Acoustic Signal Processing Engineer

We are expanding our Underwater Acoustics R&D team with a Acoustic Signal Processing Engineer who is motivated to solve challenging scientific and engineering problems at the intersection of signal processing, applied mathematics, physics, and software engineering.

Optics11 is a deep-tech company developing advanced fiber-optic sensing technologies for demanding applications in underwater acoustics, offshore energy, and defense. Our novel fiber-optic technology is redefining underwater security by enabling next-generation sonar solutions to protect critical naval assets and underwater infrastructure.

You will contribute to the development of advanced sonar processing algorithms, mathematical models, and software for our next-generation fiber-optic sensing systems. Working closely with experts from multiple disciplines, you will help develop technologies that operate in some of the world's most challenging environments.

Previous experience in underwater acoustics, sonar, radar, geophysics or medical imaging is an advantage, but not a dealbreaker. We value strong analytical thinking, curiosity, and the willingness to learn new domains.

Key responsibilities:

• Execute acoustic modelling and signal processing tasks: Implement and improve algorithms and mathematical models for underwater acoustic sensing systems using principles from signal processing, applied mathematics, statistics, physics, and numerical methods.

• Analyze and interpret experimental data: Process and evaluate fiber-optic datasets from laboratory and field trials to extract insights that support design improvements and validation.

• Develop and test algorithms: Contribute to the development and testing of algorithms for beamforming, event detection, filtering, and data classification under guidance from senior engineers.

• Document and communicate progress: Maintain clear, structured documentation of methods, results, and conclusions. Proactively communicate progress, challenges, and proposed solutions to the team.

• Collaborate across functions: Work closely with software, embedded, and hardware engineers to ensure smooth data flow, model integration, and system testing.

• Improve team workflows and tools: Identify opportunities to improve data handling, simulation scripts, and processing pipelines, contributing to better team efficiency and clarity.

• Share knowledge and provide feedback: Contribute to internal discussions by sharing your learnings, simplifying complex findings for others, and offering constructive feedback on shared work.

Why Join Us?

• Join one of Europe’s most promising deep-tech scale-ups.

• Shape the future of a rapidly growing multidisciplinary R&D organization.

• Competitive salary and benefits package.

• Enjoy regular team activities and company events.

• Fresh team lunches provided3 times/ week.

Required Qualifications:

• MSc degree (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Signal Processing, Statistics, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or another quantitative discipline.

• 1-3 years of experience in research or development, preferably with sensing systems, applied statistics, or wave-related phenomena or a PhD in a relevant discipline.

• A strong background in physical modelling, underwater acoustics, wave propagation, signal processing, sonar, applied mathematics, or equivalent.

• Good understanding of several of the following topics: digital signal processing, statistical signal processing, estimation theory, numerical methods, scientific computing Excellent programming skills (e.g. Python, Julia, C++, etc.) with readiness to deepen your programming proficiency.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• You have a can-do mentality with no fear of getting your hands dirty when needed.

• You have strong verbal and written communication skills in English.

• You can work independently as well as in a team with well-developed communication skills.

• Knowledge of AI, machine learning techniques is a plus.

• Experience with CUDA, PyTorch, TensorFlow skills is a plus.

• Experience with fiber optic measurement principles and/or interferometry is a plus.

• Applicants should be eligible for NATO/Dutch security clearance.

Security & Compliance:

You'll be working with clients in the defense and security sectors, obtaining a Certificate of No Objection issued by the AIVD (Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service) is mandatory. This means you will need to undergo a security screening. For more information, please refer to details on security screening.