Audio Systems Design Engineer II

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.

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: https://youtu.be/9cUYwTlCepg?si=wkovx8_R_iINfrc6

JOB SUMMARY DESCRIPTION / PRIMARY PURPOSE OF JOB

The Audio Systems Design Engineer II, under general supervision, is responsible for system-level design and optimization of audio and audiological performance for hearing aids, accessories, fitting software, mobile applications, and related systems. This role bridges audiology, signal processing, and systems engineering to ensure that product designs deliver clinically effective, patient-centered hearing solutions. The engineer applies expertise in hearing aid fitting, audiological features, and real-world listening behavior to translate clinical and user needs to built robust system and design tradeoffs. The role involves close collaboration with audiologists, DSP engineers, software teams, verification engineers, and product development groups to deliver best-in-class hearing solutions.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES/RESULTS

• 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 tradeoffs 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: 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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