Senior Audio Test Engineer

Applied Sciences 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. The Applied Sciences Group (ASG) is hiring for a Senior Audio Test Engineer to help create the future of Microsoft’s hardware and software businesses.

As a Senior Audio Test Engineer, you will be the hands-on test lead for microphone enhancement pipelines for Windows devices. You will use your experience with modern-day test procedures and technology for qualifying audio systems. You will work with a multi-interdisciplinary team of researchers with expertise in hardware, sensors and signal processing. Your goal will be to create the next generation of audio experiences for Windows applications and 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.
• Knowledge of audio test systems and equipment such as Audio Precision, HEAD Acoustics, B&K, and R&S, and audio test software such as ACQUA, Artemis, and Soundcheck.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge of psycho-acoustics and speech quality metrics.
• Experience writing and reviewing code in Matlab/Python, and some experience in C or C++ systems programming.

Other Requirements

Candidates must be able 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

• Experience with Skype/Teams Certification or testing against 3GPP, TIA, IEEE etc.
• Desire to experiment, prototype and improve; creatively coming up with ideas and clever solutions to problems, as well as turning around and building them.
• 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 October 3, 2024. 

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.

• Develop and execute test plans for qualifying audio systems using industry standard audio analyzers and acoustic test chambers.
• Establish audio specifications, both objective and subjective, that premium audio systems must achieve across various use cases (e.g., communications, multimedia, and dictation/transcription).
• Author and review code for validating audio test requirements for both internal and external frameworks, including Windows Hardware Lab Kit (HLK) test scenarios.
• Manage communications with partners and stakeholders to ensure bugs are properly triaged and timely addressed, and test documentation is inclusive and maintained to reflect the latest information.
• Identify areas for improvement and innovation and drive the creation of new audio experiences and validation techniques tailored for Windows applications and users.
• Stay updated with the latest trends in audio quality analysis and apply knowledge to ongoing projects.
• Plan and prioritize work, from prototype to production.
• Mentor and guide others.