Lead Sound Designer - Immersive Experiences

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Access to state-of-the-art audio gear

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Sound Designer for immersive experiences in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The role blends on-site collaboration with remote flexibility, enabling you to craft atmospheric soundscapes, effects, and original scores that drive narrative and emotional impact.

You will lead a small team, guide audio direction, and work closely with directors, game designers, and artists to integrate audio across platforms, while staying current with audio tech and Dolby Atmos capabilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Sound Engineering, Music Technology, Film Scoring, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in sound design, with a portfolio in immersive media.
• Expertise in industry-standard DAWs (e.g., Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live) and audio middleware (e.g., Wwise, FMOD).
• Proficiency in audio editing, mixing, mastering, and sound synthesis.
• A proven ability to compose original music and integrate it effectively.
• Experience with spatial audio technologies and Dolby Atmos is a significant advantage.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to articulate creative concepts.
• Strong understanding of acoustics and psychoacoustics.
• Experience leading and mentoring a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization and execution of all sound design elements for immersive projects.
• Create and implement high-quality sound effects, Foley, environmental audio, and voiceovers.
• Compose and direct original music scores to enhance emotional impact and narrative flow.
• Operate and manage digital audio workstations (DAWs) and sound engineering software.
• Collaborate closely with directors, game designers, visual artists, and technical teams to integrate audio seamlessly.
• Conduct sound mixing and mastering to ensure optimal audio quality across various playback systems.
• Develop and maintain detailed audio documentation, including asset lists, cue sheets, and implementation guides.
• Oversee and mentor junior sound designers and audio engineers.
• Conduct field recordings and manage audio asset libraries.
• Stay updated on the latest audio technologies, tools, and techniques in the entertainment industry.

Skills

7+ years experience

Collaboration skills

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Sound Engineering / related field

Tools

Pro Tools

Logic Pro

Ableton Live

Wwise

FMOD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering force in the **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA** entertainment scene, is seeking a visionary Lead Sound Designer to craft breathtaking auditory landscapes for cutting-edge immersive experiences. This role offers a unique blend of on-site collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing you to contribute your sonic expertise from wherever you work best, while also engaging with our **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA** based team. You will be responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and implementing all audio elements, from intricate sound effects and atmospheric ambiances to compelling musical scores, ensuring an unparalleled sensory journey for our audiences. This is an exciting opportunity to push the boundaries of audio design in interactive and experiential entertainment, working with a team dedicated to innovation and artistic excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization and execution of all sound design elements for immersive projects.
• Create and implement high-quality sound effects, Foley, environmental audio, and voiceovers.
• Compose and direct original music scores to enhance emotional impact and narrative flow.
• Operate and manage digital audio workstations (DAWs) and sound engineering software.
• Collaborate closely with directors, game designers, visual artists, and technical teams to integrate audio seamlessly.
• Conduct sound mixing and mastering to ensure optimal audio quality across various playback systems.
• Develop and maintain detailed audio documentation, including asset lists, cue sheets, and implementation guides.
• Oversee and mentor junior sound designers and audio engineers.
• Conduct field recordings and manage audio asset libraries.
• Stay updated on the latest audio technologies, tools, and techniques in the entertainment industry.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Sound Engineering, Music Technology, Film Scoring, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in sound design, with a strong portfolio showcasing work in immersive or interactive media.
• Expertise in industry-standard DAWs (e.g., Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live) and audio middleware (e.g., Wwise, FMOD).
• Proficiency in audio editing, mixing, mastering, and sound synthesis.
• A proven ability to compose original music and integrate it effectively.
• Experience with spatial audio technologies and Dolby Atmos is a significant advantage.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to articulate creative concepts.
• Strong understanding of acoustics and psychoacoustics.
• Experience leading and mentoring a team.
• Must be able to work effectively in a hybrid model, attending key meetings and sessions in **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA** as needed.

Benefits

• Competitive contract compensation, reflecting your expertise and contribution.
• Opportunity to work on groundbreaking and innovative immersive experiences.
• Collaborative and creative work environment.
• Access to state-of-the-art audio equipment and software.
• Potential for long-term engagement based on project success.
• Flexible hybrid working arrangement, balancing on-site and remote work.
• Direct impact on the cultural and technological landscape of **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA**.