Acoustic Scientist

It’s an exciting time to be part of QinetiQ. We are always looking for great people to join us as we continue to grow into new markets around the world. We currently have many opportunities and would love to hear from candidates who are interested in joining us now or in the future.

If there is alignment between your skills and the opportunities currently available, we will be contact.  Should there not be anything suitable at present, with your permission, we will keep your CV on file for consideration as future roles become available.

Opportunities in Hydroacoustics supporting Maritime Propulsion
QinetiQ is growing – and it is a great time to be part of the community. As we enter new markets around the world, we need talented Scientists, Mathematicians and Engineers to join our Hydroacoustic team. You will probably have experience in Acoustics, Noise, Vibration, or Experimental Fluid Dynamics, but you may come from a background of Physics, Applied Mathematics, Measurement Engineering or Marine Engineering/Naval Architecture, but with a depth of knowledge about how to acoustics is applied in marine propulsion.

You will be part of a business that was named the Most Admired Aerospace & Defence Company in the Britain’s Most Admired Companies 2021 study. You will also be joining a diverse, inclusive employer that is proud to provide a collaborative, open working environment. With our Adaptive approach, you will enjoy the work-life balance that suits you best, thanks to remote, hybrid and flexible working practices; but please bear in mind that, because of the nature of our business, fully remote working will not be an option.

We currently have opportunities in Hydroacoustics at our site at Haslar (Gosport). If you are interested in joining us – now or in the future – we would love to hear from you.

If your skills fit one of our opportunities, we shall be in contact. If we don’t have a role that is right for you at the moment, we’ll keep your CV on file for possible opportunities in the future.

What do our Applied (Hydro)Acoustic Physicists do?
Our team of Applied Acoustic Physicists are responsible for developing and maintaining predictive numerical tools that can predict the acoustic signature performance of marine propulsion systems. To do this we use a variety of computational tools including Computation Fluid Dynamics (CFD) type tools and general mathematical coding tools such as MATLAB. We develop and validate our prediction tools by undertaking a range of experimental measurements, usually at model scale, in unique hydroacoustic and hydrodynamic test facilities, which include cavitation tunnels and acoustic tanks. The tests include measurements of noise, vibration and turbulence and are undertaken using wide variety of measurement equipment including hydrophones, laser Doppler vibrometers and laser Doppler velocimeters. With these systems we gather measurement data with which to test and develop numerical prediction models. We then apply our models to full-scale platform designs and compare their performance against measurements from range measurements of real-life platforms. The validated predictive tools are then used by the team in the design process for new platforms. These activities may include knowledge and skills in some of the following areas:

Experimental and theoretical aero/hydroacoustics

• Acoustic noise and vibration measurements in air and water with transducers
• Laser Doppler measurements of turbulent flows
• Laser Doppler measurements of vibration
• Development of numerical models using MATLAB
• Use of numerical tools such as CFD, finite element and boundary element
• Design of test equipment, acoustic instrumentation and physical hydroacoustic models
• Signal processing including acoustic source imaging and modal analysis
• Acoustic data analysis and presentation
• Reporting and presentation of complex technical concepts

Relatively new to Hydroacoustics?
If you have a relevant degree in acoustics or some experience in acoustics, noise and vibration, then your talents may be a good match for our team. We recruit from a range of academic and professional backgrounds and if you have qualifications or experience in Science, Mathematics, Acoustical Engineering we would love to speak with you. You will be offered the opportunities to develop your depth and breadth of expertise and experience and set you on the path for advancement.

Opportunities for mid-career Hydroacoustic Engineers and Scientists
If you are a mid-career professional working in an associated industry, you will be applying your expertise right from day one. Whatever your specialism or background, you can expect ongoing development to help you excel and advance. This includes expert training and mentoring, with increased emphasis on self-development and on-the-job training.
 
