ACOUSTIC ENGINEER JOB DESCRIPTION
Drawn from live postings, these Acoustic Engineer job descriptions cover transducer design, ANC tuning, NVH analysis, acoustic measurement, and sound certification.

Acoustic Engineer Job Description Template
1. About the Role
Acoustic performance is the spec that a consumer audio product either meets or fails at retail. An Acoustic Engineer in the consumer electronics sector owns the transducer design domain: specifying driver and microphone requirements, building and validating physical prototypes, and translating psychoacoustic targets into testable performance criteria for mass-produced headphones, earphones, and speakers. The role demands command of both objective measurement methodology and subjective listening evaluation. It sits within R&D product teams that ship to high-volume offshore manufacturing.
2. Position Summary
As the Acoustic Engineer, you own the acoustic system design and validation for wearable and speaker products, from component specification and prototype characterization through production test sign-off. You work under R&D or engineering leadership alongside DSP engineers, industrial designers, and supplier-facing teams, with a scope that spans both upstream concept development and downstream manufacturing readiness.
3. Why Join Us
Career Impact: Owning transducer specification and sign-off authority in the consumer electronics industry positions an Acoustic Engineer to be recognized as a domain expert sought by OEM audio brands and high-volume hardware manufacturers.
Business Impact: When a headphone or speaker product misses its acoustic targets, the cost surfaces in returns, re-spins, and delayed launch timelines; the Acoustic Engineer's validation decisions directly protect the schedule and margin of each product release.
Growth Opportunity: Depth in ANC system design, psychoacoustics, and finite element acoustic modeling opens advancement toward Principal Acoustic Engineer or Acoustic Systems Architect roles as product portfolios expand.
4. Key Responsibilities
- Design acoustic systems for headphone, earphone, and speaker products, covering enclosure geometry, porting, and driver integration.
- Specify requirements for acoustic components, including drivers, microphones, and acoustic meshes, and validate that delivered parts meet those specifications.
- Build and characterize physical prototypes, conducting measurements at the component, subsystem, and full-assembly level.
- Develop and implement test procedures for active noise cancellation performance, covering system identification and call quality assessment against CE standards.
- Partner with DSP and controls engineers to tune audio frequency response and optimize ANC system behavior.
- Validate production test processes with manufacturing and supplier teams to ensure consistent acoustic performance at volume.
- Investigate and root-cause acoustic failures in prototypes or production samples, recommending and verifying corrective design changes.
- Conduct critical listening evaluations and communicate results through design reviews and structured technical reports to program leadership.
Because hiring teams weigh production test validation and ANC tuning heavily, how to present these validation duties on a resume is shown with worked examples by level.
5. Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Acoustical, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent work experience.
- 5 or more years of acoustic design experience in consumer audio products, with demonstrated transducer design and validation ownership.
- Proficiency in acoustic modeling and simulation techniques, including lumped-parameter methods and finite element analysis.
- Knowledge of electroacoustic transducer physics, including driver, microphone, and amplifier behavior across audio frequencies.
- Experience specifying and evaluating acoustic components against measurable performance targets in a production context.
- Competency in statistical data analysis applied to acoustic measurement results or manufacturing process control.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical findings to cross-functional program teams.
More postings now expect lumped-parameter and FEA proficiency alongside measurement lab experience, and the acoustic competencies employers formally screen are listed in depth across each qualification profile.
6. Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with active noise cancellation architecture and ANC tuning for wearable audio products.
- Familiarity with psychoacoustics principles and sound quality evaluation methodology, including structured listening panel protocols.
- Background in working with high-volume offshore manufacturers, including supplier audit and production line verification visits.
- Advanced degree in acoustics, audio engineering, or a related field.
7. Success Metrics & Environment
- Prototype acoustic performance pass rate against target specifications, measured across driver and system level.
- ANC attenuation depth achieved relative to design targets, tracked by frequency band.
- Number of acoustic-related production defects per 10,000 units, reflecting design robustness at manufacturing scale.
- Cycle time from design change to validated prototype, measuring responsiveness to failure root-cause findings.
- Listening evaluation score alignment between internal assessments and final OEM or retail acceptance criteria.
- Typical tools: acoustic measurement systems (commonly Klippel R&D/QC, Audio Precision APx, Listen SoundCheck); data analysis and modeling software (commonly MATLAB, COMSOL).
Mapping ANC attenuation targets, PE licensure timelines, and the $121K–$196K salary range to the acoustic engineer salary, PE licensure, and career trajectory gives the full picture behind this role's market positioning.
8. Compensation & Benefits (US Market Benchmark)
- Base Salary Range: $95,000 to $135,000 annually, depending on experience and location.
- Bonus: Annual performance bonus, typically 8 to 12% of base salary.
- Equity: RSU grants are common at larger consumer electronics firms; varies by employer size.
- Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contribution varies by company.
- PTO: 15 to 20 days annually, plus standard US public holidays.
- Common Perks: Product discounts on consumer audio hardware; conference and professional development allowances.
Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.
9. EEO & Legal
Background checks are a standard condition of employment for this role; offers are contingent on successful completion. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process upon request. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.
Match your ANC attenuation results to a resume that gets shortlisted.
Acoustic Engineer Job Description Examples
1. Acoustic Engineer (Automotive Prototype Electrical Systems)
The Acoustic Engineer delivers end-to-end electrical system design for program prototype vehicles, from developing schematics and NETCOM translator boxes to flashing and configuring module software at build sites. Working closely with design engineers, test technicians, skilled trades, and suppliers, this role ensures all program gateways and milestones are met to established acceptance criteria.
Key Responsibilities
- Design prototype electrical systems and provide on-site build support for all program prototype vehicles.
- Design bridging harnesses, overlays, and hardware to integrate new prototype parts into existing vehicle systems and troubleshoot the system to make it functional.
