Principal Investigator for Undersea Systems

About the Team:

The Sensors Division within STR focuses on the development and analysis of advanced sensor systems in the RF acoustic and electro-optical domains. This includes the design and development of novel sensors and advanced information processing techniques from ideation to prototype implementations. The Subsea and Seabed Systems (SSS) Group develops and delivers advanced undersea sensor and signal processing systems including bespoke undersea vehicles to deploy those systems. We apply those products to to intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and counter-ISR applications to deliver missions success to our customers.

The Role:

We are seeking a Principal Investigator (PI) to lead cuttingedge research and development in advanced undersea sensing and robotic systems. This role is ideal for a technical leader who can originate innovative concepts shape them into compelling customerfocused proposals architect and plan complex programs and drive execution from initial idea through successful atsea demonstration.

You will set the technical vision and lead multidisciplinary teams working on nextgeneration CounterUncrewed Underwater Vehicle (CUUV) technologies acoustic underwater sensing and signal processing noise control undersea robotics and other advanced undersea systems. You will engage directly with U.S. Government and industry partners define new capabilities and deliver operationally relevant solutions.

Technical Leadership & Vision

• Define and lead a research agenda in advanced undersea sensing and robotics with emphasis on CUUV acoustic sensing signal processing and noise control
• Architect systemlevel solutions for uncrewed undersea vehicles sensor payloads and commandandcontrol (C2) systems including sensing processing autonomy and communications
• Provide technical direction to electrical mechanical software and systems engineers; ensure integration of hardware software and algorithms into robust undersea systems
• An ideal candidate need not have depth in all areas of a system (electrical mechanical software etc.) but needs to understand their system-level interplay and be able to lead a team across disciplines

Innovation Capture and Customer Engagement

• Generate new concepts and technology approaches that address emerging undersea mission needs and capability gaps
• Lead the development of white papers proposals and briefings; pitch ideas and technical solutions to U.S. Government and other customers
• Shape program scope technical objectives and execution plans in collaboration with business development and program management
• Serve as the primary technical interface to customers communicating tradeoffs risks and progress clearly and credibly

Program Execution & Team Leadership

• Translate concepts into executable technical plans and collaborate with a Program Manager to develop work breakdown structures schedules risk management and resource planning
• Lead technical teams through design implementation integration and test of undersea systems from lab prototypes to atsea demonstrations
• Ensure rigorous systemlevel testing (HIL lab pool and atsea) and drive iterative improvement based on test data and operational feedback
• Mentor and develop earlycareer engineers and researchers; foster a culture of technical excellence collaboration and handson problem solving

Technical Execution (Domain Expertise)

• Provide technical expertise in an area of undersea research. This may include:
• Guide the design and integration of advanced acoustic sensing systems including transducer arrays frontend electronics and digital signal processing chains
• Lead research in CUUV detection tracking and defeat concepts including sensing modalities classification algorithms and autonomous behaviors
• Direct efforts in noise control and signature management for undersea platforms and sensors
• Oversee embedded and realtime processing architectures (e.g. FPGAs GPUs SBCs) supporting autonomy signal processing and C2
• Maintain awareness of stateoftheart undersea technologies and incorporate relevant advances into ongoing and future programs

• Ability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance with special access for which U.S citizenship is needed by the U.S government
• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Electrical Engineering Computer Engineering Ocean Engineering Acoustics Robotics or a closely related fieldand substantial experience (typically 8 years) in undersea systems sensing or robotics; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience as a technical lead on a complex R&D program preferably in undersea or maritime domains
• Deep handson experience in at least one core area:

• • Acoustic underwater sensing and signal processing
  • CounterUUV or undersea defense systems
  • Undersea robotics and autonomy
  • Noise control / signature management for undersea platforms
• Proven ability to:
  • Develop innovative technical concepts and architectures
  • Write and win competitive proposals or lead major technical captures
  • Plan and manage technical execution for multidisciplinary teams
• Strong systemsengineering mindset including requirements development architecture definition trade studies and verification/validation
• Practical familiarity with embedded systems and realtime control (e.g. microcontrollers FPGAs SBCs) and their role in undersea platforms and sensing systems
• Experience with modeling simulation or analytical tools to set and assess performance expectations for UUVs or sensor systems
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including the ability to brief senior stakeholders and customers

• Prior experience as a Principal Investigator or Chief Engineer on undersea robotics UUV advanced sensing or complex R&D programs
• Experience designing electronics and systems for marine or other harsh environments (pressure corrosion moisture vibration)
• Familiarity with robotic and autonomy frameworks (e.g. ROS MOOSIvP UMAA) and their integration with vehicle electronics and sensing systems
• Experience with advanced acoustic signal processing including array processing detection classification localization and tracking
• Background in control systems sensor fusion and their implications for hardware design timing and system architecture
• Experience with hardwareintheloop (HIL) test setups systemlevel simulation and atsea test campaigns including deployment operation and recovery
• Experience interacting with the U.S. Navy or other U.S. Government organizations including classified or special access programs
• Active Top Secret security clearance and prior special access program experience
• Experience with agile development methodologies and modern configuration management (e.g. Git) for hardware firmware and analysis tools

This role is suited for a technical leader who thrives at the intersection of innovation customer engagement and handson engineering and who wants to shape the next generation of undersea sensing and robotic capabilities.

Why Join Us

This is an opportunity to contribute to the development of groundbreaking undersea robotic and sensing systems that will shape the future of maritime autonomy. You will work alongside a passionate and talented team tackling some of the most challenging and rewarding problems in the field. If you are a visionary roboticist with a drive to innovate and lead we want to hear from you.

Apply today and help us redefine whats possible beneath the waves.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $220000 - $260000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors such as but not limited to the candidates experience education training key skills/critical skills security clearances and prevailing market and business conditions.

STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston MA Arlington VA near Dayton OH Melbourne FL Carlsbad CA Atlanta GA and Denver CO. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense intelligence and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors radar sonar communications and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.

STRis committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.

STR is not just any company. Our people culture and attitude along with their unique set of skills experiences and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We cant do it alone though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us more info.

STRis an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race color religion sex (including gender identity sexual orientation and pregnancy) marital status national origin age veteran status disability genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local laws.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process email us atand provide your contact info.

Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.