Role SummaryWe are looking for a contingent Audio Render Tuning Engineer to support Meta's research AR glasses audio program. This role focuses on render-path DSP tuning of the speaker system using Meta's internally-developed embedded audio processing framework and tuning tools. The successful candidate will be hands-on in the lab, working closely with the Research Audio team to deliver a tuned, shipping-quality speaker experience.Key ResponsibilitiesRender DSP Tuning: Perform speaker render-path tuning for research AR glasses using the company's internally-developed embedded audio DSP framework and associated MATLAB-based tuning toolsTuning Components: Design and apply equalization filters, tune dynamic range compression and limiter parameters to optimize loudness, dynamics, sound quality, and distortion across use cases (media, voice, speech) while preserving speaker integritySpeaker Characterization & Baseline Measurement: Measure devices to establish baseline performance, collect frequency response, distortion (THD), and impedance data in anechoic or controlled acoustic environmentsTuning Profile Management: Generate, compile, and validate tuning profiles via Meta's internal tuning toolchain for deployment to device firmwareCollaboration with Cross-Functional Teams: Work with hardware, firmware, algorithms, and research teams to align tuning with system-level requirementsDocumentation: Maintain tuning documentation, test reports, and configuration records for each tuning iteration and release candidateTool Onboarding: Ramp up on Meta's internal audio DSP ecosystem including graphical pipeline editors, render tuning tools, and device control utilities with support from internal tooling teamsMust-haves (common screen-out reasons)Micro-speaker / small-format experience. Hands-on work with micro-speakers and small, open-ear acoustic designs. Experience with large-format or music equipment (instrument amplification, studio gear, consumer loudspeakers) does not transfer.Render tuning on shipped products. Personal contribution to tuning for products that reached market, with the ability to walk through specific decisions. Conceptual familiarity isn't enough.Solid, fast acoustics fundamentals. Confident reasoning on cavity effects on frequency response and driver resonance behavior — without long hesitation. Please validate before submitting.Practical test experience. First-hand HATS/GRAS use, audio system testing, and speech quality evaluation. Should be able to explain how tests are run, including buzz/rattle, not just name them.Render pipeline depth. EQ, DRC, limiters, and speaker protection — including how excursion and thermal protection actually work.Tuning-oriented over theoretical. Strong modeling skills are a plus, but the role's center of gravity is practical tuning and evaluation.Clear communication. Structured, concise answers; able to explain technical reasoning to cross-functional partners. Several knowledgeable candidates screened out here.Operates with limited guidance. This role can't absorb an extended ramp under close supervision.Strong signals we valueEnd-to-end ownership of an audio feature (modeling through evaluation); a balance of structured listening and objective measurement (frequency response, THD, distortion, compression, attack/release); comfort in a matrixed orgMust have1Hands-on DSP tuning on a speaker-type device. This is the single most important requirement. Knowing about these algorithms or having tested them is not sufficient — the candidate must have personally performed the tuning.2Audio DSP fundamentals. Must understand what equalization, dynamic range compression, limiting, and speaker protection do, how they function, how they are used, and what the trade-offs are.3Ability to apply and tune existing algorithms on an audio system (an audio systems engineer profile). Writing algorithms from scratch is not required.Nice to Have1Direct AR/VR glasses or other head-worn audio device experience.2Transducer-level characterization and speaker integration experience (T/S parameters, Klippel, impedance, excursion).3Exposure to embedded audio middleware or firmware-level audio bring-up (Audio Weaver, Qualcomm QACT, ADSP integration).Pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, qualified applicants will be considered for assignment with arrest and conviction records. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness, meet client expectations, standards, and accompanying requirements, and safeguard business operations and company reputation.
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At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws.This position's pay range is $7.25/hr - $80.00/hr.
