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Sound Design Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Oversees a full range of engineering duties performed by Sound Transit engineering staff and design consultants to ensure conformance with agency standards, quality procedures, and engineering best ...

Principal Software Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$152K - $204K/yr

You own the architecture, health, and strategic technical direction across large and complex systems that span multiple teams-ensuring sound design, operational excellence, and alignment with ...

Design Leader

Seattle, WA · Hybrid

$65K - $95K/yr

Demonstrated motivation, sound judgment, decision-making ability, and willingness to seek new responsibilities and challenges. * Ability to prepare design documents, presentations, and hand-drawn ...

Design Leader

Seattle, WA · On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

Demonstrated motivation, sound judgment, decision-making ability, and willingness to seek new responsibilities and challenges. * Ability to prepare design documents, presentations, and hand-drawn ...

... sound, high-quality deliverables • Oversee electrical design for small to medium-sized projects ... while fostering collaboration and empowering emerging professionals • Uphold company standards ...

Design Leader

Seattle, WA · Hybrid

$65K - $95K/yr

Demonstrated motivation, sound judgment, decision-making ability, and willingness to seek new responsibilities and challenges. * Ability to prepare design documents, presentations, and hand-drawn ...

Senior Software Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$137K - $181K/yr

Made sound design decisions: you can weigh trade-offs, define system boundaries, and own the architecture of the components you build. * Collaborate closely with teammates to integrate systems and ...

Lead projects with a service‑first mindset, ensuring client expectations are met through clear communication and technically sound, high‑quality deliverables. * Oversee electrical design for ...

Showing results 41-60

Sound Design information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$47.8K

$130.4K

$229.4K

How much do sound design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for sound design in Seattle, WA is $130,367.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,100.00 and $164,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is sound design?

Sound design is the process of creating, recording, manipulating, and mixing audio elements for various media, such as film, television, video games, theater, and music production. Sound designers are responsible for crafting everything from ambient background noises to specific sound effects that enhance the audience's experience. Their work can involve recording real-world sounds, synthesizing new ones, and editing audio to fit a project's needs. Sound design is essential for building atmosphere, conveying moods, and supporting storytelling in audiovisual productions.

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

To thrive as a Sound Designer, you need a deep understanding of audio engineering, acoustics, and creative sound creation, often supported by a degree in audio production or a related field. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Pro Tools or Ableton Live, as well as experience with sound libraries and audio editing software, is essential. Strong collaboration, creativity, and attention to detail set exceptional sound designers apart. These skills ensure the creation of immersive and high-quality audio experiences that enhance storytelling across various media.

How does a sound designer typically collaborate with directors and other production team members during a project?

Sound designers work closely with directors, producers, and editors to achieve the desired audio experience for a project. Early in the process, they participate in creative discussions to understand the director’s vision and story requirements. Throughout production, sound designers often attend meetings, provide sample soundscapes, and adjust their work based on feedback from the team. Effective communication and flexibility are crucial, as sound designers must adapt their creations to fit evolving project needs and technical constraints.

What is the difference between Sound Design vs Audio Editing?

AspectSound DesignAudio Editing
Primary FocusCreating and manipulating sounds for mediaEditing and assembling audio recordings
Skills & ToolsSound synthesis, Foley, DAWs, creative sound manipulationCutting, splicing, leveling, noise reduction
Work EnvironmentFilm, TV, video games, advertisingPost-production, broadcasting, film editing
CredentialsAudio production, sound design courses, experience with DAWsAudio engineering, editing software proficiency

Sound Design involves creating and shaping sounds to enhance media, while Audio Editing focuses on refining and assembling existing recordings. Both roles require familiarity with digital audio workstations and audio production skills, but they serve different creative and technical purposes within the media industry.

How much can sound designers make?

Sound designers' salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry, but entry-level positions typically start around $40,000 to $60,000 annually. Experienced sound designers working in film, video games, or advertising can earn $70,000 to over $100,000 per year, especially with specialized skills in audio editing, mixing, and the use of tools like Pro Tools or Logic Pro.

How to get a career in sound design?

To pursue a career in sound design, develop strong skills in audio editing, mixing, and recording using software like Pro Tools or Ableton Live. Obtain a relevant degree or certification, build a portfolio of projects, and gain experience through internships or freelance work to establish a professional network.

Is sound design a good career?

Sound design is a viable career for those with strong audio editing, mixing, and technical skills, often requiring proficiency with digital audio workstations and sound editing software. It offers opportunities in film, television, video games, and theater, with job stability depending on industry demand and experience level.

What does a sound design do?

A sound designer creates and manipulates audio elements for various media such as film, television, video games, and theater. They use tools like digital audio workstations and sound libraries to develop sound effects, atmospheres, and audio cues that enhance the overall experience. The role often requires technical skills, creativity, and knowledge of acoustics and audio editing software.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sound Design jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Sound Design jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Sound Design jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Sound Design jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Sound Design jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Sound Design job openings:

Infographic showing various Sound Design job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $130,367 per year, or $62.7 per hour.

