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Playback Jobs (NOW HIRING)

KAKE

Senior iOS Engineer (Video Player)

Scottsdale, AZ · Remote

$141K/yr

If you love solving complex playback challenges -- things like HLS tuning, rebuffering, startup performance, and AVPlayer optimization -- this role is for you.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign, develop, and ...

STAND 8

Sr Video Streaming Engineer (iOS)

Almont, CO · Remote

$70 - $80/hr

You'll work on highly visible initiatives involving advanced playback experiences, SDK development, performance optimization, and next-generation mobile video delivery while collaborating with a high ...

W3Global

OTT Test Engineer

Englewood, NJ · On-site

Hiring OTT QA Engineer with experience testing VOD and Live TV apps on Smart TVs, Roku, Apple TV, and mobile devices, skilled in video playback, UI, performance testing, and basic Java automation.

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$19

$25

How much do playback jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for playback in the United States is $19.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Playback Engineer, you need a solid understanding of audio engineering, digital audio workstations (DAWs), and live sound principles, often supported by relevant audio production education or experience. Familiarity with playback systems like Ableton Live, Pro Tools, and hardware such as audio interfaces and MIDI controllers is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills help ensure smooth coordination with artists and crew during live performances. These skills are crucial for delivering reliable and high-quality audio playback, minimizing technical issues, and supporting seamless shows.

What are some common challenges faced by Playback Operators during live productions, and how can these be managed?

Playback Operators in live production environments often face challenges such as last-minute content changes, technical glitches with media servers, and the pressure of synchronizing playback cues with other departments. Successful operators stay organized by preparing backup files, conducting thorough technical checks before events, and maintaining clear communication with directors and technical teams. Being adaptable and having a strong understanding of the playback system are essential for managing these challenges smoothly.

What does a Playback operator do?

A Playback operator is responsible for managing and controlling the video, audio, and graphics content that is played back during live events, broadcasts, or film productions. They ensure that pre-recorded media is cued and displayed at the right moments, working closely with directors and production teams to maintain smooth transitions. This role requires technical knowledge of playback systems and quick problem-solving skills to handle any issues that may arise during live performances.

What is the difference between Playback vs Sound Engineer?

AspectPlaybackSound Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires technical training or certification in audio/visual technologyRequires audio engineering certifications or degrees in sound design or related fields
Work EnvironmentLive events, theaters, concerts, and broadcast settingsRecording studios, live events, film sets, and broadcast stations
Industry UsageUsed in live performances to manage audio playbackInvolved in recording, mixing, and sound design for various media

While both Playback and Sound Engineer roles involve audio technology, Playback primarily focuses on managing pre-recorded audio during live events, whereas Sound Engineers handle recording, mixing, and sound design across different media. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the audio industry.

More about Playback jobs
What cities are hiring for Playback jobs? Cities with the most Playback job openings:
What states have the most Playback jobs? States with the most job openings for Playback jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Playback jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Playback jobs are:
Playback jobs near you
Infographic showing various Playback job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,158 per year, or $19.3 per hour.
Senior iOS Engineer (Video Player)

Senior iOS Engineer (Video Player)

KAKE

Scottsdale, AZ • Remote

$141K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Senior iOS Engineer (Video Player)Join to apply for the Senior iOS Engineer (Video Player) role at Kake1 day ago. Be among the first 25 applicants.About the RoleWe're looking for a Senior iOS Video Player Engineer with deep hands-on experience in video playback to design, build, and optimize advanced video player features across Apple TV, iPad, and iPhone platforms.This role is highly technical and collaborative — you'll work with backend, product, and video infrastructure teams to deliver best-in-class playback performance for millions of viewers. You'll be responsible for building and troubleshooting video player functionality, improving playback performance, and ensuring a seamless user experience across devices.If you love solving complex playback challenges — things like HLS tuning, rebuffering, startup performance, and AVPlayer optimization — this role is for you.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign, develop, and optimize video player components for iOS and tvOS applications (Apple TV, iPad, iPhone).Troubleshoot and resolve performance issues, rebuffering events, and playback stability across devices.Implement and fine-tune HLS playback using AVPlayer and related Apple media frameworks.Collaborate with engineering, backend, and product teams to enhance playback quality, scalability, and maintainability.Integrate and manage third-party SDKs (analytics, DRM, ad tech, or QoE monitoring).Contribute to CI/CD pipelines, performance monitoring, and release processes.Stay up-to-date with emerging video streaming technologies and best practices for playback optimization.Core Requirements8+ years of iOS development experience with deep expertise in Swift and Objective-CProven experience building and maintaining video players or playback components for iOS/tvOS.Strong hands-on experience with HLS and AVPlayer, including tuning and troubleshooting playback behavior.Demonstrated ability to debug and optimize performance, including rebuffering, memory usage, and playback start time.Familiarity with video streaming protocols, ABR logic, and DRM integration.Strong understanding of iOS app architectures (MVVM, Clean Architecture) and CI/CD pipelines.Excellent collaboration and communication skills across engineering, design, and product teams.Nice to HaveExperience with video QoE analytics platforms (e.g., Mux, Conviva, Youbora).Background in OTT or streaming media applications.Familiarity with Apple's Human Interface Guidelines and tvOS design patterns.Experience integrating ad tech or analytics SDKs into media players.Why Join KakeKake is a remote-first company with a global community — built on the belief that it's not where your table is, but what you bring to the table that matters.

We provide top-tier engineering talent to power some of the world's most innovative companies, and we've built a culture where great people stay, grow, and thrive.The icing on the KakeCompetitive Pay in USD – Work globally, get paid globally.Fully Remote – Simply put, we trust you.Better Me Fund – We invest in your personal growth and passions.Compassion is Badass – Join a community that invests in social good.Seniority levelMid-Senior levelEmployment typeFull-timeJob functionInformation TechnologyIndustriesIT Services and IT ConsultingReferrals increase your chances of interviewing at Kake by 2x.J-18808-Ljbffr

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