Head of Acoustics in Bristol

A Subject Matter Expert (SME) in underwater acoustics and sonar systems with responsibility for all acoustic analysis and acoustic development activity including management of the Development Test Centre. Reporting to both the Innovation & Technology Director and the Head of Engineering for acoustic research and development and acoustic engineering project work respectively. This will involve acoustic analysis, generation and checking of reports, acoustic testing and acoustic related research and development activity supporting the company technology roadmap. The role will also involve forward facing activities such as bid support including leading technical meetings with the customer on behalf of Tods Defence. You are also responsible for ensuring that Tods Technology maintains capability in the field of acoustic analysis and actively progresses the company's technology development.

BENEFITS:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• 4-day working week

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Have a relevant engineering degree and further professional training throughout career.
• Have significant experience in acoustic analysis including software use and software development.
• Have experience of use of fibre reinforced composite for sonar applications and acoustic damping materials and associated manufacturing processes.
• Be able to create innovative design solutions to demanding technical specifications.
• Support the development of the manufacturing materials & process to ensure the designs meet production and budgetary constraints.
• Be able to make instinctive design decisions with limited information in support of new product bids.
• Have the ability to work with and influence the performance of junior staff with a range of skills & experience.
• Must be a good communicator and be able to write and give technical presentations.

TECHNICAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provision of technical direction to the acoustics design team.
• Development of core acoustic expertise and design tools to meet business needs.
• Responsible for acoustic development plans with business justifications to ensure proactive development of acoustic activities in accordance with the company technology roadmap.
• Support company sales initiatives by providing specialist acoustic engineering technical support for enquiries.
• Ensure the project scope of work and technical specification is met in full.
• Ensure that the software used by Tods Technology for acoustic analysis is maintained and validated and does not become obsolete for reasons of either hardware or software platforms.
• Software development and test facility acoustic facilities development to ensure Tods remains at the forefront of acoustic technology capabilities.
• Use industry best practice to develop designs and incorporate design to cost and design for manufacture.

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Management of acoustic development workflows.
• Responsible for execution of engineering acoustic project work to time and budget.
• Management of Test Centre.
• Management of KTP and CDT programmes as allocated by the Innovation & Technology Director.
• Ensure acoustic analysis is completed as required to satisfy project requirements.
• Software development to ensure acoustic software is maintained, validated and developed to maximise process efficiency and ensure Tods remain at the forefront of acoustic technology capabilities.
• Responsible for delivery of acoustic development activities to include development planning and to ensure completion of acoustic development tasks to time and budget.
• Provide technical and project support for other departments.
• Provide estimates for engineering acoustic project work, complete engineering bid reports for bid reviews including project plans, costs and risk assessments.
• Investigate and provide supporting evidence of potential design solutions for bid proposals.
• Assist the company marketing strategy by presenting technical papers and presentations at industry seminars and customers.
• Support and mentoring of engineers to develop their skills and competencies.
• Oversee and check their work and advise on professional development.
• Ensure all projects comply with the Company procedures.
• Other tasks in support of company strategy as directed by the Innovation & Technology Director.

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Approximately 5 years acoustic analysis experience of applicable marine defence structures.
• Relevant Engineering degree/doctorate or equivalent experience and further professional training.
• Good understanding of engineering office procedures and excellent organisational skills.
• Computer literate and able to develop inhouse/development software.
• Excellent external and internal communication skills including report writing and active participation in engineering review meetings.
• A good team player with a flexible attitude to workload.
• Be capable of gaining UK government Security Clearance (SC) without caveats.
• All candidates must have been based in the UK for a minimum of 5 years.

LOCATION:

Your normal place of work will be initially the Company's premises at Portland, but subject to receiving reasonable notice, you may be required to re-locate to such alternative Company premises and customer premises in the UK and abroad as the Company may from time to time require. You are expected to work with the minimum of supervision and may be expected to deal with other duties appropriate to your skill set and abilities. This is an outline of your duties and responsibilities. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list and may change from time to time to meet the changing needs of the business.

Tods has been in existence for more than 90 years, and is a preferred choice for the Royal Navy for the production of sonar domes, acoustic windows, acoustic coatings and other complex structures for surface warships and submarines. The company has also built an impeccable reputation for quality and delivery to over 25 navies worldwide, from Europe to USA and Asia. Products and services include the design and manufacture of sonar domes, submarine acoustic windows, acoustic cladding, damping treatments, radomes and other multifunctional structural composite enclosures that enhance the performance of vital sonar, radar and communications equipment. Tods is a growing business, based on Portland and it is a great time to join our workforce. This is offered on a 37-hour flexible working week, Monday- Thursday.

In return we offer 25 days holiday bank holidays, company pension scheme, Health Cash Plan, Cycle2Work Scheme, Home and Tech scheme and access to discounts with large retailers.