- Deliver program gateways and milestones on time to established acceptance criteria.
- Drive improvement of current processes and develop new best practices.
- Integrate new hardware and software into prototype vehicles and make them functional.
- Collect new component device transmittals from design engineers.
- Select surrogate components to be used for the vehicle build.
- Develop electrical schematics for vehicle design.
- Perform compatibility reviews of bridging parts with production intent parts and schematics using component design transmittals.
- Develop NETCOM translator boxes to gateway CAN messages to correct components.
- Verify the parts list for engineering breadboards, including surrogate and bridging parts, all needed components, and any yellowboard surrogate parts.
- Test engineering breadboards to confirm the design functions as intended, and develop any needed bridging electronics or part reworks.
- Attend all start-up, walk-around, build assessment, issues meetings, and PCN review meetings related to the vehicle build as a representative for electrical, and take recommended actions accordingly.
- Flash and configure module software at build sites.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.
- Two years of OEM or Tier 1 electrical experience.
- Electrical systems, EDS troubleshooting, and fault isolation experience.
- Systems integration knowledge.
- Proficiency in reading and updating electrical schematics and harness drawings.
- Proficiency in utilizing CAN tools for troubleshooting, flashing, or configuring ECU software.
- EDS design experience, including the ability to read and understand prints and their relationship to schematics and device transmittals.
- Strong communication skills and proficiency in MS Office products, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Project, as well as SharePoint sites.
- Ability to work independently with design engineers, test technicians, skilled trades, and suppliers to resolve issues.
- Ability to work in a garage or lab environment with mechanics, engineers, technicians, technologists, and suppliers.
- Ability to work well under pressure, with excellent problem-solving skills and creativity.
2. Acoustic Engineer (Powered Equipment Product Design)
Embedded within the engineering and product development organization, the Acoustic Engineer shapes the full lifecycle of design projects for powered and EV equipment, ensuring cost, timing, durability, performance, and quality align with project objectives and industry safety standards. Working closely with marketing, customers, manufacturing, and global teams, this role advances products from requirements definition through release and change management.
Core Functions
- Create designs to satisfy product objectives related to assigned products.
- Create marketable ideas for new and revised products.
- Assist and sometimes drive product requirements.
- Perform engineering analysis to predict the behavior of proposed designs and resolve design problems.
- Manage the entirety of design projects, ensuring that cost, timing, durability, performance, manufacturability, and quality meet project objectives and industry safety standards.
- Conduct regular design, manufacturability, safety, and serviceability reviews for assigned areas.
- Actively participate in and coordinate the development and understanding of customer requirements through direct contact with marketing, customers, service, manufacturing, and distribution.
- Provide work direction and monitor the work of engineers, designers, draftspersons, and experimental shop mechanics assigned to areas of design responsibility.
- Work with suppliers to ensure the selection of suitable quality components.
- Manage all activity through release and change management using established engineering and development procedures.
- Communicate and coordinate work with prototype shop, test engineering, CAE, finance, purchasing, drafting, manufacturing, industrial design, and safety and certification teams.
- Report verbally and in writing on development progress and engineering analysis of product design.
- Manage project-related tasks, issues, and progress with external partners and global teams.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in an ABET-accredited electrical, mechanical, aeronautical, agricultural, or equivalent engineering program.
- Seven years of experience, preferably in the powered equipment industry, EV industry, or a similar field.
- Experience in Lean NPD and continuous improvement is highly preferred.
- Formal project management training and/or experience preferred.
- Previous experience managing and developing direct reports preferred.
- Ability to multitask and manage multiple simultaneous projects of various complexities and sizes.
- Ability to create and analyze component or complete product designs with individual initiative.
- Ability to direct the work of others, including engineers, drafters, and designers.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
3. Acoustic Engineer (Electromechanical Structural Analysis)
Reporting to program and engineering leadership, the Acoustic Engineer shapes requirements definition and decomposition for dynamic and thermal environments of electromechanical and electronic products, while establishing analysis practices that prevent cumulative damage failures. Partnering with multiple engineering homerooms and a cross-sector mechanical analysis community of practice, this role delivers structural and thermal analysis authority that strengthens product qualification strategies across a range of mission classes and risk regimes.
Primary Duties
- Serve as a technical authority and spokesperson on structural and thermal analysis of electromechanical and electronic products.
- Integrate analysis tools and techniques across multiple functions, programs, and levels of system integration.
- Shape early requirements definition and decomposition with respect to dynamic and thermal environments.
- Establish effective design, analysis, and test practices to prevent failures due to cumulative damage.
- Institute improved workmanship screens to efficiently precipitate latent defects.
- Influence product qualification strategies and planning across a range of mission classes and risk regimes.
- Support program execution as a subject matter expert and independent reviewer who efficiently and swiftly resolves complex technical issues.
- Develop standards, guidelines, and training for structural and thermal analysis.
- Spearhead a multidisciplinary and cross-sector mechanical analysis community of practice.
- Collaborate across multiple engineering homerooms to facilitate knowledge sharing, propagate best practices, and share lessons learned.
- Mentor junior and senior engineers in support of bench development.
Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in a STEM discipline from an ABET-accredited institution, with 20+ years of engineering experience.
- A Master's degree with 18+ years; or a PhD with 15+ years.
- Active U.S. Government security clearance at the Top Secret level with a background investigation date within six years, or active SCI access with an SSBI completed within five years, or a Department of Energy Q clearance with an SSBI completed within five years.
- Master's degree in mechanical engineering from an ABET-accredited university.
- Experience with vibroacoustic analysis of electromechanical or electronic products.
- Experience with thermal analysis of electromechanical or electronic products.
- Experience with a variety of structural and thermal analysis tools and finite element modeling techniques.
- Experience with process development and continuous improvement techniques.
