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Head Audio Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering General Summary: The Senior Staff Audio ... measurement tools (Audio Precision, HEAD acoustics). * Decision Making: Makes critical ...

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... Audio Telephony Certification Engineer to lead audio quality validation and certification ... Configure and operate HEAD Acoustics ACQUA software with hardware such as HMS II.3, labCORE, HEC 03 ...

Test Engineer II

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$75 - $80/hr

... head-and-torso simulators (HATS) / acoustic couplers, audio interfaces, acoustic calibrators, and ... engineer Required qualifications - 1-3 years of hands-on acoustic/audio measurement or lab-test ...

... Head of Engineering to lead engineering efforts. We are looking for a solid technical leader to ... Our collaboration features allow you to pair-program with your friends and colleagues using audio ...

Acoustic Measurement Engineer Our client is seeking an Acoustic Measurement Engineer to join their ... HATS (Head and Torso Simulator) * Audio Precision * Listen Inc. * SoundCheck * ACQUA * Keyence ...

Acoustic Measurement Engineer

Alviso, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Acoustic Measurement Engineer Our client is seeking an Acoustic Measurement Engineer to join their ... HATS (Head and Torso Simulator) * Audio Precision * Listen Inc. * SoundCheck * ACQUA * Keyence ...

New

Acoustic Measurement Engineer

Alviso, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Acoustic Measurement Engineer Our client is seeking an Acoustic Measurement Engineer to join their ... HATS (Head and Torso Simulator) * Audio Precision * Listen Inc. * SoundCheck * ACQUA * Keyence ...

New

Head of Engineering

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

Former founder or founding engineer with proven experience shipping a consumer product from 0→1 ... Experience with voice/audio processing and building software products around voice data

Head of Engineering

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

Former founder or founding engineer with proven experience shipping a consumer product from 0→1 ... Experience with voice/audio processing and building software products around voice data

Use software such as Head Acoustics ACQUA, Audio Precision, and Listen Inc Soundcheck to run ... Collaborate closely with acoustic engineers and other team members throughout different phases of ...

Use software such as Head Acoustics ACQUA, Audio Precision, and Listen Inc Soundcheck to run ... Collaborate closely with acoustic engineers and other team members throughout different phases of ...

Koding is a developer-focused startup based in San Francisco's SOMA district. Our core product is ... Our collaboration features allow you to pair-program with your friends and colleagues using audio ...

... Head of Sales & CRO of Cadence, former US Secretary of Defense, National Security Advisor, and ... Prior experience working with multi-modal models (e.g., combining text, image, or audio inputs)

... Head of Sales & CRO of Cadence, former US Secretary of Defense, National Security Advisor, and ... Prior experience working with multi-modal models (e.g., combining text, image, or audio inputs)

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Head Audio Engineer information

What is the difference between Head Audio Engineer vs Audio Engineer?

AspectHead Audio EngineerAudio Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in audio engineering or related field, with extensive experienceOften requires a degree or certification, with less experience needed
Work EnvironmentLeads audio teams in studios, live events, or broadcast settingsPerforms technical tasks in recording studios, live venues, or post-production
ResponsibilitiesOversees audio projects, manages staff, and ensures quality standardsOperates equipment, records, mixes, and edits audio content

The Head Audio Engineer typically holds a leadership role, overseeing audio projects and teams, while the Audio Engineer focuses on technical execution. Both roles require strong technical skills and industry experience, but the Head Audio Engineer has additional managerial responsibilities.

Are head audio engineers in high demand?

Head audio engineers are in high demand in industries such as music production, film, television, and live events, especially as audio quality remains a priority. The role often requires technical skills with audio editing software and equipment, and demand can vary based on industry growth and technological advancements.

How does the head audio engineer typically collaborate with other departments during large-scale productions?

The Head Audio Engineer works closely with directors, producers, and technical teams to ensure audio aligns with the overall creative vision of the project. This often involves participating in pre-production meetings, coordinating with lighting and video crews for equipment placement, and managing a team of audio technicians during live events or recording sessions. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as the Head Audio Engineer must quickly address any technical issues that arise while maintaining high audio quality. Collaboration is key, as successful productions depend on seamless integration of all technical elements.

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

To thrive as a Head Audio Engineer, you need advanced audio engineering knowledge, expertise in sound mixing/mastering, and often a degree in audio production or related field. Mastery of digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and experience with studio hardware, microphones, and acoustics are typically required. Leadership, problem-solving, and strong communication skills are essential for managing teams and collaborating with artists or clients. These skills ensure high-quality sound production, efficient studio workflows, and successful project outcomes in demanding audio environments.

