Principal Sensors Engineer

This role can be based in Adelaide with Hybrid working, Australia or West Coast US/Canada remote, with a preference for Adelaide.

About the role:

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We are seeking a talented and highly experienced Principal Sensors Engineer with a specialisation in geophysical sensors to join our innovative Technology and Product team.

This is a critical individual contributor role for a recognised subject matter expert, responsible for the design, development, and integration of cutting-edge geophysical sensor technologies for our next-generation subsurface exploration product.

The Principal Sensor Engineer will provide deep technical leadership, autonomously drive complex engineering challenges, and ensure the successful implementation of advanced geophysical sensing solutions that meet stringent performance, reliability, and cost targets in diverse environmental conditions.

This role demands an innovative approach to geophysical sensor technology, the ability to operate with significant autonomy, and a proven track record of translating novel geophysical sensor concepts into robust, production-ready systems for field deployment.

Main Responsibilities:

- Geophysical Sensor Strategy:

Participate in the research, evaluation, and strategic selection of emerging geophysical sensor technologies and contribute to defining and driving the long-term roadmap in alignment with the company vision.

- Sensor System Architecture & Development:

Architect, design, model, simulate, and prototype highly complex geophysical sensor systems from foundational principles, encompassing custom low-noise signal conditioning electronics, embedded firmware for data acquisition in challenging environments, and robust data pathways suitable for large-scale deployments.

- Technical Authority & Problem Solving:

Serve as a technical expert, independently diagnosing and resolving highly ambiguous technical issues in field deployments, providing solutions.

- Performance Validation & Calibration:

Develop and execute rigorous test methodologies for comprehensive geophysical sensor characterisation, precision calibration (including environmental effects), and exhaustive validation against ground truth data.

- Sensor Algorithm Optimisation:

Collaborate with geophysicists and data scientists to define optimal sensor specifications and data outputs that maximise the performance of advanced geophysical algorithms.

- Cross-Functional Influence:

Work seamlessly across multi-disciplinary teams (geophysics, mechanical, electrical, software) to ensure successful sensor integration and product realisation, providing technical guidance.

- Documentation & Knowledge Transfer:

Author high-quality technical documentation, including specifications, design reviews, and field test reports, effectively disseminating complex knowledge.

Required technical experience:

- Deep knowledge of seismometers, gravity sensors, magnetometers, electric field sensors, and related technologies

- Full lifecycle capability from initial concept through to manufacturing and field deployment

- Proven expertise in sophisticated signal analysis and processing techniques

- Strong proficiency in designing and building sensor hardware prototypes

- Advanced skills in data analysis and statistical interpretation

- Experience with embedded system design and implementation

- Practical experience with data acquisition and interpretation, including SEG-Y format familiarity

- Demonstrated ability to tackle and resolve challenging technical issues

- Proven track record of developing creative solutions and driving technological advancement

- Ability to effectively communicate complex technical concepts across teams

- Autonomous working style with ability to drive projects independently

- Exceptional ability to diagnose issues and develop effective solutions

Essential qualifications:

- BS or MS/PhD in Geophysics, Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Physics, or similarly relevant technical discipline

- Minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in geophysical sensor design, development, and integration, with a significant portion in an individual contributor expert capacity within a relevant industry (e.g., oil & gas, mining, environmental consulting, geological surveys, remote sensing, defense, infrastructure monitoring)

- A portfolio demonstrating successful end-to-end development and deployment of complex geophysical sensor systems from concept to operational use

Beyond technical expertise, we're looking for engineers who are ambitious self-starters, excellent communicators, naturally curious about solving complex problems, and thrive in fast-paced, agile environments. You should be someone who adapts quickly to new challenges, innovates effectively, and enjoys collaborating in a dynamic team setting with significant autonomy.

About Fleet Space

Fleet Space Technologies vision from the beginning was to build technologies to help humanity explore and connect the Earth, Moon, and Mars.

This led us to develop and launch one of Australia's largest constellation of satellites, create our satellite-enabled mineral exploration technology (ExoSphere), and send Australia's first seismic technology (SPIDER) to the Moon in 2026. ExoSphere, our end-to-end mineral exploration solution powered by space and AI, aims to accelerate critical mineral discovery needed for the clean energy technologies foundational to humanity's clean energy future.

As part of Fleet's founding vision, we also apply our technology to innovative solutions for defense and space exploration, including an upcoming mission to the Moon. Headquartered in Adelaide, South Australia, Fleet has rapidly grown to over 130 employees including a growing team in the USA, Canada, and beyond.

We have raised over $200M AUD in venture funding, backed by premier investors including Blackbird, TVG, Grok, and In-Q-Tel including our most recent $150m Series D in December 2024, at a valuation of over $800m. In 2023 we were recognised by the Australian Financial Review (AFR) as the #1 fastest growing technology company in Australia.

Company Culture

As a company, we are revolutionising the exploration of new worlds with advanced space technology to build a more prosperous future for humanity. As a culture, we are ambitious, innovative, and collaborative and we put our customers first in everything that we do.

Our company values guide us to our North Star of ambitious, collaborative success - AD ASTRA ("To the Stars!")

Add Value:

Obsessively add value for our customers

Drive Excellence:

Benchmark against the best

Agile Action:

Take Action. Independent, fast, frugal action

Seek Truth:

Be curious. Explore

Take Responsibility:

Make decisions and own them

Radical Ideas:

We are unique. We do things differently

Always Deliver:

We always find a way to get it done on time

Our benefits include:

We have an extremely flexible work culture, with a mix of onsite, hybrid and remote workers who take time for school runs, exercise and appointments. It's about getting the work done, not time at desk. Equity (ESOP) grants. 20 days of annual leave + 10 extra Wellness days per year. Learning budgets. Access to confidential Psychologist appoints via our Employee Assistance Program. Plenty of opportunity to be part of an amazing STEM program to create the next generation of explorers.

Fleet is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Fleet is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, colour, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.