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Audio Systems Design Engineer II

Starkey Hearing Technologies, Eden Prairie, MN, United States


The Audio Systems Design Engineer II plays a critical role in shaping the end-to-end audio and audiological performance of hearing aids and their supporting ecosystems, from devices and accessories to fitting software and mobile applications. Bridging audiology, signal processing, and systems engineering, this role translates clinical insight and real-world listening behavior into robust, patient-centered system designs. Working closely with cross‑functional engineering and audiology teams, the engineer helps deliver best‑in‑class hearing solutions that balance clinical effectiveness, sound quality, and user experience.

Job Responsibilities

Lead and support system‑level integration of hearing aids, accessories, fitting software, mobile applications, and supporting tools to ensure cohesive end‑to‑end audio and audiological performance.

Integrate audio signal processing, acoustics, hardware, firmware, fitting algorithms, and user interfaces into a unified system that meets clinical and user performance expectations.

Apply audiology and hearing aid fitting expertise to evaluate integrated system behavior across real‑world listening scenarios and clinical use cases.

Collaborate closely with DSP, software, hardware, mechanical, and audiology teams to resolve cross‑domain integration issues affecting sound quality, fitting behavior, usability, or clinical outcomes.

Support system bring‑up, integration testing, and tuning activities across prototypes, verification builds, and pre‑production systems.

Analyze and troubleshoot system‑level audio, acoustic, and fitting issues, identifying root causes across interacting subsystems.

Evaluate system performance trade‑offs related to audio quality, fitting flexibility, clinical experience and user experience.

Partner with Systems Verification Engineers and audiology teams to support system‑level verification, validation, and clinical evaluation activities.

Support development and execution of system integration test strategies, including lab‑based, simulated, and field evaluations.

Review and interpret system test and clinical data to identify performance gaps and recommend integration improvements.

Own and drive resolution of system integration issues, ensuring clear documentation, reproducibility, and timely closure.

Provide technical guidance to technicians, interns, and junior engineers during integration, test, and troubleshooting activities.

Support continuous improvement initiatives related to system integration processes, audio performance consistency, and fitting robustness.

Participate in design reviews, integration reviews, and program milestones as the audio/audiology system integration representative.

Perform other duties commensurate with an engineer role and level.

Job Requirements
Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Audio Engineering, Systems Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Audiology, or related field

Master's in lieu of bachelor's with minimum of 5 years of industry experience in a product and /or technology development environment

Experience

Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in a product and /or technology development environment

Knowledge / Technical Requirements

Strong working knowledge of hearing aid systems architecture, audiological features, and fitting methodologies

Solid understanding of audiology fundamentals including hearing loss types, prescriptive fitting formulas, verification methods, and patient outcomes

Working knowledge of audio and signal processing concepts, including gain control, compression, noise reduction, directionality, feedback management, and acoustic coupling

Familiarity with DSP‑based audio systems, wired and wireless audio interfaces, and embedded systems

Understanding of fitting software, mobile apps, and clinician workflows

General knowledge of software development processes and configuration management

Competencies, Skills & Abilities

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to communicate effectively with clinicians, engineers, and cross‑functional teams

Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills applied to audio and audiological system challenges

Attention to detail when dealing with clinical, acoustic, and performance requirements

Hands‑on proficiency with audio measurement and test equipment (audio analyzers, microphones, couplers, test boxes, Verifit, etc.)

Ability to balance clinical performance, sound quality, and system constraints

Self‑motivated and able to operate effectively in a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary environment

Strong time management and prioritization skills

Salary and Other Compensation
The target pay rate for this position is between $78,500 - $125,000 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.

Benefits
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 (subject to applicable eligibility requirements).

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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