> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/4220008-staff-audio-test-automation-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/4220008-staff-audio-test-automation-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Staff Audio Test Automation Engineer

- **Company:** Ford Motor Company
- **Location:** Palo Alto, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Experienced
- **Salary:** $150,200.0 - $283,500.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Advanced Linux Sound Architecture, Audio Signal Processing, Automation of Tests, VoIP, Ubuntu (Operating System), Continuous Integration, Linux, Python (Programming Language), NumPy, SciPy, Pytest, Information Technology
- **Published:** October 3, 2026
- **Apply:** https://dejobs.org/x/x/7E2336B6B4704F10B300D617BAC84DB2/job/

## About the Role

Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Audio Engineering, Acoustics, or related field.

 * Familiarity with AVAS (UN ECE R138 / FMVSS 141) acoustic safety regulations.

 * Test Automation: 3+ years of professional experience building automated test frameworks in Python using pytest.

 * Audio Signal Processing: Strong theoretical and practical foundation in digital signal processing (DSP) using Python scientific libraries (numpy, scipy, sounddevice, PyAudio).

 * Audio Hardware & Instrumentation: Hands-on experience with multi-channel audio interfaces, line-output converters, microphone/speaker calibration, and gain staging.

 * Audio Metrics: Deep familiarity with core acoustic and audio measurements:

 * Frequency analysis / FFT spectral analysis

 * THD / THD+N (Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise)

 * Dynamic range, SNR, and crosstalk/isolation

 * RMS / Loudness / Audio ducking ratios

Even better, you may have...

 * Platform & OS: Strong experience working in Linux (Ubuntu) environments, including ALSA/PulseAudio/PipeWire audio routing and configuration.

 * Experience with automotive communication buses (CAN, CAN-FD, Automotive Ethernet) and automotive audio buses (Analog, A2B).

 * Prior experience with automotive IVI systems (Android Automotive OS, QNX, or Automotive Grade Linux).

 * Familiarity with speech quality standards (PESQ, POLQA, 3GPP/ITU-T loudness specs).

 * Experience with professional audio test instruments (Audio Precision, SoundCheck/Listen Inc., or Rohde & Schwarz).

## Description

We are seeking an experienced Staff Audio Test Automation Engineer to lead the automated validation of next-generation In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) audio systems. In this role, you will design, build, and maintain scalable test suites using Python and pytest to validate multi-channel audio routing, DSP pipelines, external sound systems (AVAS), hands-free calling, and onboard amplifier performance.

What you'll do...

 * Framework Development: Develop and scale automated test libraries in Python (pytest) running on Linux/Ubuntu to interface with multi-channel audio hardware (e.g., Behringer UMC series, AudioControl line converters, DAQs).

 * Audio Analysis & DSP Validation: Implement signal-processing algorithms to validate frequency response, channel separation, ducking, mixing, and dynamic gain control.

Feature & Platform Testing:

 * Validate IVI media playback across multi-channel vehicle configurations (e.g., 3-channel, multi-speaker surround, subwoofers).

 * Validate Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS) pitch/frequency modulation tied to vehicle telemetry.

 * Validate Hands-Free Profile (HFP/VoIP) voice quality, downlink/uplink routing, and acoustic behavior.

 * Execute platform-level amplifier and DSP stress tests, monitoring diagnostics, clipping, and fault handling.

 * HIL Bench Integration: Setup, calibrate, and maintain bench-level audio hardware, signal routing, gain staging, and electrical isolation.

 * CI/CD Integration: Integrate audio test suites into automated build and regression pipelines.