Audio Render Tuning Engineer

Role: Audio Engineer – VLocation: Redmond, WA – Onsite Duration: 12+ Months Job Description: We 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 Responsibilities:Render 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 teamsRequired Qualifications:Prior experience performing audio systems render tuning for consumer electronics products (AR/VR glasses, hearables, headphones, wearables, telecom devices, smart speakers)Understanding of render DSP tuning approaches (EQ, DRC, limiting, speaker protection) and hands-on experience performing tuning in a lab environmentExperience with electroacoustic measurement tools (e.g. Audio Precision (APx series), Listen SoundCheck, HEAD acoustics ACQUA) and measurement transducersExperience with MATLAB for audio signal processing, filter design, and tuning tool workflowsStrong attention to detail and systematic approach to parameter optimization and documentationAbility to work independently on tuning tasks while collaborating with a broader audio engineering teamUnderstanding of speaker protection algorithms (excursion limiting, thermal protection, brownout protection)Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Acoustics Engineering, or a related technical disciplinePreferred Qualifications:Experience with speaker integration and transducer-level characterization (T/S parameters, Klippel, impedance, excursion)Exposure to DSP frameworks or audio middleware (AudioWeaver, Qualcomm QACT, or similar embedded audio toolchains)Experience with volume table tuning and perceptual loudness optimizationExposure to firmware-level audio bring-up or ADSP integration workflowsExperience with capture-path audio tuning including any of beamforming and spatial filtering, noise suppression, wind noise rejection, wake-word/keyword detection and speech recognition testing, capture-path gain staging and mic array calibration.Musthave: Hands-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.Audio 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.Ability to apply and tune existing algorithms on an audio system (an audio systems engineer profile). Writing algorithms from scratch is not required.Nice to have: Direct AR/VR glasses or other head-worn audio device experience.Transducer-level characterization and speaker integration experience (T/S parameters, Klippel, impedance, excursion).Exposure to embedded audio middleware or firmware-level audio bring-up (Audio Weaver, Qualcomm QACT, ADSP integration).