Mission Systems Team Spotlight: Dr Michael Caley

Exploring the science, interests and focus of one of Australia’s leading minds in underwater acoustic communication.

From Sound in Buildings to Sound in the Ocean

Dr Michael Caley’s journey into underwater acoustics didn’t begin in the ocean. It began with a mechanical engineering degree and a fascination with how sound moves through physical environments.

Originally working in terrestrial acoustics, Michael’s early career focused on noise control in buildings, transportation noise and acoustic propagation through air. But a single consulting project changed the trajectory of his work entirely.

An inquiry into the environmental noise of an ocean outfall system for a nickel refinery in New Caledonia led Michael to ask a deeper question: How does sound really behave underwater? That curiosity took him to Curtin University’s Centre for Marine Science and Technology, where he began formal studies in marine acoustics.

That decision marked the beginning of a career dedicated to understanding one of the ocean’s most complex phenomena: sound.

The Ocean as a Living System

One of the defining ideas in Michael’s work is that the ocean is not a static environment — it is dynamic, shifting and unpredictable.

He describes the ocean as “a constantly changing lens” — where temperature, movement, depth and surface conditions can alter how sound travels moment by moment. In underwater communication systems, this variability can mean the difference between clear signal transmission and total loss of communications.

In his doctoral research, Michael focused on simulating underwater acoustic communication channels, modelling how ocean movement distorts and reshapes acoustic signals. This work laid the foundation for his long-term focus on adaptive communication systems — systems that respond to changing ocean conditions rather than assuming ideal environments.

Michael’s work centres around recognising when conditions allow long-range communication, and when systems must shift to slower, more resilient signalling methods that can survive distortion and reflection.

Simulation as a Force Multiplier

A defining theme in Michael’s career is the fusion of theory and real-world data.

His engineering philosophy is simple and disciplined: Strong theoretical models must always be tested against real data.

Simulation plays a critical role in this approach. Real-world ocean trials are expensive, unpredictable and virtually impossible to replicate. Simulation allows systems to be stress-tested, communication methods benchmarked and technologies refined long before physical deployment.

For Michael, simulation is not a replacement for field trials — it is what makes field trials viable, efficient and scalable.

“Without data, models can lead you into a mess. Without models, data has no structure.”

This balance defines his systems thinking and his contribution to complex multidisciplinary projects.

Why Mission Systems

It was the organisation’s focus on simulation, autonomy and next-generation underwater capability that resonated most with Michael and motivated him to make MS the next part of his career.

He describes Mission Systems as an organisation that is breaking new ground, building capabilities that don’t yet exist rather than simply implementing existing technologies.

For a researcher and engineer whose postgraduate work was driven by creating tools that solved unsolved problems, this alignment was immediate.

“Creating new capability is inspiring. Mission Systems is in that space of genuinely pushing boundaries.”

Motivation Beyond Technology

Beyond engineering, Michael is deeply motivated by Australia’s potential to build world-class sovereign capability.

That perspective was shaped early on by reading The Collins Class Submarine Story: Steel, Spies and Spin by Peter Yule,  a book that documents the ambition, complexity and innovation behind the development of Australia’s Collins-class submarine program. For Michael, it became a powerful reminder that Australia doesn’t need to rely solely on imported solutions to lead in advanced maritime and defence technologies.

For him, innovation isn’t just about technical achievement — it’s about building national capability, resilience and long-term sovereign expertise.

“We can produce world-class technology here. We don’t have to import everything. That matters.”

Life Beyond the Lab

Outside of work, Michael’s connection to the ocean continues — but in a much more personal way.

Dr Michael Caley is an Acoustic Scientist at Mission Systems, specialising in underwater acoustic communication, simulation modelling and adaptive maritime systems.

He ocean swims regularly, drawn to the playful experience of ocean life and physics, and the invigoration that follows a good dip. Away from the sea, music is a great form of relaxation in his life. A keen community-band tuba player and sometimes pub choir chorister, Michael says he has lots of room to improve! 

It’s a combination of science, ocean, and music — structure and creativity — that shapes both his professional and personal world.

Looking Forward

At Mission Systems, Michael’s work will contribute directly to the development of next-generation autonomous and underwater systems — strengthening Australia’s technological edge in maritime and defence innovation.

As Mission Systems continues to push the boundaries of autonomy, simulation and underwater communication, Michael’s work will play a key role in shaping the future of intelligent maritime systems.