Senior Sound Designer & Composer

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 520,000 - 700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangements

Health & wellness benefits

Professional development

Creative work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Sound Designer & Composer to join our Johannesburg team. You will craft immersive audio for film, TV, and games, composing original scores and delivering polished soundtracks.

The role requires 5–7 years of industry experience, a strong portfolio, and proficiency in DAWs (Pro Tools, Logic, Ableton, Cubase). Collaboration with directors and producers is essential; hybrid work options may be available.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of professional experience in sound design and/or music composition in media/entertainment
• Portfolio showcasing high-quality sound design and musical composition work
• Proficiency in industry-standard DAWs (Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, Cubase)
• Strong mixing, signal flow, and acoustic principles
• Excellent musicality with knowledge of theory, harmony, and orchestration
• Able to work independently and in a team; strong communication skills
• Bachelor’s degree in Music, Audio Engineering, Film Production, or related field or equivalent experience

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and implement sound effects, foley, and ambiences for film, TV, and game projects
• Compose original music scores tailored to project needs with emotional resonance
• Record, edit, and mix audio to produce cohesive final soundtracks
• Collaborate with directors, producers, and creatives to realize audio vision
• Manage multiple projects with deadlines and budget considerations
• Stay updated on audio tech and techniques and integrate into workflows
• Ensure all deliverables meet industry standards and client specs; mentor juniors

Skills

Sound design

Music composition

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Pro Tools

Logic Pro X

Ableton Live

Cubase

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading force in the South African entertainment industry, is seeking a highly skilled and innovative Senior Sound Designer & Composer to join their dynamic team in Johannesburg. This pivotal role involves crafting immersive audio experiences for a variety of projects, including film, television, and interactive media. You will be instrumental in shaping the sonic landscape of our productions, ensuring a high standard of auditory quality and emotional impact. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute your unique talents to a company renowned for its cutting-edge work and creative vision, located in the vibrant hub of Johannesburg, Gauteng. We are looking for an individual who possesses a deep understanding of audio post-production, music composition, and the creative process, with a proven track record of delivering exceptional results in a professional setting. The ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative environment and be passionate about pushing the boundaries of sound design.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and implement sound effects, foley, and ambiences for film, television, and game projects.
• Compose original music scores tailored to specific project needs, ensuring emotional resonance and thematic consistency.
• Record, edit, and mix audio elements to create a cohesive and polished final soundtrack.
• Collaborate closely with directors, producers, and other creative team members to understand and execute audio vision.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, adhering to deadlines and budget constraints.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in audio technology and techniques, integrating them into workflows where appropriate.
• Ensure all audio deliverables meet industry standards and client specifications for the Johannesburg studio.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior sound designers and composers.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5-7 years of professional experience in sound design and/or music composition within the media and entertainment industry.
• Demonstrable portfolio showcasing a wide range of high-quality sound design and musical composition work.
• Proficiency in industry-standard Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, or Cubase.
• Strong understanding of audio mixing techniques, signal flow, and acoustic principles.
• Excellent musicality, with a strong grasp of music theory, harmony, and orchestration.
• Experience with sound synthesis, sampling, and audio manipulation techniques.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team in Gauteng.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate creative ideas clearly.
• Bachelor's degree in Music, Audio Engineering, Film Production, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• A creative and stimulating work environment in Johannesburg.
• Contribution to high-profile and impactful projects.
• Collaborate with a team of talented and passionate industry professionals.
• Potential for hybrid work arrangements, offering flexibility.