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Musical Acoustics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$100K - $160K/yr

Acoustics Engineer Company Overview: KMS Solutions, LLC is a technical management / solutions ... Bachelor's Degree in any engineering, math, physics, technical or even music discipline. * An ...

Apple has assembled an elite Acoustics team that enables our customers to experience music with delight, communicate with clarity, and enjoy elegant sound throughout our product line. In Apple ...

Music Teacher

Boulder, CO · On-site

$40/hr

Music Instructor (In-Home Lessons) - Boulder, CO Mountainside Music Academy Mountainside Music ... Guitar (acoustic & electric) * Voice * Violin (depending on demand) * Drum set / percussion ...

Musician Leader

Valencia, CA · On-site

$38.30/hr

A solo acoustic guitar player vocalist and vocalist leader that will perform with an acoustic ... Must be able to set up and strike personal musical equipment, complete sound check once daily (when ...

From world-class artists on tour, to major music festivals in every genre, to opening and closing ... Designed and manufactured in Europe, and available in 80 countries globally, L-Acoustics employs ...

Sales Coordinator, Americas

Nashville, TN · Hybrid

$18 - $24.75/hr

From world-class artists on tour, to major music festivals in every genre, to opening and closing ... Designed and manufactured in Europe, and available in 80 countries globally, L-Acoustics employs ...

Acoustical Consultant

San Diego, CA · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

Bachelor's degree in acoustics, audio/music engineering, mechanical engineering, architectural engineering, or physics including relevant classes or a degree concentration in acoustics or vibration ...

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Musical Acoustics information

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$8

$36

$82

How much do musical acoustics jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for musical acoustics in the United States is $36.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $47.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges musical acousticians face when collaborating with instrument makers and performers?

Musical acousticians often work closely with instrument makers and performers to enhance instrument design and sound quality. One common challenge is bridging the gap between scientific measurements and subjective perceptions of sound, as performers may describe tonal qualities differently from how they are measured. Effective communication and mutual understanding are essential to translate technical findings into practical improvements. Additionally, acousticians must balance technical recommendations with artistic preferences and manufacturing constraints, requiring flexibility and collaborative problem-solving.

What is musical acoustics?

Musical acoustics is the scientific study of how sound is produced, transmitted, and perceived in the context of music. It explores the physical properties of musical instruments, the acoustics of performance spaces, and how humans interpret musical sounds. This field combines physics, engineering, music theory, and psychology to understand the mechanics behind musical tones, harmony, resonance, and timbre. Researchers and professionals in musical acoustics may work on improving instrument design, optimizing concert hall acoustics, or analyzing the perception of musical sounds.

Are acousticians in demand?

Acousticians specializing in musical acoustics are in demand in industries such as audio engineering, concert hall design, and product development. They often require strong technical skills, knowledge of acoustical measurement tools, and relevant certifications, with employment opportunities available in research institutions, consulting firms, and entertainment venues.

What is the difference between Musical Acoustics vs Audio Engineer?

AspectMusical AcousticsAudio Engineer
CredentialsDegree in acoustics, physics, or music technologyDegree or certification in audio engineering or sound design
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, concert hallsRecording studios, live events, broadcasting
Industry UsageSound quality in musical instruments, concert acousticsSound recording, mixing, live sound reinforcement

Musical Acoustics focuses on the science of sound in musical contexts, including instrument design and concert hall acoustics. In contrast, an Audio Engineer specializes in recording, mixing, and producing sound for music and media. While both roles require knowledge of sound principles, Musical Acoustics is more research-oriented, whereas Audio Engineering is more practical and production-focused.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Musical Acoustician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Musical Acoustician, a solid background in physics, mathematics, and music theory, often supported by a relevant degree or coursework, is essential. Familiarity with audio analysis software, acoustic measurement tools, and simulation systems is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, creativity, and effective communication skills help translate scientific findings into practical applications for musicians, instrument makers, or architects. These competencies are crucial for designing, testing, and improving musical instruments or spaces to achieve optimal sound quality.

What jobs pay $400 an hour?

In the field of musical acoustics, highly specialized consultants, sound engineers, or acoustical consultants with extensive experience and advanced certifications can command hourly rates around $400. These roles often involve expert analysis, custom solutions, or high-profile projects in recording studios, concert halls, or research environments. Such positions typically require advanced degrees and a strong portfolio of work.

What are the career options in acoustics?

Careers in acoustics include roles such as acoustic engineer, sound designer, audio technician, and research scientist, often requiring knowledge of sound measurement, signal processing, and acoustical modeling. These professionals work in industries like music production, environmental noise control, architectural design, and product development, frequently using tools like MATLAB or CAD software. Advanced positions may require a master's or doctoral degree in acoustics, physics, or engineering.

What can I do with a musicology degree?

A musicology degree prepares individuals for careers in research, academia, music criticism, archival work, and arts administration. Graduates often work as musicologists, educators, archivists, or in roles that require strong analytical, research, and communication skills, sometimes utilizing music notation and analysis software. Additional certifications or advanced degrees can expand career opportunities in specialized fields like ethnomusicology or historical musicology.
More about Musical Acoustics jobs
What cities are hiring for Musical Acoustics jobs? Cities with the most Musical Acoustics job openings:
What states have the most Musical Acoustics jobs? States with the most job openings for Musical Acoustics jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Musical Acoustics jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Musical Acoustics jobs are:
Infographic showing various Musical Acoustics job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, 48% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,503 per year, or $36.3 per hour.
Acoustics Engineer

$100K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Be an early applicant


Job description

Acoustics Engineer

Company Overview:

KMS Solutions, LLC is a technical management / solutions company that specializes in engineering, analysis, and cyber security. Founded in 2005, KMS is a certified small business with nearly two decades of experience supporting the Department of Defense as well as many other departments and programs critical to our Nation’s security and well-being.

