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Sound Recording Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Absurd Ventures

Principal Sound Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Summary We are looking for a versatile and experienced Principal Sound Designer to join our audio ... engineering and cross-disciplinary teams on large-scale projects. * Strong background in recording ...

Absurd Ventures

Principal Sound Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Summary We are looking for a versatile and experienced Principal Sound Designer to join our audio ... engineering and cross-disciplinary teams on large-scale projects. * Strong background in recording ...

Rothe Development, Inc.

Videographer I

Edwards, CA · On-site

$57K - $65K/yr

... sound recording, composition, and continuity. In this role, you will document flight tests ... engineers, scientists, project managers, and leadership to deliver accurate, engaging, and ...

TYPSA INC

Geotechnical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

Strong analytical and critical thinking skills and a sound technical background in soil and rock ... of project records; responsive to clients and deadline oriented; quality oriented. Working ...

indie

Senior Product Engineer

Aliso Viejo, CA

... using sound methodologies to establish test limits and datasheet specifications. You will ... record releases, and safe launch planning and execution. * Coordinate closely with foundries ...

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All JobsSound Recording Engineer JobsSound Recording Engineer Jobs in California

Sound Recording Engineer information

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$55

$79

How much do sound recording engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for sound recording engineer in California is $55.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.62 and $73.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Sound Recording Engineer?

A Sound Recording Engineer is a professional who operates and manages audio recording equipment to capture, mix, and edit sound for music, film, television, or other media. They work closely with producers, musicians, and other audio professionals to ensure high-quality sound recordings. Their responsibilities often include setting up microphones, adjusting audio levels, using digital audio workstations, and applying effects to enhance the final product. Sound Recording Engineers require strong technical skills and a good ear for detail.

What is the difference between Sound Recording Engineer vs Sound Technician?

AspectSound Recording EngineerSound Technician
CredentialsAudio engineering degree or certificationTechnical training or certification in audio equipment
Work EnvironmentRecording studios, post-production facilitiesLive events, broadcast, or studio setups
Employer & IndustryMusic, film, TV, and commercial productionBroadcast stations, live events, and venues
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on recording and mixingFocuses on setup and operation of audio equipment

While both roles involve working with audio equipment, a Sound Recording Engineer primarily focuses on capturing, mixing, and producing high-quality recordings in studio settings. In contrast, a Sound Technician handles the setup, operation, and maintenance of audio equipment during live events or broadcasts. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the audio industry.

What are some common challenges Sound Recording Engineers face during live recording sessions, and how can they be addressed?

Sound Recording Engineers often encounter challenges such as unpredictable acoustics, equipment malfunctions, and balancing sound levels among multiple performers during live sessions. To address these, engineers typically conduct thorough sound checks, prepare backup equipment, and maintain clear communication with performers and the technical team. Flexibility and problem-solving skills are essential, as quick adjustments may be needed to ensure optimal sound quality throughout the session.

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

To thrive as a Sound Recording Engineer, you need a solid understanding of audio engineering principles, acoustics, and music production, often supported by a degree or certification in audio engineering or a related field. Proficiency with digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Pro Tools or Logic Pro, as well as familiarity with mixing consoles and studio equipment, is essential. Strong attention to detail, creative problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with artists and producers. These skills ensure high-quality audio production, efficient studio sessions, and the ability to meet artistic and technical expectations.
What are popular job titles related to Sound Recording Engineer jobs in California? For Sound Recording Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Sound Recording Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Sound Recording Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Sound Recording Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Sound Recording Engineer job openings:
Sound Recording Engineer jobs near you

Freelance Recording Engineer / Dialogue Editor

Absurd Ventures

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Role Overview
We are seeking a highly experienced Freelance Recording Engineer / Dialogue Editor to support AAA video game and linear content production on an as-needed basis. This is an in-person production role embedded within our Santa Monica facility.
The engineer will record, edit, mix, and deliver high-quality audio across multiple active projects, including AAA video games, animated series, advertising campaigns, and marketing content. This role requires technical excellence, calm professionalism with talent and clients in the room, and the ability to manage large volumes of assets across concurrent productions.
This position operates within a fast-paced, high-expectation creative environment where precision, organization, and delivery discipline are critical.
Key Responsibilities
Dialogue Recording & Editorial
  • Record voice talent to broadcast and AAA game standards
  • Engineer client-attended sessions with producers, directors, and executives present
  • Perform detailed dialogue editing, cleanup, conforming, and file prep to technical specifications
  • Ensure tonal consistency across large narrative projects

Mixing & Finishing
  • Mix linear television, advertising, and marketing content
  • Prepare stems and final deliverables to spec for broadcast, streaming, and digital distribution
  • Maintain technical QC standards and meet technical delivery standards

Game Production Support
  • Edit and prepare dialogue assets for interactive implementation
  • Manage large asset counts with strict naming conventions and version control
  • Collaborate with sound design, implementation, and production teams
  • Deliver clean, organized, implementation-ready files

Motion Capture/Sound Stage Recording
  • Record dialogue and production audio on motion capture stages
  • Manage multi-channel wireless microphone workflows
  • Manage RF signal chains in challenging environments
  • Manage gain stages to the highest standards
  • Provide live mixes to relevant stakeholders as needed
  • Coordinate with stage technicians, capture supervisors, and production teams
  • Ensure sync integrity at all times

Operational Discipline
  • Manage multiple projects simultaneously with shifting priorities
  • Maintain impeccable session organization and documentation
  • Hit delivery deadlines without compromising technical quality
  • Troubleshoot technical issues independently and efficiently

Required Experience & Qualifications
  • Minimum 5 years of professional experience as an audio engineer
  • Extensive experience recording with clients and talent in the room
  • Proven expertise editing dialogue at a high narrative and technical level
  • Strong mixing experience for linear television and advertising
  • Deep familiarity with broadcast and streaming delivery specifications
  • Experience recording on motion capture stages
  • Proficiency with industry-standard wireless microphone systems
  • Advanced Pro Tools proficiency and session management discipline
  • Demonstrated ability to manage large asset libraries and complex session workflows
  • Strong communication skills and calm, client-facing professionalism

Technical Competencies
  • Dialogue cleanup, restoration, and precision editing
  • Loudness standards compliance (broadcast and streaming)
  • Stem printing and versioning workflows
  • Multi-mic wireless coordination and RF management
  • Sync workflows for performance capture environments
  • Asset naming, metadata tagging, and delivery packaging

Personal Attributes
  • Meticulous and detail-oriented
  • Composed under pressure
  • Efficient without sacrificing craft
  • Organized across multiple concurrent productions
  • Collaborative and production-minded

Work Environment
  • On-site only in Santa Monica, CA
  • Embedded within a AAA production pipeline
  • Client-attended sessions are frequent
  • High confidentiality environment

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