Senior Sound Designer for Immersive Experiences

Placements24; KwaZulu-Natal; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 950,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

PTO / Paid time off

Professional development

Access to audio equipment

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks a Senior Sound Designer to craft immersive sonic worlds for interactive installations and VR/AR experiences. You will lead sound creation, collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams, and mentor junior designers, shaping auditory storytelling across projects.

The role requires a strong portfolio, expert DAW and middleware skills, and a passion for experiential art and technology in a fast-paced studio environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of professional sound design experience in interactive media, gaming, or immersive experiences.
• Proficiency in Pro Tools, Ableton Live or Logic Pro, and middleware like Wwise or FMOD.
• Strong understanding of acoustics, psychoacoustics, and audio engineering principles.
• Experience with audio signal processing, synthesis, and spatial audio tech (ambisonics).
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and implement high-fidelity sound for interactive installations and virtual experiences.
• Collaborate with game designers, animators, and UI/UX to weave sound into the user experience.
• Record, edit, and mix audio assets using DAWs and audio middleware.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive sound library with quality control.
• Optimize audio performance for various platforms with real-time considerations.
• Provide direction and mentorship to junior sound designers and audio engineers.
• Stay updated on trends in sound design, VR/AR audio, and interactive media.
• Conduct sound design reviews and iterate based on stakeholder feedback.

Skills

Sound design

Team collaboration

Communication

Problem solving

Field recording

Tools

Pro Tools

Ableton Live

Logic Pro

Wwise

FMOD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in interactive media and digital art installations, is seeking a highly skilled and creative Senior Sound Designer to join their dynamic team in the vibrant city of Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is pivotal in crafting compelling auditory landscapes that enhance user engagement and storytelling within cutting-edge entertainment projects. You will be instrumental in pushing the boundaries of sonic immersion, working alongside a multidisciplinary team of artists, engineers, and developers. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to projects that blend physical and digital realms, creating unforgettable experiences for a global audience. The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of acoustic principles, digital audio manipulation, and the narrative power of sound in interactive environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and implement high-fidelity sound effects, ambient soundscapes, and musical elements for interactive installations and virtual experiences.
• Collaborate closely with game designers, animators, and UI/UX specialists to ensure sound design is integral to the overall user experience.
• Record, edit, and mix audio assets using industry-standard Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) and audio middleware.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive sound library, ensuring organization, quality control, and efficient retrieval.
• Optimize audio performance for various platforms, considering real-time processing and memory constraints.
• Provide creative direction and mentorship to junior sound designers and audio engineers.
• Stay abreast of the latest trends and technologies in sound design, VR/AR audio, and interactive media.
• Conduct sound design reviews and iterate based on feedback from project stakeholders.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in sound design, with a strong portfolio showcasing work in interactive media, gaming, or immersive experiences.
• Proficiency in industry-standard DAWs such as Pro Tools, Ableton Live, or Logic Pro, and audio middleware like Wwise or FMOD.
• Solid understanding of acoustics, psychoacoustics, and audio engineering principles.
• Experience with audio signal processing, synthesis techniques, and spatial audio technologies (e.g., ambisonics).
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• A passion for art, technology, and creating immersive auditory experiences.
• Experience with field recording and Foley artistry is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holiday leave.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• Access to state-of-the-art audio equipment and facilities.
• A creative and collaborative work environment in beautiful Pietermaritzburg .
• Hybrid work model allowing for flexibility between office and home.