Senior Sound Designer & Composer for Interactive Media

Placements24; KwaZulu-Natal; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 780,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Hybrid work model

Professional development

State-of-the-art audio gear

Team-building events

Flexible schedule

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Sound Designer & Composer in Pietermaritzburg to craft immersive audio for video games, film and interactive installations. You’ll shape sonic identity, compose original scores, design effects, and collaborate with a cross-functional team in a hybrid studio setting.

The role requires a strong portfolio in interactive media, proficiency in major DAWs, and experience with Wwise/FMOD and engine integration. Relocation to Pietermaritzburg is preferred.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Sound Designer and Composer for interactive media.
• Strong DAW proficiency and music theory knowledge.
• Experience with game audio middleware and engine integration.
• Bachelor-level degree or equivalent professional experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop original musical scores per briefs.
• Design and edit SFX, Foley and ambience.
• Integrate audio assets into Unreal/Unity using Wwise/FMOD.
• Collaborate with designers, directors and producers to meet requirements.
• Mix and master for final delivery and technical standards.
• Maintain organized audio assets and pipelines.
• Stay updated on trends in sound design and interactive media.
• Mentor junior team members.

Skills

Sound design

Music composition

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Music, Sound Engineering, Game Design, or related field

Tools

Pro Tools

Logic Pro

Ableton Live

Cubase

Wwise

FMOD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading creative studio based in the vibrant city of Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal , is seeking a highly skilled and imaginative Senior Sound Designer & Composer. This pivotal role involves crafting immersive audio experiences for a range of exciting projects, including video games, film, and interactive installations. You will be instrumental in shaping the sonic identity of our products, ensuring a world-class auditory engagement for our audience. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of audio post-production, a flair for original musical composition, and the ability to collaborate effectively within a dynamic team environment. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge projects while working within a supportive and innovative studio culture in Pietermaritzburg .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement original musical scores for various media projects, adhering to project briefs and stylistic guidelines.
• Design, record, and edit a wide range of sound effects (SFX), Foley, and environmental audio to enhance realism and immersion.
• Integrate audio assets into game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity) and other development platforms using middleware solutions (e.g., Wwise, FMOD).
• Collaborate closely with game designers, directors, and producers to understand audio requirements and deliver exceptional results.
• Mix and master audio for final delivery, ensuring compliance with technical specifications and broadcast standards.
• Manage audio assets, maintain organized project files, and contribute to the development of audio pipelines.
• Stay abreast of the latest trends and technologies in sound design and music composition for interactive media.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior sound team members.

Requirements

• Proven professional experience as a Sound Designer and Composer, with a strong portfolio showcasing interactive media projects.
• Proficiency in Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, or Cubase.
• Expertise in sound editing, mixing, mastering, and audio post-production techniques.
• Strong understanding of music theory, composition, and orchestration, with proficiency in at least one major DAW for music production.
• Experience with game audio middleware (Wwise, FMOD) and game engine integration.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to articulate creative ideas effectively.
• A keen ear for detail and a passion for creating compelling auditory experiences.
• Bachelor's degree in Music, Sound Engineering, Game Design, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Residency or willingness to relocate to the Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal area is preferred for this hybrid role.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Access to state-of-the-art audio equipment and software.
• A creative and collaborative work environment in a beautiful region of South Africa .
• Potential for hybrid work flexibility, balancing remote work with in-studio collaboration.
• Team-building events and social activities.