaping the future of autonomous underwater exploration.