Nerd Up Staffing · 4 months ago
Senior DSP Scientist – Sonar & Acoustic Systems (Cleared, Onsite)
Columbia, MD, United States
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
8+ years expNerd Up Staffing is seeking a Senior DSP Scientist specializing in sonar and acoustic systems to lead technical initiatives in underwater sensing platforms. The role involves designing algorithms for acoustic detection and collaborating with experts to shape research direction while working in a dedicated R&D lab environment.
Human ResourcesRecruitingStaffing Agency
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Design and implement algorithms for acoustic detection, classification, localization, and tracking
Apply biologically inspired auditory models to complex classification problems (e.g., marine mammal recognition, torpedo detection)
Build and prototype wide-area underwater sensing systems using novel sensors and real-time DSP pipelines
Use machine learning where it makes sense. Focus areas include classification, pattern recognition, or environmental noise modeling
Simulate, model, and test acoustic sensor performance under real-world physics constraints
Lead technical work across the full R&D lifecycle: design, prototype, field-test, iterate
Write proposals and shape research direction with autonomy and scientific rigor
Collaborate closely with domain experts in underwater physics, sensor hardware, and defense mission systems
Qualification
Required
PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Math, or a related field
8+ years of experience in signal processing, acoustic modeling, or sonar systems
Fluency in Python and/or MATLAB for algorithm design and data analysis
Ability to work independently on technical challenges and collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams
Active Secret clearance or higher
U.S. Citizenship
Clear, persuasive communication skills
Preferred
Experience with C++, Linux environments, or embedded sensor systems
Background in proposal development or IRAD strategy
Real-world validation of models using live sensors or underwater testing
Cross-domain interest in biologically inspired algorithms, neuroacoustics, or exo-sensory systems
Company
Nerd Up Staffing
Nerd Up Staffing connects small to mid-size companies with top talent in specialized areas.
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
Julie Fanburg
Founder | Recruiter
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