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Audio Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Meta

Audio Systems Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$144K/yr

Meta's Hardware Audio Team is hiring an Audio Systems Engineer to help develop, ship, and optimize high-quality audio systems and experiences for next-generation wearables at the intersection of ...

Apple

Core Audio Software Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

We are looking for a seasoned audio software engineer to drive the technical direction of spatial audio playback across every Apple platform. You will own the architecture of audio decoding and ...

Apple Inc.

Core Audio Software Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$184K - $324K/yr

We are looking for a seasoned audio software engineer to drive the technical direction of spatial audio playback across every Apple platform. You will own the architecture of audio decoding and ...

Apple

Core Audio System Software Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$184K - $324K/yr

Collaborate with driver, audio stack, and application teams to define and implement new audio features. Own and evolve developer-facing APIs, ensuring they are robust, performant, and intuitive.

Apple

Core Audio Software Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$184K - $324K/yr

We are looking for a seasoned audio software engineer to drive the technical direction of spatial audio playback across every Apple platform. You will own the architecture of audio decoding and ...

Salas O'Brien, Inc.

Audio Consultant

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$85K - $105K/yr

Audio Consultant Salas O'Brien is a nationally recognized employee-owned engineering and consulting firm dedicated to creating innovative, sustainable, and high-performing environments. As we ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsAudio Engineer JobsAudio Engineer Jobs in California

Audio Engineer information

See California salary details

$29.1K

$83.3K

$169.3K

How much do audio engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for audio engineer in California is $83,350.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,300.00 and $111,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an audio engineer do?

An Audio Engineer is responsible for recording, mixing, and mastering sound for various media, including music, film, television, and live events. They operate and maintain audio equipment, ensure high-quality sound production, and often collaborate with producers, musicians, and other technical staff. Their work can involve setting up microphones, adjusting sound levels, editing audio tracks, and troubleshooting technical issues. Audio Engineers play a crucial role in achieving the desired sound for a project.

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

To thrive as an Audio Engineer, you need strong knowledge of sound theory, audio mixing, and recording techniques, often supported by a degree or certification in audio engineering or a related field. Proficiency with digital audio workstations (DAWs) such as Pro Tools or Logic Pro, audio interfaces, and studio equipment is crucial. Excellent attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills set top professionals apart. These capabilities ensure high-quality sound production, smooth collaboration, and the ability to address technical challenges in dynamic audio environments.

How does an audio engineer typically collaborate with producers and artists during a recording session?

Audio engineers work closely with producers and artists to ensure the vision for each project is realized. During recording sessions, they set up and operate audio equipment, offer technical advice, and make real-time adjustments based on feedback. Communication is key, as engineers often interpret creative ideas into technical solutions, ensuring clarity and quality in every take. This collaborative environment requires flexibility, quick problem-solving, and a strong understanding of both the artistic and technical aspects of sound production.

What is the difference between Audio Engineer vs Sound Technician?

AspectAudio EngineerSound Technician
CredentialsAudio engineering degree or certification, technical trainingTechnical training, sometimes on-the-job experience
Work EnvironmentRecording studios, live events, post-productionLive events, concerts, theater productions
Industry UsageMusic, film, broadcasting, live soundConcerts, theater, events, live sound reinforcement

While both roles involve working with sound, Audio Engineers focus on recording, mixing, and mastering audio in studios or post-production, whereas Sound Technicians primarily handle live sound setup and operation during events. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in their work environment and specific responsibilities.

Do audio engineers get paid well?

Audio engineers can earn a wide range of salaries depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions often pay less, while experienced professionals working in high-demand areas or specialized fields can earn higher wages, with some reaching six-figure incomes. Skills in mixing, mastering, and familiarity with industry-standard software can also influence earning potential.

What do you do as an audio engineer?

An audio engineer is responsible for recording, mixing, and editing sound for music, film, television, or live events. They operate equipment such as mixing consoles, microphones, and digital audio workstations, and often require technical skills and certifications. Their work ensures high-quality sound production tailored to the project's needs.

What jobs can an audio engineer do?

An audio engineer can work in various roles such as recording engineer, live sound technician, mixing engineer, mastering engineer, broadcast engineer, and sound designer. They typically operate audio equipment, use digital audio workstations, and may work in studios, concert venues, film production, or broadcasting environments.
More about Audio Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Audio Engineer jobs in California?

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For Audio Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Audio Engineer jobs in California look for?

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For Audio Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Audio Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Audio Engineer job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,350 per year, or $40.1 per hour.

Audio Systems Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

Meta
Internet and IT • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Metaexternal

$144K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Meta rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Meta's Hardware Audio Team is hiring an Audio Systems Engineer to help develop, ship, and optimize high-quality audio systems and experiences for next-generation wearables at the intersection of hardware, software, and content. The role focuses on end-to-end product audio development—from proof-of-concept prototyping through production readiness—including analyzing/defining, tuning, and debugging real-time audio capture systems, as well as designing, developing, testing, and optimizing product-level audio technologies. The ideal candidate brings strong background in audio system design, acoustic simulation, and digital signal processing (DSP), and will partner closely with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and deliver top-tier audio performance.
Audio Systems Engineer Responsibilities:
  • Design, develop, and test audio systems and technologies for wearables products
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovative solutions and champion best practices for audio system design
  • Analyze, define, tune, and debug real-time audio capture systems for forward-looking products and user experiences
  • Develop and manage operations in audio labs, including standardized verification and novel experiments
  • Conduct HW and SW testing on consumer electronics, product benchmarking, and data collection for algorithm tuning and development
  • Support product and audio technology demo setup

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Acoustics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Digital Signal Processing or a related field, and/or equivalent industry experience
  • 6+ years of experience in audio system design, acoustic simulation, and digital signal processing
  • Experience with audio hardware testing and related tools, such as HATS, precision microphones, anechoic chambers
  • Proficiency in programming languages such as MATLAB, Python, and/or MaxMSP
  • Effective communication, documentation, and presentation skills

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with psycho-acoustic metrics for speech quality and intelligibility
  • Experience independently driving audio workstreams in a dynamic cross-functional environment, from product concept to mass production
  • Familiarity with human perception of spatial sound
  • Familiarity with typical DSP building blocks such as digital biquad filters, IIR, FIR, AGC, wide-band/multi-band DRC, and audio capture algorithms such as beamforming, echo cancellation, and noise suppression
  • Experience in acoustics and consumer audio EE architecture
  • Familiarity with acoustic simulation software, e.g. COMSOL
  • Familiarity with audio algorithm development and/or machine learning techniques
  • 4+ years of experience designing and deploying objective test methodologies for consumer electronics devices and audio algorithms or features such as voice communication, voice assistant, video capture
  • 4+ years of experience defining, tuning, and testing efficient microphone-array processing and real-time audio capture algorithms

About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$144,000/year to $204,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

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