Are head audio engineers paid well?

Head audio engineers typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, location, and industry sector. They often work in professional recording studios, live event settings, or broadcasting, with higher pay generally associated with advanced skills, certifications, and a strong portfolio. Salaries can range from moderate to high, reflecting the specialized nature of the role and the technical expertise required.

What does a head audio engineer do?

A Head Audio Engineer is responsible for overseeing all aspects of sound recording, mixing, and reproduction in various settings such as studios, live events, or broadcast environments. They lead a team of audio professionals, manage technical equipment, and ensure that audio quality meets industry standards. Additionally, they collaborate with producers, directors, and performers to achieve the desired sound for a project. Their expertise includes troubleshooting technical issues and staying updated with the latest audio technologies.
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 Head Audio Engineer jobs in California? For Head Audio Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Head Audio Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Head Audio Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Head Audio Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Head Audio Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Head Audio Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Sr. Staff Audio Engineer

Qualcomm

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Qualcomm rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 242 rated software companies


Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering
General Summary:
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 (voice, playback, record, streaming) and ensures seamless integration across hardware and software stacks. The engineer works independently, influences key technical decisions, and leads cross-functional efforts to deliver high-quality audio experiences for mobile, automotive, or IoT platforms.
Responsibilities
1. Technical Architecture & Strategy
  • System Architecture: Lead the definition and design of end-to-end audio architectures, including Audio Frameworks (Android/QNX), HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer), and kernel-level drivers.
  • Feature Development: Drive the design of advanced audio features such as spatial audio, active noise cancellation (ANC), voice activation/UI, and low-latency audio pipelines.
  • Performance Optimization: Analyze system performance to identify bottlenecks; optimize power consumption, latency, and memory usage for audio use cases.
  • Innovation: Propose and prototype new audio algorithms or system modifications to improve acoustic performance and machine perception capabilities.
2. Leadership & Execution
  • Technical Leadership: Serve as the primary technical interface for audio subsystems; lead design reviews and provide critical feedback to ensure design integrity.
  • Cross-Functional Alignment: Collaborate with Hardware, System, and Test teams to align on requirements and resolve complex integration challenges (e.g., synchronizing audio with display/video).
  • Issue Resolution: Lead complex root cause analysis (RCA) for critical audio defects (e.g., distortion, drops, synchronization issues) and drive solutions across multiple layers of the stack.
  • Mentorship: Mentor senior and staff engineers on best practices, code reviews, and architectural patterns.
3. Process & Standards
  • Standards Compliance: Ensure compliance with industry standards (e.g., USB Audio, Bluetooth A2DP/LE Audio, Dolby/DTS certifications).
  • Documentation: Create detailed technical specifications, architecture documents, and API definitions; present technical strategies to senior leadership.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 6+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 5+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
• 3+ years of work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Languages: Expert proficiency in C/C++; familiarity with Java/Kotlin (for Android) or Python (for tooling/analysis).
  • OS/Kernel: Deep understanding of Linux/Android kernel audio drivers (ASoC), device tree configuration, and memory management (DMA, ION).
  • Audio Frameworks: Hands-on experience with Android Audio Framework (AudioFlinger, AudioPolicyManager), Audio HAL (HIDL/AIDL), PulseAudio, PipeWire, or ALSA/TinyALSA.
  • DSP & Algorithms: Knowledge of audio signal processing (sample rates, formats, mixing, post-processing effects) and DSP architecture (Hexagon/Qualcomm DSP experience is a plus).
  • Interfaces: Experience with standard audio interfaces (I2S, TDM, SLIMbus, SoundWire, USB, HDMI).
  • Debugging: Proficiency with debugging tools (JTAG, logic analyzers, oscilloscopes) and audio measurement tools (Audio Precision, HEAD acoustics).

  • Decision Making: Makes critical architectural decisions with significant impact on product roadmap and timelines.
  • Communication: Conveys complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders and influences decision-making at Director/VP levels.
  • Autonomy: Operates independently with minimal supervision; defines scope and drives tasks to completion in ambiguous environments.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Works independently with minimal supervision.
  • Provides supervision and guidance to other team members.
  • Makes decisions that significantly affect work beyond the immediate team.
  • Utilizes verbal and written communication skills; may require negotiation, influence, and tact.
  • Has moderate influence over key organizational decisions (e.g., consulted by senior leadership).
  • Performs tasks requiring multiple steps that may be completed in various orders; requires extensive planning, problem-solving, and prioritization.

Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$162,600.00 - $244,000.00
The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer - and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.

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About Qualcomm

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1985