Acoustic Analyst

This is a rare opportunity where Dstl, Platform Systems Division, Under Water Group are seeking to employ a Sonar Analyst to join our professional team of specialists.
This position is open to all levels of experience, however, as a minimum you will require a good understanding of sonar principles and have the knowledge and ability to undertake in-depth acoustic analysis with minimal supervision.
Analysts are responsible for the track reconstruction and analysis of acoustic signatures produced by surface ships, submarines and aircraft. This will include the identification of sources of noise and assessment of acoustic vulnerabilities. Data basing of the acoustic signature and production of analysis reports are essential to the role., In this role you will:
+ Provide timely, impartial, evidence-based advice to customers to enable them to make informed decisions representing “best value” and a maximum return on investment.
+ Conduct in-depth acoustic analysis of target signature data and present precise results in written form to agreed deadlines. This will provide the weight of evidence to demonstrate the effectiveness of front line platforms and sensors in the operational environment and provide lessons learned for insertion in future doctrine.
+ deliver agreed work packages, often within finite time frames, to support Maritime operational capabilities.
+ conduct track reconstruction to support analysis output.
+ Database the results of analysis.
+ Support acoustic analysis and modelling solutions and studies by collating and exploiting acoustic datasets.
+ Develop an understanding of related capabilities within other parts of Dstl, other government agencies and third party external providers., This role will require full UK security clearance and you should have resided in the UK for the past 5 years. Developed Vetting will also be required, in this case you should have resided in the UK for the past 10 years.
Location
Due to the nature of the work involved, this position will require full time attendance in the work place.
If you are a current Dstl employee you must ensure your line manager is aware of your application and potential release dates, if successful and a start date is not agreed it could result in the job offer being withdrawn.

Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
+ Delivering at Pace
+ Communicating and Influencing
+ Seeing the Big Picture
+ Leadership, The assessment will consist of a technical and behavioural interview and include a LOFAR gram analysis assessment.
We want you to have your best chance of success in our recruitment process, so If at any stage of the application process you would like help or assistance please contact the Dstl Recruitment Team dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk and we will do all we can to support you.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

• Up to date knowledge of sonar systems, acoustic signatures, acoustic analysis equipment and techniques including a good understanding of underwater acoustics.
• An in-depth knowledge of how to analyse and interpret passive sonar data
• An understanding of target passive acoustic signatures and how underwater sensors use the signature information to detect and classify targets and how characteristics of the underwater environment influence sound propagation from target to receiver.
• An understanding of the different types of sonar, sensor arrays and signal processing that is applied to detect, classify and track sonar targets.
• The ability to work in a high demand environment, with minimum of supervision.
• A good understanding of maritime operations and on board systems.
• Proven track record of concisely, coherently and succinctly writing technical reports that can be understood by non-technical readers.
Essential criteria:
• At sea experience in the deployment and operation of acoustic sensors
• A thorough knowledge of acoustic signatures
• Ability to conduct in-depth acoustic analysis
Safety
+ Pro-actively support safe working practices, appreciating the need for colleague welfare is the top priority for Dstl. You will take responsibility for working safely and report on any practices, no matter how big or small, to mitigate any potential risks.

Alongside your salary of £37,769, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory contributes £10,941 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
Benefits
Dstl’s full range of great benefits can be found in the information pack which includes:
+ Financial: An excellent pension scheme starting from 26% employer contribution (find out more here). In Year Rewarding Achievement bonuses and thank you vouchers. Rental deposit scheme and cycle to work scheme.
+ Flexible working: Options include alternative working patterns such as; compressed hours (e.g. working a 4 day week/ 9 day fortnight), job shares and annualised hours (agreed number of hours per annum paid monthly i.e. working term-time only).
+ Working hours: Flexibility around your working day (e.g. start time, finish time). Ability to bank hours in a 12 month reference period including the ability to accrue and use 3 days per calendar month.
+ Annual leave: 25 days pro rata (rising to 30 after 5 years) plus 8 public holidays with the ability to buy/sell 5 additional days per annum.
+ Family: Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks with full pay, an additional 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid
+ Learning and Development: Dstl encourages and supports charterships, accreditations and provides employees access to fully funded apprenticeships up to level 7 (Masters Degree). Dstl will pay for 2 memberships with relevant bodies/institutions. Employees also have access to Civil Service Learning.
+ Facilities: Onsite parking, EV Charging points, restaurants, cafés and gyms.