Acoustic Research Engineer

Our client is looking for an Acoustic Research Engineer to join their team based at Bourn Quarter Development (near Cambourne, west Cambridge, UK).

Duration - 12 months

Location - 5 days onsite

Summary: Reality Labs at Meta brings together a world-class team of researchers, developers, and engineers to create the future of virtual and augmented reality. In particular, the Reality Labs Research Audio team is focused on two goals; creating virtual sounds that are perceptually indistinguishable from reality, and redefining human hearing. These initiatives will allow us to connect people by allowing them to feel together despite being physically apart, and allow them to converse in even the most difficult listening environments.

We are looking for a contract Acoustic Research Engineer to conduct acoustic measurements, acoustic data processing, auditory perception experiments, and develop relevant methods and tools leveraging scientific coding skills and expertise in audio signal processing, audio hardware systems, and acoustics. Most work will be based in our amazing new audio lab featuring anechoic chambers, one of the world’s largest configurable acoustic rooms, and many other types of space.

Responsibilities:

• Develop systems, user interfaces, and protocols for acoustic and behavioral data acquisition and processing using Python, MATLAB, and MaxMSP.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary researchers to integrate data acquisition and processing algorithms into platforms.
• Perform acoustic data collection involving complex capture systems, prototype devices, and human subjects in controlled laboratory environments.
• Write technical reports describing research results and methodologies.

Requirements:

• Master’s degree in a relevant technical field with 3+ years of industry experience in audio technology development, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3+ years experience in designing and performing audio acoustic experiments in controlled laboratory settings.
• 3+ years of programming experience in Python, MATLAB, or MaxMSP for audio applications.
• Strong understanding and experience in acoustics and audio signal processing.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise in real-time audio coding in C/C++.
• Expertise in psychoacoustics, auditory perception, spatial audio, room acoustics, and physical acoustics.
• Experience using PyTorch or other machine learning frameworks.
• Experience with prototype hardware devices.
• Experience with motion tracking systems.
• Experience with large-scale automated data collection and analysis.
• Experience designing and setting up acoustic laboratory spaces.
• Experience working in cross-functional, inter-disciplinary environments.
• Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality technical reports and/or publications.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary.
• Healthcare contribution and inclusion in company pension scheme.
• Work laptop and phone.
• 25 days annual leave (pro-rata) plus paid bank holidays.
• Expanding workforce with potential for career progression for top performers.