Aquatic Labs Sensor Controls and Algorithms Engineer Cambridge, MA · Full time

Apply for Sensor Controls and Algorithms Engineer

Aquatic's mission is to reveal the invisible throughout the world's waters. Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Aquatic is combining cutting-edge semiconductor technology, transformative science, agile development methods, and modern fabrication approaches to create globally-scalable tools for monitoring the world's waters.

The Role

We are looking for a Sensor Algorithm Engineer to take lead on the full chain from raw sensor signal to reliable, production-quality measurement. This is a core technical role — sensor performance is the product, and you will be driving it forward.

Aquatic Labs is building something that hasn't existed before in the market: a solid-state sensor capable of reagent-free measurement of total alkalinity, and that’s just the beginning. The measurement problem is inherently multi-disciplinary — it requires modeling and deep understanding of both chemical and electrical systems. If you're drawn to problems where the algorithm can't be separated from the physics, this is the role.

You will work closely with our electrical, mechanical, and firmware engineers, as well as our scientists and lab team, to develop and validate the algorithms and models that underpin sensor accuracy, precision, and robustness across real-world conditions. You will also be responsible for processing and communicating data from internal product testing and customer testing.

This is not a research role. We need someone who can implement, iterate, and ship.

Responsibilities

Algorithm & Data Science (primary focus)

• Develop and own algorithms that convert raw sensor signals into accurate, reliable measurements
• Build physics-based sensor measurement models alongside data-driven components, with sound judgment about where each approach belongs
• Design and implement signal processing routines on time-series data streams

Signal Processing

• Characterize sensor response and develop compensation strategies for non-ideal behaviors including noise, drift, and environmental interference
• Apply systems and control theory fundamentals to sensor response characterization and filter design

Calibration

• Design and maintain calibration models and the experimental workflows that support them
• Quantify and manage measurement uncertainty across operating conditions
• Develop controlled experiments to isolate specific error sources including DOE/factorial designs and sample size reasoning

Firmware / Embedded

• Implement algorithms in C++ for embedded deployment alongside Python-based development and analysis workflows

Data Reporting & Cross-Functional Communication

• Translate algorithm and measurement results into clear, actionable findings for electrical, mechanical, and firmware teammates
• Produce external-facing data reports and curated datasets for customers and pilot partners

Hard Requirements

• Strong applied math, modeling, and signal processing foundation, including:
  1. Time-series analysis: filter design, frequency analysis, outlier rejection, and feature detection
  2. Applied statistics: regression, uncertainty quantification, and experimental design
  3. Calibration and error modeling
  4. Numerical methods: interpolation, optimization, and root-finding

• Experience building physics-based measurement models as well as data-driven subcomponents
• Familiarity with systems and control theory and its application to sensor characterization and filter design
• Proficiency in Python (NumPy, SciPy, Pandas) and C++ (Eigen, STL) for scientific computing and algorithm development
• Hands-on experience working with hardware-generated instrument data through to reliable measurement output
• Familiarity with electrical engineering fundamentals (transistors, ADCs, DACs)
• Ability to design controlled experiments that validate models and generate calibration data
• Strong cross-functional communication skills; experience producing both internal technical analyses and external-facing reports
• Startup-compatible: you take ownership, identify problems independently, and don't wait for someone else to solve a problem or write a spec.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with measurement traceability and metrology
• Familiarity with analog electronics and mixed-signal circuits
• Experience with chemical or electrochemical measurement systems
• Experience with production data infrastructure: warehousing, pipeline orchestration, or time-series storage at sensor-scale write volumes

Why Join Aquatic Labs

• You will own a core technical function at a company building revolutionary sensing technology where sensor performance is the product
• The challenges are real, the team is small, and your fingerprints will be on everything
• Competitive compensation including equity