Perceptual Audio Engineer (Research)

A Perceptual Audio Engineer (Research) develops metrics, methods, and evaluation frameworks that connect algorithms to what users actually perceive, designing listening tests, creating perceptual datasets, and establishing quality gates to ensure products ship without perceptual regressions.

Requirements

• Metrics & Methods Development: Create perceptual metrics and evaluation methodologies that correlate with human preference and quality judgments
• User Testing & Listening Studies: Design and execute subjective evaluations, including stimulus generation, panel guidance, statistical analysis, and repeatability
• AI/ML-Enabled Evaluation: Develop ML-based quality prediction or artifact detection that supports rapid iteration
• Perception-to-Product Gatekeeping: Define acceptance criteria and regression tests to enforce 'no perceptual regressions' in CI-style workflows
• Data & Experiment Discipline: Build and maintain clean datasets, labeling strategies, metadata, and experiment tracking
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with DSP, acoustics, ML, and system testing roles to ensure metrics reflect real user value and cover edge cases
• AI Tools: Use AI tools to accelerate analysis and reporting while maintaining rigorous validation and traceability

Benefits

• 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
• Extensive training opportunities through HARMAN University
• Competitive wellness benefits
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee recognition and rewards program
• Inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development