Aquent
Research Engineer
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Job Title: Acoustic Research Engineer
Client Location: Cambridge - onsite
Starting: ASAP
Pay Comments: PAYE
Minimum Pay (per hour): 36.06
Maximum Pay (per hour): 40.38
Hours: 40-hour week
Duration: 12 months
Job Description:
Our client is seeking an experienced Acoustic Research Engineer to join a research team working towards two transformative goals:
- Creating virtual sounds that are indistinguishable from reality
- Redefining human hearing to enhance communication in challenging environments
This is a highly hands-on role focused on acoustic measurement, audio data collection, signal processing, auditory perception experiments, and the development of research tools and methodologies. The successful candidate will work in a world-class audio laboratory featuring anechoic chambers, one of the world's largest configurable acoustic spaces, and a range of specialized testing environments.
This role is ideal for someone with a strong background in acoustics who enjoys combining experimental research with software development. You'll be comfortable designing measurement systems, improving data collection processes, working with specialized laboratory equipment, and solving challenging problems that have no predefined solution. Strong scripting, system design, and scientific programming skills are just as important as your acoustics expertise.
The role centers around designing and improving data collection systems, solving complex acoustics challenges, and developing software tools to support innovative audio research.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, conduct, and optimize audio and acoustic experiments in controlled laboratory environments.
- Plan and develop acoustic measurement methodologies and data collection protocols.
- Perform acoustic measurements using complex capture systems, microphones, loudspeakers, prototype devices, and human participants.
- Design and configure acoustic environments to support a variety of research scenarios.
- Develop systems, user interfaces, and workflows for acoustic and behavioral data acquisition and processing using Python, MATLAB, and MaxMSP.
- Process, analyze, and interpret large volumes of acoustic and audio data.
- Collaborate with cross-functional researchers and engineers to integrate data acquisition and signal processing algorithms into research platforms.
- Improve and automate large-scale data collection processes, including the evaluation and integration of new laboratory equipment.
- Apply scientific programming skills to develop tools supporting acoustic research and experimentation.
- Solve novel acoustics problems by designing practical experimental approaches and technical solutions.
- Produce high-quality technical documentation, reports, and research summaries.
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Essential Skills & Experience
- Master's degree in Acoustics, Audio Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related technical discipline, with 3+ years' industry experience in audio technology development (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
- Proven experience designing and conducting audio and acoustic experiments in controlled laboratory environments.
- Strong knowledge of acoustics, including room acoustics, measurement techniques, and acoustic instrumentation.
- Hands-on experience with audio signal processing and acoustic data analysis.
- Experience planning and executing audio data collection, including experimental set-ups involving microphones, loudspeakers, wearable devices, and prototype hardware.
- Strong scientific programming skills using Python and/or MATLAB (experience with MaxMSP is advantageous).
- Experience developing software tools, scripts, and system architectures to support research and data acquisition.
- Ability to work independently on open-ended technical challenges and develop innovative experimental solutions.
- Excellent technical writing and documentation skills.
Top 3 Non-Negotiable Requirements
- Master's degree in a relevant technical discipline with 3+ years' experience in audio technology development (or equivalent).
- Proven experience designing and conducting audio/acoustic experiments in controlled laboratory environments.
- Strong practical experience in acoustics, audio signal processing, and scientific programming (Python and/or MATLAB).
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Preferred Skills
- Experience with real-time audio development in C/C++.
- Expertise in one or more of the following:
- Psychoacoustics
- Auditory perception
- Spatial audio
- Room acoustics
- Physical acoustics
- Experience using PyTorch or other machine learning frameworks.
- Experience working with prototype hardware devices.
- Experience with motion tracking systems.
- Experience designing and commissioning acoustic laboratory spaces.
- Experience with large-scale automated data collection and analysis.
- Experience working within multidisciplinary research teams.
- Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality technical reports, publications, or research papers.
This role is open for a limited time. Next steps will be shared with shortlisted candidates ASAP. Due to the high volume of applicants, we may be unable to reply to each applicant individually. Thank you for taking the time to apply.
Client Description:
Our Client is the largest social media company in the world. They have substantial B2B and B2C advertising and media platforms, as well as a nonprofit initiative. With the mission of bringing people together, they now boast over 2 billion users, and are rapidly developing as they influence the world around us.
Aquent is dedicated to improving inclusivity & is proudly an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications from under-represented groups & are committed to providing support to applicants with disabilities. We aim to provide reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, to those with a medical condition, disability, or neurodivergence.
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