4. Acoustic Engineer (Automotive NVH Engineering)
Sitting at the intersection of acoustics engineering and automotive product development, the Acoustic Engineer builds technical solutions that ensure acoustic components meet customer and internal requirements, applying tools such as DFMEA, 8D problem solving, FEA, and CFD simulation. Operating across manufacturing, quality, development, and program teams as a subject matter expert in acoustics, this role delivers continuous improvement initiatives and technical reports that directly reduce future product risk.
Duties
- Ensure products follow internal standards, are robust, feasible, and meet program timing.
- Ensure acoustic component adherence to customer and internal requirements.
- Lead and participate in innovative and continuous improvement initiatives for new products and processes.
- Provide technical assistance for the prototype and development of new designs.
- Analyze results of benchmarking initiatives and integrate findings into appropriate areas.
- Serve as a subject matter expert in the field of acoustics to the manufacturing, quality, development, and program teams.
- Prepare and present technical reports in-house and to the technical community.
- Apply engineering methods and tools, including DFMEA, 8D problem solving, FEA, SCP, and PCR, to improve product and process designs and minimize future risk.
- Apply problem-solving tools and development methods, including CFD and FEA simulation, modeling, and DOE, to enhance productivity and design quality.
- Develop, read, and interpret engineering drawings.
Requirements
- Engineer or higher, with preferred disciplines in mechanical, acoustic (NVH), automotive, or environmental science.
- Experience in acoustic simulation and/or testing is a plus.
- Experience in fluid mechanics, heat exchange, thermodynamics, and internal combustion engines is a plus.
- Strong analytical, planning, and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects.
- Willingness to travel approximately 10-20% for testing purposes and/or customer or supplier visits.
- Proficiency in Polish and English, both written and spoken, required; additional languages beneficial.
5. Acoustic Engineer (Machine Sound Compliance)
A key member of the acoustic and product compliance engineering team, the Acoustic Engineer owns research and development of new acoustic technology and sound validation for machine platforms, from developing test plans and procedures through maintaining sound certifications and declarations of conformity. Collaborating across machine product groups, suppliers, and business units, this role ensures regulatory compliance and delivers engineering solutions to production, field, and factory sound issues.
Functions
- Research and develop new technology in the area of acoustic engineering, including the resolution of complex noise and vibration design issues.
- Perform analytical and experimental sound predictions and associated validation for machine sound platforms.
- Develop test plans and procedures for sound validation for new product development.
- Perform sound testing of machines, components, and materials.
- Support regulatory and product compliance with sound conformity requirements.
- Prepare noise technical construction files and maintain sound certifications and declarations of conformity specific to each machine product.
- Maintain production sound test sites, including data acquisition systems, production sound data retention, and annual audits.
- Provide engineering solutions to problems arising from production, field, and factory issues with current machine products.
- Communicate results to machine product group customers, suppliers, team members, and other business units.
Experience & Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in an accredited engineering curriculum with coursework and/or project experience in acoustics.
- Five or more years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor's degree, or three or more years with a Master's degree.
- Master's degree in an accredited engineering curriculum with coursework and/or project experience in acoustics.
- Background in regulations and compliance.
- Background in acoustics or sound development.
- Experience with small construction machines and the industry.
6. Acoustic Engineer (Automotive Active Noise Control)
Delivering a world-class in-cabin acoustic experience depends on the Acoustic Engineer, who leads active sound design using active noise control and acoustic enhancement techniques for electrified vehicles, from competitive benchmark testing through final validation of sound enhancements. Based within cross-functional audio and supplier teams, this role shapes the cabin's acoustic signature and confirms performance matches desired specifications across objective and subjective evaluation methods.
Accountabilities
- Lead active sound design via active noise control and acoustic enhancement techniques.
- Collaborate effectively with audio teams and suppliers.
- Improve the acoustic signature inside the cabin using active sound enhancement and ANC technology to enhance the driving experience.
- Measure and test vehicles, process data, and report findings in a clear and concise manner.
- Conduct competitive benchmark testing, organize jury tests, and participate in subjective vehicle evaluations.
- Validate final sound enhancements and confirm performance matches the desired acoustic signature.
Technical Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering from an ABET-accredited or equivalent school.
- Five or more years of cumulative experience in acoustics, NVH, and/or audio active sound development.
- Proficiency in NVH analysis software, including LMS Test Lab, Head Acoustics Artemis, or HBK.
- Understanding and working knowledge of audio digital audio workstation software, including ProTools, Logic Pro, or Ableton.
- Familiarity with CAD, CATIA, and/or Teamcenter NX.
- Understanding of digital signal processing and sound quality metrics.
- Advanced engineering degree, preferred.
- Knowledge of active noise cancellation and acoustic vehicle alert systems is preferred.
- Electrified vehicle knowledge and design experience preferred.
- Organized and motivated, with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with other team members.
7. Acoustic Engineer (Electronic Systems Certification)
As the Acoustic Engineer, this role designs, documents, and verifies the acoustic components of electronic systems, covering electro-acoustic measurement, echo-free room management, and statistical analysis of manufacturing and test processes. The engineering team relies on this work to deliver product certification and IP assessment outcomes, from supporting industrialization through preparing technical files for certification laboratory submission.
Activities
- Design, document, and verify the acoustic part of electronic systems.
- Support the project leader with the planning of acoustic design tasks.
- Define and verify electro-acoustic measurement and characterization techniques.
- Manage the echo-free room and its measurement equipment.
- Define test plans and analyze failures.
- Develop and design according to total quality management standards, and support the manufacturing engineering team on test systems.
- Specify electro-acoustic production testing and support manufacturing engineering on test systems.
- Support manufacturing engineering during the industrialization phase.
- Conduct statistical analysis of manufacturing and test processes.
- Engineer process enhancements.
