Job Description

Perceptual Audio Engineer (Research)

Location: Northridge - California, USA

The Perceptual Audio Engineer (Research) develops the metrics, methods, and evaluation frameworks that connect algorithms to what users actually perceive. You will design listening tests, create perceptual datasets, develop objective and ML-based metrics, and establish quality gates so products can ship without perceptual regressions. Success means that we understand how to create a desired perceptual goal in varying environments and just make it work for every customer.

What You Will Do

• Metrics & Methods Development: Create perceptual metrics and evaluation methodologies that correlate with human preference and quality judgments (timbre, artifacts, clarity, spatial realism, comfort/fatigue).
• User Testing & Listening Studies: Design and execute subjective evaluations (ABX, preference tests, rating studies), including stimulus generation, panel guidance, statistical analysis, and repeatability.
• AI/ML-Enabled Evaluation: Where beneficial, develop ML-based quality prediction or artifact detection that supports rapid iteration (embedded-viable where relevant; cloud-viable for batch evaluation).
• Perception-to-Product Gatekeeping: Define acceptance criteria and regression tests so OneUX productization can enforce "no perceptual regressions" in CI-style workflows.
• Data & Experiment Discipline: Build and maintain clean datasets, labeling strategies, metadata, and experiment tracking so results are trustworthy and reusable.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with DSP, acoustics, ML, and system testing roles to ensure metrics reflect real user value and cover edge cases.
• AI Tools: Use AI tools to accelerate analysis and reporting while maintaining rigorous validation and traceability.

What You Need to Be Successful

• Education: MS or PhD in EE/CS/Acoustics/Psychoacoustics/Statistics (or equivalent experience).
• Experience: 5+ years in perceptual audio, audio quality evaluation, or related applied research/engineering.
• Perception + Statistics: Strong understanding of psychoacoustics and statistical analysis for human-subject experiments. Experience in using and developing perceptual models.
• Programming: Python and/or MATLAB for analysis and tooling; familiarity working with ML frameworks and basic DSP concepts.
• AI Tools: Experience using AI-assisted tools for data analysis, scripting, and documentation in a reproducible workflow.

Bonus Points if You Have

• Experience with perceptual evaluation for spatial audio, headphone tuning, or automotive cabin audio.
• Experience creating objective metrics that become organizational standards and materially change decision-making speed/quality.
• Familiarity with embedded deployment constraints for ML-based metrics.
• Patents/publications in perceptual audio or audio quality evaluation.

What Makes You Eligible

• Successfully complete a background investigation and drug screen as a condition of employment (post-offer).

What We Offer

• Flexible work environment, allowing for full-time remote work globally for positions that can be performed outside a HARMAN or customer location
• Access to employee discounts on world-class products (JBL, HARMAN Kardon, AKG, and more)
• Extensive training opportunities through our own HARMAN University
• Competitive wellness benefits
• Tuition reimbursement
• "Be Brilliant" employee recognition and rewards program

An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development

Pay Transparency $ 134,250 - $ 196,900 Dependent on the position offered, other forms of compensation are also available, such as bonuses or commission. Pay is based on a wide range of factors, including, without limitation, skill set, experience, training, location, and business need. While the above range is a reasonable estimate of the wage range for this position, please note the disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographical differential associated with the location where the position may be filled.

HARMAN is interested in the health and wellbeing of you and your family and offers a range of benefits designed to support your needs for holistic wellbeing. Benefits and perks may vary depending on the nature of your employment with HARMAN, and may include paid vacation and holidays, paid sick leave, volunteer leave, and paid bonding and care giver leave. Employees may also be eligible to participate in comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, fertility support and adoption assistance, Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement savings plan with employer match, short and long term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.

Ever since the 1920s, we've been amplifying the sense of sound. Today, that legacy endures, with integrated technology platforms that make the world smarter, safer, and more connected. Across automotive, lifestyle, and digital transformation solutions, we create innovative technologies that turn ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences. Our renowned automotive and lifestyle solutions can be found everywhere, from the music we play in our cars and homes to venues that feature today's most sought-after performers, while our digital transformation solutions serve humanity by addressing the world's ever-evolving needs and demands. Marketing our award-winning portfolio under 16 iconic brands, such as JBL, Mark Levinson, and Revel, we set ourselves apart by exceeding the highest engineering and design standards for our customers, our partners and each other. If you're ready to innovate and do work that makes a lasting impact, join our talent community today!

Please be aware that HARMAN recruiters will always communicate with you from an '@harman.com', '@careers.harman.com' or '@harmanglobal.avature.net' email address. We will never ask for payments, banking, credit card, personal financial information or access to your LinkedIn/email account during the screening, interview, or recruitment process. If you are asked for such information or receive communication from an email address not ending in one of the above email domains about a job with HARMAN, please cease communication immediately and report the incident to us through: harmancareers@harman.com.

HARMAN is committed to making every employee feel welcomed, valued, and empowered. No matter what role you play, we encourage you to share your ideas, voice your distinct perspective, and bring your whole self with you – all within a support-minded culture that celebrates what makes each of us unique. We also recognize that learning is a lifelong pursuit and want you to flourish. We proudly offer added opportunities for training, development, and continuing education, further empowering you to live the career you want. HARMAN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. HARMAN strives to hire the best qualified candidates and is committed to building a workforce representative of the diverse marketplaces and communities of our global colleagues and customers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. HARMAN attracts, hires, and develops employees based on merit, qualifications and job-related performance.

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