Acoustic Signal Engineer

Description

General Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Acoustic Signaling Engineer to join our creative Innovation team. This is a hands-on system engineering role focused on safe and effective Emergency Vehicle audible warning technology. Responsibilities include benchmarking, evaluating, new innovative design, prototyping, evaluation, and applied research as necessary for audio communication systems and acoustic signaling devices. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in acoustics, transducer development, sound propagation analysis, and audio signal processing. This individual will play a critical role in enhancing the safety and effectiveness of emergency vehicle operations by ensuring that audible warnings and communication systems are optimized for clarity, reliability, and regulatory compliance.

SoundOff Signal is a leading innovator in emergency vehicle communication and safety systems. For over 30 years, we have been dedicated to enhancing emergency response capabilities through advanced lighting, acoustic signaling, and integrated safety solutions. Our commitment to engineering excellence and customer satisfaction has made us a trusted partner to emergency responders and public safety professionals. SoundOff Signal fosters a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment, empowering our employees to make a real impact on the safety and efficiency of emergency operations

Essential Job Functions

• Demonstrates SoundOff Signal’s Core Values in daily interactions with internal and external customers.
• Integrate Acoustic expertise with other cross functional engineering team members, including mentoring opportunities.
• Conduct research on sound wave propagation, reverberation, diffraction and psychoacoustics to optimize system effectiveness in diverse environments.
• Create high-performance acoustic signaling patterns and audio communication systems for emergency vehicles with specific frequencies, durations, and modulation characteristics to convey necessary information (e.g., alerts, directions, status updates) and enhance sound output for maximum audibility and intelligibility.
• Work in conjunction with hardware and software engineering to choose appropriate acoustic transducers, including power management and signal conditioning, based on required SPL and propagation characteristics.
• Work closely with mechanical engineering to integrate audio systems into vehicle platforms.
• Utilize industry tools to analyze and simulate the performance of acoustic systems to predict how sound waves will propagate through different environments, considering factors like distance, obstacles, and noise levels. 
• Conduct field tests to measure and validate audio system performance (acoustics, propagation, STI, etc.) in real-world conditions to ensure signal clarity and reliability. 
• Ensure compliance with performance standards and regulatory requirements. 
• Stay current on industry trends, standards, and emerging technologies related to acoustic signaling and emergency communication systems.
• Prepare detailed reports on CI cost savings roadmap progress, Kaizen initiatives and planning, and operational performance for senior management.
• Help foster a work environment where employees are encouraged to take risks, share improvement ideas, and celebrate successes.
• Work closely with production, safety, materials maintenance, and quality assurance teams to ensure seamless implementation of continuous improvement initiatives.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration across departments to address operational challenges and drive improvements.
• Able to perform job consistently without excessive absenteeism or tardiness.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• 10 year's experience in Acoustic Signaling
• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Acoustics, Audio Engineering, or related engineering field. 
• Proficiency with acoustic modeling and simulation software (e.g., COMSOL, MATLAB, EASE).
• Experience with microphone arrays, beamforming, or active noise control systems.
• Experience with LRAD and AHD a plus.
• Familiarity with vehicle integration processes and automotive engineering practices.
• Expertise in signal processing techniques like Fourier analysis and digital signal processing.
• Hands-on experience with prototyping, creating and executing test plans, as well as safe evaluation of audio equipment and hardware skills.
• Coordination and management of test lab resources and suppliers as necessary.
• Knowledge of transducer design, sound pressure level (SPL) optimization, and audio signal processing.
• Experience with regulatory standards for emergency vehicle sound systems (e.g., SAE J1849, NFPA 1900, ISO 7731).
• Strong understanding of relevant technologies and industry trends.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively and professionally with people. 
• Proficiency of Microsoft software packages including Word and Excel.

Working Conditions

Physical Requirements

• Able to lift up to 35 lbs. 
• Able to stand, sit, walk, bend, twist, rotate, and/or reach throughout an entire shift.
• Must be able to handle and work with small parts.

Working Conditions

• Hudsonville Michigan or hybrid
• Mostly office or laboratory environment, occasional light manufacturing environment 
• On-Site work in the field for testing 
• Fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Low noise level in a temperature-controlled setting
• Some level of domestic and/or international travel may be required
• Mostly normal business hours with occasional need to flex hours