Product Developer

Blackstar Amplification; Northampton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Blackstar Amplification in Northampton, UK, is recruiting a Product Developer to join the Products team. The role combines guitar tone sensibility with hands-on audio engineering to advance amplifiers, software and related products from concept through prototyping and production to final sign-off.

The successful candidate will apply critical listening, work with engineers on new designs, and develop robust test procedures while maintaining thorough documentation to support product releases.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in audio engineering or professional recording environments.
• Strong understanding of guitar amps, effects pedals and related gear.
• Excellent listening skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work with cross-disciplinary teams (electronics, mechanical).

Responsibilities

• Apply critical listening and sound-design skills, to bring an objective ear to product development
• Use rapid prototyping and modern studio production tools to drive Blackstar sound engineering during product development and ongoing technical research
• Work alongside electronics and mechanical design engineers to help to design and prototype new products
• Be responsible for the “first-pass” sound design of Blackstar products
• Devise, control and carry out pre-release test procedures for hardware and software products
• Set up and manage product listening tests
• Maintain accurate records of the product development process

Skills

Guitar tone

Sound design

Studio recording

Signal flow knowledge

Independent problem solving

Education

Degree in audio or engineering

Tools

Pro Tools

Logic Pro

Job description

Position: Product Developer
Location: Northampton, UK
Permanent, full-time role

Blackstar Amplification’s Products team is excited to be recruiting a new Product Developer. This is an ideal opportunity for a highly capable guitarist with extensive hands-on experience in professional recording, live sound or an equivalent audio engineering environment, who can combine an excellent ear for sound with a structured and technically rigorous approach. The successful candidate will support the development of guitar amplifiers, software and associated products from initial concept, through prototyping and production, to testing and final product sign-off.

The duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Apply critical listening and sound-design skills, to bring an objective ear to product development
• Use rapid prototyping and modern studio production tools to drive Blackstar sound engineering during product development and ongoing technical research
• Work alongside electronics and mechanical design engineers to help to design and prototype new products
• Be responsible for the “first-pass” sound design of Blackstar products
• Devise, control and carry out pre-release test procedures for hardware and software products
• Set up and manage product listening tests
• Maintain accurate records of the product development process

Required Knowledge and Experience:

• Experienced guitar player with a passion for guitar tone, audio technology and the music industry
• Extensive hands-on experience in a professional recording studio, live sound environment or equivalent audio engineering role
• An objective ear, with the ability to critically analyse sound
• Strong understanding of guitar amplifiers, effects pedals, recording equipment and signal flow
• Experience using computer-based recording software and plugins
• A structured engineering approach to any task, with a high level of attention to detail
• Independent, self-motivated and able to solve technical problems with minimal supervision
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build professional relationships with people at all levels
• Ability to manage working time effectively and prioritise assignments appropriately

Desirable skills, however not essential:

• Qualified to degree level or above in an audio or engineering discipline
• Knowledge of audio recording techniques and equipment
• Knowledge of the Musical Instrument product sector
• Basic understanding of software and software-testing principles
• An interest in electronics with basic soldering and hardware-maintenance experience
• Enthusiastic, methodical, committed and dependable

The Company

Launched in 2007, Blackstar is globally recognised and respected as an innovator and leader in guitar amplification design. We are a company of musicians who are truly passionate about what we do and understand the importance of great tone. Blackstar is based in Northampton, with over 80 years’ combined experience in guitar amplification design and production. Our team pioneers change in the industry and has a strong commitment to driving transformational innovation throughout our products. Blackstar products combine outstanding design, technology and performance to create the ultimate tools for self-expression.

The Environment

Blackstar is a unique environment; we are all musicians or music lovers, and the dress code is relaxed.
Our teams are experts in their fields and are incredibly passionate about our products and the industry as a whole. Many of our staff have worked in the industry for a long time, and we are looking for candidates who wish to grow with the company and share in our current and future success.

Office hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday, at our Northampton office, with a willingness to work extra hours as and when required to achieve project deliverables to schedule.