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Playback Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Core Audio Software Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

We are looking for a seasoned audio software engineer to drive the technical direction of spatial audio playback across every Apple platform. You will own the architecture of audio decoding and ...

Kaption.co

Frontend Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

They are seeking a Frontend Engineer to translate AI into intuitive web experiences, building and ... audio playback, editing, and remixing. • Create intuitive user flows for interacting with ...

Twitch

Senior iOS Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$148K/yr

... like Video Playback and hybrid mobile strategies. Responsibilities : • Own and drive the ... iOS engineers across multiple product teams and within Mobile Core, including onboarding and ...

Kaption.co

Android Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

They are looking for an Android Engineer to develop and maintain a high-performance Android app ... audio playback, editing, and remixing. • Create intuitive user flows for interacting with ...

Amazon

Senior iOS Engineer, Twitch

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$164K/yr

In this role, you will directly contribute to creating and refining core features, such as Video Playback, while architecting strategic solutions for internal developers Twitch is evolving its mobile ...

Apple Inc.

Core Audio Software Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

We are looking for a seasoned audio software engineer to drive the technical direction of spatial audio playback across every Apple platform. You will own the architecture of audio decoding and ...

Kaption.co

iOS Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$61 - $83.75/hr

They are seeking an iOS Engineer to develop and maintain their Wayve iOS app, ensuring a high ... audio playback, editing, and remixing. • Create intuitive user flows for interacting with ...

Amazon

Senior iOS Engineer, Twitch

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$164K/yr

In this role, you will directly contribute to creating and refining core features, such as Video Playback, while architecting strategic solutions for internal developers Twitch is evolving its mobile ...

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Playback Engineer information

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$46

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How much do playback engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for playback engineer in California is $46.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.34 and $60.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a playback engineer do?

A Playback Engineer is responsible for managing and operating the backing tracks, click tracks, and digital elements used in live performances. They ensure seamless audio playback using software like Ableton Live, often syncing tracks with lighting and video cues. Their role includes programming setlists, troubleshooting technical issues, and collaborating with musicians and crew to maintain consistent sound quality.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a playback engineer?

To thrive as a Playback Engineer, you need expertise in audio engineering, signal flow, and live sound reinforcement, often demonstrated by a degree or equivalent experience in audio production. Familiarity with playback systems such as Ableton Live, Pro Tools, and digital audio interfaces—as well as certifications from manufacturers or relevant training—are highly valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills help you excel in high-pressure environments. These competencies ensure smooth integration of playback tracks, seamless show execution, and effective collaboration with artists and technical teams.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a playback engineer during a live event tour?

As a Playback Engineer on tour, you'll be responsible for programming, operating, and maintaining playback systems that supply pre-recorded tracks, click tracks, and timecode to the band and production team. Your typical day may include setting up and testing equipment, troubleshooting technical issues, coordinating with musical directors and other crew members, and ensuring all playback cues run accurately during performances. You may also collaborate with lighting and video teams to synchronize production elements and may need to adapt to last-minute show changes. The role requires flexibility and strong communication skills, as you'll often work in fast-paced, dynamic environments to deliver flawless live productions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Playback Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Playback Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Playback Engineer jobs in California?

For Playback Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Playback Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Playback Engineer jobs in California are:

Playback Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Playback Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,657 per year, or $46.5 per hour.

Tools & Test Automation Engineer - Media, Graphics & Compute Tech

San Diego, CA • On-site

Apple
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Appleexternal

$48.75 - $64.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 685 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

The AirPlay software engineering organization is responsible for the technology that enables seamless wireless audio and video streaming across Apple's ecosystem within our Media, Graphics & Compute Tech org - including iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, HomePod, and CarPlay. AirPlay powers some of Apple's most beloved experiences, from multi-room audio playback to screen mirroring, and continues to scale to meet the demands of an ever-growing range of devices and configurations.
This position is within the AirPlay Engineering Investigations function, an embedded team of engineers who serve as force multipliers for the broader AirPlay org. The team focuses on rapid prototyping, exploratory testing, and building the tools and test infrastructure that allow engineers to validate new features and performance improvements quickly and reliably. Representative work includes designing test environments to evaluate AirPlay scalability across large HomePod group playback scenarios - pushing the boundaries of what's possible while ensuring a rock-solid experience for users.
Description
We're looking for a technically versatile and hands-on engineer who thrives in ambiguous, fast-moving environments. You'll work directly alongside AirPlay feature engineers to prototype new ideas, design and build test rigs, and develop the frameworks that make rigorous investigation possible at scale. You'll need a sharp instinct for isolating variables, a love of measurement, and the ability to translate complex empirical findings into actionable engineering direction.
You'll be a key partner across software, hardware, and QA disciplines - operating at the intersection of experimental engineering and production-quality systems. Whether you're standing up an RF chamber test environment, characterizing latency under load, or building automation to reproduce a tricky multi-device scenario, you'll bring both curiosity and rigor to every investigation.
Minimum Qualifications
5+ years of software engineering experience, with hands-on experience in systems or embedded programming (Swift, Objective-C, C/C++, or Python)
Experience designing and operating hardware-in-the-loop test environments, RF test chambers, or comparable physical test infrastructure
Strong background in performance testing, profiling, and measurement methodology
Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally and communicate complex technical findings to diverse audiences
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth protocols and RF fundamentals relevant to AirPlay environments
Familiarity with audio or video streaming systems, synchronization protocols, or media playback pipelines
Track record of building internal tooling or test automation that meaningfully improved engineering velocity

What Apple employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976

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