Sr. Principal Engineer, Acoustic Design

A Career at HARMAN

As a technology leader that is rapidly on the move, HARMAN is filled with people who are focused on making life better. Innovation, inclusivity and teamwork are a part of our DNA. When you add that to the challenges we take on and solve together, you’ll discover that at HARMAN you can grow, make a difference and be proud of the work you do every day.

About the Role

As the Senior Principal Engineer, Acoustic Design, you will be part of a team developing the next generation of audio products. You will be responsible for performing design, optimization, and testing of headphones, microphone arrays, smart speakers, TVs, smartphones, and tablets.  The use of current acoustic simulation software as well as acoustic testing hardware and software will be a large portion of your job activities.

Your Team

You will report directly to the Director, Systems Engineering for Harman Embedded Audio (HEA).

What You Will Do

• As a Principal Acoustic Engineer at Harman, you will be entrusted with a diverse range of responsibilities that are crucial to the development and refinement of our audio technologies.
• Your broad understanding of our real time audio algorithms, acoustic measurement and analysis methods as well as psychoacoustics will allow you to actively engage in the hands-on testing and tuning of audio algorithms, often working within a lab environment to ensure optimal performance.
• You will work closely with engineers, researchers, and program managers to discuss testing methodologies and optimization strategies for new algorithms. Your role will be pivotal in providing early feedback on performance and suggesting improvements to enhance the user experience.
• Additionally, you will work closely with algorithm designers and product managers to develop a comprehensive understanding of the system's functionality. Your insights will be crucial in pinpointing potential enhancements that will shape the desired user experience.
• You are responsible for designing and proposing new and effective test methods, both qualitative and quantitative, to improve test-coverage and to enhance the overall user experience.
• Your expertise and innovative approach will be key in advancing our audio technology and ensuring a superior user experience.

What You Need

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Physics or relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Solid understanding in fundamentals of Applied Acoustics, Digital Signal Processing, Psychoacoustics, Acoustic measurements and analysis.
• 10+ years audio system development experience including audio system tuning, integration and verification, automated audio test development and analysis.
• Experience with scientific programming languages such as MATLAB, Python or similar and acoustic measurement equipment such as GRAS and B&K.
• Working knowledge of Finite Element Method and/or Boundary Element Method simulation tools for mechanics, acoustics and magnetic circuits (eg. COMSOL)
• Demonstrated communication skills and experience working across disciplines to drive optimal solutions and supporting cross functional teams.
• Experience in any of the following areas: Acoustic measurements and measurement systems, audio system analysis, qualitative and quantitative audio analysis.

What is Nice to Have

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Physics or relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Expertise in audio signal processing, acoustic measurements and analysis on wearable devices, psychoacoustics and subjective testing methods, hearing technology.
• Proven track record of contribution in 2 or more of these areas: Tuning and acoustic optimization of audio devices of various shapes and sizes, automated audio test development, psychoacoustic optimization and testing.

What Makes You Eligible

• Be willing to travel up to 10%, domestic and international travel.
• Able to work in an office in Northridge, CA – Hybrid.
• Successfully complete a background investigation and drug screen as a condition of employment.

What We Offer

• Access to employee discounts on world class HARMAN products (JBL, Harman/Kardon, etc.)
• Opportunity to collaborate with talented teams across the world
• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages career development opportunities
• Flexible work schedule with a culture encouraging work-life integration
• On-site opportunities to focus on personal well-being and deve