Principal Scientist — Marine Acoustics

About the role

Sofar designs, builds, and deploys ocean sensing networks at a global scale that provide unique observational knowledge of the ocean environment. We are expanding our sensing capabilities into underwater acoustics to detect, classify, and locate underwater objects, and to create an acoustic map of the marine environment. We are looking for a world expert in ocean acoustics to set the research and development vision for Sofar’s underwater acoustics platform.

Responsibilities

• Lead Sofar’s acoustics research and development strategy, defining the scientific vision for an underwater acoustics platform that supports real-world marine applications
• Develop capabilities to detect, classify, and localize underwater objects using passive and/or active acoustic sensing methods
• Advance methods for creating acoustic maps of the marine environment, including characterization of ambient soundscapes, propagation conditions, and relevant oceanographic context
• Bring deep expertise in marine acoustics to complement Sofar’s ocean science, sensing, and forecasting teams
• Translate acoustic research into operational products
• Coordinate and conduct field experiments, data analyses, and simulation studies to evaluate acoustic system performance in real-world ocean conditions
• Define product requirements, technical roadmaps, and research priorities for new underwater acoustic capabilities
• Represent Sofar externally with customers, research partners, government agencies, and the broader ocean acoustics community

Requirements

• Deep expertise in underwater acoustics
• Experience developing acoustic sensing systems or algorithms for detection, classification, localization, mapping, or environmental characterization
• Strong understanding of marine acoustic propagation, ambient noise, signal processing, and the practical constraints of ocean sensing
• Experience working with real-world acoustic datasets, field deployments, and/or operational sensing systems
• Experience applying statistical signal processing, machine learning, or modern AI methods to acoustic detection, classification, or environmental inference
• Excellent communication skills, and you excel working in a cross-functional team
• Experience translating scientific research into operational products or customer-facing capabilities
• Ph.D. in acoustics, ocean engineering, electrical engineering, applied physics, oceanography, or a related field, but we will consider highly qualified candidates of any education level with equivalent experience
• Strong reputation within the ocean acoustics community, with experience leading externally funded research programs or strategic technical partnerships
• Enthusiasm and experience in leveraging LLMs to magnify personal impact

Qualifications

• Familiarity with embedded sensing systems, firmware constraints, or edge processing for acoustic applications
• Familiarity with the constraints of autonomous ocean platforms, including limited power, bandwidth, onboard compute, sensor calibration, and long-duration deployments
• Comfort working in production codebases when necessary to personally deliver changes

Skills

• Expertise in underwater acoustics
• Experience in developing acoustic sensing systems or algorithms
• Strong understanding of marine acoustic propagation and signal processing
• Experience working with real-world acoustic datasets and field deployments
• Experience applying statistical signal processing, machine learning, or modern AI methods to acoustic detection and classification
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a cross-functional team
• Experience translating scientific research into operational products or customer-facing capabilities
• Strong reputation within the ocean acoustics community
• Experience leading externally funded research programs or strategic technical partnerships
• Enthusiasm and experience in leveraging LLMs to magnify personal impact

Benefits

We offer a competitive salary range of $137,000 - $185,000, commensurate with experience. Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, experience, and equity package.

Pay

The estimated salary range is $137,000 - $185,000, subject to negotiation. Please note that this range is subject to change and may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

Schedule

We operate a hybrid work schedule, requiring most team members to be in the office at least 70% of the time. However, some roles (such as field technicians or hardware engineers) may require more frequent in-office presence.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter detailing your experience and interest in the role. You may also include links to any relevant projects or publications.