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- Tasks: Lead the design and development of advanced underwater acoustic systems.
- Company: Innovative engineering organisation focused on underwater technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, professional development, and mentoring.
- Why this job: Shape the future of underwater navigation and communication in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or related field with 5+ years in underwater acoustics.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team passionate about making oceans safer and smarter.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are seeking an innovative Lead or Principal Engineer to guide the development of next-generation underwater positioning and communication systems. This is a high-impact technical leadership role at the intersection of acoustics, embedded systems, and subsea engineering delivering reliable, secure, and intuitive solutions that support exploration, defence, and offshore energy operations worldwide.
As part of the engineering leadership team, you will define technology strategy, coordinate multi-disciplinary teams, and help shape the future of underwater navigation and communication.
What You’ll Do
- Lead the design, development, and deployment of advanced underwater acoustic positioning and communication technologies (USBL, LBL, and related systems).
- Collaborate with hardware, software, and systems engineers to deliver high-performance embedded solutions.
- Develop and maintain technology roadmaps that align with company and product strategy.
- Analyse complex acoustic and system data to optimise performance and reliability.
- Mentor engineers and scientists, fostering technical excellence and innovation.
- Represent the engineering function at customer reviews, technical forums, and industry conferences.
- Ensure all products meet the highest standards of robustness, usability, and interoperability.
About You
You are a hands-on technical leader who enjoys tackling complex acoustic and systems challenges. You combine deep technical expertise with the ability to inspire, guide, and communicate across diverse teams.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Degree (or higher) in Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience working with underwater acoustic systems (e.g., USBL, LBL, sonar, or acoustic communications).
- Strong background and knowledge of embedded systems development (C/C++, Linux RT, DevOps tools).
- Demonstrated understanding of acoustic navigation principles and signal processing.
- Proven experience leading or mentoring cross-disciplinary technical teams.
- Excellent communication and documentation skills able to convey complex ideas clearly and confidently.
Nice to have
- Experience in subsea robotics, oceanography, or defence applications.
- Proficiency with modelling, simulation, or data analytics for acoustic systems.
- Familiarity with agile development and continuous integration workflows.
What’s on Offer
Join a forward-thinking engineering organisation developing technologies that enable safer, smarter, and more connected oceans. You will work with cutting-edge systems, from early-stage research to real-world trials, in a supportive environment that values technical curiosity and collaboration.
We offer:
- Competitive salary and benefits
- Opportunities for travel, field trials, and applied research
- Professional development, mentoring, and career progression
This position would suit a Lead or Principal Engineer who has drive, ambition and a desire to lead from the front. You will be solutions focused and be able to demonstrate what needs to be done in order to achieve the bigger picture.
Lead Acoustic Systems Engineer in Southampton employer: Gerrell & Hard
Contact Detail:
Gerrell & Hard Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Acoustic Systems Engineer in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, conferences, and meetups related to underwater acoustics and engineering. It's a great way to connect with potential employers and showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills online! Create a portfolio or a LinkedIn profile that highlights your projects and achievements in acoustic systems. This gives hiring managers a glimpse of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on technical concepts and recent advancements in underwater communication technologies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role and the company's goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Acoustic Systems Engineer in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Acoustic Systems Engineer role. Highlight your experience with underwater acoustic systems and embedded systems development, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your skills and achievements in these areas.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you're passionate about underwater positioning and communication systems. Share your vision for how you can contribute to our team and the exciting projects we’re working on. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Technical Expertise: In your application, don’t shy away from showcasing your technical expertise. Mention any relevant projects or technologies you've worked with, especially those related to USBL, LBL, or signal processing. We love seeing how you’ve tackled complex challenges in the past!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the latest updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts and submit your materials!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gerrell & Hard
✨Know Your Acoustics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of underwater acoustic systems, especially USBL and LBL technologies. Be ready to discuss your past experiences with these systems and how they relate to the role. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the concepts but can also apply them practically.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to guide and mentor teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led cross-disciplinary projects in the past. Highlight your communication skills and how you've inspired others to achieve technical excellence.
✨Align with Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with the company's technology strategy and recent projects. During the interview, express how your experience aligns with their goals for underwater navigation and communication. This shows that you’re not only interested in the role but also invested in the company’s future.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to dive deep into technical discussions about embedded systems and signal processing. Brush up on relevant programming languages like C/C++ and be ready to explain your approach to problem-solving in complex scenarios. This will help you stand out as a knowledgeable candidate who can tackle the challenges of the role.
