Principal Acoustic Engineer – Sepura
Cambridge, England, United Kingdom
Focusing on developing cutting‑edge handheld mobile radio products, this role is critical for ensuring best‑in‑class audio clarity, loudness, and performance in challenging, noisy environments—essential for critical communications.
Working alongside the hardware, software, and mechanical domains and other members of the acoustics team, you will deliver development, integration, and maintenance of the existing and next‑generation audio.
You will be instrumental in creating lifesaving and mission‑critical communication tools, where voice intelligibility and reliability are paramount. We offer a challenging yet rewarding environment in which your acoustic expertise directly influences product performance.
Come and join Sepura Ltd at an exciting time of growth, and progress your career within this innovative technology company based in Waterbeach, Cambridge.
Key Responsibilities
* Design, model, and validate the complete acoustic path for new handheld radio products, including speaker enclosures, microphone placement, vents, and seals, to meet aggressive audio performance targets (e.g., loudness, clarity, intelligibility).
* Implement, tune, and optimise digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms such as noise suppression, echo cancellation (AEC), automatic gain control (AGC), equalisation (EQ), and compression, specific to the two‑way radio environment.
* Conduct comprehensive acoustic and audio performance testing in an anechoic chamber, head and torso simulator (HATS), and real‑world noisy scenarios, utilising industry‑standard measurement equipment and software.
* Work closely with electrical, mechanical, software, and industrial design teams to integrate acoustic components seamlessly into robust and compact product enclosures.
* Collaborate with transducer (speaker and microphone) suppliers to select optimal components and ensure performance and quality requirements are met.
* Ensure product audio performance meets relevant industry and regulatory standards.
* Analyse and resolve complex acoustic and audio quality issues throughout the product lifecycle, from prototype to mass production.
Day to Day
Our customer base includes many different industries worldwide. The Audio Team at Sepura follows an Agile development process centred around Scrum ceremonies; during each sprint you may take on several tasks related to the above responsibilities.
This role will require security clearance.
What You Need To Succeed
Required Skills and Experience
* Education: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical engineering, acoustics, audio engineering, or a related field.
* Experience: 5+ years of professional experience in audio product development, with a strong focus on micro‑acoustics and portable/handheld devices (e.g., mobile phones, headsets, radios).
* Technical Proficiency:
o Deep understanding of electro‑acoustic transducers (microphones and loudspeakers).
o Proven experience with acoustic simulation software (e.g., COMSOL, finite element analysis).
o Hands‑on experience with audio measurement hardware (e.g., Audio Precision, sound level meters, HATS) and software tools.
o Proficiency in at least one relevant programming/scripting language (e.g., MATLAB, Python) for data analysis and prototyping.
* Domain Knowledge: Familiarity with the unique audio challenges and requirements of two‑way radio communication is a significant asset.
Preferred (Nice‑to‑Have)
* Experience in tuning and porting DSP algorithms to embedded platforms.
* Knowledge of RF/EMI shielding best practices concerning audio circuits.
* Experience with objective and subjective listening tests.
* Familiarity with various wireless communication protocols (e.g., DMR, P25, LTE).
Seniority level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Telecommunications
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