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Entry Level Audio Engineer Jobs in Erie, CO (NOW HIRING)

Illumination Engineer Lead

Wheat Ridge, CO · On-site

$108K - $143K/yr

... an audio, video and control platform. We focus on customer outcomes and drive growth and ... Open to considering candidates at the following skill levels: * Entry Level: Contributes to optical ...

Illumination Engineer Lead

Wheat Ridge, CO · On-site

$108K - $143K/yr

... an audio, video and control platform. We focus on customer outcomes and drive growth and ... Open to considering candidates at the following skill levels: * Entry Level: Contributes to optical ...

Illumination Engineer Lead

Wheat Ridge, CO · On-site

$108K - $143K/yr

... an audio, video and control platform. We focus on customer outcomes and drive growth and ... Open to considering candidates at the following skill levels: * Entry Level: Contributes to optical ...

Illumination Engineer Lead

Wheat Ridge, CO · On-site

$108K - $143K/yr

... an audio, video and control platform. We focus on customer outcomes and drive growth and ... Open to considering candidates at the following skill levels: * Entry Level: Contributes to optical ...

Entry Level Audio Engineer information

See Erie, CO salary details

$40.4K

$86.1K

$142.1K

How much do entry level audio engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level audio engineer in Erie, CO is $86,135.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,800.00 and $103,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level audio engineer do?

An entry-level audio engineer works in various sectors of the entertainment industry, from radio to TV to film. You can also find jobs in this field with music venues and recording studios. Your duties center around the operation of the sound equipment for broadcast, performance, or production. You assist other staff in ensuring the audio quality. Your additional responsibilities vary with your employer, but they may include producing a mix of recordings to create a particular sound. You may work with computer programs to edit raw data to create the finished product. In most positions, you record or mix the audio in a studio setting.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Audio Engineer, you need a solid understanding of audio principles, signal flow, and basic recording techniques, typically backed by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Pro Tools or Logic Pro, as well as audio interfaces and mixing consoles, is commonly required. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively help you stand out in this role. These skills ensure high-quality sound production, smooth workflow, and successful teamwork in studio or live environments.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level audio engineers in their first year, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level audio engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to fast-paced studio environments, learning to use a variety of audio equipment and software, and meeting the expectations of senior engineers or clients. It's common to feel overwhelmed by the technical demands and the need for acute attention to detail. To overcome these challenges, new audio engineers should seek mentorship from experienced colleagues, practice regularly with different tools, and proactively ask for feedback. Building strong communication skills and being open to continuous learning can also help smooth the transition into the role.

What is the difference between Entry Level Audio Engineer vs Audio Technician?

AspectEntry Level Audio EngineerAudio Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles prefer audio or music production certificationsHigh school diploma; technical certifications may be beneficial
Work EnvironmentRecording studios, live venues, broadcast stationsConcerts, events, broadcast facilities, production setups
Job FocusRecording, mixing, editing, sound designEquipment setup, maintenance, troubleshooting, live sound reinforcement

Entry Level Audio Engineers typically focus on recording and mixing sound, requiring some technical training or certifications. Audio Technicians often handle equipment setup and maintenance, working closely with live sound and production teams. Both roles are essential in the audio industry but differ in daily tasks and skill emphasis.

Are entry level audio engineers in demand?

Entry level audio engineers are in moderate demand, especially in live sound, recording studios, and broadcasting environments. Opportunities often require basic knowledge of audio equipment, digital audio workstations, and certifications, with competition for positions being steady but improving as the industry grows with new media and entertainment projects.

What cities near Erie, CO are hiring for Entry Level Audio Engineer jobs?

Cities near Erie, CO with the most Entry Level Audio Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Audio Engineer job openings in Erie, CO as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,135 per year, or $41.4 per hour.

Illumination Engineer Lead

Acuity Brands

Wheat Ridge, CO • On-site

$108K - $143K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago


Acuity Brands rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

152nd of 157 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Acuity Inc. (NYSE: AYI) is a market-leading industrial technology company. We use technology to solve problems in spaces, light and more things to come. Through our two business segments, Acuity Brands Lighting (ABL) and Acuity Intelligent Spaces (AIS), we design, manufacture, and bring to market products and services that make a valuable difference in people's lives. 

We achieve growth through the development of innovative new products and services, including lighting, lighting controls, building management solutions, and an audio, video and control platform. We focus on customer outcomes and drive growth and productivity to increase market share and deliver superior returns. We look to aggressively deploy capital to grow the business and to enter attractive new verticals. 

Acuity Inc. is based in Atlanta, Georgia, with operations across North America, Europe and Asia. The Company is powered by approximately 13,000 dedicated and talented associates. Visit us at www.acuityinc.com. 