KMS is a two-time winner of the USA Today Top Workplaces recognizing quality workplace cultures across the United States who put their employees first. Additionally, we received the Providence Journal Rhode Island Top Workplaces award and Culture Excellence Awards for Compensation & Benefits, Innovation, Leadership, Purpose & Values and Work-Life Flexibility

Position Summary / Objective:

As the Experienced Acoustics Engineer, you will be on a dynamic team providing technical and programmatic support to the VIRGINIA Class Submarine Program Office (PMS450) and the U.S. Navy’s Team Submarine Program Offices SHAPM contract at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, DC! Bring your expertise and collaborative skills to make an impact on our military defense and safety of our sailors.

PMS450 is the acquisition program office for the New Construction of Attack Submarines and for identifying, assembling, managing, directing, and coordinating the resources required for the R&D, design, construction, Test and Evaluation (T&E), Live Fire Test and Evaluation (LFT&E), and Fleet introduction of the U.S. Navy’s newest class of nuclear attack submarines. PMS450 is responsible for developing and deploying a more affordable, nuclear-powered attack submarine with multi-mission capability and enhanced capabilities for performance in littoral areas. VIRGINIA Class submarines support five of the six Navy core maritime capabilities: Deterrence, Maritime Security, Sea Control, Forward Presence, and Power Projection.

Essential functions:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

  • Support PMS450 evaluation of proposed designs and arrangements.
  • Maintain expert-level knowledge of ship specification sections and first tier references supporting interpretation of technical requirements and verification of program compliance.
  • Review technical submittals, provide assessments of issues/recommendations (with inputs from appropriate stakeholders as needed), consolidate differing points of view and define available options and their associated pros and cons.
  • Liaison with the Technical Warrant Holders (TWH) and NAVSEA 08 for the systems under their cognizance
  • Assists the Ship Design Managers (SDM), Deputy Ship Design Managers (DSDM), and Major Area Integration Teams (MAIT) in de-conflicting differing technical viewpoints and program constraints.
  • Co-leads NAVSEA Ship's Silencing Working Group, including the conducting of NRP audits and shipchecks to validate ships as-build configuration.
  • Manage commitment updates/status.
  • Identify technical issues that need resolution.
  • Work with applicable Ship Integration Teams (SIT) to facilitate resolution of technical issues.
  • Facilitate timely decisions and review and adjudication of all design products and written correspondence.
  • Act as a liaison with other PMS450 team members and NAVSEA05 TWHs.
  • Will be a primary customer contact for all activities, regularly meeting with and updating the customer on project status.
  • Establish and maintain effective relationships with the program manager, deputy program manager and/or technical lead.
  • Lead program review sessions with the customer to discuss cost, schedule, and technical performance.
  • Provide acquisition management planning and execution support
  • Leading technical discussions for project reviews, including preparing and delivering formal briefings.
  • Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned

Required education and experience:

  • Bachelor's Degree in any engineering, math, physics, technical or even music discipline.
    • An Associate's Degree and 2 years of additional experience will be considered in lieu of Bachelor's Degree or a High School Diploma/GED and 4 years of additional experience will be considered in lieu of Bachelor's Degree.
  • 5 years of experience.

Preferred education and experience:

  • Master's Degree in any engineering, math, physics, technical or even music discipline
  • Active-duty experience in submarine service.
  • Some experience with Navy acquisition and/or In-Service Programs.
  • Recent experience in Team Submarine.

Competencies:

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite especially in Excel and PowerPoint.
  • Ability to work both in a team environment and independently, and often under short, multiple deadlines.

Additional eligibility requirements

Work authorization/security clearance requirements:

A US citizen with an active or current DoD Secret security clearance.

Other Duties:

Please note this job posting is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Supervisory Responsibility:

None

Work Environment:

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and photocopiers.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. Excellent listening skills are essential. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms. Must be able to lift up to 20 lbs.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

The typical workday is eight hours in length. Some flexibility in hours is allowed, with concurrence from the supervisor. Attendance at prescheduled mandatory meetings is required. Must be available during the core work hours as determined by your contract/location and must account for the required number of hours in a pay period to maintain Full-time status.

Telework:

  • No Telework Allowed. On site position at the Washington Navy Yard

Travel:

  • Travel up to 10% may be required.

Benefits and Additional Compensation:

KMS offers a competitive benefits packaging including medical, dental and vision insurances, flexible spending account, PTO, paid holidays, military leave, bereavement leave, 401k / retirement savings plan, professional development and tuition reimbursement, basic and voluntary life insurance / AD&D, short-term and long-term disability, voluntary AFLAC supplemental insurance products and employee assistance plan (EAP) program. Additionally, KMS offers employee referral bonuses and a discretionary annual bonus.

AAP/EEO Statement:

KMS Solutions provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

KMS Solutions is a drug free workplace.


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