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Sensor Physics and Signal Processing Engineer
The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Sensor Physics and Signal Processing Engineer.
Position Details
Location
Marine Research Center
1030 West Pier, Port of Gulfport
Gulfport, Mississippi, 39501
United States
Division
Ocean Enterprise
Position Type
Staff
Employment Status
Full Time
Grant Funded
Yes
Salary Range
70,536.00 - 95,432.00
Pay Grade
E14
Posting Close Date
September 19, 2026
Special Instructions to ApplicantsApplicants must be currently authorized to work in theUnited States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. TheUniversity will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).
Job Summary
The Sensor Physics and Signal Processing Engineer conducts engineeringand applied physics research involving the development, implementation, andevaluation of signal processing techniques and physics-based sensing methodsfor autonomous underwater systems. The position develops and evaluatesacoustic, magnetic, and other sensing algorithms; characterizes sensorperformance; and investigates the effects of environmental and operationalconditions on sensing capabilities. Working collaboratively with multidisciplinaryresearch and engineering teams, the position supports the development, testing,and transition of advanced sensing technologies that improve autonomousperception and decision-making at the Center for Ocean Enterprise.
PrimaryJob Duties and Responsibilities

1. Develops, implements, and evaluates signal processing algorithms for acoustic, magnetic, and other underwater sensing systems.
2. Characterizes sensor performance and evaluates the effects of environmental and operational conditions on sensing capability, data quality, and detection performance.
3. Develops detection, filtering, feature extraction, and sensor characterization techniques to support autonomous underwater sensing and perception.
4. Collaborates with AI/ML, software, autonomy, and systems engineering researchers to integrate sensing algorithms into edge-deployable autonomous systems.
5. Supports laboratory integration, simulation, pool testing, and open-water demonstrations involving autonomous underwater vehicles and advanced sensor payloads.
6. Evaluates sensor performance through laboratory experiments, field-collected datasets, simulations, and modeling tools and documents findings through technical reports, publications, and presentations.
7. Translates research findings into operational capabilities through the development, validation, and transition of sensing technologies for intelligent autonomous systems.
8. Maintains knowledge of advances in underwater sensing, signal processing, and applied sensor physics and applies emerging methods to improve sensing performance in operational environments.

Minimum Qualifications
Master'sdegree from an accredited college or university in Applied Physics, Physics,Geophysics, Remote Sensing, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related fieldand six (6) years of related experience; or a Ph.D. from an accredited collegeor university in Applied Physics, Physics, Geophysics, Remote Sensing,Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field and four (4) years ofrelated experience. Experience in signal processing, sensor characterization,physics-based sensing, or related research. U.S. Citizenship with the abilityto obtain a government security clearance. Valid driver's license andeligibility to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)

• Knowledge of signal processing principles and their application to acoustic, magnetic, and other sensing systems.
• Knowledge of physical principles governing underwater sensing systems and the effects of environmental and operational conditions on sensor performance.
• Knowledge of detection, filtering, feature extraction, sensor characterization, and performance evaluation techniques.
• Skill in developing, implementing, and evaluating signal processing and sensing algorithms.
• Skill in processing, analyzing, and interpreting large scientific and sensor datasets.
• Skill in scientific programming using Python, C/C++, or comparable programming languages and analysis tools.
• Ability to design and support laboratory experiments, simulations, and field testing of sensing systems.
• Ability to evaluate sensing system performance and translate scientific findings into practical engineering and operational solutions.
• Ability to interpret and apply scientific literature and emerging research methods.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including AI/ML, software, autonomy, and systems engineering researchers.
• Ability to prepare technical reports, research publications, presentations, and other scientific documentation.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple research priorities, and contribute effectively within a collaborative research environment.

PreferredQualifications
Experiencewith acoustic, magnetic, or other underwater sensing systems and signalprocessing techniques for sonar, radar, lidar, or related sensing applications.Experience evaluating the effects of environmental and operational conditionson sensor performance and applying sensor characterization techniques.Proficiency with Python, C/C++, or comparable scientific programming languages.Contributions to applied research, technical reports, conference presentations,or peer-reviewed publications in signal processing, sensor physics, autonomoussystems, or a related field preferred.
About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of SouthernMississippi has remained dedicated to preparingstudents for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 studentsin Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across theMississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. Weare a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one ofthe nation's leading research institutions.
Southern Miss is known for pioneering work inpolymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringinglanguage to children with communication disorders. We are also a nationalleader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography,nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.
We produce graduates ready to enterfields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs suchas computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We're developing the next generation ofbusiness leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages byproducing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition ofexcellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nationaccredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, ourstudent-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion andpersistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.
The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.