Senior Audio Quality Engineer

The Applied Sciences Group (ASG) is an applied research and development group dedicated to creating the next generation of computer interaction technologies. Our interdisciplinary team of scientists and developers focuses on synergies among optics, vision, electronics, artificial intelligence, software, manufacturing technology, material science, acoustics, and signal processing using other sensory inputs to create novel human-computer interfaces.

We are hiring a Senior Audio Quality Engineer to drive end-to-end validation of Voice Clarity – our advanced voice enhancement pipeline that delivers core communications features for Windows applications and devices as a Windows Audio Processing Object (APO). By unifying fundamental digital signal processing (DSP) concepts (e.g., beamforming, automatic gain control, echo control, noise suppression) with cutting-edge machine learning techniques, Voice Clarity elevates real-time voice and audio quality enhancement across the entire Windows ecosystem and sets a new standard for premium audio experiences.

In this role, you will architect and implement the complete validation strategy – from defining novel psychoacoustic metrics and lab setups to authoring automated test scenarios within our continuous integration framework. You will collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team of researchers and engineers, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in audio signal processing and shaping the next generation of premium communications experiences for Windows users.

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or related field AND 4+ years varied project (e.g., machine learning, natural language, DSP) work experience
  • OR Master's Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or related field AND 3+ years varied project (e.g., machine learning, natural language, DSP) work experience
  • OR Doctorate in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or related field AND 1+ year(s) varied project (e.g., machine learning, natural language, digital signal processing [DSP]) work experience
  • OR equivalent experience.
• Hands-on experience with industry-standard audio test systems and software (e.g., HEAD Acoustics, ACQUA, B&K) and deep knowledge of psychoacoustics as applied to audio, voice, or speech quality metrics.
• Proficiency in MATLAB/Python for automation and data analysis, and demonstrated experience working with or reviewing systems-level code (e.g., C++).
• Experience shipping or significantly contributing to audio enhancement solutions in a commercial setting.

Other Requirements

Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements that are required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings:

• Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or related field AND 8+ years varied project (e.g., machine learning, natural language, DSP) work experience
  • OR Master's Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or related field AND 6+ years varied project (e.g., machine learning, natural language, DSP) work experience
  • OR Doctorate in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or related field AND 1+ year(s) varied project (e.g., machine learning, natural language, digital signal processing [DSP]) work experience
  • OR equivalent experience.
• Experience with industry standards such as 3GPP, TIA, IEEE, or certifications like Skype/Teams.
• Proficiency with C++.
• Hands-on experience designing large-scale data pipelines or curating audio training datasets.
• Working knowledge of Windows audio architecture (WASAPI, APOs, device drivers) and related debugging tools.
• A strong drive to experiment, prototype and improve.
• The ability to clearly communicate what work you have done, why it was important, and how it was different from other projects.
• Ability to work in ambiguous uncharted areas and having the experience, creativity and technical depth to identify technical gaps, acquire missing information, align requirements and pick the right direction.

Digital Signal Processing IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $117,200 - $229,200 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $153,600 - $250,200 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

Microsoft will accept applications for the role until February 6, 2025.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via the Accommodation request form.

Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.

• Design, maintain, and refine both objective and subjective audio quality metrics (e.g., psychoacoustic and DSP-based) to validate new features and user experiences.
• Develop and optimize lab setups, including chamber configurations, test stimuli, and measurement protocols, when existing industry standards are insufficient.
• Plan and execute data collection efforts to build and maintain robust datasets for machine learning training and validation.
• Create automated test scenarios in MATLAB/Python and integrate them into our continuous integration (CI) pipeline, ensuring efficient regression testing.
• Perform code reviews for changes in the Voice Clarity APO (C++), identifying potential issues and recommending improvements.
• Collaborate with a cross-functional team of DSP engineers, ML researchers, and software developers to align on technical and quality goals.
• Stay informed on industry trends and emerging technologies in audio signal processing and ML-based enhancement, proposing new initiatives to advance product performance.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to team members, advocating best practices in audio engineering, data analysis, and test automation.