Senior Sound Designer for Immersive Audio Experiences

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 400,000 - 700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Generous paid time off

Creative and collaborative environment

Access to state-of-the-art equipment

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Sound Designer for a leading innovator in interactive entertainment and VR, based in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. You will craft sonic landscapes and drive audio storytelling across ambitious projects, collaborating with designers and composers to align audio with creative vision.

The role requires a strong portfolio, proficiency with DAWs, and experience with middleware like Wwise/FMOD.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of senior-level sound design experience in gaming or interactive media.
• Strong portfolio showcasing interactive sound design work.
• Proficiency with DAWs (Pro Tools, Cubase, or Reaper).
• Extensive experience with audio middleware (Wwise or FMOD).
• Solid knowledge of acoustics, psychoacoustics, and audio signal processing.
• Experience with audio recording techniques and equipment.
• Familiarity with game engines (Unreal Engine, Unity).
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for video games, film, and emergent audio technologies.
• Bachelor's degree in Audio Engineering, Music Technology, or related field, or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Design, create, and implement high-quality sound effects, ambient soundscapes, and musical elements for interactive applications and games.
• Collaborate closely with game designers, narrative writers, and composers to ensure audio aligns with the project's vision and emotional tone.
• Record, edit, and mix audio assets to meet project specifications and technical requirements.
• Utilize advanced audio middleware (Wwise, FMOD) for real-time audio implementation within game engines.
• Optimize audio assets for performance and memory constraints across various platforms.
• Mentor junior sound designers and provide constructive feedback to the team.
• Conduct research into new audio technologies and techniques to enhance production workflows.
• Troubleshoot and resolve audio-related technical issues during development and post-launch.
• Manage audio asset libraries and maintain organized project files.
• Contribute to the overall sound direction and creative strategy of multiple projects concurrently.

Skills

Senior sound designer

Portfolio

Communication skills

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Audio Engineering or related field

Tools

Pro Tools

Cubase

Reaper

Wwise

FMOD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in interactive entertainment and virtual reality, is seeking a highly creative and technically proficient Senior Sound Designer to join their dynamic team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal . This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking projects that push the boundaries of auditory immersion. You will be instrumental in crafting the sonic landscapes that define our client’s cutting-edge experiences, working with a collaborative and passionate group of artists and developers. The role involves both conceptualization and detailed execution, ensuring that every sound contributes to the overall narrative and emotional impact of the project. We are looking for an individual who possesses a deep understanding of audio principles, a keen ear for detail, and a passion for exploring new sonic frontiers. Your contributions will directly shape how audiences perceive and interact with our client’s innovative products, making this a pivotal role within the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, create, and implement high-quality sound effects, ambient soundscapes, and musical elements for interactive applications and games.
• Collaborate closely with game designers, narrative writers, and composers to ensure audio aligns with the project's vision and emotional tone.
• Record, edit, and mix audio assets to meet project specifications and technical requirements.
• Utilize advanced audio middleware (e.g., Wwise, FMOD) for real-time audio implementation within game engines.
• Optimize audio assets for performance and memory constraints across various platforms.
• Mentor junior sound designers and provide constructive feedback to the team.
• Conduct research into new audio technologies and techniques to enhance production workflows.
• Troubleshoot and resolve audio-related technical issues during development and post-launch.
• Manage audio asset libraries and maintain organized project files.
• Contribute to the overall sound direction and creative strategy of multiple projects concurrently.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Sound Designer in the gaming or interactive media industry, with at least 3-5 years in a senior capacity.
• A strong portfolio showcasing a diverse range of high-quality sound design work, particularly in interactive environments.
• Proficiency in Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) such as Pro Tools, Cubase, or Reaper.
• Extensive experience with audio middleware like Wwise or FMOD.
• Solid understanding of acoustics, psychoacoustics, and audio signal processing.
• Experience with audio recording techniques and equipment.
• Familiarity with game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity) is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• A passion for video games, film, and emergent audio technologies.
• Bachelor's degree in Audio Engineering, Music Technology, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, and generous paid time off.
• Employees benefit from a creative and collaborative work environment, opportunities for professional development and training, and access to state-of-the-art equipment and technology.
• We foster a culture of innovation and artistic excellence, encouraging work-life balance.
• Furthermore, this role offers the chance to work on critically acclaimed projects and make a significant impact in the world of immersive audio.
• Regular team-building events and a supportive management structure ensure a positive and engaging workplace.
• Opportunities for career advancement within the company are readily available for high-performing individuals.