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Audio Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Meta

Audio Systems Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$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 ...

Qualcomm

Sr. Staff Audio Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

The Senior Staff Audio Engineer is a technical authority responsible for the architecture, design, and optimization of complex audio subsystems. This role defines the direction for audio technologies ...

Apple

Core Audio Software Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$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 ...

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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 Aug 7, 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 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.

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.

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 modestly, while experienced professionals working in high-demand areas or specialized fields can earn higher wages, with some reaching six figures. Skills in mixing, mastering, and familiarity with industry-standard software can also influence earning potential.

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.

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 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.
More about Audio Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Audio Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Audio Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Audio Engineer jobs in California? 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? The top searched job categories for Audio Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Audio Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Audio Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Audio Engineer jobs in CA? 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $83,350 per year, or $40.1 per hour.

Core Audio Software Engineer, Audio & Media Technologies

Apple

Cupertino, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 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.
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
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

What Apple employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apple logo

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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