Lead Audio Engineer - Immersive Soundscapes

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Cutting-edge projects

Creative environment in Pietermaritzbu

Professional development

Global audience reach

Career advancement

Health and wellness programs

Job summary

Placements24 in Pietermaritzburg seeks a Lead Audio Engineer to lead sound design across games, film, and VR projects. You will shape sonic identity, collaborate with directors and developers, and mentor juniors in a supportive studio.

You will use Pro Tools, Cubase or Reaper, with Wwise or FMOD, Unreal or Unity, and apply acoustics mastery to deliver immersive audio for stereo and immersive formats. The role offers opportunities to work on high-profile projects, ongoing professional

Qualifications

• 7+ years in audio engineering with 3+ years in lead/senior roles.
• Proficiency with DAWs: Pro Tools, Cubase or Reaper.
• Experience with audio middleware Wwise or FMOD.
• Strong acoustics, psychoacoustics, and mixing for stereo, surround, immersive formats.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor a team.
• Experience with game dev pipelines and engine integration (Unreal/Unity).
• Bachelor's degree in Audio Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, implementation, and mixing of audio for games, films, and VR experiences.
• Mentor and guide junior audio engineers and sound designers.
• Develop and maintain audio pipelines; integrate with game engines and post tools.
• Collaborate with directors, producers, and leads to align audio vision with project goals.
• Source, record, and edit sound effects, dialogue, and music.
• Implement interactive audio using middleware like Wwise or FMOD.
• Conduct mixing sessions ensuring balance, clarity, and impact across platforms.
• Troubleshoot audio issues during development and post-production.
• Stay updated on trends in audio engineering and game development.
• Manage audio assets and maintain project libraries.

Skills

Audio engineering

Pro Tools

Cubase

Reaper

Wwise

FMOD

Unreal Engine

Unity

Acoustics

Mentoring

Sound design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Audio Engineering

Tools

Pro Tools

Cubase

Reaper

Wwise

FMOD

Unreal Engine

Unity

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking entertainment production house, is seeking an exceptionally talented Lead Audio Engineer to spearhead the creation of groundbreaking sound designs for a variety of media projects. This pivotal role is based in the vibrant city of Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. You will be instrumental in shaping the sonic identity of our productions, from interactive gaming experiences to cinematic features. This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic team that values innovation and artistic excellence, contributing directly to the next generation of immersive audio content. We are looking for a visionary who can translate abstract concepts into compelling auditory realities, working closely with directors, producers, and game developers to achieve unparalleled sound fidelity and emotional impact. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of acoustic principles, digital audio workstations, and the art of storytelling through sound. You will be joining a supportive and collaborative environment where creativity thrives, and professional growth is encouraged. We believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and providing the resources necessary for our team members to excel in their craft. This role offers a chance to leave your mark on significant projects within the South African creative industry and beyond, making it an exciting prospect for ambitious audio professionals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and mixing of all audio elements for various entertainment projects, including video games, films, and virtual reality experiences.
• Oversee and mentor a team of junior audio engineers and sound designers, providing constructive feedback and technical guidance.
• Develop and maintain audio pipelines, ensuring efficient workflows and integration with game engines and post-production software.
• Collaborate closely with creative directors, producers, and other department leads to define the audio vision and ensure it aligns with overall project goals.
• Source, record, and edit high-quality sound effects, foley, dialogue, and music.
• Implement interactive audio systems, utilizing middleware such as Wwise or FMOD.
• Conduct audio mixing sessions to ensure optimal balance, clarity, and impact across different platforms and playback systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex audio-related issues during development and post-production.
• Stay abreast of the latest trends and technologies in audio engineering and game development.
• Manage audio assets and maintain organized project libraries.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in audio engineering, with at least 3 years in a lead or senior role within the gaming or film industry.
• Proficiency in industry-standard Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) such as Pro Tools, Cubase, or Reaper.
• Strong experience with audio middleware like Wwise or FMOD.
• Excellent understanding of acoustics, psychoacoustics, and audio mixing techniques for stereo, surround, and immersive formats.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor a team.
• Experience with game development pipelines and engine integration (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity).
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• A portfolio demonstrating high-quality audio design and mixing work.
• Bachelor's degree in Audio Engineering, Music Technology, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge, high-profile entertainment projects.
• Collaborative and creative work environment in Pietermaritzburg.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Contribution to innovative projects that reach a global audience.
• Potential for career advancement within a growing company.
• Health and wellness programs available.