Principal Engineer, Audio System Validation Specialist

About the role

As an Audio System Validation Specialist at HARMAN Automotive, you will be the technical authority for System Trust within a group that defines the future of technology for car audio. You’ll lead complex root‑cause investigations, set and evolve validation methodologies, and influence architectural decisions to prevent integrity risks at scale. You will work independently across domain and cross‑brand initiatives, mentor others, and serve as the technical escalation point during critical phases.

Responsibilities

• Define and evolve System Trust validation methodologies and technical standards.
• Lead resolution of complex, cross‑domain DSP and system‑level integrity issues.
• Evaluate architectural decisions for potential performance and integrity risks.
• Design scalable regression protection strategies and automation frameworks.
• Interpret business and performance trade‑offs while protecting non‑negotiable integrity boundaries.
• Mentor team members in advanced DSP validation techniques and analytical reasoning.
• Drive cross‑functional collaboration to resolve systemic technical risks.
• Act as technical authority during critical development and pre‑release validation phases.

Requirements

• 10+ years of deep expertise in DSP algorithms, audio processing systems, and embedded performance constraints.
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Sound Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Signal Processing, or equivalent.
• Extensive experience diagnosing complex technical issues across software and system layers.
• Strong understanding of architectural trade‑offs and scalability considerations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead others in solving complex technical problems.
• Experience influencing cross‑disciplinary teams in technically challenging environments.
• Ability to interpret business drivers while maintaining integrity standards.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Proficiency in the on‑site native language.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience designing large‑scale automated validation frameworks.
• Background in real‑time embedded or automotive systems.
• Experience working in cross‑brand or platform‑based product organizations.
• Exposure to psychoacoustic implications of system‑level design decisions.
• Experience mentoring or acting as technical lead in complex projects.

Benefits

• Employee discounts on Harman and Samsung products (JBL, HARMAN Kardon, AKG, etc.).
• Extensive training opportunities through Harman University.
• Competitive wellness benefits and tuition reimbursement.
• “Be Brilliant” employee recognition and rewards program.
• Inclusive and diverse work environment supporting professional and personal development.
• Hybrid work model with flexibility and in‑person collaboration (minimum three days per week on site in Novi, MI).
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, fertility support, adoption assistance, HSAs, FSAs, retirement savings plan with employer match, short‑ and long‑term disability, life insurance, and paid vacation/holidays, sick leave, volunteer leave, and bonding/caregiver leave.

Pay

Salary range: $125,250 – $183,700, dependent on the position offered. Additional compensation such as bonuses or commissions may be available. Pay is based on factors including skill set, experience, training, location, and business need.

Schedule

• Willingness to travel up to 10% (domestic and international).
• Hybrid office environment in Novi, MI, requiring a minimum of three days per week on site.
• Successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen is required.