Lead Audio Engineer - Immersive Experiences

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package

Medical & dental coverage

Annual bonus scheme

Pension contributions

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Audio Engineer to drive cutting‑edge audio for immersive experiences in a hybrid Cape Town role. You’ll lead a team, shape audio systems for installations and live events, and collaborate with creative and technical teams to realize challenging sound designs.

The ideal candidate has a Master’s in Audio Engineering or equivalent, 7+ years in audio, and leadership experience with Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, and middleware like Wwise/FMOD. Spatial audio expertise is essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in Audio Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years progressive audio engineering experience; 3+ in leadership roles.
• Proficiency with DAWs (Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, Ableton Live) and plugins.
• Experience with spatial audio technologies and audio middleware.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of complex audio systems for interactive installations and events.
• Oversee recording, mixing and mastering of high‑fidelity audio content.
• Develop and maintain audio middleware integration with game devs and artists.
• Mentor and manage a team of audio engineers and sound designers.
• Conduct rigorous testing to ensure performance and reliability of audio systems.
• Stay current with advances in spatial and real‑time audio processing.

Skills

Leadership

Audio engineering

Sound design

Spatial audio

Real-time audio

Education

Master's degree

Tools

Pro Tools

Logic Pro X

Ableton Live

Wwise

FMOD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent entity in the Arts & Entertainment industry, is seeking an experienced Lead Audio Engineer to spearhead the development of innovative audio solutions for immersive experiences. This hybrid role, based in Cape Town, Western Cape, offers a unique blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility. You will be at the forefront of designing, implementing, and refining cutting‑edge audio technologies that enhance audience engagement and create unforgettable sensory journeys. The ideal candidate possesses a deep technical understanding of audio principles, a passion for creative sound design, and the leadership acumen to guide a team of talented audio professionals. This position is critical in pushing the boundaries of what's possible in interactive and experiential audio within the entertainment landscape.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the design and implementation of complex audio systems for interactive installations, virtual reality experiences, and live events. Oversee the recording, mixing, and mastering of high‑fidelity audio content, ensuring exceptional quality and artistic integrity. Develop and maintain audio middleware integration, working closely with game developers and technical artists. Collaborate with creative directors and producers to translate artistic vision into compelling audio realities. Manage and mentor a team of audio engineers and sound designers, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment. Conduct rigorous testing and troubleshooting of audio systems to ensure optimal performance and reliability. Stay current with advancements in audio technology, including spatial audio, real‑time audio processing, and immersive sound formats. Contribute to the strategic planning of audio development roadmaps and project timelines. Manage audio budgets and resource allocation effectively. Ensure all audio deliverables meet project specifications and quality standards.

Requirements

Master's degree or equivalent professional experience in Audio Engineering, Sound Design, or a related field. Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in professional audio engineering, with at least 3 years in a leadership or senior role. Extensive experience with industry‑standard DAWs (e.g., Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, Ableton Live) and audio plugins. Proficiency in audio middleware such as Wwise or FMOD. Strong understanding of acoustics, psychoacoustics, and signal processing. Experience with spatial audio technologies (e.g., Dolby Atmos, Ambisonics). Proven leadership skills with the ability to motivate and guide a technical team. Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, comfortable working in a hybrid model. Portfolio demonstrating expertise in immersive audio design and implementation is essential.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, excellent medical and dental coverage, and opportunities for professional growth within a leading Arts & Entertainment organisation. This hybrid role provides the flexibility to balance remote work with essential in‑office collaboration in Cape Town, Western Cape. You'll work on groundbreaking projects, access state‑of‑the‑art equipment, and be part of a creative and supportive team. We also offer a generous annual bonus scheme, pension contributions, and ample paid time off to ensure a healthy work‑life balance.