Sr Acoustic Engineer I

Shape the future of hearing technology by selecting and advancing the acoustic components that bring Starkey products to life. Partner with talented engineering teams to model, test, and refine innovative designs while turning complex challenges into better listening experiences.

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.

Watch this video to see more of what sets Starkey apart:

JOB SUMMARY DESCRIPTION / PRIMARY PURPOSE OF JOB

This position is responsible for planning technology scanning, model creation, simulation, evaluation test, and selection of acoustic transducers and all other audio frequency domain filters/couplers/sensors in Starkey’s products. The design solutions include microphones, receivers, telecoils, Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) subassemblies, and standard/custom acoustic paths. Working closely with Electroacoustic, Electrical, and Acoustic engineers, this position is responsible for fulfilling product requirements, implementing design guidelines, creating component specifications, and maintaining simulation processes/procedures. Finally, this position is responsible for leading design, research, and/or continuation groups in problem-solving for product-related issues, risks, and novel designs.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES/RESULTS

• Conduct transducer evaluation, simulations, and selection
  • Plan and execute component selection through test, analysis, report out, and knowledge sharing
  • Plan and create model/simulation at the component, sub-assembly, and device level
  • Plan and validate model/simulation results via lab measurements and characterization
  • Plan supplier scanning, component specification, and formal product lifecycle management release
• Define, develop, and verify characterization/homologation tests for components and hearing aids
  • Plan and execute test system development and specification creation
  • Plan and execute software and script development to automate tests
  • Plan, draft, release, and update test procedures
  • Train and troubleshoot test issues with end-user engineers and technicians
• Execute on Product Requirement and Design Guidelines
  • Execute product requirement refinement, implementation, and verification
  • Create design guidelines for new and existing transducer/sub-assembly/device
  • Enforce specifications and constraints for design and fabrication (internal/external)
  • Conduct failure analysis of product design, testing, processes, and field issues
  • Update design rules and constraints for placement and fabrication of transducers
• Continuous Improvement and upkeep on the latest hardware, software, and methodology
  • Improve model creation and simulation by documenting processes and procedures
  • Create, catalog, and maintain scripting libraries for model and simulation efficiency
  • Enhance competence of available tools and stay abreast of industry trends
  • Develop new types of simulation/modeling efforts to expand acoustic capability
  • Seek and mature hearing aid artifact reduction technologies/evaluation methods for implementation

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education

• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Acoustics, Acoustic Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field

OR

• Master of Science (MS) in Acoustics, Acoustic Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field

OR

• Doctorate of Science (PhD) in Acoustics, Acoustic Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field

Experience

• Minimum 7 years of relevant design, simulation, and model creation experience in a product development environment required with BS
• Minimum 5 years of relevant design, simulation, and model creation experience in a product development environment required with MS
• Minimum 2 years of relevant design, simulation, and model creation experience in a product development environment required with PhD
• Relevant experience should include:
  • Transducer evaluation
  • Anechoic chamber usage
  • Acoustic equalizer/stability design
  • ANSI/IEC standards conformance
  • ElectroAcoustic lab correlation measurement
  • Leading junior engineers and technicians on projects

Knowledge / Technical Requirements

• Advanced proficiency with prototyping and transducer selection
• Advanced proficiency with acoustic simulation tools (e.g. Comsol, Ansys, ABARUS, LTspice)
• Advanced working knowledge of DSP technology and hearing aid signal processing
• Intermediate to advanced working knowledge of analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog circuits
• Advanced to expert knowledge of acoustic calculations and measurements
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of relevant industry standards and requirements (e.g. ANSI, IEC, ETSI, Nordic, VA)
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of product development best practices (e.g. DFM, DOE, DFMEA, Lean PD, EMC)
• General to intermediate knowledge of electrical circuits and printed circuit board (PCB) design

Competencies, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills
• Excellent attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy and precision
• Excellent design, troubleshooting, and documentation skills
• Strong ability to perform complex engineering analyses and calculations
• Excellent proficiency with acoustic measurement equipment (e.g. audio analyzer, speakers, amplifiers, function generators)
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively and work well in team environments
• Demonstrated leadership role in projects, including the ability to provide guidance and direction on the project to less experienced technical personnel

Working Conditions

• Standard office and acoustic lab conditions

Equipment Operation

• Standard office, electroacoustic lab equipment, and sound chambers

Salary and Other Compensation:

The target pay rate for this position is between $99,940 - $128,100 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.

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