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Audio Test Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Engineer Sr, Applications Systems Development

Niles, IL · On-site +1

$123K - $162K/yr

Come change the future of audio! We are on the search for a Senior Full Stack Developer! In this role, you will design, code, test, debug, and document device communication middleware solutions for ...

... audio products. This role will work on architecture and design work as well as interacting with ... Design, develop and test embedded software and associated components that are part of a software ...

... audio products. This role will work on architecture and design work as well as interacting with ... Design, develop and test embedded software and associated components that are part of a software ...

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Audio Test Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$18

$45

$77

How much do audio test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for audio test engineer in Chicago, IL is $45.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.42 and $53.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an audio test engineer do?

An Audio Test Engineer is responsible for evaluating and ensuring the quality and performance of audio equipment and systems, such as speakers, microphones, headphones, and sound software. They design and execute tests, analyze results, and identify issues related to sound quality, distortion, or signal processing. Their work is essential in the development and production of audio products, making sure they meet industry standards and user expectations.

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

To thrive as an Audio Test Engineer, you need a solid understanding of acoustics, signal processing, and audio engineering, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with audio analysis tools, test measurement systems like Audio Precision, and scripting languages such as Python or MATLAB is commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you interpret data and collaborate with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure accurate assessment of audio product performance and contribute to delivering high-quality audio experiences.

What are some common challenges faced by audio test engineers when working on new audio devices?

Audio Test Engineers often encounter challenges such as isolating subtle audio defects, managing interference in complex hardware environments, and ensuring compatibility across different platforms. Testing must be both rigorous and creative, as audio issues can be subjective and context-dependent. Collaboration with hardware designers, software developers, and quality assurance teams is crucial to thoroughly validate new devices and deliver a high-quality user experience.

What is the difference between Audio Test Engineer vs Audio Quality Assurance Tester?

AspectAudio Test EngineerAudio Quality Assurance Tester
CredentialsDegree in audio engineering, electronics, or related field; certifications like CTS or CQTSimilar credentials; often holds degrees or certifications in audio or quality assurance
Work EnvironmentAudio labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D departmentsQuality assurance departments, testing labs, production lines
Industry UsageElectronics, entertainment, consumer electronics, automotiveElectronics, consumer products, software testing in audio devices
Job FocusTesting audio hardware/software, troubleshooting, ensuring audio qualityVerifying audio quality, identifying defects, ensuring product standards

Both roles focus on audio quality but differ slightly in scope. Audio Test Engineers often work on developing and troubleshooting audio systems, while Audio Quality Assurance Testers primarily verify and validate audio performance before product release.

What are popular job titles related to Audio Test Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Audio Test Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Audio Test Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Audio Test Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Audio Test Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,801 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

Engineer Associate Staff, Digital Signal Processing

Shure

Niles, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Overview

Deliver the Gold Standard in Sound: Lead Advanced DSP Innovation at Shure 

The Associate Staff Engineer, Digital Signal Processing is an experienced individual contributor and technical lead responsible for defining, designing, implementing, optimizing, and validating advanced real-time DSP and machine learning solutions for our microphone array, integrated systems, and unified communications products. This individual will help set the technical direction and drive the successful delivery of audio processing solutions that meet product requirements, customer expectations, and industry standards, while mentoring other engineers and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams. This cross-functional role involves collaboration with software, applied research science, data, and test engineers, as well as partnering with various functional teams across the company to integrate and maintain cutting-edge technologies in Shure's products.

If you're passionate about turning complex challenges into a high-quality audio experience, you'll thrive here.

This position will be hybrid based out of our Niles, IL HQ!   

Responsibilities

Lead:

  • Lead the architecture, design, development, optimization, and validation of real-time DSP and machine learning solutions for microphone array products.
  • Lead project planning activities, including defining scope, estimating effort, identifying resource needs, and driving execution to meet key project milestones.
  • Lead troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and resolution of complex product issues related to DSP, audio performance, embedded implementation, or system integration.
  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers, fostering their professional growth and maintaining a culture of knowledge sharing and innovation, including delivering constructive feedback through design reviews, code reviews, and technical discussions.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and in a team environment, providing technical leadership and guidance to other team members.

Collaborate:

  • Work as part of a cross-functional team including embedded software, hardware, acoustics, systems, test, product management, and user experience teams to ensure the successful deployment of audio signal processing solutions.

Implement prototypes and solutions:

  • Utilize advanced DSP approaches and leverage ML/AI approaches to address challenges such as processing real-time, low latency data pipelines and right-sizing solutions
  • Implement and integrate solutions into complex signal processing chains

Identify Signal Processing Requirements:

  • Collaborate with colleagues, other engineers, and product managers to identify and document performance metrics and architectural options
  • Translate product requirements, customer needs, and system constraints into robust designs and implementation strategies.

