Software Systems Engineer - Luxury Audio

HARMAN International; Waterbeach; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness Committee

Volunteer Committee

Harman Women’s Network

Harman University development

Employee discounts on Harman products

Job summary

HARMAN Lifestyle invites a Software Systems Engineer to join our Luxury Audio division in Cambridge. You will design, develop and oversee high-performance audio components from concept through production, collaborating with a cross-functional team to deliver cutting-edge amplifiers, preamplifiers and streamers.

The role demands hands-on expertise in embedded systems, C/C++, and modern development practices, with travel up to 10% and a passion for audio excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in software engineering or equivalent work experience.
• 10+ years’ experience in system level development of high-performance consumer audio systems.
• Experience in embedded software project management (Jira) and software delivery best practices.
• Strong C/C++ skills with hands-on debugging.
• Hands-on embedded systems experience (Bare Metal/RTOS) and protocols (RS-232, I2C, SPI, USB).
• Knowledge of modern software design, build, delivery, and CI/CD.
• Familiarity with test equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers).
• Knowledge of audio formats, streaming technologies, and audio compression.

Responsibilities

• Oversee multiple projects from concept through production, coordinating with project managers to meet software delivery and deadlines.
• Plan, design and document software requirements with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Create detailed requirements documents and software development plans for audio systems.
• Collaborate with external partners to implement features, fixes, and apps for products and tools.
• Lead and facilitate systems design reviews and technical discussions.
• Prepare and present project reports and technical documentation.
• Drive innovation in audio system design by staying current with tech trends.
• Ensure designs meet quality, compliance, and performance standards.
• Provide hands-on development support and mentoring on industry best practices.

Skills

C/C++

Embedded systems

Project management

Communication

Hands-on troubleshooting

Audio knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in software engineering or equivalent

Tools

Jira

Git

CI/CD

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

Emulators

Simulators

RTOS

RS-232

I2C

SPI

USB

Linux

Job description

Have you heard of JBL, Arcam, Mark Levinson, Revel or Harman/Kardon, some of the world’s leading audio brands? The market we are leading in, is fast paced, fun and dynamic. https://www.harmanluxuryaudio.com

Software Systems Engineer – Luxury Audio

A Career at HARMAN Lifestyle

We’re a global, multi-disciplinary team that’s putting the innovative power of technology to work and transforming tomorrow. As a member of HARMAN Lifestyle, you connect consumers with the power of superior sound.

• Contribute your talents to high-end, esteemed brands like JBL, Mark Levinson and ARCAM.
• Unite your passion for audio innovation with high-tech product development.
• Create pitch-perfect, cutting-edge technology that elevates the listening experience.

About the Role:

HARMAN's Luxury Audio group consists of a portfolio of the most respected brands in the audio industry – Arcam, JBL Synthesis, Mark Levinson, Lexicon, and Revel.

HARMAN Luxury Audio continues to set new standards of performance through advancements in design and the development of innovative audio technologies. In this role, you will be responsible for the design and design oversight of high-performance, high-quality audio components from concept through production.

As a Software Systems Engineer within the Luxury Audio Engineering Group, you will be joining our team of world-class engineers who share an extraordinary passion for impeccable sound and dedication to raising the bar for high-end consumer audio. This role will be pivotal in designing, developing, and refining cutting-edge audio equipment audio systems (amplifiers, preamplifiers, streamers etc..), ensuring that our products continue to lead the market in quality and performance.

Your Team:

You will report to the Software Engineering Manager and be part of a cross-functional team including industrial design, electronics, mechanical, software, test and production teams.

What You Will Do

This role will require occasional hands-on experience

• Oversee multiple projects from concept through to production, liaising with the project managers to ensure software delivery and product deadlines are met.
• Work with the internal, multi-disciplinary team, to plan, design and document software requirements, aligning with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Create detailed Requirements Documents and software development plans for audio systems.
• Collaborate with external partners to implement & deliver new products, features & bug fixes for new and existing products as well as their accompanying app and software tools.
• Actively lead and facilitate systems design and reviews.
• Prepare and present project reports and technical documentation.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in audio system design by staying up to date with the latest technological advancements and industry trends.
• Ensure all designs meet stringent quality, compliance, and performance standards.
• Be willing to go hands-on and directly support development efforts, coaching and communication best practices and industry standards.

What You Need to Be Successful:

Bachelor’s degree in software engineering or equivalent work experience in a related technical discipline.

• At least 10 years’ experience working in system level development of high-performance consumer audio systems and the related competitive market.
• Experience in project management of embedded software development (Jira) and strong experience driving best practice in software delivery.
• Strong skills in software languages including C and C++ with ability to troubleshoot code and be hands-on, where necessary.
• Hands on experience in developing embedded systems (Bare Metal/RTOS) and protocols (RS-232, I2C, SPI, I2C, and USB).
• Solid understanding of modern software design, build, delivery and management (Git, CI/CD) methodologies and proven execution of such skills in a commercial product.
• Debug using test equipment including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, emulators, and simulators.
• Knowledge of high-resolution audio formats, streaming technologies, and audio compression techniques.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Attention to detail and a passion for achieving excellence in audio quality.

Bonus Points if You Have:

• A Master’s degree in a relevant subject.
• Understanding and practical experience with Linux systems (boot, kernel, ALSA).
• Familiarity with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Internet protocols (TCP/IP).
• Experience with app development (Flutter).
• Understanding of audio A/D and D/A converters.
• Experience developing, writing, and debugging automated test procedures.
• Knowledge of audio measurement techniques.

What Makes You Eligible:

• Be willing to travel up to 10%, domestic and international travel.
• Be willing to work in an office in Cambridge, UK.
• Due to the nature of global infrastructure, you understand that flexibility in working hours is required.

What We Offer:

• Opportunity to collaborate with talented teams across the world.
• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages career development opportunities.
• Flexible work schedule with a culture encouraging a positive work-life balance.
• On-site opportunities to focus on personal well-being and development provided by our Wellness Committee, Volunteer Committee, and Harman Women’s Network.
• Professional development opportunities through HARMAN University’s business and leadership academies and extensive course catalog.
• The opportunity to work on complex problems and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Access to employee discounts on world-class HARMAN audio products including JBL and Harman/Kardon.

You Belong Here

HARMAN is committed to making every employee feel welcomed, valued, and empowered. No matter what role you play, we encourage you to share your ideas, voice your distinct perspective, and bring your whole self with you – all within a support-minded culture that celebrates what makes each of us unique. We also recognize that learning is a lifelong pursuit and want you to flourish. We proudly offer added opportunities for training, development, and continuing education, further empowering you to live the career you want.

About HARMAN: Where Innovation Unleashes Next-Level Technology

Ever since the 1920s, we’ve been amplifying the sense of sound. Today, that legacy endures, with integrated technology platforms that make the world smarter, safer, and more connected. Across automotive, lifestyle, and digital transformation solutions, we create innovative technologies that turn ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences. Our renowned automotive and lifestyle solutions can be found everywhere, from the music we play in our cars and homes to venues that feature today’s most sought-after performers, while our digital transformation solutions serve humanity by addressing the world’s ever-evolving needs and demands. Marketing our award-winning portfolio under 16 iconic brands, such as JBL, Mark Levinson, and Revel, we set ourselves apart by exceeding the highest engineering and design standards for our customers, our partners and each other.

HARMAN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. HARMAN strives to hire the best qualified candidates and is committed to building a workforce representative of the diverse marketplaces and communities of our global colleagues and customers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. HARMAN attracts, hires, and develops employees based on merit, qualifications and job-related performance.