Audio Research Engineer II

Position: R&D Engineer II (Audio Engineer)

Pay Rate: $50-60/hour  

Location: Redmond, WA

Duration: 12 month contract (W2) with plans to extend to 2 years

Job Description:

We bring together a world-class team of researchers, developers, and engineers to create the future of virtual and augmented reality, which together will become as universal and essential as smartphones and personal computers are today. In particular, the Research Audio team is focused on two goals; creating virtual sounds that are perceptually indistinguishable from reality, and redefining human hearing. These two initiatives will allow us to connect people by allowing them to feel together despite being physically apart, and allow them to converse in even the most difficult listening environments.

We are looking for a contract acoustic research engineer to conduct acoustic measurements, acoustic data processing, and auditory perception experiments, and develop relevant methods and tools leveraging scientific coding skills and expertise in audio signal processing, audio hardware systems, machine learning,

and acoustics.

Responsibilities

• Develop systems, user interfaces, and protocols for acoustic and behavioral data acquisition and processing using Python, MATLAB, and MaxMSP.
• Analyze and improve the performance of data acquisition systems for audio perception.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary researchers to integrate data acquisition algorithms into platforms.
• Perform acoustic data collection involving complex capture systems, prototype devices, and human subjects in controlled laboratory environments.
• Write technical reports and papers describing research results and methodologies.

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in a relevant technical field with 3 years of industry experience in audio technology development, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 3 years experience in designing and performing audio acoustic experiments in controlled laboratory settings.
• 3 years of programming experience in Python, MATLAB, or MaxMSP for audio applications
• Strong understanding and experience in audio signal processing

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in real-time audio coding in C/C
• Expertise in any/all of psychoacoustics, auditory perception, spatial audio, room acoustics, and physical acoustics
• Experience using PyTorch or other machine-learning frameworks
• Experience with prototype hardware devices
• Experience with motion tracking systems
• Experience with large-scale automated data collection and analysis
• Experience designing and setting up acoustic laboratory spaces
• Experience working in cross-functional, inter-disciplinary environments
• Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality technical reports and/or publications

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $60.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Seattle,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Feb 22, 2025.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I are embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

Salary : $50 - $60