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Playback Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Versant Media

Sr. Software Engineer

$125K - $165K/yr

... for playback. • Integrate seamlessly with ad-related workflows, ensuring proper signaling and playback behavior. • Collaborate with other engineering teams to optimize compatibility and ...

Roblox

Principal Software Engineer - Video

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$153K - $206K/yr

As a Principal Software Engineer on the Video team, you'll be responsible for building, operating, and evolving our video transcoding and playback platform and innovate on new uses for video in a 3D ...

Apple

Core Audio Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

... playback. As a Core Audio System Software engineer, you'll be responsible for developing and ... debugging audio system software for all of Apple's platforms. In particular, you will focus on the ...

Suno

iOS Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$57 - $78.50/hr

... music creation and playback features. Responsibilities : • Implement key features and UI ... audio engineering team to integrate and optimize music playback and creation features • ...

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 ...

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Playback Engineer information

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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.
Software Development Engineer, Player Team

Software Development Engineer, Player Team

Amazon

Newark, NJ

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Amazon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 6,870 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 39 rated national retailers

Job description

At Audible, we believe stories have the power to transform lives. It's why we work with some of the world's leading creators to produce and share audio storytelling with our millions of global listeners. We are dreamers and inventors who come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences to empower and inspire each other.

Imagine your future with us.
ABOUT THE TEAM
The Playback team at Audible owns the core playback logic and services, including players, content delivery, security, listening data, metrics and insights, and a unified SDK. This team focuses on optimizing playback quality, performance, and customer experience across platforms, using automated tools for monitoring and analysis.

The Playback team also drives Audible's efforts to advance the state of internet audio through faculty collaborations. You will own critical infrastructure supporting audio ads at Audible, you'll build scalable systems processing billions of ad opportunities annually, delivering world-class advertising experiences to millions of customers.
This role offers hands-on technical ownership of audio ad systems, real-time ad serving pipelines, and conversational AI integration. You'll work with talented engineers solving complex distributed systems challenges while directly impacting a business.
ABOUT YOU
We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative Software Development Engineer to design, architect, and implement machine learning solutions that drive transformative technological advancements

You will combine deep technical expertise with strategic thinking, capable of translating complex business challenges into scalable, intelligent systems.
As a Software Development Engineer, you will...
- Design, develop, and test software components and applications for a leading global provider of audiobooks
- Collaborate with Product, Applied Science, and cross-functional engineering teams to define and deliver innovative advertising products
- Optimize ad serving latency, cost, and business metrics for audio advertising at scale
- Collaborate on an agile engineering team, writing scalable and maintainable code and influencing team decisions
- Collaborate with stakeholders to envision, design, develop, test, and launch customer-centric software solutions
- Utilize technology to tackle challenging problems and deliver high-quality code on schedule
- Demonstrate proficiency in a wide range of data structures and algorithms, applying them effectively
- Independently clarify technical requirements, assess development estimates, and employ diverse design approaches
- Conduct code reviews and provide constructive feedback to team members
- Foster continuous improvement in software quality, customer experience, and product maintainability
- Mentor and lead developers, fostering curiosity and deep technical understanding
ABOUT AUDIBLE
Audible is the leading producer and provider of audio storytelling. We spark listeners' imaginations, offering immersive, cinematic experiences full of inspiration and insight to enrich our customers' daily lives. We are a global company with an entrepreneurial spirit

We are dreamers and inventors who are passionate about the positive impact Audible can make for our customers and our neighbors. This spirit courses throughout Audible, supporting a culture of creativity and inclusion built on our People Principles and our mission to build more equitable communities in the cities we call home.

What Amazon employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Amazon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Amazon.com, Inc., commonly known as Amazon, is an American multinational technology company. It was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 and initially started as an online marketplace for books. Since then, Amazon has expanded its operations and become one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. Amazon's primary business is its online retail platform, where customers can purchase a vast array of products, including electronics, clothing, books, home goods, and much more. The company offers a convenient and user-friendly shopping experience, with features such as fast shipping, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon has diversified its business into various other areas. One of its notable ventures is Amazon Web Services (AWS), a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides services such as storage, compute power, and database management to individuals and businesses. AWS has become a leader in the cloud computing industry, powering many websites and applications worldwide. Amazon has also developed its own consumer electronics, including the popular Amazon Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, Fire TV streaming devices, and the Alexa-powered Echo smart speakers. The Alexa voice assistant, integrated into these devices, allows users to interact with their devices using voice commands, perform tasks, and access information. Furthermore, Amazon has expanded into media and entertainment. It operates Prime Video, a streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. Amazon Music provides a platform for streaming and purchasing digital music, while Audible offers audiobooks and other audio content. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience is demonstrated by its membership program, Amazon Prime. Prime members receive various benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services, exclusive deals, and more.

Industry

It services, book publishers, retail, real estate and computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US

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