Opportunities for highly experienced Hydroacoustic Engineers and Scientists
As a senior Applied Acoustic Physicist, you will already be a respected member of the acoustics community and can expect further specialist development (which may include conference attendance and paper presentation, for example), and targeted mentoring to develop specific technical skills. If you have senior management potential, we shall spot and nurture it. However, to progress to more senior roles, you’ll need to be an active member of an appropriate professional body.

Our Fellowship scheme recognises and develops professionals with high-level, specialist technical expertise.

Key points

• We have practitioners at all levels up to and including internationally recognised individuals. Our blended approach to learning means you will have access to formal training, mentoring, assisted self-development, and on the job training.
• Excel, and your potential will be spotted. Our continuing professional development covers all career stages and levels of seniority.
• We support adaptive and flexible working although as a member of our Hydroacoustic team you will need to attend our Gosport site most working days and possibly deploy to trials sites in the UK or abroad on an occasional basis.
• The application domain is predominantly military naval platforms, but sometimes includes commercial maritime projects.
• It is a requirement of the role that candidates are prepared to undergo Developed Vetting security clearance should that be required.

Why we are different

Our people. Our employees make the critical difference to customers by providing unique answers, which combine technical expertise, deep domain knowledge and rigorous independent thinking.

Our independence. QinetiQ is not a manufacturer, and we stand apart from the supply chain. Our rigorous independent thinking helps our customers achieve their goals.

Our breadth of capability. Our customers face challenges that define the modern world. They know we are uniquely placed to understand these issues and work with them to ensure the success of their mission or reach their objectives.

Our relationships with customers. Our prized possession is trust. Customers around the world rely on the drive and dedication of our people to help them meet their goals – often in environments where there is no second chance for failure.

Our partnerships. We use partnerships and alliances to accelerate compelling business development strategies and sustainable earnings growth. By licensing our intellectual property, we reduce implementation and sales risk, and speed up time-to-market by using third party sales channels.
 
Please note that all applicants must be eligible for SC clearance as a minimum.

UKSV National Security Vetting Solution: guidance for applicants - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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Why join QinetiQ?
As we continue to grow into new markets around the world, there’s never been a more exciting time to join QinetiQ. The formula for success is our appetite for innovation and having the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges.

You’ll experience a unique working environment where teams from different backgrounds, disciplines and experience enjoy collaborating widely and openly as we undertake this exciting and rewarding journey. Through effective teamwork, and pulling together, you’ll get to experience what happens when we all share different perspectives, blend disciplines, and link technologies; constantly discovering new ways of solving complex problems in an diverse and inclusive environment where you can be authentic, feel valued and realise your full potential. Read more about our diverse and inclusive workplace culture here.  

Joining QinetiQ offers you an opportunity to work on a broad range of interesting defence-based projects with vast career progression across a global organisation in addition to competitive personal and professional benefits.  You’ll receive a highly competitive salary and benefits package: our basic salaries are very attractive as we constantly review what’s happening in the market. The range of benefits that we offer include, adaptive and flexible working, generous holiday entitlements, Health Cash Plan, Private Medical Insurance and Dental Insurance and much more. 

About QinetiQ
As a company of over 6,000 dedicated professionals, we are a world-centre of excellence in research and development and act as a catalyst for fast-track innovation, offering outstanding experimentation facilities, and technical, engineering and scientific expertise. QinetiQ is made up of dedicated experts in defence, aerospace, security and related markets, all working together to explore new ways of protecting what matters most. Being part of QinetiQ means being central to the safety and security of the world around us. Partnering with our customers, we help to save lives; reduce risks to society; and maintain the global infrastructure on which we all depend. Come and find out how you can play a role.

Please note that many roles in QinetiQ are subject to national security vetting. Applicants that already hold the appropriate level of vetting may be able to transfer it upon appointment, subject to approval. A number of roles are also subject to restrictions on access to information that mean factors such as nationality, previous nationalities held and the country in which you were born may have an effect on the roles that you can be employed in.