Evaluate:

  • Measure outcomes of DSP and ML/AI integration into the product design against identified metrics and fine-tune to optimize outcomes. Conduct subjective listening tests to balance results with objective results.
  • Conduct thorough testing and validation of signal processing algorithms and systems, ensuring performance and functionality under various conditions.

Communicate:

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical topics to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Adapts message to intended audience

Ideate and invent:

  • Brainstorm with colleagues, stakeholders, and other engineers to identify valuable use cases for Shure customers empowered by DSP and AI/ML, and combinations thereof. Optimize and platform solutions.
  • Contribute to intellectual property, participate in brainstorming, and encourage innovation in the group

Follow Engineering Practices:

  • Adopt and promote mature software engineering practices (e.g. code repositories, shared deployment frameworks, experiment tracking).
  • Create and maintain high-quality technical documentation covering system and algorithm design, implementation, and testing.

Stay Current in the Field:

  • Track and employ advancements in DSP, audio processing, embedded systems, and machine learning, and recommend technologies that can improve current or future products.
Qualifications

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field; with minimum of 8 years of professional experience.
  • 6 years experience with Masters's Degree
  • 3 years experience with PhD

Technical Skills:

  • Extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in advanced DSP theory, with a proven track record of designing, implementing, testing, and optimizing real-time audio signal processing algorithms.
  • Strong C++ programming skills, including object-oriented design and experience writing scalable, maintainable, and well-structured code.
  • Experience prototyping algorithms using tools such as Python or MATLAB.
  • Experience deploying DSP algorithms on embedded platforms.
  • Strong understanding of real-time embedded system constraints, including audio latency, memory usage, CPU utilization, and meeting real-time processing deadlines.

Preferred Experience:

  • Professional experience in digital signal processing with a focus on audio/speech applications
  • Experience with microphone arrays, beamforming, acoustic echo cancellation, dereverberation, noise suppression, automatic gain control, and speech enhancement.
  • Experience with audio processing for conferencing applications.
  • Experience developing and optimizing multi-threaded, real-time audio applications on embedded Linux (multi-core ARM), including debugging timing, synchronization, and CPU performance issues.
  • Experience integrating and deploying machine learning models for real-time audio processing on embedded platforms.
  • Experience with version control systems, issue tracking systems, continuous integration, and agile development practices.
  • Experience with audio interfaces and frameworks (e.g., I2S, TDM, USB, Ethernet, ALSA) and network audio protocols (e.g., Dante, AES67).
  • Experience in audio system validation, including use of measurement equipment, analysis tools, and both objective and subjective evaluation techniques.
  • Knowledge or experience with implementation, integration, or creation of machine learning / Artificial Intelligence algorithms
  • Proficiency in developing low latency, embedded-friendly solutions
  • Experience in Audio engineering, DAWs, recording, or other audio production.

Applicants for this position must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Shure will not sponsor applicants for this position for work visas.

WHO WE ARE

Shure's mission is to be the most trusted audio brand worldwide - and for over a century, our Core Values have aligned us to be just that. Founded in 1925, we are a leading global manufacturer of audio equipment known for quality, reliability, and durability. We engineer microphones, headphones, wireless audio systems, conferencing systems, and more. And quality doesn't stop at our products. Our talented teams strive for perfection and innovate every chance they get. We offer an Associate-first culture, flexible work arrangements, and opportunity for all.

Shure is headquartered in United States. We have more than 35 regional sales offices, engineering hubs, distribution centers and manufacturing facilities throughout the Americas, EMEA, and Asia.

Join Shure and Amplify Your Impact. Explore our unique culture and learn the key pillars that define our legacy of excellence.

THE MIX MATTERSDon't check off every box in the job requirements? No problem! We recognize that every professional journey is unique and are committed to providing an equitable candidate experience for all prospective Shure Associates. If you're excited about this role, believe you've got the skills to be successful, and share our passion for creating an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible work environment, then apply!PAY TRANSPARENCYShure offers a competitive compensation structure that is reviewed annually to attract, hire, and retain the industry's top talent. Base salaries vary based on qualifications, geography, experience, and expertise in each respective discipline. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum base salary for the opportunity. The base salary for this position ranges from $129,700 to $207,600.  This position may also be eligible for our incentive pay program, which varies based on individual and Company performance in the year. If your salary expectations do not align, still apply as we are often flexible on the seniority of posted positions. All positions also include an award-winning benefits package.

WE GOT YOU - Our BenefitsAt Shure, we prioritize the well-being of our Associates. We offer competitive rewards packages to full-time and part-time Associates working 24 or more hours a week that address physical, mental, financial, and overall well-being. Our benefits include comprehensive healthcare, mental health and retirement savings plans, generous paid time off programs, employee discounts, professional development opportunities, work-life balance initiatives, employee recognition programs, and volunteering/community involvement opportunities. To learn more, check out our Benefits At A Glance.

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Employment Type: FULL_TIME