- Support the product certification procedure by providing in-house qualification and preparing technical files for submission to the certification laboratory.
- Conduct an IP assessment in the field of acoustics upon request.
Position Requirements
- Degree in Electronic Engineering or Acoustic Engineering from a university or a university of applied sciences.
- Proven experience in acoustic design.
- Experience in audio signal processing and acoustical measurement techniques.
- Experience with microcontrollers.
- Experience in project management and Spice simulations is a plus.
- Fluency in English; good knowledge of French and/or German, a plus.
- Dynamic, self-driven, and hands-on work style.
- Open-minded, communicative personality with strong team-player qualities.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
8. Acoustic Engineer (Audio DSP Development)
Acoustic Engineer leads new product development in collaboration with audio team partners, from specifying acoustic requirements and optimizing physical acoustics through conducting customer value assessments and developing new audio system concepts. The work directly supports embedded hardware systems integration and draws on proficiency in MATLAB, acoustics, and psychoacoustics to deliver solutions grounded in DSP theory and transducer fundamentals.
Operational Focus
- Develop new products for production in collaboration with the audio team and partners.
- Specify acoustic requirements and optimize physical acoustics through collaboration with mechanical and design engineers.
- Work efficiently with embedded hardware systems using modern software tools.
- Develop new audio system concepts and conduct customer value assessments.
- Demonstrate aptitude for problem-solving and engaged customer interaction.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent, with an emphasis on Audio Engineering or DSP.
- Master of Science in Engineering or equivalent, preferred.
- Solid understanding of acoustics and psychoacoustics.
- Proficiency in MATLAB, including script writing.
- Basic understanding of acoustic transducers and audio and EE fundamentals.
- Understanding of basic DSP theory.
- Basic understanding of test and measurement equipment, including National Instruments, LMS, or Head Acoustics systems.
- Background in software and coding, including C, MATLAB, and Python, preferred.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
- Ability and willingness to learn and quickly apply new ideas.
9. Acoustic Engineer (Automotive Audio Architecture)
The Acoustic Engineer produces automotive audio system architectures, covering system-level definition of transducers, mechanical packaging, DSP, and amplifiers for various OEMs, while serving as the primary customer interface from requirements through final sound approval. Reporting to product development and research leadership, this role advances the automotive audio field through objective and subjective sound quality evaluations and support for pre-development simulation environments.
Key Deliverables
- Design automotive acoustic system architectures, including system-level definition of transducers, mechanical packaging, DSP, and amplifiers for various OEMs.
- Tune automotive sound systems for customers.
- Perform objective and subjective sound quality evaluation measurements.
- Serve as the interface to customers regarding all acoustic-related topics, from the requirements phase through final sound approval.
- Support research and pre-development teams designing new automotive audio technologies, and implement simulation environments.
Professional Experience
- Master's degree in audio engineering, acoustics, or a related field.
- Proven track record in the audio industry, automotive sector, or product development.
- Knowledge of automotive audio system architectures and platform-oriented development.
- Knowledge in transducer design, acoustics, DSP, audio amplifiers, and psychoacoustics.
- Experience with standard audio measurement and simulation tools.
- Critical listening skills and knowledge of advanced sound design principles.
- Willingness to travel within Europe and overseas, up to 20% of the time.
- Fluency in English; knowledge of German and/or Chinese is an advantage.
- Demonstrated experience in audio system tuning for production vehicles is an advantage.
10. Acoustic Engineer (Environmental Noise Consulting)
Embedded within a multidisciplinary acoustics consulting practice, the Acoustic Engineer develops noise and vibration analysis, modelling, and reporting across project types spanning infrastructure, buildings, and environmental assessment. Working closely with clients, project teams, and broader marketing and business development networks, this role produces technical outputs and proposals that expand the firm's acoustics portfolio and client relationships.
Areas of Ownership
- Perform acoustic analysis, calculations, and modelling on a range of project types.
- Undertake fieldwork, including noise and vibration measurements on site.
- Write technical reports and contribute to the delivery of projects.
- Undertake project management tasks for acoustic projects.
- Lead meetings with clients.
- Respond to requests for proposals for acoustics, provide input for larger bids, and engage in general marketing and networking.
- Provide a high level of service to clients and other members of the project team.
Background & Experience
- Engineering or science degree in a relevant discipline; post-graduate qualifications are an advantage.
- Greater than five years of acoustic consulting experience, desired.
- Experience with acoustic computer modelling software, including SoundPLAN.
- Experience in performing noise measurements.
- Strong writing, presentation, and communication skills.
11. Acoustic Engineer (Consumer Audio Transducer Development)
Reporting to engineering leadership at Beats Electronics, the Acoustic Engineer refines transducer designs for headphone, earphone, and speaker products using lumped-parameter, FEA, and BEM simulation tools, from component-level modeling through production test oversight at offshore manufacturing facilities. Partnering with acoustic, electrical, mechanical, industrial design, and quality assurance counterparts, this role ensures acoustic design objectives are maintained and mentors associate engineers on innovative audio transducer research.
Role Responsibilities
- Model transducers at the component level and in their housings, using lumped-parameter, FEA, and BEM simulation tools, to optimize acoustic performance of products.
- Work on product development teams, interacting with engineering counterparts across acoustic, electrical, mechanical, industrial design, and quality assurance functions to ensure acoustic design objectives are maintained.
- Work independently as the main point of contact for transducers with the internal team, as well as driver suppliers and finished-product contract manufacturers.
- Specify transducer design requirements and conduct design verification.
- Collaborate with transducer suppliers, providing oversight on driver assembly and production test processes and implementations, monitor their test results, and visit their production facilities to ensure product performance and quality requirements are met with a high degree of consistency.
- Conceive and explore innovative areas of audio transducer research, and mentor associate engineers on development projects.
