We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Acoustic Signaling Engineer to join our creative Innovation team. This is a hands-on system engineering role focused on safe and effective Emergency Vehicle warning technology. Responsibilities include benchmarking, evaluating, new innovative design, prototyping, evaluation, and applied research as necessary for audio communication systems and acoustic signaling devices. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in acoustics, transducer development, sound propagation analysis, and audio signal processing. This individual will play a critical role in enhancing the safety and effectiveness of emergency vehicle operations by ensuring that audible warnings and communication systems are optimized for clarity, reliability, and regulatory compliance.
Essential Job Functions
•\tIntegrate Acoustic expertise with other cross functional engineering team members, including mentoring opportunities.
•\tConduct research on sound wave propagation, reverberation, diffraction and psychoacoustics to optimize system effectiveness in diverse environments.
•\tCreate high-performance acoustic signaling patterns and audio communication systems for emergency vehicles with specific frequencies, durations, and modulation characteristics to convey necessary information (e.g., alerts, directions, status updates) and enhance sound output for maximum audibility and intelligibility.
•\tWork in conjunction with hardware and software engineering to choose appropriate acoustic transducers, including power management and signal conditioning, based on required SPL and propagation characteristics.
•\tWork closely with mechanical engineering to integrate audio systems into vehicle platforms.
•\tUtilize industry tools to analyze and simulate the performance of acoustic systems to predict how sound waves will propagate through different environments, considering factors like distance, obstacles, and noise levels.
•\tConduct field tests to measure and validate audio system performance (acoustics, propagation, STI, etc.) in real-world conditions to ensure signal clarity and reliability.
•\tEnsure compliance with performance standards and regulatory requirements.
•\tStay current on industry trends, standards, and emerging technologies related to acoustic signaling and emergency communication systems.
•\tPrepare detailed reports on CI cost savings roadmap progress, Kaizen initiatives and planning, and operational performance for senior management.
•\tHelp foster a work environment where employees are encouraged to take risks, share improvement ideas, and celebrate successes.
•\tWork closely with production, safety, materials maintenance, and quality assurance teams to ensure seamless implementation of continuous improvement initiatives.
Job Requirements
•\t10+ year's experience in Acoustic Signaling
•\tBachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Acoustics, Audio Engineering, or related engineering field.
•\tProficiency with acoustic modeling and simulation software (e.g., COMSOL, MATLAB, EASE).
•\tExperience with microphone arrays, beamforming, or active noise control systems.
•\tExperience with LRAD and AHD a plus.
•\tFamiliarity with vehicle integration processes and automotive engineering practices.
•\tExpertise in signal processing techniques like Fourier analysis and digital signal processing.
•\tHands-on experience with prototyping, creating and executing test plans, as well as safe evaluation of audio equipment and hardware skills.
•\tCoordination and management of test lab resources and suppliers as necessary.
•\tKnowledge of transducer design, sound pressure level (SPL) optimization, and audio signal processing.
•\tExperience with regulatory standards for emergency vehicle sound systems (e.g., SAE J1849, NFPA 1900, ISO 7731).
Working Conditions
•\tHudsonville Michigan or hybrid
•\tMostly office or laboratory environment, occasional light manufacturing environment
•\tOn-Site work in the field for testing
•\tFast-paced, team-oriented environment
•\tLow noise level in a temperature-controlled setting
•\tSome level of domestic and/or international travel may be required
•\tMostly normal business hours with occasional need to flex hours
Relocation May Be Offered
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $110000.00 - $170000.00/yr.
Benefit info provided on request
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Hudsonville,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 27, 2025.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.