Senior Acoustician

HDR; Mahwah (NJ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Retirement savings plan with employer

Tuition reimbursement

Employee ownership culture

Job summary

HDR seeks a Senior Acoustician/Noise Specialist to join our team and support environmental and architectural acoustics projects across the United States. The role involves leadership, project management, and hands‑on analysis using advanced instrumentation.

You will work on architectural acoustics, environmental noise, and vibration studies, supervising staff and collaborating with clients while traveling to project sites as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Acoustics, Math, Physics or closely related field.
• 10+ years of acoustical analysis experience with a successful track record in marketing, project management, staff management and client satisfaction.
• Leadership skills and ability to manage in a team environment.
• Familiar with local clients and markets.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Familiar with GIS and GPS.
• Proficiency with state‑of‑the‑art software used to process and analyse noise and vibration data.
• Familiar with ISO standards and related guidance documents (FHWA, FTA, FRA, UFC).
• May require travel.

Responsibilities

• Be a technical expert with authority in an area of specialization; lead acoustical and vibration assessments on a range of projects.
• Plan and develop projects or design activities with significant impact on major programs.
• Plan, organise and supervise work of medium to large staff of professionals and technicians.
• Serve as Project Manager on larger projects.
• Focus on architectural acoustics, environmental noise, and vibration analyses.
• Use state‑of‑the‑art instruments to measure noise and vibrations and to process data.
• Perform other related duties as necessary.
• Willingness to travel to project locations, including occasional overnight stays.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Staff management

Business development

Microsoft Office

GIS

GPS

Education

Bachelor's degree in Acoustics, Math, Physics or related field

Tools

Larson Davis instrumentation/software

Job description

At HDR, our employee‑owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we work to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout the company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

We believe electricity powers modern life. As part of our Power sector, you’ll help shape how electricity is generated, transmitted and delivered as global energy demands grow. From massive data centers to modernizing transmission systems, our industry‑recognized engineers and scientists have been at the forefront of grid transformation for more than a century. You’ll work side‑by‑side with these experts and contribute to reliable, resilient and sustainable power systems, helping communities thrive and industries expand. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to drive infrastructure forward, power innovation and leave your mark on our energy future.

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

Overview

HDR is seeking a Senior Acoustician/Noise Specialist to join our team and support environmental and architectural acoustics projects throughout the United States. Our Acoustics Practice offers award‑winning subject‑matter expertise in six technical areas: aviation, architectural acoustics, environmental acoustics, traffic noise, rail noise, and vibration. Our acoustics team specialise in acoustical modelling, measurements, consulting, and expert witness services.

Responsibilities

• Be a technical expert with recognized authority in an area of specialization, resolve problems of greater scope and complexity, lead and manage acoustical and vibration assessments, and work on a wide range of projects.
• Plan and develop projects or design activities that have significant impact on major company programs as needed.
• Plan, organise and supervise work of medium to large staff of professionals and technicians as needed.
• Serve as Project Manager on larger projects, though project management is not the sole focus of the position.
• Focus on tasks including architectural acoustics, environmental noise, and vibration‑related analyses.
• Use state‑of‑the‑art instruments to measure noise and vibrations and to process and analyse that data.
• Perform other related duties as necessary.
• Willingness to travel to project locations as needed, including occasional overnight stays.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Larson Davis instrumentation and software.
• Preference given to local candidates.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Acoustics, Math, Physics or closely related field.
• 10 or more years of experience in acoustical analysis with a successful track record of marketing, project management, staff management and client satisfaction, business development skills.
• Leadership skills and ability to manage in a team environment.
• Familiarity of local clients and markets.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Highly motivated self‑starter.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Proficiency with GIS and GPS.
• Proficiency with state‑of‑the‑art software used to process and analyse noise and vibration measurement data.
• Familiar with relevant ISO and related acoustical standards.
• Familiar with current guidance documents for acoustical analyses (FHWA, FTA, FRA, UFC, etc).
• May require travel.
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture is a must.

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long‑term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full‑time regular positions. Temporary and part‑time roles eligible for limited benefits.) Minneapolis: $105,987 – $151,410; Denver: $111,034 – $158,620

Primary Location: United States‑Illinois‑Chicago

Other Locations: United States‑Pennsylvania‑Philadelphia, United States‑Virginia‑Glen Allen, United States‑Virginia‑Virginia Beach, United States‑Missouri‑Kansas City, United States‑Colorado‑Denver, United States‑Virginia‑Vienna, United States‑Minnesota‑Saint Louis Park, United States‑New Jersey‑Pennington, United States‑New Jersey‑Mahwah, United States‑New Jersey‑Newark, United States‑New York‑New York, United States‑Pennsylvania‑Pittsburgh, United States‑District of Columbia‑Washington DC, United States‑Texas‑Dallas, United States‑West Virginia‑Charleston, United States‑Virginia‑Arlington, United States‑Wisconsin‑Madison, United States‑Maryland‑Fulton

Industry: Environment/Sciences

Schedule: Full‑time

Employee Status: Regular

Business Class: Environmental Sci and Planning

Job Posting: May 11, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.