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Playback Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Multi Media LLC

Senior Software Engineer

$125K - $165K/yr

The Role We're looking for a Senior Software Engineer to join our Video Streaming team and own key ... You'll focus on playback quality, startup time, latency, and cross-browser/device reliability ...

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$10

$47

$87

How much do playback engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for playback engineer in the United States is $47.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.82 and $60.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 400 an hour?

Playback engineers typically do not earn $400 an hour; such high rates are more common in specialized freelance roles like top-tier consultants, legal experts, or executive-level professionals. In the entertainment industry, highly experienced audio or video engineers working on major projects or events may command high hourly rates, but $400 per hour is uncommon for standard playback engineering positions. Achieving this rate usually requires extensive experience, a strong reputation, and working on high-profile projects or as an independent contractor.

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 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 engineers make $500,000?

Senior playback engineers or audio engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and working in high-paying industries such as live event production, broadcasting, or large-scale entertainment may earn salaries around $500,000. Achieving this level often requires advanced certifications, leadership roles, and working in high-demand environments with long hours and complex technical responsibilities.

What does a playback engineer do?

A playback engineer is responsible for managing and operating playback systems during live performances or recordings, ensuring that pre-recorded tracks, sound effects, and backing tracks are synchronized and played back accurately. They work with audio equipment, software, and technical staff to deliver seamless audio playback and may troubleshoot issues in real-time. Proficiency with digital audio workstations and a good understanding of sound systems are essential for this role.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior playback engineers, audio engineers, and broadcast engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially in high-demand industries like live event production, broadcasting, or large-scale entertainment. Achieving this level often requires advanced technical expertise, leadership roles, and working in high-paying markets or companies with complex audio systems and equipment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Playback Engineer position, and why are they important?

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.

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Playback Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Playback Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $97,940 per year, or $47.1 per hour.

Sr. Software Engineer, Android - Fandango

Versant Media

Remote

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
VERSANT is an industry-changing media and entertainment business, and they are seeking a Senior Android Software Engineer to join the Video Player team at Fandango. This role involves designing, building, and maintaining Android video playback technologies, ensuring high-quality streaming experiences for millions of users.
Responsibilities:
• Design, develop, and maintain an Android Video Player SDK using Kotlin, Java, and Android media frameworks.
• Lead and contribute to scalable architecture for cross-platform video playback solutions.
• Implement and optimize streaming, buffering, DRM, offline playback, and performance-related video features.
• Partner with engineering, QA, and operations teams to reproduce, diagnose, and resolve playback issues across the video pipeline.
• Write clean, performant, maintainable code and contribute to strong engineering practices through code reviews and documentation.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship while staying current with Android and streaming media best practices.
Qualifications:
Required:
• 3+ years of professional Android development experience, with strong proficiency in Kotlin and/or Java.
• Experience with Media3 and/or ExoPlayer, including DASH and/or HLS streaming and Widevine DRM.
• Strong understanding of video playback concepts, streaming protocols, buffering, bitrate adaptation, device-specific behavior, and performance optimization.
• Experience building reliable, reusable platform components or SDKs.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative engineering environment.
• Trust: You write reliable, maintainable code and follow through on technical commitments.
• Teamwork: You collaborate across engineering, QA, operations, and platform teams to solve complex playback challenges.
• Transparency: You communicate technical tradeoffs, document decisions, and share knowledge clearly.
• Agility: You adapt to evolving product needs, platform changes, and emerging streaming technologies.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: You take ownership of complex technical problems and look for scalable, forward-thinking solutions.
Preferred:
• Experience with analytics, QoE metrics, video instrumentation, web, Roku, iOS, other streaming platforms, video ad integrations such as IMA SDK, VAST, or VMAP, CI/CD pipelines, and automated testing for media applications.
Company:
Versant Media is a media company that offers television and digital entertainment services. Founded in 2004, the company is headquartered in Seattle, USA, with a team of 1001-5000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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