The audio software market is a rapidly evolving landscape with companies seeking out talented professionals with a wide array of different skills and abilities.
With the global demand for talent growing within the commercial software development environment, studying a course like SAE’s Audio Software Engineering degree can be an effective way of making the most of opportunities in an industry that has an ever-evolving identity.
If you are technically-minded or a creative individual fascinated by the intersection of code and sound, audio products and room acoustics, then this could be the course and industry for you. Studying will give you an excellent foundational knowledge of both audio and software alongside digital signal processing (DSP) and other new features, all essentials for those companies looking to hire great talent. Whether you want to work as a full stack mobile developer, in immersive experiences, high end consumer audio or within embedded systems design, there is demand for a range of different audio experiences and professionals who can thrive in collaborative environments.
In our blog, we explore the audio software engineering sector in more depth, the kind of skills companies are looking for and the types of role professionals can source. Are you interested in studying a course with SAE? Then contact our team now.
The Audio Software Engineering Sector
Music production, audio processing and coding are all foundations of the UK’s software engineering sector and entertainment industry.
In this industry, a knowledge of computer science combined with an aptitude for music alongside sound and digital audio mixing products can unlock a wide range of potential career paths.
Perhaps you are a music producer with a passion for coding or have ambitions to design digital audio workstations (DAW) or software solutions for music producers? Or you are a product manager capable of thriving in a test driven development environment? If so, studying a course can be the first step in a career where technology is still opening up new roles and opportunities for continued success.
Some potential jobs that will provide professional experience include:
Audio plugin designer
An audio plugin is a software component that adds or enhances audio functionality within a host application, typically a DAW such as Logic or Ableton.
A variety of companies develop plugins ranging from Native Instruments to Steinberg – achieving impeccable sound is a core ambition in this sonic field.
DSP engineer
This occupations enables professionals to design, develop, and optimise algorithms and systems for processing digital signals in various applications including audio, video and beyond. They often work closely with other engineers as part of bigger teams to enhance industry standards for audio.
Game audio developer
A game audio developer is a professional who creates and implements the sound in a video game, using both their artistic and technical skills to create a suitable sonic world. Their work includes composing music, creating sound effects, and writing code to ensure audio appears at the right moment in a game’s narrative.
Full stack mobile developer
A full stack mobile developer is a professional who builds both the front-end and back-end of a mobile application, including the user interface, server-side logic, databases, and APIs. From bug fixes to low level development, these engineers will have a knowledge of the whole development process.
Embedded software engineer
An embedded software engineer designs, develops, and maintains software for embedded systems, which are computer systems with a dedicated function integrated into hardware. They require a blend of software and hardware knowledge to create efficient, reliable applications for devices.
How to source opportunities in embedded systems within pro audio
Of course, studying a course and gaining a bachelor’s degree can help you hone the necessary technical skills and abilities that companies are looking for. But how do you stand out when trying to attract would-be employers so you are the ideal candidate for them?
From the research and development team to product ownership, technical support and computer engineering, there are many opportunities available but you will need to work out the best ways to source them. Here are some essentials for aspiring industry professionals in the audio software engineering sector.
Online presence
From your LinkedIn profile to your work portfolio, emerging talent must ensure that their online presence is considered and well-presented. Think about the kind of you work you want to showcase and how this marries up with your career ambitions. If you include a portfolio, you need to make sure this is not only easy to navigate but also features your best work. You want to use whatever engagement you may get with your online presence to your advantage in the best possible way.
Network
Whether it be in-person or via professional online platforms such as LinkedIn, networking can be an essential way of finding new opportunities. You should draw up a list of professionals or companies you want to work with, then contact them online. Try and avoid asking for an opportunity immediately – instead, focus on starting up an authentic interaction where you can potentially offer value to a new contact.
Be open to collaborating
Studying a course such as SAE’s Audio Software Engineering degree is a brilliant way of opening up opportunities for creative connections and partnerships. Your peers on your course can not only be a great network and source of advice or support but also a potential source of opportunities for collaborative projects.
Do your research
Are you looking for a specific role? Do you want to work for a certain company or developer? It may sound obvious but do your research online before setting out on your hunt for opportunities. You need to work out which companies or professionals are looking for support and could potentially be a good fit.
Key technical skills
As part of SAE’s degree, you will explore coding, algorithms, synthesis, DSP and how to turn your ideas into real-world software applications.
Principles of sound theory: this includes psychoacoustics, synthesis and signal processing alongside a knowledge of audio systems, mixing consoles and beyond.
Fluency in key programming languages: this includes C++, MATLAB, Max/MSP and Pure Data. C++ is a core requirement, often with a focus on low-level performance optimisation.
Embedded systems: Many roles require experience with embedded software, particularly with hardware manufacturers like Harman or the Focusrite Group.
Cross-platform development: Experience with multi-platform titles is a plus for roles in the gaming industry and beyond.
Industry-specific skills
Audio systems: An extraordinary passion for audio and technical side of music production is of course a pre-requisite of working within this sonic world. A knowledge of DAWs, plugins and the latest music production software will go a long way in equipping professionals with the skills to succeed.
Gaming: Experience with audio systems in game development, including implementing and optimising audio across different platforms can be an essential.
Music production: Experience with music production, DAWs, and professional audio hardware is invaluable in studios and recorded music.
Voice and AI: New technologies are emerging all the time and a knowledge of the latest trends, platforms and tools will help aspiring professionals go far. Experience with voice technologies, natural language processing (NLP), and machine learning is in high demand for certain companies.
Consumer electronics: Skills related to building audio features into high-end consumer electronics and embedded user interfaces are sought by companies looking for a reliable and knowledgeable software team.
Soft skills
Alongside your technical know-how, there are also core soft skills that can ensure you stand out from the crowd if you want to secure a role with a global leader – or when an opportunity does arise, you can seize it with both hands.
Problem-solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential if you want to achieve your goals in the audio software world. Focus on identifying, then analysing issues and making effective decisions to help overcome them.
Project management: Can you see a task through from concept to completion? This is at the core of project management as are abilities to plan and organise tasks, manage budgets and risks, motivating and communicating with teams. Adopting an adaptable mindset is also part of this too, as issues are likely to come up while journeying as part of a project’s roadmap.
Communication: Good written communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively within a team are important in a variety of fields including audio software.
Establishing effective working relationships: An ability to create effective working partnerships can go a long way in this sector. Being able to get on with others and work with them as part of a positive supportive culture can help you progress quickly and rapidly both on tasks and with your career ambitions.
Study Audio Software Engineering at SAE
If you are excited by the creative space where sound meets coding, then SAE’s Audio Software Engineering degree could be perfect for you.
With demand for audio software engineers growing, this course will enable you to explore programming through an audio lens and give you a unique learning experience balancing the technical with the creative.
