Principal Acoustic Scientist

About the role

Seaman Corporation is seeking a Principal Acoustic Scientist to join our Technology and New Ventures Team. This position reports to the New Business Development Director, Acoustic Solutions. The Principal Acoustic Scientist serves as the organization's foremost acoustic subject matter expert and strategic technical leader. This role is responsible for developing and executing the long-term acoustic technology strategy, advancing innovative products and predictive modeling capabilities, and driving technical excellence across acoustic engineering activities. The Principal Acoustic Scientist partners closely with research and development, commercial, and business leadership teams to identify growth opportunities, strengthen market position, and deliver industry-leading acoustic solutions. As a recognized industry expert, this individual represents the company through thought leadership, strategic partnerships, customer engagement, and active participation in professional organizations and industry events.

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute the company's long-term acoustic strategy in alignment with business objectives and growth plans.
• Provide technical leadership and direction across all acoustic disciplines and applications.
• Establish the technical vision, standards, methodologies, and best practices for acoustic engineering activities.
• Assess organizational capabilities and identify resource, competency, and technology requirements to support future growth.

Acoustic Technology and Engineering

• Evaluate and enhance existing acoustic engineering processes, including auditing, modeling, analysis, and mitigation design.
• Lead the development and implementation of advanced predictive acoustic modeling tools and capabilities.
• Establish and maintain technical standards for acoustic performance assessment, validation, and design optimization.
• Drive continuous improvement of acoustic engineering workflows, quality systems, and technical documentation.
• Lead development of innovative acoustic technologies and capabilities that create competitive advantage.

Product Development and Innovation

• Develop and maintain a strategic roadmap for next-generation acoustic products, portfolio expansion, and new market applications.
• Collaborate with research and development teams to identify and prioritize product innovation opportunities.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, industry advancements, and research trends to support future product development.
• Guide acoustic product design, performance validation, and optimization initiatives.

Business Development and Customer Engagement

• Evaluate market opportunities, customer needs, and strategic growth initiatives within existing and emerging markets.
• Serve as the organization's senior technical authority during customer engagements, technical reviews, and commercial discussions.
• Support development of technical marketing and value proposition materials.
• Collaborate with commercial teams to strengthen customer relationships and support key account growth.
• Provide technical expertise to validate market positioning, competitive differentiation, and business opportunities.

Industry Leadership and External Partnerships

• Represent the company as a recognized expert at industry conferences, trade associations, technical forums, and trade shows.
• Deliver technical presentations, publish industry papers, and contribute to professional discussions that enhance company visibility and credibility.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with universities, consultants, testing agencies, industry organizations, and external partners.
• Monitor industry trends, competitive developments, and emerging technologies to inform business strategy and innovation initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Acoustics, Materials Science, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum ten (10) years of experience in product development, application engineering, systems engineering, acoustics, or related technical fields.
• Experience developing, testing, and qualifying engineered products or systems.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical communication skills.
• Ability to interpret technical standards, specifications, test methods, performance data, and technical documentation.
• Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong project management, organizational, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel as required (40%).

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Acoustics, Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Experience in Applications and New Product Development.
• Experience with architectural acoustics, industrial noise control, sound transmission, acoustic materials, or engineered acoustic systems.
• Knowledge of acoustic testing methods and applicable industry standards.
• Experience with product commercialization and stage-gate product development processes.
• Experience supporting intellectual property development, patent evaluations, or Freedom-to-Operate assessments.
• Experience working with architects, consultants, OEMs, fabricators, installers, or engineered system customers.
• Familiarity with acoustic modeling, simulation, engineering analysis tools, or technical design software.

Benefits

• Company performance bonus in addition to base salary
• Flexible work opportunities including flex schedules and remote work from home up to two days per week (if applicable to role)
• Professional development opportunities including tuition reimbursement, course training, and networking
• Competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, paid time off (PTO), volunteer time off (VTO), and paid holidays
• Fun and engaging activities including department outings, holiday parties, and annual company-wide dinner