Lead Sound Designer & Composer

Placements24; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24, on behalf of a pioneering studio in the interactive entertainment space, seeks a Lead Sound Designer & Composer to join their Pietermaritzburg-based team. You will shape the sonic identity of a flagship title, craft immersive audio, and lead a small team of designers and composers to deliver high-quality sound across gameplay and narrative.

You’ll collaborate with game designers, artists, and writers, manage schedules and budgets, and stay ahead of audio tech trends to elevate

Qualifications

• Proven Lead Sound Designer or Composer with at least two shipped AAA titles.
• Strong portfolio of sound design and original music.
• Proficiency in DAWs: Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, Cubase, or Ableton.
• Experience with Wwise/FMOD and game engines Unreal/Unity.
• Excellent understanding of psychoacoustics and music theory.
• Strong leadership and team management.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and implement sound effects, environmental audio, and Foley.
• Compose original musical scores for narrative and gameplay.
• Lead and mentor a team of audio professionals.
• Collaborate with designers, artists, and narrative teams.
• Manage audio budget and scheduling.
• Record, edit, and mix to broadcast quality.
• Develop and maintain audio style guide and specs.
• Implement assets using Unreal/Unity and Wwise/FMOD.
• Test audio and resolve bugs.
• Stay updated on audio tech trends.

Skills

Lead audio design

Original composition

Leadership

Team collaboration

Communication

Tools

Pro Tools

Logic Pro

Wwise

FMOD

Unreal Engine

Unity

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering studio in the interactive entertainment space, is seeking an exceptionally talented and experienced Lead Sound Designer & Composer to join their dynamic team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. This pivotal role demands a creative visionary who can craft immersive auditory experiences that elevate gameplay and resonate deeply with players. You will be instrumental in shaping the sonic identity of our upcoming flagship title, setting the standard for audio excellence across the project. The ideal candidate possesses a unique blend of artistic sensibility, technical proficiency, and leadership acumen. You will guide a team of audio professionals, ensuring seamless integration of all sound elements and music, contributing to a truly unforgettable player experience. This is an exciting opportunity to leave your mark on a highly anticipated game within a collaborative and innovative environment located in the heart of Pietermaritzburg.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and implement all sound effects, environmental audio, and Foley for game assets.
• Compose original musical scores that enhance narrative, gameplay, and emotional impact, adapting to various in-game scenarios.
• Lead and mentor a team of sound designers and composers, fostering a creative and productive workflow.
• Collaborate closely with game designers, level artists, and narrative teams to ensure audio effectively supports gameplay mechanics and storytelling.
• Manage the audio budget and scheduling, ensuring timely delivery of all audio assets.
• Record, edit, and mix audio assets to professional broadcast quality standards.
• Develop and maintain the audio style guide and technical specifications for the project.
• Implement audio assets using industry-standard game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity) and middleware (e.g., Wwise, FMOD).
• Conduct thorough audio testing and quality assurance to identify and resolve any bugs or issues.
• Stay abreast of the latest audio technologies, techniques, and industry trends.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Lead Sound Designer or Lead Composer in the video game industry, with at least two shipped AAA titles.
• A strong portfolio showcasing exceptional sound design and original musical composition skills.
• Proficiency in digital audio workstations (DAWs) such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, Cubase, or Ableton Live.
• Experience with audio middleware (Wwise/FMOD) and game engines (Unreal Engine/Unity).
• Excellent understanding of audio principles, psychoacoustics, and music theory.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management capabilities.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• A passion for video games and a deep understanding of interactive audio.
• Experience working in or familiarity with the South African creative landscape is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge game projects with a talented international team.
• Creative freedom and the chance to shape the sonic landscape of innovative titles.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Generous paid time off and holiday leave.
• Professional development opportunities and training support.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for exceptional candidates relocating to Pietermaritzburg .
• A vibrant and supportive work culture that encourages collaboration and innovation.
• Potential for bonuses based on project success and performance.