Director, Experience Intelligence (Audio AI)

TL;DR

Director, Experience Intelligence (Intelligent Audio): Leading applied research fusing perceptual audio science, machine learning, acoustics, and signal processing to invent next-generation spatial audio, adaptive sound personalization, and context-aware features. Focus on defining research roadmap, overseeing project execution from concept to prototype, and transitioning innovations into real-time product implementations.

Location: Northridge, California, USA (flexible full-time remote work globally for positions performable outside hirify.global or customer locations)

Salary: $199,500 - $292,600

Company

Global leader in connected car technology and lifestyle audio solutions under brands like JBL, hirify.global Kardon, and AKG, part of Samsung ecosystem.

What you will do

• Define and own the Experience Intelligence research roadmap on spatial audio algorithms, adaptive noise cancellation, perceptual evaluation methods, and multi-device coordination.
• Oversee research projects from concept to prototype, developing perceptual metrics and data-driven evaluations using listening tests and feedback.
• Transition mature research into real-time C/C++/embedded DSP implementations, setting performance benchmarks for product integration.
• Collaborate with productization, consumer/automotive audio teams, and Samsung/hirify.global ecosystem to co-develop platform capabilities.
• Recruit, mentor DSP engineers, acoustic researchers, and ML scientists; foster scientific excellence, publish research, file patents.
• Define KPIs for innovations like AI-driven tuning systems and track outcomes for business impact.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Acoustics, Signal Processing or equivalent; strong academic background in audio DSP, acoustics, or ML for signal processing.
• 10+ years hands-on R&D in audio technologies (DSP, acoustics, perceptual science, AI for audio) with publications, patents, and product deliveries.
• Deep expertise in acoustics, advanced signal processing (spatial audio, beamforming), ML for audio, perceptual evaluation, psychoacoustics, audio architecture.
• Proven leadership of research teams; strong mentoring, cross-functional collaboration, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in MATLAB/Python for modeling, C/C++ for real-time systems, PyTorch/TensorFlow; hardware/software co-design knowledge.
• Complete background investigation and drug screen post-offer.

Nice to have

• Experience across consumer headphones, automotive, pro audio domains.
• Knowledge of audio standards (Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth LE Audio) and personalized audio trends.
• Background in perceptual user studies or statistical analysis of subjective tests.

Culture & Benefits

• Flexible work environment with full-time remote globally where possible.
• Competitive wellness benefits, medical/dental/vision plans, HSA/FSA, retirement with match, life/disability insurance.
• Paid vacation/holidays, sick leave, volunteer/bonding/caregiver leave.
• Tuition reimbursement, hirify.global University training, employee discounts on JBL/AKG products.
• Inclusive culture emphasizing diversity, professional development, and recognition programs.