Minimum Qualifications
- Five or more years of experience developing audio transducers.
- Expertise in lumped-parameter, FEA, and BE modeling of electroacoustics, magnetics, and mechanics.
- Comprehensive understanding of transducer components, materials, assembly, and manufacturing processes.
- Expertise in standard methods for specifying and evaluating audio transducers and acoustic systems.
- Working knowledge of audio analyzers, including Klippel R&D/QC, Listen SoundCheck, and Audio Precision APx.
- Competency in statistical data analysis; competency with MATLAB is a plus.
- Experience working with high-volume, offshore manufacturers, with the ability to travel internationally.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
12. Acoustic Engineer (Buildings and Infrastructure Acoustics)
Sitting at the intersection of building acoustics and environmental noise assessment, the Acoustic Engineer advances project delivery across health, education, transport, energy, and urban development sectors, managing projects from monitoring and assessment through client relationship development and growth of the acoustics offering. Operating across a consulting team as a technical lead for calculation, modelling, mitigation, and data automation, this role strengthens the firm's position across a full spectrum of infrastructure and buildings clients.
Job Functions
- Manage projects within the acoustics team to ensure the successful delivery of all monitoring, assessments, and reports, including technical review, quality control, and effective communication with clients.
- Conduct calculation, modelling, analysis, reporting, and acoustic mitigation treatment for buildings and environmental acoustics, including health facilities, railways, roads, and power and energy projects.
- Research and coordinate the development of improved technical capabilities, including tools to streamline and automate the collection and processing of data.
- Work with leadership to grow the acoustics and vibration offering, including shaping the future of client relationships.
- Develop and enhance relationships with clients.
Education & Experience
- Engineering or science degree in a relevant discipline; post-graduate qualifications are an advantage.
- Two to ten years of proven experience in a consulting environment.
- Experience with acoustics in the built environment, including health, education, stadia, roads, and rail infrastructure, as well as gaining approvals and knowledge of standards and regulations.
- Experience with acoustic modelling software, including SoundPLAN, CadnaA, EASE, and/or Odeon.
- Specialist modelling capabilities, including SEA, FEA, or BEM.
- Programming and data analytics skills in MATLAB or Python, and GIS software skills are an advantage.
- Strong analytical problem-solving, verbal, and written communication skills, including technical report writing.
- Ability to engage within a collaborative work environment, with a reputation for delivering high-quality work.
13. Acoustic Engineer (Vehicle Infotainment Calibration)
A key member of GM's global infotainment engineering team, the Acoustic Engineer oversees the full lifecycle of vehicle tuning and certification for hands-free and speech use-cases on in-vehicle infotainment systems, from designing calibration improvement tests through tracking and resolving acoustic defects. Collaborating across internal teams, suppliers, and multiple engineering disciplines, this role enables the delivery of state-of-the-art acoustic solutions that link engineering, information technology, technical support, and marketing.
What You'll Do
- Lead the entire life-cycle of vehicle tuning and certification for hands-free and speech use-cases.
- Design and lead key strategic interfaces within systems to enable component reuse and consistency with standards.
- Design tests to efficiently identify opportunities for calibration improvements.
- Stay current on industry trends, technologies, and standard methodologies.
- Identify and document system vulnerabilities and build mitigation action plans; supervise corrective actions.
- Coordinate tuning and certification sessions with all relevant groups.
- Perform analysis, resolution, and tracking of defects found on the acoustic solution.
- Perform recordings of various scenarios for future algorithmic development.
- Interact and facilitate with internal teams and suppliers during all phases of development and integration to refine understanding of requirements and identify innovation opportunities.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering.
- Experience in automotive acoustic validation.
- Experience leading, coordinating, and handling validation tasks for acoustic validation.
- Experience with revision control tools, issue-tracking tools, compilers, in-circuit emulators, and debuggers.
- Experience with Handsfree ITU-T P.1110/P.1100.
- Experience in tuning hands-free solutions.
- Prior experience with vehicle infotainment systems.
- Knowledge of vehicle infotainment design.
- Experience with Android Auto and CarPlay Siri.
- Experience with Head Acoustics lab equipment.
14. Acoustic Engineer (Speaker Transducer Design)
Strong customer relationships and innovative product introductions depend on the Acoustic Engineer, who serves as the primary technical point of contact and in-house expert, guiding audio designs and interfacing between the company and its customers across the full product life cycle. Serving as the bridge between R&D, production, and sales, this role advances acoustic technology adoption and delivers product specifications, application notes, and research outputs that secure new business.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
- Study, analyze, and optimize acoustic transducer designs.
- Interface with customers to identify possible new projects and execute on deliverables.
- Map out speaker strategy with headquarters to apply new acoustic technology and assist the sales team in securing business.
- Provide design support and recommendations to customers during the product design stage, as well as assistance throughout the full product life cycle.
- Create and review product specifications; create and publish application notes, research papers, and presentation reports.
- Analyze product data, test product samples, and make suggestions on measures to optimize design.
- Guide and assist the R&D and engineering team to satisfy customers' requirements; provide technical training and support to customers and internal personnel.
Qualifications & Experience
- Master's degree or equivalent in acoustics, audio engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or electrical engineering.
- Five to ten years of experience in speaker transducer design and testing, or equivalent.
- Proven experience in transducer design, manufacturing, and failure analysis.
- Experience with high-volume production in consumer electronics is preferred.
- Experience with sourcing and/or production in China, preferred.
- Experience with audio test systems, including SoundCheck, Audio Precision, IQaudio, B&K, and HATS.
- Familiarity with MATLAB, ProE/Creo, and COMSOL or other finite element analysis packages.
- Fluency in Mandarin, a strong plus.
- Strong communication and presentation skills, including project planning, documentation of technical requirements, and technical presentations.
