Acoustic Signal Processing Engineer

Location: The Hague, Netherlands
Industry: Autonomous Robotics / Underwater Sensing / Deep Tech

The Role:

We are looking for an Acoustic Signal Processing Engineer to design and implement advanced algorithms for underwater acoustic sensing, positioning, and communication systems.

This role focuses on taking signal processing concepts from theory through to real-time performance on embedded platforms. You will work directly with field data, experimental systems, and autonomous robotic platforms operating in complex underwater environments.

The work sits at the intersection of signal processing, sensing, and autonomy, with direct application to real-world marine and offshore systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement signal processing algorithms for underwater acoustic sensing, localisation, and communication

• Design and validate real-time processing solutions for embedded and autonomous systems

• Work with noisy, real-world sensor data from experimental and field deployments

• Develop localisation and array processing methods for underwater environments

• Build and maintain sensor fusion and estimation pipelines

• Apply nonlinear filtering techniques (e.g., Kalman-based and alternatives) where appropriate

• Analyse system performance using experimental data and iterate on algorithm design

• Support integration of signal processing modules into broader autonomy systems

• Take ownership of technical challenges from concept through to deployment

Requirements (your profile):

• Strong background in signal processing (acoustics, RF, telecom, or similar domain)

• Experience working with real sensor data and experimental systems

• Knowledge of localisation techniques and/or array signal processing

• Understanding of estimation and filtering methods (e.g., Kalman filtering or equivalents)

• Strong programming ability (Python and/or C++ preferred)

• Ability to translate theoretical models into robust, production-ready code

• Comfortable working hands-on with hardware, testing, and iterative development

• Strong analytical mindset and ability to work independently

Preferred (Nice to have):

• Experience in underwater acoustics, sonar, or hydroacoustic systems

• Background in telecoms, modems, or communications signal processing

• Exposure to robotics, autonomous systems, or embedded platforms

• Experience with sensor fusion in complex or noisy environments

• Familiarity with real-time or embedded signal processing

• Interest in marine, offshore, or defence-adjacent applications

What’s on Offer:

• High autonomy and ownership of complex technical problems

• Opportunity to work on advanced autonomous sensing and robotics systems

• Rapid iteration cycle between development, testing, and field deployment

• Small, highly technical R&D environment with strong engineering focus

• Real-world impact through applied sensing and autonomy technologies

• Competitive salary and 30 days holiday

• Room to grow technically and shape your own areas of responsibility

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Veronica Gains

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