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Independent Contractor Audio Engineer Jobs in Michigan

Donan

Forensic Engineer Contractor

Detroit, MI · On-site

We are currently seeking a 1099 Independent Contractor professional Civil or Structural Engineer ​in Detroit, MI . Key Responsibilities Include : * Site studies evaluating damages to materials or ...

Donan

Forensic Engineer Contractor

Detroit, MI · On-site

We are currently seeking a 1099 Independent Contractor professional Civil or Structural Engineer in Detroit, MI . Key Responsibilities Include : * Site studies evaluating damages to materials or ...

General Motors

Senior DRE - Audio Systems

Warren, MI · Hybrid

$98K - $134K/yr

Lead and direct supplier resident engineers in release activities * Work with the TS Tech ... independent discernment and are typically responsible for implementing functional strategy ...

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All JobsIndependent Contractor Audio Engineer JobsIndependent Contractor Audio Engineer Jobs in Michigan

Independent Contractor Audio Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$343

$949

$1.8K

How much do independent contractor audio engineer jobs pay per week?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average weekly pay for independent contractor audio engineer in Michigan is $949.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $628.85 and $1,055.77 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an independent contractor audio engineer?

Independent Contractor Audio Engineers are self-employed professionals who provide audio engineering services on a contractual basis, rather than as full-time employees. They typically work on projects such as music recording, live sound, post-production, podcasts, and film audio. These engineers are responsible for setting up and operating audio equipment, mixing and editing sound, and ensuring high-quality audio output. As independent contractors, they manage their own schedules, negotiate fees, and may work with multiple clients simultaneously.

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

To thrive as an Independent Contractor Audio Engineer, you need expertise in sound recording, mixing, mastering, and a solid understanding of acoustics, often supported by a degree or professional experience in audio engineering. Familiarity with industry-standard digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and knowledge of audio equipment is essential, and certifications such as Avid Pro Tools certification can be beneficial. Strong communication, time management, and problem-solving skills help you work effectively with clients and manage multiple projects independently. These skills ensure high-quality audio production, client satisfaction, and the ability to adapt to different project requirements in a competitive freelance environment.

How does working as an independent contractor audio engineer differ from being a staff engineer in terms of project management and collaboration?

As an independent contractor audio engineer, you are typically responsible for managing your own schedule, client communications, and project deliverables, which requires strong organizational skills and self-motivation. Unlike staff engineers who may work within a fixed team, contractors often collaborate with a diverse range of clients and creative professionals on a project-by-project basis. This means adapting quickly to different workflows and expectations, and often handling multiple projects simultaneously. Building and maintaining strong professional relationships is key to securing repeat business and referrals.

What is the difference between Independent Contractor Audio Engineer vs Freelance Audio Technician?

AspectIndependent Contractor Audio EngineerFreelance Audio Technician
CredentialsAudio engineering certifications, experience in mixing, recording, masteringTechnical audio certifications, equipment operation skills
Work EnvironmentRecording studios, live venues, post-production facilitiesConcerts, events, studio setups
Employer/Industry UsageHired by production companies, studios, event organizersContracted for specific events or projects, often freelance

Both roles involve technical audio skills, but Independent Contractor Audio Engineers typically handle a broader range of tasks like mixing and mastering, often working on longer-term projects. Freelance Audio Technicians focus more on technical setup and equipment operation for live events or recordings. The choice depends on your specialization and preferred work environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Audio Engineer jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Audio Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Independent Contractor Audio Engineer jobs in Michigan? For Independent Contractor Audio Engineer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Audio Engineer jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Audio Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
Independent Contractor Audio Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Independent Contractor Audio Engineer job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 36% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,372 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Audio Integration & Active Sound Engineer

Stellantis

Auburn Hills, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Stellantis rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 130 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 44 rated automakers

Job description

The Audio Integration & Active Sound (AIAS) Engineer is responsible for the full product lifecycle of audio and active sound systems across multiple vehicle programs. As an AIAS engineer, you will be responsible for working with internal teams and suppliers to plan, design, develop and validate audio & active sound systems. You will be responsible for solving integration issues and ensuring that the entire system is ready for production, as well as supporting ongoing serial life and quality activities.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Own audio and active sound system development, validation, and integration activities at the vehicle, system, and component levels
  • Collaborate closely with VF (Vehicle Function) and CFTS (Core Functional Technical Specification) writers to align internal specifications to each vehicle program's feature list.
  • Create and maintain specification documents with system-level AIAS requirements (EQs, CPDs, SGIDs, etc).
  • Analyze and interpret vehicle program series cards and product grids to determine impact on audio and active sound systems and identify opportunities for optimization / complexity reduction.
  • Support early program definition with audio and active sound system cost and development timing needs.
  • Own the Bill of Materials (BOM) and Engineering Change Notices (CNs) for AIAS components (amplifiers, speakers, microphones, etc.)
  • Define and release wiring harness definitions for AIAS components in iSpeed.
  • Support vehicle-level CAD databases and milestones with core and vehicle-specific AIAS components.
  • Lead packaging and design efforts for speakers, amplifiers, microphones, speaker enclosures and vehicle-specific mounting needs.
  • Ensure all AIAS parts meet performance, quality, cost, and vehicle program timing requirements.
  • Develop and track implementation of DVP&R and DFMEA for new AIAS components and systems.
  • Support pre-production vehicle builds (X1, X2, X3) to ensure all AIAS components meet manufacturing requirements.
  • Support triage and resolution of audio and active sound related hardware and software issues on test benches and pre-production vehicles.
  • Coordinate and develop vehicle and system-specific audio and active sound acoustic tunings.
  • Support NVH evaluation and buy-off of active sound feature implementations in pre-production and production vehicles.
  • Maintain accurate scorecards, prepare technical presentations and summaries and report on project status, timelines, and risk assessments for program and management reviews.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, quality, and cost effectiveness within the AIAS organization
  • Support competitive benchmarking and AIAS target setting activities
  • Research, analyze, and interpret quality and customer feedback data to enable early identification of customer-facing issues and develop actionable solutions.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or a related field
  • Minimum of 1 years of engineering experience; Audio system testing or development experience preferred
  • Fundamental understanding of vehicle electrical systems and overall audio system functionality
  • Basic understanding of vehicle powertrain performance and noise behaviors
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)
  • Strong planning, organization, and communication skills
  • Ability to work independently as well as effectively within cross functional teams

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline
  • Experience in vehicle, powertrain, or audio and active sound component development and validation
  • Experience using Stellantis systems such as EBOM, JIRA, RTC, Teamcenter, QFS, PowerBI
  • Demonstrated experience using audio measurement and analysis tools
  • Experience with automotive electrical and infotainment system root cause analysis
  • Proven ability to solve technical problems and communicate solutions clearly
  • Proven ability to manage and communicate with multiple Tier 1 suppliers
  • Experience working with, or supporting, cross functional, cross organization, and inter-regional engineering teams

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