15. Acoustic Engineer (Medical Ultrasonic Transducer Research)
Reporting to Dr. Tearney at the Tearney Lab, the Acoustic Engineer refines miniaturized ultrasonic transducer designs for endoscopic medical applications, covering specification development, modeling, vendor coordination, and validation testing in accordance with industry standard design control processes. Partnering with a multidisciplinary team of program managers, scientists, clinical regulatory staff, and physicians, this role produces validated transducer components that advance endoscopic technology from bench to clinical deployment.
Scope of Work
- Interpret clinical and technical inputs to develop specifications for the ultrasonic transducer.
- Research, design, and model the ultrasonic transducer.
- Work with outside vendors to manufacture the transducer, accounting for program specifications and vendor capabilities.
- Design and conduct acoustic, electrical, thermal, and environmental tests to validate the performance of the transducer.
- Document system specifications, drawings, and manufacturing and test procedures and results.
- Assist with endoscope integration between the transducer and other electrical, mechanical, and optical components.
- Troubleshoot and take corrective action for components and systems not meeting specifications.
Skills & Qualifications
- Advanced knowledge in acoustic physics and modeling.
- Experience with ultrasonic transducer design, manufacturing, and testing.
- Knowledge of electrical specifications, thermal management considerations, and vibration control systems necessary for acoustic systems.
- Ability to diagnose and solve technical and/or system problems of moderate complexity.
- Ability to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of program managers, scientists, engineers, clinical regulatory staff, and physicians.
- Computer literacy in word processing, spreadsheets, databases, graphics, statistics, engineering tools, and programming.
16. Acoustic Engineer (Transport and Buildings Noise Assessment)
Sustainable and comfortable built environments depend on the Acoustic Engineer, who oversees calculation, prediction, and assessment of noise from railways, roads, power projects, and construction, while also predicting, measuring, and assessing acoustics within buildings. Based within a multidisciplinary engineering consultancy, this role serves clients across residential, commercial, transport, education, health, and performing arts sectors, producing reports and environmental assessment inputs that inform critical planning and infrastructure decisions.
Work Activities
- Conduct calculations, predictions, and assessments of noise from sources such as railways, roads, power and energy projects, and construction.
- Perform noise and vibration measurement surveys.
- Mitigate noise and vibration from operational infrastructure and from construction and industrial sites.
- Predict, measure, and assess acoustics within buildings.
- Prepare noise input for environmental assessments.
- Prepare reports and communicate effectively with other team members, disciplines, and stakeholders.
Requirements
- Degree or equivalent in an acoustics or vibration-related field.
- Associate or full membership of the Institute of Acoustics.
- Experience working in an engineering consultancy or research environment.
- Experience in transport, industrial, and/or building acoustics in a multi-disciplinary environment.
- Understanding of acoustic modelling, calculations, surveys, and report writing, including the use of MS Word and Excel.
- Proven technical ability in problem-solving and analytical thinking.
- Ability to manage time and resources effectively.
- Commitment to CPD; working towards IEng accreditation.
- Experience in developing relationships with colleagues and clients.
- Driving licence.
17. Acoustic Engineer (Micro-Acoustical Product Development)
The Acoustic Engineer creates acoustical solutions for the full product portfolio, from early-stage design and technology choice through simulation, testing, and verification of requirements in a global R&D setting for serial manufacturing. Working closely with sourcing teams, manufacturing partners, external technology partners, and universities, this role elevates the acoustical domain's tools, test capabilities, and modelling maturity to bring micro-acoustical products to market.
Performance Expectations
- Serve as the acoustical specialist within the engineering team, responsible for the design of acoustical solutions for the product portfolio.
- Drive and evolve the acoustical domain, including tools, tests, modelling, and overall capabilities.
- Design and prototype acoustic solutions, make technology choices, conduct simulations, perform tests, and develop proof-of-concept solutions.
- Perform and oversee acoustic measurements of components, systems, subsystems, and final assemblies, and perform thorough analysis.
- Drive technology explorations and evaluate emerging technologies to refine existing and new experiences.
- Participate in cross-functional projects from early definition through design, implementation, and verification.
- Support audio system design, conduct audio performance evaluation, and tune models.
- Work with component suppliers and manufacturing partners to deliver solutions to market.
- Collaborate with and support sourcing teams on tactical and strategic levels with suppliers and partners.
- Define, design, develop, and verify requirements within the acoustics field, and engage with and train other functions on relevant acoustic properties.
Experience & Qualifications
- Degree in acoustical engineering, electronic engineering, equivalent, or a related science field, with hands-on engineering experience in product development.
- Knowledge of micro-acoustical systems and solutions, products, and applications from headsets, mobile devices, or hearing aids, or similar products.
- Experience in speaker design, from early stage through production.
- Strong understanding of acoustic tests, test equipment, techniques, and simulation tools.
- Experience in specifying requirements for acoustic components, including drivers, microphones, and acoustic meshes.
- Technical knowledge in the acoustics field, including engineering, materials, physics, and transducer technologies.
- Experience in cross-functional product development in an R&D setting for serial manufacturing.
- Experience working in a global setting with external technology partners and/or universities.
- Experience in the co-development of micro drivers and acoustical chambers.
- Fluency in English, both written and oral.
- Strong collaboration skills and a can-do mindset, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a diverse team.
18. Acoustic Engineer (Wearable Audio System Design)
Embedded within a wearable audio product engineering team, the Acoustic Engineer coordinates acoustic system design for headphone products with audio playback, active noise cancellation, and voice pickup features, from simulation and prototype characterization through production test validation and design review. Working closely with DSP and controls engineers, program leadership, and cross-functional teammates, this role delivers acoustic design maturity assessments and root-cause analysis that directly prevent recurrence of failures in high-volume wearable audio products.
