Maritime Surveillance Signal Processing and Automation Engineer (ESA)

University of Texas; United States; On-site; USD 89,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin seeks a Maritime Surveillance Signal Processing and Automation Engineer (ESA) to conduct acoustic and system engineering for SONAR processing, develop MATLAB/Python tools, and advance automation algorithms. The role includes presenting analyses, supervising junior staff, and collaborating across teams on research initiatives.

Applicants should have a bachelor’s in engineering/physics/CS and strong MATLAB/Python skills, with experience in acoustics, signal

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, computer science or related fields.
• Experience developing in MATLAB, Python, or similar languages.
• Experience in acoustic data analysis, signal processing, and/or machine learning.
• Experience preparing briefing materials, documentation, and managing schedules.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Conduct acoustic and system engineering to test and evaluate SONAR signal processing and automation algorithms.
• Implement research-grade software and analysis tools in MATLAB, Python, or similar languages.
• Develop signal processing and automation algorithms including beamformers, trackers, classifiers, or ML applications.
• Prepare and review analysis presentations and technical reports.
• Present analysis results at internal and external meetings.

Skills

MATLAB

Python

signal processing

machine learning

documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/physics/CS

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

Job Posting Title: Maritime Surveillance Signal Processing and Automation Engineer (ESA)

Hiring Department: Applied Research Laboratories

Position Open To: All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40

FLSA Status: Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date: Immediately

Position Duration: Expected to Continue

Location: PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS

Job Details:

• Conduct acoustic and system engineering to test and evaluate SONAR signal processing and automation algorithms developed both internally and externally (may include travel to test sites for specific test events).
• Implement research grade software and analysis tools in MATLAB, Python, or similar programming languages.
• Software applications may include novel graphic visualizations, signal processing applications such as beamformers, automated trackers, automated target classifiers, applications for machine learning and other algorithms as needed.
• Preparation and review of analysis presentations and technical reports.
• Presentation of analysis results at internal and external working group meetings.
• Process and/or analyze acoustic data for use in SONAR system development.
• Includes the development of novel signal processing and automation algorithms to solve identified problems.
• Supervision of junior personnel (including student employees).
• Support collaborative research efforts with other team members.
• Other related functions as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, computer science, or related technical fields.
• Experience developing in Matlab, Python, and/or similar programming languages.
• Experience in acoustic data analysis, signal processing, and/or machine learning.
• Experience preparing briefing materials, documentation, and managing schedules.
• Applicant must be highly organized, capable of planning and coordinating multiple tasks, and managing their time.
• Strong attention to detail, effective problem solving, sound engineering judgment, and excellent communications skills.
• Applicant must have a dynamic skill set, willing to work with new technologies, be highly organized and capable of planning and coordinating multiple tasks and managing their time.
• The position will require attention to detail, effective problem solving skills and excellent judgment.
• Ability to work independently with sensitive and confidential information, maintain a professional demeanor, work as a team member without daily supervision and effectively communicate with all groups of clients.
• Able to work under pressure and accept supervision.
• 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:

• Master's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Software Engineering.
• Experience developing underwater acoustic processing/recording, testing such systems, and evaluating such system’s performance.
• Experience working with other organizations in research and testing environments.
• Experience working in a team and interacting with sponsors.
• Three, or more, years of experience working in algorithm development or SONAR.
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 with a 3.2 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. Visit our website (www.arlut.utexas.edu) for additional information about Applied Research Laboratories. UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes: 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage Retirement contributions Paid vacation and sick time Paid holidays Please visit our Human Resources (HR) website to learn more about the total benefits offered.

Salary Range $88,500-$120,000+/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 Possible interstate/intrastate travel

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

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.

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

Equal Opportunity Employer: The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency: The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification: If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify: The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following: E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Compliance: Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and ... If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031. The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.

Start Here, Change the World At The University of Texas at Austin, tradition meets innovation in the heart of a city that frequents lists of the best places to live and work. Named by Forbes as one of America's Best Large Employers for the sixth year in a row in 2025, UT offers both a dynamic work environment and a gateway to vibrant local culture. Whether you're at the forefront of the student experience, conducting world-changing research or supporting the engine that drives Texas’ flagship university, working at UT means making a lasting impact on our city, our state and our world. Our more than 20,000 faculty and staff empower 55,000+ students to challenge ideas, pursue passions and shape their futures. Joining UT, you’ll become part of a community dedicated to making a meaningful impact on campus and throughout the world. Looking for a student job? Please see our Student Employment site.

Comments and Inquiries: Email comments to [e-mail]. For questions or concerns regarding equal opportunity only, contact Equal Opportunity Services. Additional information for applicants can be found on the Human Resources web page: Applying for Employment. For more job information, call the Human Resource Service Center at [phone], or toll-free at [phone]. UT Austin is a Tobacco-free Campus