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Audio Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

PINNACLE GROUP

Audio Video Engineer / Estimator

Glendale, CA · On-site

$85K - $112K/yr

Technology Position Summary We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Audio Video ... This role requires a deep understanding of commercial AV system design, engineering, and cost ...

Apple

Audio Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

The team includes professionals with backgrounds in event design, management, operations, broadcast ... The Audio Engineer is a hands on technical leadership role responsible for delivering premium live ...

Apple

Audio Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$149K - $225K/yr

The team includes professionals with backgrounds in event design, management, operations, broadcast ... The Audio Engineer is a hands on technical leadership role responsible for delivering premium live ...

Pinnacle

Audio Video Engineer / Estimator

Glendale, CA

$85K - $112K/yr

Technology Position Summary We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Audio Video ... This role requires a deep understanding of commercial AV system design, engineering, and cost ...

Apple

Audio PD Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

Apple has assembled an elite Audio Product Design team that helps enable our customers to ... We are looking for Product Design Engineers to help take Airpods to the next level. Could this be ...

cosm

General Interest - Internship

The Colony, TX

DESIGN ENGINEERING - Chadds Ford, PA Get hands-on experience with our Engineering team developing ... AUDIO / VIDEO / LIGHTING - Hollywood Park (Inglewood, CA); Grandscape (The Colony, TX) In AVL and ...

Descript

Lead Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$247K - $280K/yr

Here, you'll go by the title Lead Design Engineer, report to the head of Product Design, and ... audio - an editing tool built for the age of AI. We are a team of 150 and the backing of some of ...

Apple

Core Audio Software Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

You will design system-level APIs that enable apps and other Apple frameworks to integrate our spatial and multichannel audio capabilities. Minimum Qualifications Strong C++ systems programming ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsAudio Design Engineer JobsAudio Design Engineer Jobs in California

Audio Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$40K

$87K

$156.4K

How much do audio design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for audio design engineer in California is $86,995.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,100.00 and $97,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an audio design engineer do?

An Audio Design Engineer is responsible for creating, developing, and optimizing audio systems and components used in various products such as consumer electronics, automotive systems, and professional audio equipment. They work on tasks such as designing loudspeakers, microphones, amplifiers, and digital audio processing algorithms. These engineers often collaborate with other engineering teams to ensure that sound quality meets the desired standards and specifications. Their role may also involve testing prototypes, troubleshooting audio issues, and implementing improvements based on feedback.

What is the difference between Audio Design Engineer vs Audio Software Engineer?

AspectAudio Design EngineerAudio Software Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Audio Engineering, Sound Design, or related fieldsBachelor's in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentRecording studios, sound labs, hardware developmentSoftware development firms, tech companies, audio app development
Industry UsageMusic, film, gaming, broadcastMusic apps, digital audio workstations, audio processing software

Audio Design Engineers focus on creating and optimizing audio hardware and sound systems, while Audio Software Engineers develop software solutions for audio processing and applications. Both roles require technical skills but differ mainly in their focus on hardware versus software development within the audio industry.

What are some common challenges faced by audio design engineers when working on cross-functional teams?

Audio Design Engineers often collaborate closely with hardware, software, and product design teams to integrate sound solutions effectively. A common challenge is aligning audio requirements with the constraints and timelines of other departments, which can require flexibility and strong communication skills. Ensuring that audio quality is maintained without compromising on size, power, or cost can also be demanding. Successful Audio Design Engineers proactively share feedback, adapt to evolving project needs, and work collaboratively to create the best user experience.

How much do audio design engineers make?

Audio design engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Salaries can vary based on skills in audio software, hardware knowledge, and certifications, with those in senior roles or specialized fields earning higher compensation.

Is there a demand for audio design engineers?

The demand for audio design engineers is strong in industries such as entertainment, gaming, virtual reality, and consumer electronics, where high-quality sound design is essential. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as technology advances and companies seek professionals skilled in audio software, hardware, and digital signal processing. Staying current with industry tools and certifications can enhance job prospects in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an audio design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Audio Design Engineer, you need a strong background in acoustics, audio signal processing, and electronic engineering, usually supported by a relevant degree. Proficiency with digital audio workstations (DAWs), signal analysis software, and industry-standard audio hardware is typically required, along with certifications like AVIXA CTS or Dante. Creativity, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help foster innovation and collaboration on complex audio projects. These skills and qualities are crucial to delivering high-quality audio solutions that meet technical and client requirements in diverse environments.
What are popular job titles related to Audio Design Engineer jobs in California? For Audio Design Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Audio Design Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Audio Design Engineer jobs in California are:
Audio Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Audio Design Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,995 per year, or $41.8 per hour.

Core Audio Software Engineer, Audio & Media Technologies

Apple

Cupertino, CA

$150K - $277K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago

Apple rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 677 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

Imagine what you could do at Apple! Everyday, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Do you bring passion and dedication to your job? If so, we are looking for individuals like you. The Media, Graphics & Compute Tech (MGCT) group is at the center of audio, video, and graphics in Apple’s innovative products, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, AirPods, HomePod, Apple TV and VisionPro.
MGCT’s Audio team provides the audio foundation for various high profile features like Game Audio, Siri, FaceTime, media capture, playback and API’s for third party developers to enrich our platforms. The team is looking for talented engineers who are passionate about building audio features and products for millions of customers and care about overall user experience. You will revolutionize the audio experience for game and future audio technologies.
Description
As a Core Audio System Software engineer, you'll be responsible for developing and debugging audio system software for all of Apple's platforms. Audio software stack on Apple devices has a considerable complexity and a rich feature set in the way that audio is routed through the system and integrates various hardware pieces. You will work across the full spectrum of media experiences and audio experiences - from FaceTime calls and Siri interactions to media playback - across a wide range of connected accessories including Bluetooth (AirPods, third-party headphones), CarPlay, and USB audio devices. The position will involve developing and improving the software components that are responsible for both running the audio hardware and exposing audio features and capabilities upwards through the system. The work involves close collaboration with hardware driver teams and various Apple technologies including Siri, AirPods, FaceTime and AirPlay.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with Bluetooth accessories is a plus
Experience working with embedded audio in devices like smartphones (Samsung, Pixel), tablets, or Chromebooks would be a plus
Experience with core SW features like Telephony audio and/or Bluetooth audio in a plus
Minimum Qualifications
Excellent software design/programming skills in C++
Solid understanding of object-oriented methodologies, multi-threaded programming and operating systems concepts
Experience with digital audio programming and solid debugging skills
At least two+ years of experience working with a team and software company, highlighting their ability to collaborate and operate within a professional software development environment.
BS or MS in CS, EE, or related degree
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $150,400 and $277,600, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

What Apple employees say

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Benefits

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Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976

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