Senior Audio R&D Scientist

About EERS 

EERS develops enabling hardware and software for noise management, hearing protection, audio clarity and voice intelligibility through devices that are comfortable and secure. We are expert in real-time signal processing that builds applications for augmented hearing in industrial, medical, and consumer use cases. 

Our bio-mechanical skills allow us to map and address the complexity of the human ear canal to build novel comfortable, usable, and manufacturable earpieces that are acoustically efficient. 

The EERS team is made up experts in audiology, acoustics, embedded software, hardware design, bio-mechanical, industrial design, and prototype assemblers capable of working on the smallest of form factors. 

Our head office is located in the heart of downtown Montréal. We offer competitive salaries as well as a great team environment with a hybrid WFH model. EERS Global is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity.  

Job Description 

Reporting to the Principal Audio R&D Scientist, the Senior Audio R&D Scientist will play a pivotal role in developing state-of-the-art audio DSP algorithms, with a focus on Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), to enhance the acoustic performance of our in-ear technology products. 

This technical leadership role involves tackling complex challenges in audio signal processing, requiring a strong foundation in research, experimentation, and implementation. 

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of developing and deploying cutting-edge DSP solutions for ANC and other audio technologies. You will work across the entire R&D lifecycle, from surveying literature and prototyping in MATLAB/Python to implementing C/C++ based real-time algorithms on embedded DSP systems. Your work will directly contribute to delivering best-in-class audio experiences to end users. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

     1. Audio System Design and Algorithm Development

• Design and optimize DSP algorithms for Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and other audio processing needs, ensuring high performance for speech pickup in noise applications.
• Research and implement solutions in areas like adaptive filtering, noise suppression, echo cancellation, and dynamic equalization.
• Implement and refine real-time audio processing algorithms in MATLAB, Python, and C++, ensuring performance and computational efficiency on embedded DSP platforms.
• Develop and optimize low-level code for DSPs and microprocessors.
• Architect and develop audio processing chains, acoustic models, simulations, and precise measurement setups to tune ANC performance.
• Lead system integration, optimization of earpiece design, transducer choice and placement.
• Design and implement strategies to efficiently audio processing tasks, including ANC, music playback, and speech processing, across multiple DSPs and microprocessors.

    2. Testing and Validation

• Conduct testing and validation of ANC and DSP systems using acoustic measurement tools.
• Perform simulations and field tests to assess performance under diverse environmental conditions.

   3. Research, Collaboration and Leadership

• Conduct literature reviews and propose innovative approaches for ANC and audio DSP.
• Work closely with hardware and firmware teams to integrate algorithms into products and ensure smooth deployment.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to building a strong technical knowledge base.

    4. Technical Leadership

• Lead research projects and contribute to the intellectual property portfolio.
• Stay updated on advancements in ANC and speech enhancement.

Education and work experience 

Education

•  Master’s or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Audio/Music Technology, or a related field. 

Experience

• Master’s degree with at least 5 years of relevant experience or Ph.D. with 2+ years of industry experience in audio DSP.
• Proven experience in developing and deploying ANC and other audio DSP algorithms in consumer or professional audio products.
• Strong knowledge of DSP fundamentals, including time-frequency analysis, adaptive filtering, noise suppression, and machine learning applications for audio.
• Hands-on experience with real-time implementation of audio algorithms on embedded platforms. 

Minimum Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of audio signal processing, acoustic modelling, statistical analysis. DSP knowledge : time-frequency analysis, denoising, dynamic equalizers, limiters / maximizers, compressors, active noise cancellation, feedback control, echo cancellation, etc.
• Experience with implementation of real-time audio applications and plugins. 
• Experience with design and optimization of FIR/IIR filters.
• Strong knowledge of MATLAB and/or Python. 
• Strong programming skills in C/C++ for developing and optimizing real-time code on DSPs and microprocessors. 
• Experience in managing inter-processor communication and synchronization to ensure efficient and low-latency audio processing.
• Deep understanding of audio DSP architectures and microcontroller systems.
• Knowledge of psychoacoustics and critical listening skills.
• Knowledge of using DAWs such as Audacity and Reaper.
• Experience with sound and recording equipment such as microphones, audio interfaces, and loudspeakers. 

Nice-to have:

• Experience in developing real-time audio applications with GUI controls on MATLAB, MaxMSP, JUCE or other C++ audio frameworks. 
• Knowledge of machine learning for audio applications.
• Experience with real-time operability, complexity reduction and implementation of DSP/ML algorithms targeted for embedded platforms.  

Additional skills:

• Strong technical leadership, teamwork, and project-management skills.
• A record of patents and/or publications is preferred.
• Contribute to the IP portfolio of the company.
• Maintain detailed records of work and produce technical reports and presentations for other groups of the organization.                                         
• Be an active member of the audio DSP community by producing papers, attending conferences, conventions, etc.
• Stay up to date with the latest relevant research in audio signal processing and perform critical analysis of the competitive landscape.
• Effective communication skills in English / French.
• Strong writing and documentation skills.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work with all levels of the organization.
• Ability to work both individually and as part of a team. 

If you are meticulous, a problem solver, and a team player, you will feel right at home. Please send your cover letter and or resume to jobs@eers.ca OR submit them through our EERS Career platform.