Acoustics Technician

Cerami & Associates Inc; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Cerami & Associates Inc in Chicago seeks an Acoustic Technician to support environmental noise monitoring by installing, maintaining, and calibrating specialized sound equipment, collecting field data, and assisting with analyses. This hands-on role ensures accurate measurements for regulatory compliance and client objectives.

Ideal candidates have experience with sound level meters, data processing, and tools like LabVIEW; strong teamwork, independent work, and travel readiness are valued.

Qualifications

• Direct experience with the operation and maintenance of sound level meters or similar technical data collection devices.
• Strong work ethic, attention to detail, problem solving, and the ability to work both with a team and independently.
• Ability to speak, read and write general business correspondence in English.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area, circumference, volume, sound levels - decibels.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Proficient in MS Windows operating environment, plus MS Office experience, particularly Excel, strongly preferred. Experience with AI platforms a plus.

Responsibilities

• Install sound monitoring equipment onsite.
• Assist with operations including analyzer maintenance and calibrations, remotely or on-site.
• Maintain company-owned calibration reference standards.
• Provide sound level meter instrument calibration before and after site visits.
• Seek mentoring from senior team members to build technical and client service acumen.
• Learn company protocol and policies.
• Process/format data and assist in data analysis.
• Review local noise codes to determine measurement locations for each project.
• Take notes/photos to document observations during site visits for team reports.
• Become proficient in related measurement instrumentation and software such as LabVIEW.
• Learn calculation techniques and assist with calculations.
• Maintain test equipment inventory and calibration records.
• Maintain electronic files of project data.
• Provide daily input to Deltek Vantagepoint CRM, resource planning, timesheets, and expenses.
• Stay current with latest test methods and instrumentation.

Skills

Sound level meters operation

Attention to detail

English business writing

Problem solving

Team and independent work

Education

Associate's degree

Bachelor's degree

Tools

LabVIEW

Excel

Deltek Vantagepoint

MS Windows

Job description

SUMMARY

We are seeking a dynamic and motivated Acoustic Technician to join our team. In this role, you will support a wide range of environmental noise monitoring and acoustic measurement projects by installing, maintaining, and calibrating specialized sound monitoring equipment, collecting and processing field data, and assisting with technical analyses. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of acoustic measurements that support project deliverables, regulatory compliance, and client objectives. If you're passionate about acoustics, environmental monitoring, and hands‑on technical work, we want to hear from you!

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct onsite installations of sound monitoring equipment (sound level meters, together with secured environmental projection kits). Installation may be with or without presence/assistance of senior engineer.

• Assist with operations including analyzer maintenance and calibrations, either remotely or physically at sites.

• Maintain company‑owned calibration reference standards.

• Provide sound level meter instrument calibration before and after site visits.

• Seek mentoring from senior team members to build technical and client service acumen.

• Learn company protocol and policies.

• Process/format data and assist in data analysis.

• Work with design team to review local noise codes to determine measurement location(s) for each project.

• Take notes/photos to document observations during site visits, for use in team report preparation.

• Become proficient in the use of relevant measurement instrumentation and software, such as, sound level meters, software (LabView, etc.).

• Learn calculation techniques and assist with calculations.

• Maintain test equipment inventory, including calibration records.

• Maintain electronic files of project data.

• Provide daily input to Deltek Vantagepoint CRM, resource planning, timesheets, and expenses.

• Stay current with latest test methods and instrumentation.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Direct experience with the operation and maintenance of sound level meters or similar technical data collection devices is strongly desired. Experience in this general line of work is a plus.

• This position requires strong work ethic, attention to detail, problem solving skills, and the ability to work both with a team and independently.

• Ability to speak, read and write general business correspondence in English.

• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area, circumference, volume, sound levels - decibels.

• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

• Proficient in MS Windows operating environment, plus MS Office experience, particularly Excel, strongly preferred. Experience with AI platforms a plus.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree

• Minimum 3 years practical field experience a plus.

• Strong client interaction and internal/external communication skills. Experience sound level meters or similar instrumentation strongly desired.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position does not or does not have supervisory responsibilities.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical requirements listed below represent the minimum standards that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this role successfully. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Regularly required to sit, use hands, and communicate verbally.

• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.

• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

• Must be able to travel freely and frequently. Must be able to function on feet for up to 8 hours per day at field sites.

• Multi-day field efforts are not uncommon.

• Climbing of ladders may be needed. Fall protection training and equipment is provided.

• Work environments can include industrial settings, remote field work, extreme weather environments including hot summer heat and offroad driving conditions.

WORK SCHEDULE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Hybrid position combining office-based work and travel to project sites.
• Regular schedule is Monday through Friday.
• Occasional weekend travel or field work may be required based on project needs.
• Must be able and willing to travel approximately 2–5 days per week.
• Coordinate/book project-related travel, which will be reimbursed at cost.
• Valid driver's license, REAL ID or Passport.