Manager - Engineering Services

Sound Transit

Seattle, WA • On-site

$107K - $213K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Salary range is $107K to $213K with a midpoint of $160K. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:

  • Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
  • Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • Retirement Plans: 401a – 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b – up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
  • Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
  • Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
  • Pet Insurance.
  • ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
  • Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
  • Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you’ll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Under general direction, manages, directs, mentors, and coordinates the design of both in-house design and on-call design consultants in support of smaller scale capital project delivery. Provides technical expertise, engineering support and mentorship to engineering staff in support of smaller scale capital projects and operation requests. Oversees a full range of engineering duties performed by Sound Transit engineering staff and design consultants to ensure conformance with agency standards, quality procedures, and engineering best practices. Responsible for timely reporting and resourcing of design in support of small capital projects and operations requests in collaboration with engineering leadership.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

  • Leads, coordinates, schedules, assigns, and reviews the work activities of agency Engineering Service Requests. Prioritizes design activities of small projects in collaboration with engineering staff and leadership.
  • Manages, directs, mentors, and coordinates the design to ensure project needs are met in conformance with the agency standards, quality procedures, and engineering best practices.
  • Ensures appropriate engineering judgement in design and fulfillment of project needs.
  • Oversees assembly of design calculations, plans, and specifications in collaboration with construction management. Assures that design is complete, clear, comprehensive, and well-coordinated.
  • Oversees the root cause analyses (RCA) for significant incidents, nonconformances, safety events, quality issues, or operational failures by identifying underlying causes, evaluating contributing factors, developing corrective and preventive actions, and monitoring implementation to prevent recurrence and improve organizational performance.
  • In collaboration with Agency Engineering leadership, ensures appropriate resources assigned, scheduling of multiple design activities, and reporting progress and risks.
  • Reviews submittals, requests for information, and field clarifications in support of small project construction. May delegate to in-house engineering staff or consultant resources as appropriate.
  • Develops, maintains, and implements Sound Transit's engineering procedures for small projects in collaboration with agency staff.
  • Ensures processes, policies, and practices are interpreted and applied consistently and effectively.
  • Leads elements of design including management of daily tasks of engineering staff and management of on-call consultant task orders.
  • Collaborates and coordinates with small projects project managers and agency operations leadership to ensure appropriate engineering support.
  • Verifies quality control to ensure compliance and accountability with engineering procedures and criteria.
  • Tracks design progress compared to project schedules and takes appropriate action to address variances.
  • Provides support to the department/division on other matters as directed.
  • Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.
  • Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit’s Equity & Inclusion Policy.
  • It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.
  • It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
  • Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Engineering and a minimum of five years of experience in engineering in a rail or transit-related environment; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Design management experience is preferred. Three years of leadership, budgetary, planning and workforce management experience.

Required Licenses or Certifications:

  • Professional Engineer License or Professional Architect license issued by the State of Washington.
  • Valid state driver's license. Position may require agency vehicles to perform field investigations in locations that are not accessible to public transit.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

  • Advanced understanding of principles and practices of civil engineering.
  • Risk assessment and management.
  • Advanced understanding of Federal, State, and local codes and regulations.
  • Understanding of procurement and contract management principles.
  • Understanding of project management principles.
  • Understanding the principles of root cause analysis.
  • Knowledge of root cause analysis principles, methodologies, and best practices.
  • Skilled in leading and facilitating cross-functional root cause analysis investigations involving technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Advanced understanding of contract plans and specifications development.
  • Advanced understanding of engineering design and calculations.
  • Advanced knowledge of quality controls and procedures during design.
  • Cost estimating.
  • Ability to work independently and demonstrate effective time management skills.
  • Ability to utilize personal computer software programs affecting assigned work and in compiling and preparing spreadsheets and reports.
  • Ability to collaborate with others and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills to effectively and accurately convey complex technical information to others.
  • Preparing, reviewing, interpreting, analyzing, and modifying complex engineering plans, drawings, specifications, contract documents, and engineering reports for conformance to professional standards and approved budgets.
  • Mentoring of junior level engineers to support career growth and development.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

  • Work is performed in a standard hybrid office and field environment.
  • Work is performed in a hybrid environment with an expectation of working in office a minimum of 3 days per week.
  • May occasionally be exposed to dangerous machinery, extreme weather conditions, physical harm, hazardous chemicals, and extreme noise when conducting site visits and working in the field.
  • Position may include weekend and/or night shifts to perform field investigation work. May be subject to bending, climbing, crawling, eye/hand coordination, grasping, hearing, kneeling, standing, talking, seeing, walking, and carrying and lifting up to 25 pounds.
  • Position includes on call to respond to emergencies.
  • The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class.