Principal Audio Engineer in Cambridge

Principal Audio Engineer in Cambridge

Cambridge Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Sepura

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the development of advanced audio processing technologies for handheld mobile radios.
  • Company: Join Sepura Ltd, an innovative tech company in Waterbeach, Cambridge.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a dynamic work environment.
  • Other info: Collaborative Agile environment with opportunities for innovation and mentorship.
  • Why this job: Shape lifesaving communication tools with cutting-edge audio technology.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in audio software development and strong DSP knowledge required.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

We are seeking a Principal Audio Software Engineer to join our team, leading the development of advanced audio processing technologies for our next generation of handheld mobile radio products. This role is critical to ensuring exceptional voice intelligibility, robustness, and reliability in the demanding environments faced by critical communications users.

Working collaboratively with embedded software, hardware, systems engineering, and other audio specialists, the successful candidate will be responsible for architecting, developing, and optimising real-time audio algorithms and software. This includes driving innovations in noise reduction, echo cancellation, beamforming, audio enhancement, and other DSP technologies essential for delivering best-in-class communication performance.

You will play a pivotal role in shaping lifesaving and mission-critical communication tools, where audio clarity and system reliability are paramount. We offer a challenging yet rewarding environment where your software and audio expertise will directly influence the performance and dependability of essential products.

Key Responsibilities
  • Audio Software Design & Development: Architect, design and implement real-time audio processing algorithms and DSP pipelines. Develop technologies such as noise reduction, acoustic echo cancellation (AEC), beamforming, voice activity detection, advanced audio enhancement, and custom codecs. Ensure software solutions meet stringent performance, latency, stability, and reliability requirements for mission-critical communications.
  • Technical Leadership: Serve as the technical authority for audio software, guiding design decisions and setting engineering standards. Lead technical reviews, mentor junior engineers, and support cross-functional engineering teams. Drive architectural evolution of audio subsystems and long-term technology roadmaps.
  • Collaboration & Integration: Work closely with embedded software, hardware, systems engineering and acoustics teams to ensure seamless integration of audio technologies. Support product development from concept through to delivery, including prototyping, testing, tuning, and verification. Collaborate with product management to define requirements and translate them into robust technical solutions.
  • Quality, Testing & Optimisation: Conduct performance analysis, debugging, and optimisation of audio software across multiple platforms. Develop automated test frameworks and audio validation tools where appropriate. Ensure compliance with relevant communication, safety, and industry standards.
  • Research & Innovation: Stay informed of emerging audio technologies, DSP methods, and industry trends. Explore new algorithmic approaches and evaluate third-party solutions when suitable. Contribute to patents, white papers, and internal technical knowledge bases.

Our customer base includes many different industries and markets around the world. Our complete TETRA and LTE solutions have been developed specifically for users in multiple sectors to face their critical communications challenges. There is no such thing as a typical day here at Sepura. You will be supported by your manager and team, as well as collaborating with other departments across the business. The Audio Team at Sepura follows an Agile development process centred around the heartbeat of Scrum ceremonies. During each sprint you could be taking on several tasks related to several of the responsibilities listed above. 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, Computer Science, Audio Engineering, DSP, or a related field. Experience: 5+ years of professional experience developing real-time audio software, DSP algorithms, or embedded audio systems. Technical Proficiency: Deep knowledge of DSP algorithms (AEC, NR, AGC, beamforming, VAD, filtering). Strong coding skills in C/C++ for real-time embedded systems. Experience optimising for low-latency and resource-constrained platforms. Familiarity with audio frameworks, DSP libraries, or fixed-point environments. Strong analytical, problem-solving and debugging skills. Ability to lead complex technical projects end-to-end.
  • Preferred (Nice-to-Have): Experience in mission-critical or safety-critical communication systems. Knowledge of TETRA, DMR, LTE/MCX or similar communication standards. Experience with MATLAB or Python for algorithm development and validation. Understanding of beamforming, microphone arrays, or acoustic system behaviour. Experience with ARM platforms, RTOS environments, or multi-core optimisation. Exposure to ML-based audio processing techniques.

Principal Audio Engineer in Cambridge employer: Sepura

At Sepura, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of mission-critical communications. Our dynamic work culture encourages professional growth through continuous learning opportunities and international exposure, making it an ideal environment for ambitious individuals looking to make a significant impact. With a commitment to employee well-being and a focus on developing cutting-edge technology, Sepura offers a rewarding career path for those passionate about shaping the future of TETRA devices and accessories.

Sepura

Contact Details:

Sepura Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Audio Engineer in Cambridge

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the audio engineering field, especially those who work with DSP technologies. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about sliding into DMs on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best audio software projects, especially those involving real-time processing and DSP algorithms. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table, making you stand out from the crowd.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience with noise reduction, echo cancellation, and other relevant technologies. Practise explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as communication is key in this role!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our innovative team at Sepura. Let’s make some audio magic together!

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Audio Engineer in Cambridge

Audio Software Design & Development
Real-time Audio Processing Algorithms
Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
Noise Reduction (NR)
Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC)
Beamforming
Voice Activity Detection (VAD)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience with real-time audio software and DSP algorithms. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your relevant projects!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about audio engineering and how you can contribute to our team at Sepura. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality!

Showcase Your Technical Skills:Be specific about your technical expertise in C/C++ and any DSP technologies you've worked with. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so highlight those skills that make you a perfect fit for this role.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Sepura

Know Your DSP Algorithms

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of DSP algorithms like AEC, NR, and beamforming. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these in past projects and the challenges you faced. This will show your technical depth and relevance to the role.

Showcase Your Coding Skills

Prepare to demonstrate your coding skills in C/C++. You might be asked to solve a problem on the spot or discuss your approach to optimising audio software for low-latency environments. Practising coding challenges related to real-time systems can give you an edge.

Collaborative Mindset

Since this role involves working closely with various teams, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight your experience in Agile environments and how you’ve contributed to cross-functional projects.

Stay Updated on Trends

Research the latest trends in audio technology and DSP methods. Being able to discuss emerging technologies or innovative approaches during your interview will demonstrate your passion for the field and your commitment to continuous learning.