Principal Audio Engineer

Sepura plc.; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Sepura plc. is seeking a Principal Audio Software Engineer in Cambridge to lead the development of cutting-edge audio processing technologies for mobile radio products. This role emphasizes ensuring high voice intelligibility and reliability under demanding conditions. Applicants should have at least 5 years of experience in audio software, deep knowledge of DSP algorithms, and strong coding skills in C/C++. Familiarity with communication standards like TETRA or DMR is a plus. This position demands security clearance and operates within an Agile process.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience developing real-time audio software and DSP algorithms.
• Strong knowledge in audio processing and embedded systems.
• Ability to lead technical projects and mentor junior engineers.

Responsibilities

• Architect and implement real-time audio processing algorithms.
• Lead technical reviews and mentor junior engineers.
• Collaborate with teams to integrate audio technologies and ensure compliance.

Skills

DSP algorithms (AEC, NR, AGC, beamforming, VAD, filtering)

C/C++ coding for real-time embedded systems

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Technical project leadership

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Audio Engineering, or related field

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Role:

We're seeking a Principal Audio Software Engineer to join our team, leading the development of advanced audio processing technologies for next‑generation handheld mobile radio products. This role is critical to ensuring exceptional voice intelligibility, robustness, and reliability in demanding environments faced by critical communications users.

Key Responsibilities:

• Architect, design and implement real‑time audio processing algorithms and DSP pipelines.
• Develop technologies such as noise reduction, acoustic echo cancellation (AEC), beamforming, voice activity detection, advanced audio enhancement, and custom codecs.
• Ensure software solutions meet stringent performance, latency, stability and reliability requirements for mission‑critical communications.
• Serve as the technical authority for audio software, guiding design decisions and setting engineering standards.
• Lead technical reviews, mentor junior engineers, and support cross‑functional engineering teams.
• Drive architectural evolution of audio subsystems and long‑term technology roadmaps.
• Work closely with embedded software, hardware, systems engineering and acoustics teams to ensure seamless integration of audio technologies.
• Support product development from concept through to delivery, including prototyping, testing, tuning and verification.
• Collaborate with product management to define requirements and translate them into robust technical solutions.
• Conduct performance analysis, debugging and optimisation of audio software across multiple platforms.
• Develop automated test frameworks and audio validation tools where appropriate.
• Ensure compliance with relevant communication, safety and industry standards.
• Stay informed of emerging audio technologies, DSP methods and industry trends.
• Explore new algorithmic approaches and evaluate third‑party solutions when suitable.
• Contribute to patents, white papers and internal technical knowledge bases.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Audio Engineering, DSP or a related field.
• Experience: 5+ years of professional experience developing real‑time audio software, DSP algorithms or embedded audio systems.
• Technical Proficiency:
  • Deep knowledge of DSP algorithms (AEC, NR, AGC, beamforming, VAD, filtering).
  • Strong coding skills in C/C++ for real‑time embedded systems.
  • Experience optimising for low‑latency and resource‑constrained platforms.
  • Familiarity with audio frameworks, DSP libraries or fixed‑point environments.
  • Strong analytical, problem‑solving and debugging skills.
  • Ability to lead complex technical projects end‑to‑end.
• Preferred (Nice‑to‑Have):
  • Experience in mission‑critical or safety‑critical communication systems.
  • Knowledge of TETRA, DMR, LTE/MCX or similar communication standards.
  • Experience with MATLAB or Python for algorithm development and validation.
  • Understanding of beamforming, microphone arrays or acoustic system behaviour.
  • Experience with ARM platforms, RTOS environments or multi‑core optimisation.
  • Exposure to ML‑based audio processing techniques.

Additional Information:

This role will require security clearance. The Audio Team follows an Agile development process centred around Scrum ceremonies. During each sprint, you may work on several tasks related to the responsibilities listed above.