Core Responsibilities
- Collaborate with engineering team members to design, build, and test headphone products with audio playback, active noise cancellation, and voice pickup features.
- Investigate and develop acoustic system design concepts to achieve product performance requirements.
- Use simulation tools to predict acoustic system behavior.
- Define, build, and characterize physical prototypes of acoustic systems.
- Conduct acoustic measurements of components, subsystems, and full assemblies, and perform analysis of results.
- Define and develop novel acoustic test methods to improve understanding of system behaviors.
- Work directly with DSP and controls engineers to tune and optimize system performance.
- Communicate results clearly through informal peer reviews and formal design reviews.
- Collaborate with teammates to define, specify, and validate production test equipment and processes.
- Root-cause acoustic failures and recommend design changes to prevent recurrence.
- Provide inputs to program leadership on design maturity, schedule, and risk level.
Technical Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Acoustical, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering required; Master of Science preferred.
- Seven or more years of direct acoustic design experience with wearable audio products.
- Three or more years of hands-on acoustic test experience.
- Solid understanding of headphone acoustic structures, enclosure, and porting design.
- Experience with active noise cancellation technology is highly desirable.
- Experience using and selecting acoustic test equipment from B&K, GRAS, Audio Precision, National Instruments, Listen Inc. (SoundCheck), and others.
- Experience specifying requirements for acoustic components, including drivers, microphones, and acoustic meshes.
- Proficiency in acoustic modeling with PSpice, SimSpeaker, COMSOL, or similar tools.
- Proficiency in MATLAB for data analysis and visualization.
- Experience developing products with Bluetooth and/or other wireless technologies.
- Knowledge of psychoacoustics and sound quality evaluation, with critical listening skills and a passion for music and audio.
- Familiarity with acoustic array design for communications mic systems, beamforming, speech processing, acoustic echo cancellation, and voice activity detection.
19. Acoustic Engineer (Automotive Transducer Measurement)
The Acoustic Engineer executes acoustic approval, measurement, and competitive assessment responsibilities across the full automotive product development lifecycle, from reviewing new OEM specifications and running component listening evaluations through supporting next-generation measurement equipment development and transducer RFQ targets. Working closely with product planning, component design, research, systems engineering, and global customer teams, this role ensures consistency across internal and external acoustic labs and represents meaningful parameters at the system level.
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate with technical leadership in product planning, component design, research, and systems engineering.
- Review new OEM specifications with acoustic requirements, including design, validation, and end-of-line testing.
- Participate in and/or lead customer-facing negotiations.
- Support and/or lead the development of next-generation acoustic measurement equipment, toolsets, and processes.
- Serve as a subject matter expert for acoustic measurement best practices within automotive, and align with technical leads in other engineering organizations.
- Implement consistency across both internal and external labs.
- Run component listening evaluations and build listening evaluation standards for global automotive teams.
- Participate in and/or lead competitive assessment activities, including component selection and report generation.
- Share acoustic approval responsibility with other technical leads.
- Support the creation of new transducer RFQ targets and requirements for third-party component certification.
- Maintain a connection to the systems engineering community and represent meaningful parameters for system-level performance across all customer teams.
- Support application development in understanding, negotiating, and addressing customer requirements for transducer and assembly acoustic performance.
Position Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or a related engineering field.
- Five or more years of product development experience in electronics or audio systems.
- Expertise in acoustic measurement systems, with experience in at least one industry standard, including Klippel, AP, or Etani.
- Proficiency in MATLAB for data manipulation.
- Proficiency in acoustic simulation tools, including COMSOL or SimSpeaker.
- Basic CAD experience is a plus.
- Component design expertise in transducers and/or acoustic enclosures, a plus.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills; customer-facing experience, a plus.
- Ability to work independently with a system design approach, and to distill requirements to the component level.
- Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally.
20. Acoustic Engineer (Architectural and Environmental Acoustics)
Sitting at the intersection of building acoustics and environmental infrastructure assessment, the Acoustic Engineer coordinates services to control noise and vibration across residential, commercial, transport, education, health, performing arts, and urban development sectors, from noise and vibration surveys through electro-acoustic design for life safety communication systems. Operating across a team of 20 acoustic engineers committed to innovation, safety, and research, this role delivers facade insulation design, environmental noise prediction, and architectural acoustic solutions for the full spectrum of infrastructure and building clients.
Core Functions
- Model, predict, investigate, and provide design services to control noise and vibration.
- Conduct noise and vibration surveys.
- Assess and appraise infrastructure schemes at all stages.
- Design facades to control external noise intrusion.
- Develop architectural acoustic designs to optimize acoustic comfort.
- Develop electro-acoustic designs to enhance intelligibility of life safety communication systems.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Acoustics degree or equivalent experience, or an IOA Diploma; likely to hold AMIOA or MIOA status.
- Experience working in acoustics, including consultancy, education, research, government, local authority, or industry settings.
- Methodical approach to problem solving, with the ability to use initiative to undertake tasks efficiently and independently.
- Excellent verbal communication skills, with confidence in liaising with clients and team members.
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to produce accurate technical drawings and reports.
21. Acoustic Engineer (Headphone ANC and DSP)
A key member of the acoustic development team, the Acoustic Engineer guides the design of headphone acoustic systems by writing specifications, evaluating systems and components through measurements, developing DSP environments for ANC, and defining novel acoustic test procedures. Collaborating across product leadership, project managers, and engineering functions, this role advances next-generation headphone products through critical listening evaluations and signal processing expertise spanning system identification, active noise cancellation, and CE standards compliance.
Primary Duties
- Write acoustic specifications by assessing market requirements, incorporating prototyping results, and defining performance targets.
- Evaluate entire systems, subsystems, and single components by measurements, and create sample reports after analyzing the results.
- Optimize acoustic components and evaluate new technologies for future products.
