Job Title: Audio Engineer - Acoustic Lab Specialist
Location: Onsite near Cambridge, UK (Bourn Quarter Development, near Cambourne, West Cambridge)
Duration: 12-month contract (extension possible)
About the Role
Join world-class Research Audio team, a group pioneering the future of virtual and augmented reality. Work in a state-of-the-art acoustic lab featuring anechoic chambers and configurable acoustic spaces. As an Audio Engineer II, your work collecting, processing, and managing high-quality multimedia audio and video data will directly support cutting-edge projects like smart glasses and AR devices.
Key Responsibilities
* Set up, calibrate, and maintain advanced multimedia recording equipment, including microphones, audio interfaces, DAWs, and speakers in specialized acoustic chambers.
* Collect high-quality audio and video data in bespoke lab environments, ensuring precision and reliability critical for research use.
* Process and manage multimedia data using scripting (Python preferred) and command line tools, ensuring data integrity and consistency.
* Collaborate closely with research, audio, and systems engineering teams, as well as internal and external volunteers during data collection sessions.
* Troubleshoot technical issues related to recording equipment and acoustic environments to maintain optimal lab function.
* Contribute to lab maintenance and continuous improvement initiatives supporting experimental setups and data quality.
Required Skills & Experience
* Proven hands-on experience (2-4 years) working with multimedia audio equipment and recording setups, ideally in a sound engineering, AV technician, or acoustic lab environment.
* Strong technical skills for configuring and calibrating acoustic rooms/spaces (e.g., anechoic chambers).
* Experience with DAWs, audio interfaces, microphones, and speakers.
* Meticulous attention to detail to maintain the highest standards in data collection and equipment handling.
* Proficiency in scripting languages such as Python and comfort with command line tools; familiarity with Linux is a plus.
* Experience with data management tools like Excel and databases (MySQL) is desirable.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for effective teamwork and collaboration with volunteers.
* Degree in a numerical, natural science, audio-related field, or equivalent professional experience.
Contract & Working Conditions
* Full-time onsite role at the Cambridge UK lab facility due to the specialized nature of equipment and acoustic environments. Remote working is not available.
* 12-month contract with potential for extension, no opportunity for conversion to full-time employment (FTE).
* No handling of financial accounts or cash required.
* No business travel expected.
Why This Role Is Exciting
Work alongside one of the world's leading acoustic teams solving some of the hardest problems in audio for AR and VR technology. Be part of pioneering next-generation smart glasses and immersive reality experiences, contributing to technologies that will redefine human hearing and virtual sound perception.