Acoustic Signal Processing Engineer

Draper
Cambridge, MA

Overview:

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit

Job Description Summary:

Draper's Acoustic and Vibration Technologies group is seeking a signal processing professional to develop computational methods for technology that solves critical problems of national importance. As an Acoustic Signal Processing Engineer, your role will focus on the research and development of sensing and communications systems, from concept through design and delivery. You will also contribute to the development of presentations, proposals, and whitepapers that sustain and win customer business.

Job Description:

Duties/Responsibilities

  • Develops and applies advanced design methods, theories, and research techniques.
  • Analyzes, develops, and recommends design approaches to meet prototype or production requirements.
  • Responsible for planning and conducting hardware projects or phases of projects.
  • Develops and applies advanced design methods, theories, and research techniques.
  • May provide technical consultation and work leadership to other team members.
  • Development of quantum, optical, and/or photonic sensors and instruments.
  • Provide recommendations for performance improvements and cost reduction efforts.
  • Apply quantitative analysis in determining root cause of highly technical problems and propose, develop and implement solutions for corrective action.
  • Develop and maintain effective internal/external relationships
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills/Abilities

  • Proficiency in programming language.
  • Ability to write software routines to run laboratory experiments including data collection, storage, and basic data reduction.
  • Demonstrated consistency, accountability and flexibility managing multiple and competing priorities.
  • Proven ability to lead technical solutions to complex user requirements.
  • Excellent communication, technical writing, oral presentation, and interpersonal skills.

Education
Requires a bachelor's or master's degree in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, optics, or similar. PhD degree preferred.



Experience
3-5 years experience in Physics Engineering or related with a bachelor's degree.
0-3 years experience in Physics Engineering or related with a master's degree.

Additional Job Description:

The ideal candidate will use their scientific background in audio, acoustic, or vibration applications to develop various technologies, including:

  • custom and COTS sensors/systems in various form factors, including MEMS, that are used for advanced acoustic and vibration sensing, as well as RF, optic, magnetic, inertial, and other related modalities
  • analog signal conditioning architectures with low-noise pre-amplifiers, analog-to-digital & digital-to-analog converters, and complex analog filtering
  • embedded digital signal processors (FPGAs, microcontrollers, and ASICs) to implement DSP algorithms for filtering, classification, and control
  • simulation and modeling of acoustic and other phenomenology that includes the relevant physics, sensors, and signal processing methods

Candidates should be familiar with several of the following signal processing principles and techniques:


  • Phased acoustic arrays, beamforming, Kalman filters, etc.
  • Audio and speech feature identification/classification
  • Stochastic analysis for sensors and signals
  • Continuous and discrete-time filter design and implementation
  • Communications (modulation, demodulator, channel modeling, synchronous detection, etc.)
  • Control systems (classical and/or modern)

Candidates should have experience with the following engineering hardware and software tools:

  • Familiar with C, C++, and/or MATLAB (Python) for algorithm development on a variety of devices and instruments
  • Familiar with LTspice, MATLAB (Python), Simulink, COMSOL and/or other multi-domain modeling applications
  • Familiar with Audio Precision, National Instruments, Liquid Instruments, and/or similar test and data acquisition systems

Applicants selected for this position will be requires to obtain and maintain a US government security clearance.

Connect With Draper for Future Opportunities! If you don't find the right posting in our Career Opportunities, you may submit your resume for future consideration.

Job Location - City:

Cambridge

Job Location - State:

Massachusetts

Job Location - Postal Code:

02139-3563

The US base salary range for this full-time position is

$75,000.00 - $150,000.00

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement's approved rates by location and role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits.

Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you, apply now

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact [email protected].

Posted 2025-12-15

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