Lead Sound Designer & Composer for Immersive Experiences

Placements24; Midrand; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Professional development

State-of-the-art facilities in Midrand

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a visionary Lead Sound Designer & Composer to define and implement the sonic identity for immersive entertainment experiences in Midrand, Gauteng. You will lead a team and work hands-on to craft sound effects and original scores that elevate interactive projects.

Bring at least 7 years of professional audio experience, with 3+ years in leadership. Expertise in DAWs and middleware, plus a strong portfolio, is essential for shaping cutting-edge audio across media.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in sound design and music composition.
• At least 3 years in a lead or senior role within entertainment or interactive media.
• Strong portfolio across sound effects and original musical compositions.
• Proficient in DAWs and audio middleware; experience with game audio workflows.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design high-fidelity sound effects for interactive applications and games.
• Compose original scores across genres to support narrative arcs.
• Oversee audio pipeline from concept to final implementation and optimization.
• Collaborate with designers, writers, and tech teams to integrate audio.
• Manage audio assets, ensuring quality and organization.
• Lead and mentor junior sound designers and composers.
• Research new audio tech to stay ahead of the curve.
• Record, edit, and mix audio to professional broadcast standards.
• Troubleshoot audio issues during development and post-launch.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Tools

Pro Tools

Logic Pro X

Cubase

Ableton Live

Wwise

FMOD

Maya

Unreal Engine Audio

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge entertainment innovator, is seeking a highly talented and experienced Lead Sound Designer & Composer to join their dynamic team in Midrand, Gauteng. This pivotal role involves conceptualizing, creating, and implementing all audio elements for a range of interactive and immersive experiences. You will be instrumental in shaping the sonic landscapes that define our projects, ensuring a deeply engaging and memorable auditory journey for users. The ideal candidate will possess a strong portfolio showcasing a wide range of sonic expertise, from intricate sound effects design to compelling original musical compositions. This is a unique opportunity to push creative boundaries and contribute to groundbreaking projects in the Midrand entertainment sector. We are looking for a visionary leader who can inspire and guide a team while maintaining a hands‑on approach to audio production.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design high-fidelity sound effects for interactive applications, games, and immersive installations.
• Compose original musical scores across various genres, tailored to evoke specific emotions and enhance narrative arcs.
• Oversee the entire audio pipeline from initial conception through to final implementation and optimization.
• Collaborate closely with game designers, narrative writers, and technical teams to integrate audio seamlessly.
• Manage audio assets, ensuring consistent quality, efficient organization, and adherence to project specifications.
• Lead and mentor junior sound designers and composers, fostering a collaborative and creative team environment.
• Conduct research into new audio technologies and techniques to maintain a competitive edge.
• Record, edit, and mix audio assets to professional broadcast standards.
• Troubleshoot and resolve audio-related technical issues during development and post-launch.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in sound design and music composition, with at least 3 years in a lead or senior role within the entertainment or interactive media industry.
• Proven track record of delivering exceptional audio for complex projects, preferably including interactive or immersive experiences.
• Advanced proficiency in industry-standard Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, Cubase, or Ableton Live.
• Expertise in sound design software and middleware (e.g., Wwise, FMOD, Maya, Unreal Engine audio systems).
• A strong portfolio demonstrating a diverse range of sound design capabilities and original musical compositions.
• Excellent understanding of audio mixing, mastering, and acoustics principles.
• Experience in directing voice actors and managing audio localization projects is a plus.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced Midrand studio environment.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive health benefits, and opportunities for professional development.
• You will be part of a creative and forward-thinking company that values innovation and employee well-being.
• Enjoy access to state-of-the-art facilities in Midrand and work on projects that are shaping the future of entertainment.
• We provide a stimulating work environment with regular team‑building events and a commitment to fostering a healthy work‑life balance.
• Opportunities for travel to industry conferences and access to advanced training programs are also available.