Audio Systems Engineer

Sesame • San Francisco, CA

1d • $175,000 - $280,000

About The Position

Sesame is developing smart wearable devices with compact audio capabilities as part of its vision for lifelike computers and voice agents. The Audio Systems Engineer will define, tune, evaluate, and ship high-quality speech reproduction systems and spatialized audio capture solutions. Depending on experience, the engineer will own aspects of delivering consumer electronics with leading audio performance independently or with support from the Audio Lead. The role involves translating product requirements into audio system and transducer requirements; designing, analyzing, and refining real-time capture and rendering systems; researching technologies for system integration; and contributing to audio architecture, algorithms, and tools. The engineer will also assess third-party technologies and industry developments, evaluate DSP and machine-learning trade-offs for embedded platforms, collaborate across functions, and provide factory testing and build support throughout product development.

Requirements

• At least 4 years of experience in audio hardware development, including at least one shipped consumer electronics product.
• Experience designing, tuning, and testing microphone arrays and real-time audio capture.
• A track record developing audio solutions involving acoustics, transducers, digital interfaces, audio ICs, and DSPs.
• Hands-on experience with audio testing systems such as SoundCheck, Audio Precision, or HATS testing.
• Background in DSP techniques such as FIR/IIR filter design, beamforming, and echo cancellation.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, cross-functional setting.
• Experience with acoustic simulation software such as COMSOL.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Acoustics, or a similar field.

Nice To Haves

• At least 8 years of experience in audio hardware development.
• Proficiency in a high-level programming language such as MATLAB or Python.
• Familiarity with human perception of sound.
• Experience with psychoacoustic metrics and evaluation of speech quality and intelligibility.
• Familiarity with audio rendering techniques and speaker technologies.
• Experience in acoustics and consumer audio EE architecture.
• Familiarity with audio algorithm development, machine-learning techniques, and/or neural-network implementations.
• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Acoustics, or a related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Own aspects of shipping consumer electronic products with market-leading audio performance, independently or with support from the Audio Lead depending on experience.
• Translate product-level requirements into audio system and transducer requirements.
• Design, analyze, and refine real-time audio capture and rendering systems.
• Research and implement technologies to optimize audio system integration.
• Explore new technologies and establish benchmarks for user experiences.
• Collaborate on system architecture, including algorithms and tools, and oversee implementation.
• Evaluate third-party audio technologies and monitor industry developments.
• Assess trade-offs among DSP and machine-learning approaches and platforms for embedded solutions.
• Work with cross-functional teams to develop audio solutions.
• Provide factory testing and build support throughout the product development cycle.

Benefits

• 401(k) with a maximum employer match of 3.5% of compensation.
• 100% employer-paid health, vision, and dental benefits for the employee and dependents.
• Unlimited PTO and sick time.
• Flexible spending account with employer matching up to $1,650 per year for medical FSA.
• Guardian Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Competitive stock options providing an opportunity to share in the company's success.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level