Microsoft Senior Audio Quality Engineer 

United States, Washington 

94054264

The
Applied Sciences Group (ASG)

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.

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.

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.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:

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

• 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.