Prin Audio Systems Design Engineer

Principal Audio Systems Design Engineer Lead the system-level design of next-generation hearing solutions, connecting audiology, acoustics, signal processing, and product engineering to deliver better patient outcomes. Shape technical strategy, guide cross-functional teams through complex decisions, and mentor engineers as you advance Starkey's audio capabilities. Starkey is a world leader in the manufacturing and distribution of advanced hearing technologies. We are in the business of connecting people and changing lives. Our teams come to work each day focused on ensuring people everywhere have the products and services they need to hear better and live better. Founded in 1967 by Bill Austin, Starkey is known for our cutting-edge hearing health innovations, industry-leading research and development, and not being afraid to push the edge of what's possible. We are headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, have over 5,000 employees in 29 facilities across the globe, and do business in more than 100 markets worldwide. The Principal Audio Systems Design Engineer provides strategic technical leadership and is a hybrid professional who bridges audiology, acoustics, signal processing, and product engineering to develop, evaluate, and audiological technologies to ensure that product designs deliver clinically effective, patient-centered hearing solutions. The engineer is a recognized subject-matter expert who leads major cross-functional initiatives, owns complex system tradeoffs and technical risks, and drives resolution of critical audio-system issues throughout the product life cycle. The role mentors technical teams and shapes practices, methods, and technology direction that support best-in-class hearing solutions. Principal level expectation: Operates with little to no supervision, influences across functions and programs, and is accountable for decisions with significant product and business impact. Job Responsibilities/Results: Provide strategic vision and technical leadership for audio-system architecture and end-to-end audiological performance across hearing aids and supporting tools. Lead audio and audiological architecture and design tradeoffs across acoustics, electroacoustics, DSP, hardware, firmware, fitting algorithms, connectivity, controls, and user interfaces. Own audio-system impact analyses for product changes, scope changes, architecture decisions, and design reviews, including options, risks, dependencies, and recommendations. Lead system integration, bring-up, characterization, and optimization across prototypes, verification builds, and pre-production systems. Define audio system-level verification, benchmarking and validation strategies for integrated audio and audiological performance in partnership with Systems Verification Engineering and audiology teams. Represent Audio Systems in programs, architecture reviews, design reviews, risk reviews, technical issue reviews, and leadership discussions. Serve as Program Audio Systems Lead or equivalent for major product or technology initiatives, as assigned. Advance Audio Systems engineering capability, methods, tools, and reusable knowledge. Mentor, coach, and provide technical direction to engineers, audiologists, technicians, and interns; grow cross-functional understanding of system-level audio design. Provide expert consultation on complex projects and proactively identify strategic technology, capability, and process opportunities. Job Requirements: BS or MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Audio Engineering, Systems Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Audiology, or a related field. PhD is desirable Minimum of 15 years of professional experience in a product and/or technology development environment with Bachelor's degree Minimum of 13 years of relevant industry experience with a Master's degree Demonstrated technical leadership of complex, cross-functional product or technology-development efforts involving integrated audio, audiological, or embedded systems. Demonstrated expertise and organizational influence consistent with a principal-level subject-matter expert. Competencies, Skills & Abilities: Exceptional technical judgment and ability to resolve ambiguous, multidisciplinary problems with broad product impact. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to align clinicians, engineers, program teams, and leaders around complex technical decisions. Proven ability to lead without direct authority, build cross-functional alignment, and drive decisions and actions to closure. Expert analytical, troubleshooting, and root-cause skills for interacting audio, acoustic, fitting, hardware, firmware, and software behaviors. Hands-on proficiency with relevant audio and hearing-aid measurement equipment, including audio analyzers, microphones, couplers, test boxes, probe-microphone systems, and related laboratory tools. Ability to balance clinical performance, sound quality, user experience, technical feasibility, regulatory and quality considerations, schedule, and business constraints. Ability to mentor others, establish technical direction, and raise the capability of the broader organization. Self-motivated, adaptable, and effective in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment; able to establish priorities and manage multiple high-impact activities. Working Conditions: Standard office and laboratory conditions. Minimal travel expected. Equipment Operation: Standard office equipment. Standard audio, electroacoustic, hearing-aid, and laboratory test equipment. Salary and Other Compensation: The target pay rate for this position is between $137,000 - $178,500 annually. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include: geography/market, skills, education, experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position is eligible for a bonus based upon performance results. There is no guarantee of payout. The following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements, include medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, company-paid life and short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, employee assistance plan, hearing aid benefits, Paid Time Off, paid holidays, paid floating holidays, paid volunteer service day, paid paternity and maternity leave and tuition reimbursement. Starkey Inc