Project Engineer - Audio Systems in Bicester

At Tata Technologies we make product development dreams a reality by designing, engineering and validating the products of tomorrow for the world’s leading manufacturers. Due to our continued growth we are now recruiting for a Project Engineer – Audio Systems to be based at our customer’s site in Bicester. Our Embedded Systems Solutions department (ESS) encompasses all activities outlined under the Automotive SPICE (ASPICE) process framework, including systems engineering, software engineering, coding, and all levels of functional testing. Beyond core development, ESS also integrates critical supporting processes such as project management, risk assessment, functional safety, and cybersecurity, ensuring compliance with ASPICE standards and delivering reliable, secure, and high-quality embedded systems & solutions.

The Role:

We are seeking a Project Engineer to own the vehicle-level audio system architecture, performance, and validation for automotive platforms. This role is responsible for defining and delivering premium in-vehicle audio experiences across vehicle lines, working closely with infotainment, electrical, acoustics, mechanical, manufacturing, and quality teams, as well as leading Tier-1 supplier technical execution. The position includes strong ownership of DFMEA and DVP&R activities, ensuring audio system performance, robustness, and production readiness.

Area of Responsibility:

• System Ownership & Architecture
  • Own the vehicle audio system architecture across multiple vehicle platforms and programs.
  • Define system requirements and performance targets for head units, amplifiers, speakers, microphones, and audio networks.
  • Develop audio system concepts considering vehicle class, brand sound signature, cost, packaging, and manufacturing constraints.
  • Define interfaces between head unit, external amplifiers, speakers, microphones, antennas (where applicable), and vehicle networks.
• Vehicle Integration & Sound Performance
  • Lead vehicle-level integration of audio components including speaker placement, amplifier location, wiring, and grounding.
  • Define and tune vehicle sound performance, including frequency response, loudness, distortion, imaging, and sound stage.
  • Work closely with DSP, infotainment software, and tuning teams to deliver target audio performance.
  • Address vehicle-level issues such as buzz, squeak & rattle (BSR), noise coupling, ground loops, and thermal effects.
• DFMEA, DVP & Validation
  • Lead DFMEA for audio systems and components; identify risks related to sound performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
  • Own and approve DVP&R / DVP plans for audio systems at component, subsystem, and vehicle levels.
  • Review and approve validation results including acoustic, electrical, environmental, and durability testing.
  • Support DV/PV, vehicle sign-off, and production readiness reviews.
• Supplier & Program Management
  • Act as the technical interface to Tier-1 audio suppliers (speakers, amplifiers, microphones, head units).
  • Review and approve supplier designs, DFMEAs, DVP results, tuning proposals, and engineering changes.
  • Support sourcing decisions, technical benchmarking, and supplier nomination.
  • Drive technical issue resolution and continuous improvement with suppliers.
• Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Collaborate with infotainment, electrical, mechanical, acoustics, NVH, manufacturing, quality, and brand teams.
  • Participate in system design reviews, vehicle milestones, and program gateways.
  • Define and maintain OEM audio standards, sound quality targets, and best practices.
  • Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership within the audio domain.

Knowledge / Experience:

• Strong experience in automotive audio systems including speakers, amplifiers, microphones, and head units.
• Proven experience with vehicle-level audio system integration and tuning within an OEM environment.
• Solid understanding of audio engineering fundamentals: acoustics, psychoacoustics, DSP basics, and system tuning.
• Demonstrated ownership of DFMEA and DVP&R in an automotive development lifecycle.
• Experience with audio measurement tools and techniques (e.g., microphones, analyzers, vehicle acoustic measurements).
• Ability to analyze and interpret sound quality and objective measurement data.
• Experience working with and technically leading Tier-1 suppliers.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with premium or branded audio systems (e.g., multi-channel, surround, immersive audio).
• Knowledge of DSP tuning tools, equalization, time alignment, and dynamic processing.
• Familiarity with vehicle NVH, BSR, and acoustic material interactions.
• Experience with voice, hands-free, ANC, or road noise cancellation systems.
• Understanding of automotive development processes (APQP, DV/PV, PPAP, change management).
• Experience supporting global vehicle programs and multiple regional sound regulations.
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical engineering, Audio Engineering, Acoustics, or a related field.

In return for bringing your expertise to our business we offer a competitive salary along with excellent benefits including:

• Pension Scheme – We match employee contribution up to 5% of salary.
• 25 Days’ Holiday.
• Private Health Care.
• Tata Jaguar Land Rover Privilege Scheme - up to 20% off new JLR vehicles.
• Group Income Protection.
• Health Assured – Employee Assistance Program.
• Group Life Assurance.
• Health Shield – Private Health Cash Plan.

If you are passionate about bringing innovation to the projects you work on and want to join a global company, then this is the place for you. Tata Technologies: Engineering a better world.

Tata Technologies would like to thank all applicants for their interest, each application will be reviewed against the set criteria for the role. We would like to advise that only candidates under consideration will be contacted. If you do not hear from us within 10 working days following the closing date it will mean that unfortunately your application has not been successful. We will however retain your details for any suitable future opportunities.