- Develop and implement DSP environments for superior sound tuning and advanced ANC performance.
- Perform critical listening tests to review and enhance sound performance.
- Define and conduct novel acoustic test procedures to characterize different performance aspects.
- Propose ideas for next-generation products, and communicate with leadership and project managers about development progress and potential risks.
Professional Experience
- Five years of experience in acoustic development of headphones, with a strong knowledge of measurement techniques covering system identification, active noise cancellation, call quality assessment, and CE standards.
- Deep knowledge of sensor and transducer technologies.
- Expert knowledge of signal processing techniques for optimizing audio performance, including filter development for audio frequency response and ANC.
- Familiarity with state-of-the-art measurement equipment, including B&K HATS and Audio Precision APx500.
- Preferably, additional expertise in general loudspeaker development.
- Enthusiastic about premium audio products and consumer electronics, with an interdisciplinary mindset to address mechano- and electroacoustic challenges.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English, and skilled in MS Office.
- Pro-active, independent, self-motivated, and communicative.
22. Acoustic Engineer (Loudspeaker Development)
Delivering consistent loudspeaker performance across global production and client environments depends on the Acoustic Engineer, who guides all acoustics activity in loudspeaker development, from modelling and layout of components through fault tracing and design optimization with cross-functional international teams. Based within a product development organization with production sites in Asia and global clients, this role coordinates simulation, prototype correction, and the development of new measuring and analysis methods to maintain continuous improvement in acoustic quality.
Duties
- Take responsibility for all areas connected to acoustics in loudspeaker development, especially modelling and layout of components.
- Conduct simulations to predict and optimize loudspeaker parameters, aligned and corrected via prototypes.
- Contribute to product design and optimize acoustic properties.
- Perform fault tracing in the area of acoustics and optimize the design together with a cross-functional, international team.
- Develop new measuring and analysis methods.
- Maintain continuous contact with production sites in Asia and cooperate with global clients.
Background & Experience
- Education in acoustics, mechanics, physics, electronics, telecommunications engineering, or sound engineering.
- Professional experience in acoustic transducer engineering, an advantage.
- Proficiency with simulation tools, including FEM and lumped-parameter methods; loudspeaker design.
- Programming skills in MATLAB, Python, LabView, or VBA; statistical evaluation using Excel or Minitab; acoustic measurement technology from Audio Precision, National Instruments, Klippel, or Polytec; and material and process know-how in magnets, plastics, and coils.
- Fluency in English; some command of German and/or Chinese is an advantage.
- Willingness to work in an international environment, with flexibility regarding working hours and openness to business trips, including longer stays abroad if desired.
- Eagerness to learn and strong team spirit.
23. Acoustic Engineer (Audio Transducer and Sales Support)
As the Acoustic Engineer, this role creates and reviews product specifications, application notes, and research presentations while guiding the R&D and engineering team in meeting customer requirements across speaker transducer design, computer modeling, performance optimization, and introduction of new products. The engineering and sales organization relies on this work to build customer expertise in consumer audio and mobile communications and to drive adoption of new acoustic technology across reseller, distributor, and internal channels.
Functions
- Create and review product specifications.
- Create and publish application notes, research papers, and presentations and reports.
- Guide and assist the R&D and engineering team to satisfy customers' requirements, and provide technical training to resellers, distributors, and internal personnel.
- Conduct transducer design work in partnership with the R&D team, including computer modeling, performance prediction and optimization, review and analysis of measurement results, troubleshooting, and presentation of findings.
- Assist in the introduction of new products applying cutting-edge acoustic technology, and support the sales team in securing business.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in acoustics, audio engineering, physics, mechanical engineering, or electrical engineering.
- Three or more years of experience in speaker transducer design, or equivalent.
- Expertise with audio test systems, including SoundCheck, Klippel, Audio Precision, IQaudio, B&K, HATS, or similar.
- Familiarity with MATLAB, PSPICE, and ProE software packages.
- Familiarity with finite element analysis, including COMSOL or similar; familiarity with material science, a plus.
- Fluency in conversational Mandarin, highly desired.
- Deep understanding and rich experience in acoustic transducer design and development.
- Experience working with customers on audio components and accessories, applying expertise in consumer audio and mobile communications.
- Good communication skills and team-player mindset.
24. Acoustic Engineer (Industrial Acoustic Solutions)
Acoustic Engineer coordinates end-to-end acoustic solution development for medical, acoustic, and industrial sectors, from R&D through production, including cost quoting, CNC-environment testing, release testing with external labs, and project documentation. The work directly supports the sales force with technical consulting and enables customers across sectors to receive complete acoustic solutions developed within a manufacturing environment.
Accountabilities
- Provide active technical support and consulting to the sales force regarding projects and customers with acoustic requirements.
- Conduct cost quoting for products.
- Work in a manufacturing environment with various CNC equipment.
- Test existing products for production control and quality.
- Conduct release testing of products according to specifications with external labs.
- Establish project documentation, including samples.
- Develop complete acoustic solutions, leading projects from start to finish.
- Provide support to other companies across the medical, acoustic, and industrial sectors.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering, with deep knowledge in acoustics and materials.
- Three to five years of experience as an engineer in a manufacturing environment in a small to mid-size company.
- Experience in project management.
- Experience using 3D computer program software, including SolidWorks and CAD.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, self-directed entrepreneurial environment.
- Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
- Analytical and organized, with the ability to work independently and in a group setting.
- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and work with people at all levels.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills, with a team-oriented and solution-oriented mindset.
Editorial Process and Content Quality
This content is developed by the Lamwork Editorial Team using structured analysis of real-world job data, skill requirements, and hiring patterns.
Research framework by Lam Nguyen, Founder & Editorial Lead.
Reviewed by Thanh Huyen, Managing Editor.
Learn more about our editorial standards.