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Audio Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

femtoAI

Audio Deep Learning Engineer

San Bruno, CA · On-site

About the Role As a Deep Learning Engineer, you will: * Design, develop, and deploy deep-learning-based and classical DSP audio algorithms for our SPU platform. * Leverage innovative model ...

YO AI Labs

Audio Expert - Remote

Palo Alto, CA · Remote

$50 - $100/hr

Audio Expert - Music Transcription & Polyphonic Analysis Role Type: Contractor Location: Global, Fully Remote Schedule: Flexible, ~15 hours/week Role Summary We are seeking skilled Audio Experts with ...

YO AI Labs

Audio Expert - Remote

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

$50 - $100/hr

Audio Expert - Music Transcription & Polyphonic Analysis Role Type: Contractor Location: Global, Fully Remote Schedule: Flexible, ~15 hours/week Role Summary We are seeking skilled Audio Experts with ...

YO AI Labs

Audio Expert - Remote

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$50 - $100/hr

Audio Expert - Music Transcription & Polyphonic Analysis Role Type: Contractor Location: Global, Fully Remote Schedule: Flexible, ~15 hours/week Role Summary We are seeking skilled Audio Experts with ...

YO AI Labs

Audio Expert - Remote

San Jose, CA · Remote

$50 - $100/hr

Audio Expert - Music Transcription & Polyphonic Analysis Role Type: Contractor Location: Global, Fully Remote Schedule: Flexible, ~15 hours/week Role Summary We are seeking skilled Audio Experts with ...

Apple

Audio PD Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

We are looking for Product Design Engineers to help take Airpods to the next level. Could this be you? Description As a member of our Audio Product Design team, you would conceive, design, test ...

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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 Sep 14, 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?

The most popular types of Audio Engineer jobs in California are:

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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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What cities in California are hiring for Audio Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Audio Engineer job openings:

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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.

Perceptual Audio Engineer (Research)

Northridge, CA • On-site

Harman International Industries
Manufacturing • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Harman International Industriesexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

A Career at HARMAN
As a technology leader that is rapidly on the move, HARMAN is filled with people who are focused on making life better. Innovation, inclusivity and teamwork are a part of our DNA. When you add that to the challenges we take on and solve together, you'll discover that at HARMAN you can grow, make a difference and be proud of the work you do every day.
Introduction: A Career at HARMAN Corporate
We're a global, multi-disciplinary team that's putting the innovative power of technology to work and transforming tomorrow. At HARMAN Corporate, you are integral to our company's award-winning success.
  • Enrich your managerial and organizational talents - from finance, quality, and supply chain to human resources, IT, sales, and strategy
  • Augment your comprehensive skillset with expert training across decision-making, change management, leadership, and business development
  • Obtain 360-degree support throughout your career life cycle, from early-stage to seasoned leader

About the Role
The Perceptual Audio Engineer (Research) develops the metrics, methods, and evaluation frameworks that connect algorithms to what users actually perceive. You will design listening tests, create perceptual datasets, develop objective and ML-based metrics, and establish quality gates so products can ship without perceptual regressions. Success means that we understand how create a desired perceptual goal in varying environments and just make it work for every customer.
What You Will Do
  • Metrics & Methods Development: Create perceptual metrics and evaluation methodologies that correlate with human preference and quality judgments (timbre, artifacts, clarity, spatial realism, comfort/fatigue).
  • User Testing & Listening Studies: Design and execute subjective evaluations (ABX, preference tests, rating studies), including stimulus generation, panel guidance, statistical analysis, and repeatability.
  • AI/ML-Enabled Evaluation: Where beneficial, develop ML-based quality prediction or artifact detection that supports rapid iteration (embedded-viable where relevant; cloud-viable for batch evaluation).
  • Perception-to-Product Gatekeeping: Define acceptance criteria and regression tests so OneUX productization can enforce "no perceptual regressions" in CI-style workflows.
  • Data & Experiment Discipline: Build and maintain clean datasets, labeling strategies, metadata, and experiment tracking so results are trustworthy and reusable.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with DSP, acoustics, ML, and system testing roles to ensure metrics reflect real user value and cover edge cases.
  • AI Tools: Use AI tools to accelerate analysis and reporting while maintaining rigorous validation and traceability.

What You Need to Be Successful
  • Education: MS or PhD in EE/CS/Acoustics/Psychoacoustics/Statistics (or equivalent experience).
  • Experience: 5+ years in perceptual audio, audio quality evaluation, or related applied research/engineering.
  • Perception + Statistics: Strong understanding of psychoacoustics and statistical analysis for human-subject experiments. Experience in using and developing perceptual models.
  • Programming: Python and/or MATLAB for analysis and tooling; familiarity working with ML frameworks and basic DSP concepts.
  • AI Tools: Experience using AI-assisted tools for data analysis, scripting, and documentation in a reproducible workflow.

Bonus Points if You Have
  • Experience with perceptual evaluation for spatial audio, headphone tuning, or automotive cabin audio.
  • Experience creating objective metrics that become organizational standards and materially change decision-making speed/quality.
  • Familiarity with embedded deployment constraints for ML-based metrics.
  • Patents/publications in perceptual audio or audio quality evaluation.

What Makes You Eligible
  • Successfully complete a background investigation and drug screen as a condition of employment (post-offer).

What We Offer
  • Flexible work environment, allowing for full-time remote work globally for positions that can be performed outside a HARMAN or customer location
  • Access to employee discounts on world-class products (JBL, HARMAN Kardon, AKG, and more)
  • Extensive training opportunities through our own HARMAN University
  • Competitive wellness benefits
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • "Be Brilliant" employee recognition and rewards program

An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development
#LI-DPWHITE1
#LI-hybrid
Salary Ranges:
$ 134,250 - $ 196,900
HARMAN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

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