Lead Audio Design Engineer

Holovis; Hinckley; On-site; GBP 45,000 - GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading themed entertainment company seeks a Lead Audio Engineer to design and implement advanced audio systems for immersive experiences. You will lead project execution, collaborate with creative teams, and ensure high-quality audio performance. Candidates should have a strong background in electroacoustics and audio system optimization, with hands-on experience in DSP systems. The ideal hire will also provide mentorship to junior engineers, applying innovative solutions to enhance projects within themed environments.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in the themed entertainment industry as an Audio Engineer.
• In-depth knowledge of sound system optimization.
• Hands-on experience with digital signal processing (DSP) systems.
• Strong communication skills to liaise with technical and creative teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of audio systems for themed installations.
• Oversee technical execution during installations, ensuring quality and safety.
• Troubleshoot technical issues and fine-tune audio systems for high quality.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior engineers and technicians.

Skills

Audio system design

Electroacoustics

Speaker design

Signal processing

Troubleshooting

Acoustic optimization

Education

Degree in Audio Engineering, Acoustics, or related field

Tools

CAD

EASE

SMAART

SYS Tune

Job description

As a Lead Audio Engineer, you will be responsible for leading the design, implementation, and optimization of audio systems in themed environments, including theme park attractions, exhibits, live shows, and interactive installations. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to bring complex, high‑impact audio designs to life, ensuring flawless performance and an immersive experience for guests.

This role demands a strong foundation in electroacoustics, speaker design, and audio system calibration, as well as the ability to solve unique technical challenges within the themed entertainment industry. Your expertise will help create the perfect sonic landscapes for world‑class attractions and installations.

Key Responsibilities

• Audio System Design & Integration: Lead the design and implementation of sophisticated audio systems for themed entertainment installations, ensuring they meet artistic vision, technical requirements, and safety standards.
• Acoustic Optimization: Use your expertise in electroacoustics and speaker design to determine optimal speaker placement, system calibration, and acoustic treatment for various environments, including rides, exhibits, and performance spaces.
• Project Leadership: Oversee the technical execution of audio system installations, working with project managers, designers, and technicians to ensure timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.
• Collaboration with Creative Teams: Work closely with creative directors, designers, and other engineers to integrate audio seamlessly with lighting, video, and interactive elements, ensuring a cohesive experience.
• Troubleshooting & System Tuning: Troubleshoot any technical issues during installation and commissioning, and fine‑tune systems to achieve the highest audio quality and reliability.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure the audio systems are fully tested, calibrated, and optimized to meet client specifications.
• Mentorship & Training: Provide leadership and technical guidance to junior engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of audio installation practices.
• Innovation: Stay on top of technologies, trends and techniques and apply innovative solutions to enhance audio system performance.

Qualifications & Skills

• Proven experience as an Audio Engineer or Lead Audio Engineer within the themed entertainment industry, AV integration, or related fields.
• In-depth knowledge of electroacoustics, speaker design, sound system optimization, and room acoustics for large‑scale installations.
• Experience designing and installing audio systems for themed attractions, exhibits, or live entertainment environments.
• The ideal candidate will have hands‑on experience configuring and optimizing digital signal processing (DSP) systems for professional audio environments. Familiarity with platforms such as Q‑SIS is highly desirable, along with a strong understanding of networked audio protocols including AES67 and Dante. This includes the ability to design and manage signal chains, implement EQ, dynamics, and routing, and troubleshoot complex audio networks to ensure reliable performance across large‑scale installations.
• Expertise in audio calibration, system tuning, and troubleshooting in complex environments.
• Strong knowledge of industry‑standard tools and software for audio system design (e.g., CAD, EASE, SMAART, SYS Tune etc.).
• Ability to lead teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously while ensuring timely and high‑quality deliverables.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with both technical and creative teams.
• Strong problem‑solving abilities and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Audio Engineering, Acoustics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Certification in AV or audio‑related technologies (e.g., AVIXA, CTS, or similar).
• Experience with immersive audio technologies (e.g., 3D audio, ambisonics, spatial audio).
• Familiarity with audio systems in live performance, interactive exhibits, and themed environments.
• Knowledge of themed entertainment industry standards and practices.