1

Audio Software Engineer Contract Jobs in Detroit, MI

The Role As an Infotainment Audio Software Developer, you will be responsible for contributing to the creation, maintenance, and support of all Audio Functionality within the General Motors ...

Specific focus on design and implementation of Audio processing, Noise Management, Noise ... Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, Software Engineering, or related ...

Overview We are looking for a skilled Software Engineer to design and deliver scalable, cloud ... Knowledge of OpenAPI / Swagger specification and contract-first design * Exposure to service mesh ...

Senior Software Engineer I

Birmingham, MI · On-site

$116K - $154K/yr

Ensure JSON and XML data contracts, schemas, and integrations are well designed, documented, and ... Mentor and support Software Engineers through guidance on design, coding standards, and best ...

Senior Software Engineer I

Rochester, MI · On-site

$112K - $148K/yr

Ensure JSON and XML data contracts, schemas, and integrations are well designed, documented, and ... Mentor and support Software Engineers through guidance on design, coding standards, and best ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Audio Software Engineer Contract information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$62.9K

$146K

$203.4K

How much do audio software engineer contract jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for audio software engineer contract in Detroit, MI is $146,043.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,800.00 and $171,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an audio software engineer contract do?

An Audio Software Engineer Contract position typically involves designing, developing, and maintaining software systems or applications that process or generate audio. Contractors in this role may work on audio plugins, digital audio workstations (DAWs), or embedded audio systems, and often collaborate with sound designers and hardware engineers. Responsibilities can include writing code in languages like C++ or Python, optimizing audio algorithms, and ensuring real-time audio performance. Contract positions are usually temporary and project-based, which means engineers may work for different clients or on multiple projects over time.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an audio software engineer contract?

To thrive as an Audio Software Engineer (Contract), you need strong programming expertise (C++, Python, or similar), a deep understanding of digital audio signal processing, and relevant academic qualifications in computer science or audio engineering. Experience with audio development frameworks (such as JUCE, VST, or CoreAudio) and familiarity with version control systems like Git are typically required. Creativity, problem-solving abilities, and effective remote communication skills help you stand out in contract roles. These competencies are crucial for delivering high-quality, innovative audio software solutions on time and collaborating efficiently with distributed teams.

What are some common challenges faced by audio software engineers working on a contract basis, and how can they be addressed?

Audio Software Engineers on contract often face challenges such as quickly adapting to different codebases, understanding unique audio processing requirements, and collaborating with remote or cross-functional teams. To succeed, it's important to establish clear communication channels early, familiarize yourself with the team's tools and workflow, and proactively seek clarification on technical specifications or project goals. Leveraging version control best practices and documenting your work thoroughly can also help ensure smooth collaboration and project continuity.
Infographic showing various Audio Software Engineer Contract job openings in Detroit, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $146,043 per year, or $70.2 per hour.

Staff Embedded Base Software Engineer - Audio Systems

Auburn Hills, MI • On-site


Stellantis
IT Services

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 131 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 45 rated automakers

Good employer

Recommended by students

Paid breaks


$124K - $163K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

About the Role:
We are seeking an accomplished Staff Embedded Software Engineer to play a key role in the development of next-generation automotive infotainment platforms. As a Staff Engineer, you will provide both technical leadership and hands-on expertise in the design, integration, and optimization of embedded audio software for our QNX-based infotainment HPC, running on Qualcomm Snapdragon SoCs. This role focuses on software below the application layer-encompassing the audio DSP stack, QNX audio resource managers and drivers, and SoC-level audio hardware enablement-to deliver robust, low-latency audio platforms that support multi-zone playback, voice/phone integration, navigation and ADAS chimes, and other advanced in-vehicle audio experiences.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead bring-up and integration of audio subsystems on new SoC platforms and hardware revisions, working closely with Qualcomm FAE/support, QNX/BlackBerry support, and internal hardware teams.
  • Design and implement low-latency, multi-zone, multi-stream audio routing architectures to support features such as simultaneous navigation prompts, phone calls, media playback, ADAS chimes, and multi-speaker/zone output.
  • Debug and resolve complex audio issues across the stack - pops/clicks, latency, synchronization, underruns/overruns, power-state transitions, and audio-video sync.
  • Define and enforce automotive-grade quality practices: functional safety considerations, startup/boot time budgets, resource/power constraints, and long-term serviceability.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with application-layer teams (Android Automotive / AAOS or other infotainment frameworks), hardware/EE teams, and Qualcomm partner engineering.
  • Mentor mid-level and senior engineers, perform design and code reviews, and set technical standards and best practices for the audio domain within base software.
  • Partner with your manager on technical roadmap planning, estimation, and hiring/growth of the audio competency within the team.
  • Drive root-cause analysis and resolution of field/production issues related to audio.
  • Support the architecture and technical roadmap for audio software on our QNX-based infotainment HPC (Qualcomm Snapdragon SoC), spanning audio DSP (ADSP/QDSP6), QNX audio drivers/resource managers, and audio HAL/middleware integration.

Basic Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
  • A minimum of 8 years of professional embedded software development experience, with a significant focus on audio software on Qualcomm Snapdragon (or similar Qualcomm) SoC platforms.
  • Deep, hands-on experience with the Qualcomm audio stack: ADSP/QDSP6, AudioReach (or QACT/ACDB tooling), and integrating it into a QNX environment.
  • Hands-on experience with QNX software development: resource managers (io-audio or equivalent), QNX audio driver architecture, IPC (message passing, pulses), and BSP-level bring-up on QNX.
  • Strong C/C++ programming skills and comfort working across QNX resource manager/driver, HAL, and DSP firmware/config boundaries.
  • Solid understanding of audio signal chains: codecs, amplifiers, DSPs, sample rate conversion, mixing/routing, echo cancellation, and low-latency audio paths.
  • Experience debugging with tools such as JTAG/T32, QNX Momentics/System Analysis Toolkit, oscilloscopes/audio analyzers, logic analyzers, and Qualcomm-specific diagnostic/tracing tools.
  • Track record of technical leadership: driving architecture decisions, mentoring engineers, and working across hardware/software boundaries.
  • Experience in automotive or another safety/quality-regulated embedded industry (automotive, aerospace, medical devices, industrial) preferred.

Preferred Requirements:
  • Experience with QNX Platform for Digital Cockpits (QNX PDC) or QNX Hypervisor in an automotive HPC context.
  • Familiarity with automotive audio standards and use cases: multi-zone audio, active noise cancellation, engine sound enhancement, external mic/speaker arrays, phone/voice assistant integration.
  • Experience with functional safety standards (ISO 26262) as applied to software development, including relevant QNX safety-certified configurations.
  • Familiarity with AUTOSAR Adaptive, or other automotive middleware frameworks, and how they interface with a QNX-based audio subsystem.
  • Experience with CI/CD for embedded targets, automated audio validation/test frameworks.
  • Experience leveraging generative AI tools (e.g., Claude, GitHub Copilot, or similar) to accelerate embedded software development - code generation/review, debugging, test-case generation, and documentation.


What Stellantis employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom