Acoustic Development Engineer

Do you want to work for some of the world’s leading audio brands? Become a part of the HARMAN team and get to work for our Sound United Business Unit.

By joining HARMAN, you'll dive headfirst into the exciting world of headphones, portable speakers, party boxes and other audio technologies, and contribute to the success of Harman Lifestyle EMEA business. The consumer audio industry is fast paced, fun and dynamic and we’re looking for someone who is proactive, loves to work with a lot of different stakeholders from all over the globe and has creative ideas.

You will join our Sound United Business Unit with iconic brands like Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, Polk Audio, Definitive Technology, Classé, and Boston Acoustics, based in Southwater, UK in the position of:

Acoustic Development Engineer

A Career at HARMAN Lifestyle:

We’re a global, multi-disciplinary team that’s putting the innovative power of technology to work and transforming tomorrow. As a member of HARMAN Lifestyle, you connect consumers with the power of superior sound.

- Contribute your talents to high-end, esteemed brands like JBL, Harman Kardon, Mark Levinson and Revel.
- Unite your passion for audio innovation with high-tech product development.
- Create pitch-perfect, cutting-edge technology that elevates the listening experience.

What You’ll Be Part Of:

At Sound United, we’re passionate about bringing joy to the world through sound. As one of the largest audio portfolio companies globally, we’re home to iconic brands like Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, Polk Audio, Definitive Technology, Classé, and Boston Acoustics. Each brand carries its own legacy, and together, we’re shaping the future of home entertainment.

Bowers & Wilkins are seeking an Acoustic Development Engineer responsible for the development of in-house passive loudspeakers and supporting brand partnership audio products, delivering products which satisfy performance, cost, quality and schedule requirements. The role applies advanced acoustic engineering expertise across the full product design lifecycle, from concept and exploration through prototyping, development, evaluation and introduction into manufacturing.

The Acoustic Development Engineer independently leads elements of complex R&D projects, solving technical challenges and collaborating with research, mechanical, transducer, electronics, quality and external engineering teams to achieve agreed product and business objectives.

How You’ll Make An Impact:

- Own the delivery of acoustic performance, crossover design and tuning of passive loudspeaker and custom install audio products throughout the development lifecycle.
- Define acoustic targets and develop solutions which meet product requirements, delivering on time, within budget and to required quality.
- Evaluate and develop prototypes to achieve acoustic performance targets.
- Analyse, troubleshoot and resolve acoustic performance issues using objective measurements and subjective listening, alongside engineering judgement.
- Collaborate with mechanical, transducer, electronics, manufacturing and quality teams to deliver balanced engineering solutions.
- Identify technical risks and recommend effective mitigation strategies.
- Produce clear technical documentation and communicate findings, decisions and recommendations to project stakeholders.
- Support research into new audio technologies and manufacturing approaches, assessing their performance and suitability.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of acoustic development methods and best practices.
- Provide technical guidance and mentoring to less experienced engineers.

What Makes You A Strong Fit:

- Advanced knowledge of acoustics, loudspeaker systems and transducer technologies.
- Experience developing and tuning loudspeaker products throughout the product development lifecycle.
- Excellent critical listening skills, with experience evaluating and tuning loudspeakers using both subjective and objective techniques.
- Practical hands-on engineering skills, including prototype assembly, crossover modification, soldering and loudspeaker build activities.
- Ability to analyse complex technical problems and develop effective engineering solutions.
- Experience of working collaboratively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate technical information clearly.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver work independently.
- Experience providing technical guidance and support to less experienced engineers.
- A proactive approach to learning, continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.

What Makes You Eligible:

- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Acoustics, Audio Engineering or a related discipline.
- Experience working with typical test software such as Audio Precision and Klippel systems.
- Experience doing basic simulations in software such as COMSOL.
- A passion for high-quality audio reproduction and critical listening.

Things To Know:

- You are able to work on site in Southwater, UK as required, carrying out practical work in acoustic laboratories and collaborating with Southwater-based colleagues.
- You are fluent in English, with the ability to communicate technical information clearly in written and verbal form.
- You are willing to collaborate with global colleagues, suppliers and partners, including occasional flexibility to support meetings across different time zones.
- You are able to work safely in laboratory and engineering environments, in line with established health and safety requirements.
- You are able to travel to HARMAN and customer/partner sites globally as required to support development projects and audio tuning.

What You Can Expect:

- Flexible work environment, allowing for full-time remote work globally for positions that can be performed outside a HARMAN or customer location.
- Access to employee discounts on world-class products (JBL, HARMAN Kardon, AKG, Bowers & Wilkins and more).
- Extensive training opportunities through our own HARMAN University.
- Competitive wellness benefits.
- “Be Brilliant” employee recognition and rewards program.
- An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development.

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About HARMAN: Where Innovation Unleashes Next-Level Technology Ever since the 1920s, we’ve been amplifying the sense of sound. Today, that legacy endures, with integrated technology platforms that make the world smarter, safer, and more connected.
Across automotive, lifestyle, and digital transformation solutions, we create innovative technologies that turn ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences. Our renowned automotive and lifestyle solutions can be found everywhere, from the music we play in our cars and homes to venues that feature today’s most sought-after performers, while our digital transformation solutions serve humanity by addressing the world’s ever-evolving needs and demands. Marketing our award-winning portfolio under 16 iconic brands, such as JBL, Mark Levinson, and Revel, we set ourselves apart by exceeding the highest engineering and design standards for our customers, our partners and each other.
If you’re ready to innovate and do work that makes a lasting impact, join our talent community today! (https://harmanglobal.avature.net/talentcommunity)

Important Notice: Recruitment Scams
Please be aware that HARMAN recruiters will always communicate with you from an '@harman.com', ‘@careers.harman.com’ or ‘@harmanglobal.avature.net’ email address. We will never ask for payments, banking, credit card, personal financial information or access to your LinkedIn/email account during the screening, interview, or recruitment process. If you are asked for such information or receive communication from an email address not ending in one of the above email domains about a job with HARMAN, please cease communication immediately and report the incident to us through: [email protected]. (mailto:[email protected])
You Belong Here HARMAN is committed to making every employee feel welcomed, valued, and empowered. No matter what role you play, we encourage you to share your ideas, voice your distinct perspective, and bring your whole self with you – all within a support-minded culture that celebrates what makes each of us unique. We also recognize that learning is a lifelong pursuit and want you to flourish. We proudly offer added opportunities for training, development, and continuing education, further empowering you to live the career you want.
HARMAN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. HARMAN strives to hire the best qualified candidates and is committed to building a workforce representative of the diverse marketplaces and communities of our global colleagues and customers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. HARMAN attracts, hires, and develops employees based on merit, qualifications and job-related performance.(www.harman.com (https://www.harman.com))
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