Lead Validation Engineer - Audio

Job Requirements We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Audio Validation Engineering Lead to drive the testing, characterization, and validation of our next-generation wearable audio products. In this role, you will own the end-to-end audio validation strategy for devices such as true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds, smartwatches, and augmented reality (AR) glasses. You will lead a team of validation engineers, define test methodologies, and work closely with cross-functional teams including acoustic design, digital signal processing (DSP), firmware, and product management to ensure our devices deliver exceptional, industry-leading audio quality . As the Audio Validation Engineering Lead, you will be responsible for defining performance targets, developing automated test frameworks, and managing state-of-the-art audio laboratory environments. Your expertise will be critical in validating complex audio features such as Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC), beamforming microphone arrays, and spatial audio rendering Work Experience Key Responsibilities- Strategic Leadership: Define and execute the comprehensive audio hardware validation strategy for all wearable product lines from prototype (EVT/DVT) through mass production (PVT/MP). Team Management: Mentor, grow, and lead a team of audio test and validation engineers. Manage resource allocation, laboratory schedules, and project timelines to meet aggressive product launch milestones. Test Methodology Development: Design and implement rigorous test plans and procedures for characterizing loudspeakers, microphones, and complete acoustic systems. Ensure compliance with international audio standards (e.g., IEC 60268, EN 50332, ITU-T). Advanced Feature Validation: Lead the objective and subjective evaluation of advanced audio algorithms, including feedforward/feedback ANC, transparency modes, voice call quality (AEC/noise suppression), and wind noise reduction. Automation & Tooling: Drive the development of scalable, automated audio test frameworks using Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW to streamline regression testing and continuous integration (CI) pipelines. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as the primary technical representative for audio validation in leadership reviews. Partner with acoustic, mechanical, and electrical engineers to root-cause hardware failures, mitigate acoustic artifacts (e.g., rub and buzz), and optimize acoustic seals. Factory Support: Support contract manufacturers (CMs) during early builds. Transfer validation test limits and methodologies to factory production lines to ensure consistent manufacturing quality. Required Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Acoustics, Physics, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field. Experience: 6-9 years of hands-on experience in audio hardware testing, acoustic measurement, or audio systems engineering, with at least 2+ years in a technical leadership or management role. Domain Expertise: Deep understanding of electroacoustics, transducer design principles (microphones and micro-speakers), and audio signal processing fundamentals. Proven track record of shipping high-volume consumer audio electronics, specifically wearable or hearable devices. Laboratory Proficiency: Extensive hands-on experience setting up and operating acoustic test environments, including anechoic chambers, isolation booths, and specialized audio measurement equipment. Automation Skills: Strong programming and scripting skills (Python, MATLAB, C++) for automating test equipment and analyzing large datasets. Analytical Skills: Exceptional problem-solving abilities with a data-driven approach to root-cause analysis and statistical process control. Tools and Test Environment Expertise The ideal candidate must possess deep practical knowledge of the following industry-standard tools and laboratory environments: Required Tools & Equipment Audio Analyzers -Audio Precision (APx500 series), Listen Inc. SoundCheck, Klippel R&D System, HEAD acoustics ACQUA. Acoustic Simulators-Head and Torso Simulators (HATS) such as GRAS KEMAR or Brüel & Kjær (B&K) Type 4128, including IEC 711 ear simulators and artificial mouths. Test Environments - Anechoic and hemi-anechoic chambers, ETSI-compliant background noise simulation rooms (e.g., HEAD acoustics 3PASS). Software & Automation-Python (PyAudio, SciPy, NumPy), MATLAB, LabVIEW for test automation and data visualization. Simulation (Preferred)-Familiarity with COMSOL Multiphysics or similar acoustic/mechanical simulation software.