Work location:

  • This position requires on-site presence in Wheat Ridge, CO, following a hybrid work model.
Job Summary

The Illumination Engineer is a core contributor to the Nexus team, Acuity Brands' lighting innovation group. This role focuses on early-stage illumination concepts, optical system design, and photometric analysis to translate customer problems and emerging trends into differentiated lighting solutions.

Operating at the front end of the product lifecycle, the role emphasizes optical exploration, performance discovery, and concept validation. The position collaborates closely with mechanical, electrical, industrial design, and product teams to shape concepts that can progress toward commercialization.
Open to considering candidates at the following skill levels:

  • Entry Level: Contributes to optical design, simulation, and analysis under guidance; develops foundational skills and supports concept development.
  • Senior Level: Independently drives optical concepts and analysis; owns key portions of projects and influences design direction.
  • Lead Level: Sets optical strategy, leads complex concept development, and influences long-term innovation direction across programs.
Key Tasks & Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

Invent Early-Stage Illumination Concepts

  • Collaboratively generate ideas for new products and develop those ideas into product concepts.
  • Translate customer needs, application requirements, and business objectives into illumination concepts and system-level performance targets.
  • Perform competitive analysis and market research to set project objectives and performance criteria

Optical Design & Simulation

  • Develop optical designs using ray trace and simulation tools to evaluate and refine light distribution, efficiency, glare, uniformity, and visual comfort.
  • Design optical architectures including lenses, reflectors, diffusers, and mixed systems.

Photometric Calculation & Analysis

  • Perform photometric calculations to quantify and set luminaire performance targets and application outcomes.
  • Interpret key metrics such as intensity, illuminance, luminance, uniformity, efficacy, and glare.

Prototype, Test, and Validate Concepts

  • Develop, build, and evaluate proof of concept prototypes and mockups using lab measurements and group visual review of subjective criteria
  • Correlate simulation results with measured performance.

Conduct Experiments & Design of Experiments (DoE)

  • Plan and execute experiments to explore materials, architectures, and system behaviors.
  • Use data to guide concept evolution and optimization.

Lead or Contribute to Innovation Activities

  • Participate in ideation sessions and innovation events.
  • Generate novel approaches to light delivery, visual experience, and system integration.

Research Technologies & Industry Trends

  • Monitor emerging optical technologies, research, standards, and competitors.
  • Identify opportunities for new illumination approaches.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Work with mechanical, electrical, controls, industrial design, manufacturing, sourcing, and product teams.
  • Balance performance, cost, manufacturability, and user experience.

Communicate Concepts and Tradeoffs

  • Develop clear presentations of optical concepts, simulations, test results, and tradeoffs.
  • Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders how design decisions impact user experience and the lighting application.

Support Intellectual Property Development

  • Document innovations and support patent development efforts.

Support Broader Product Development Efforts

  • Provide optical expertise across projects, including reviews, benchmarking, application and product performance analysis.
Skills and Minimum Experience Required

Education

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Illumination Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Experience (by level)

  • Entry Level: 0-3 years in illumination engineering, optics, or related fields
  • Senior Level: ~5-10 years of relevant experience with demonstrated ownership of optical design and analysis
  • Lead Level: 10+ years with experience leading complex optical development and influencing product direction

Technical Skills

  • Experience with optical simulation tools (e.g., Photopia, LightTools, or equivalent)
  • Experience with CAD and photometric tools (e.g., Visual, AGI32, Dialux, Rhino, Grasshopper, SolidWorks, or equivalents)
  • Knowledge of photometric analysis and lighting performance metrics
  • Experience with prototype development and validation

Additional Attributes

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to collaborate across disciplines
  • Clear communication of complex technical concepts
  • Familiarity with lighting standards and measurement practices (preferred)
  • Experience with IP or patent processes (preferred)

The range for this position is $104,200.00 to $149,500. Placement within this range may vary, depending on the applicant's experience and geographic location. Acuity offers generous benefits including health care, dental coverage, vision plans, 401K benefits, and commissions/incentive compensation depending on the role. For a list of our benefits, click here.

We value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regards to race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ethnicity or national origin, disability, pregnancy, religion, covered veteran status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Please click here and here for more information.  

Accommodation for Applicants with Disabilities: As an equal opportunity employer, Acuity Inc. is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in its application process for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you have difficulty using our online system due to a disability and need an accommodation, you may contact us at (770) 922-9000, select option 4. Please clearly indicate what type of accommodation you are requesting and for what requisition. 

Any unsolicited resumes sent to Acuity Inc. from a third party, such as an Agency recruiter, including unsolicited resumes sent to an Acuity Inc. mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Acuity Inc. employees, or to Acuity Inc. resume database will be considered Acuity Inc. property. Acuity Inc. will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. 

Acuity Inc. will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. This includes any Agency that is an approved/engaged vendor, but does not have the appropriate approvals to be engaged on a search. 

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