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Science & ResearchISCO 2149

Acoustical engineer

Acoustical engineers study and apply the science of sound to various applications. They work in a wide range of areas including the consultation of the acoustics and elements affecting the transmission of sound in spaces for performances or recording activities. They can also consult on the levels of noise contamination for those activities that require compliance with standards on that matter.

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Rate 5 of the 12 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

prevent undesired changes to sound design

adjust engineering designs

perform scientific research

perform soundchecks

technically design a sound system

About acoustical engineer

As an acoustical engineer, you will apply scientific principles of sound to solve real-world problems across diverse industries. Your work involves designing, analyzing, and optimizing acoustic environments in concert halls, recording studios, offices, and industrial facilities. You will perform detailed sound measurements, conduct scientific research on acoustic phenomena, and provide expert consultation to ensure spaces meet acoustic standards and performance requirements. Your expertise directly impacts the quality of audio experiences, workplace comfort, and regulatory compliance, making you an essential contributor to projects ranging from entertainment venues to noise pollution control initiatives.

Key Work Functions

Core areas of responsibility for a acoustical engineer.

1

Acoustic Design and Planning

  • Design acoustic solutions for performance spaces, recording studios, and commercial environments
  • Technically design sound systems tailored to specific venue requirements and performance needs
  • Evaluate and adjust engineering designs to optimize acoustic performance
2

Sound Measurement and Analysis

  • Use specialized sound measuring instruments to assess acoustic properties of spaces
  • Perform soundchecks to verify audio system performance and identify issues
  • Conduct detailed acoustic analysis and measurements to ensure compliance with industry standards
3

Sound Quality Assessment

  • Assess sound quality in various environments and identify areas for improvement
  • Prevent undesired changes to sound design and maintain acoustic integrity throughout projects
  • Provide consultation on elements affecting sound transmission and acoustic characteristics
4

Noise Control and Compliance

  • Consult on noise contamination levels and recommend compliance strategies for regulated activities
  • Develop noise mitigation strategies to protect adjacent areas and meet environmental standards
  • Monitor and verify that acoustic solutions meet regulatory requirements and industry standards
5

Scientific Research and Development

  • Perform scientific research on acoustic phenomena and innovative sound technologies
  • Apply engineering principles and acoustics knowledge to develop novel solutions
  • Approve engineering designs and provide technical recommendations based on acoustic expertise

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (12)

engineering principlesengineering principlesThe engineering elements like functionality, replicability, and costs in relation to the design and how they are applied in the completion of engineering projects.acousticsacousticsThe study of sound, its reflection, amplification and absorption in a space.audio technologyaudio technologyThe various technologies for producing, recording, and reproducing sound.prevent undesired changes to sound designprevent undesired changes to sound designAdapt your maintenance of sound equipment to prevent undesired changes in the sound balance and design, safeguarding the overall production quality.adjust engineering designsadjust engineering designsAdjust designs of products or parts of products so that they meet requirements.perform scientific researchperform scientific researchGain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.perform soundchecksperform soundchecksTest the sound equipment of a venue to ensure smooth operation during the performance. Cooperate with performers to make sure the venue equipment is adjusted for the requirements of the performance. C...technically design a sound systemtechnically design a sound systemSet up, test and operate a complex audio system, based on a given sound concept. This could be a permanent as well as a temporary installation.assess sound qualityassess sound qualityAssess the recorded sound and music. Make sure it conforms to specifications.use sound measuring instrumentsuse sound measuring instrumentsOperate instruments such as transducers and sound level meters to measure noise levels in an environment in order to prevent noise pollution.approve engineering designapprove engineering designGive consent to the finished engineering design to go over to the actual manufacturing and assembly of the product.acoustical engineeringacoustical engineeringThe engineering discipline that applies acoustics to design new technologies to reduce unwanted noise, to create applications of ultrasound, to improve the acoustics in concert halls, etc.
Optional (18) — show
electrical engineeringelectrical engineeringThe field of engineering that deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.design principlesdesign principlesThe elements used in design such as unity, scale, proportion, balance, symmetry, space, form, texture, colour, light, shade and congruence and their application into practice.physicsphysicsThe natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.computer sciencecomputer scienceThe scientific and practical study that deals with the foundations of information and computation, namely algorithms, data structures, programming, and data architecture. It deals with the practicabil...architecture regulationsarchitecture regulationsThe regulations, statutes, and legal agreements existing in the European Union in the field of architecture.audio editing softwareaudio editing softwareThe various software for editing and generating audio, such as Adobe Audition, Soundforge, and Power Sound Editor.operate the sound in the rehearsal studiooperate the sound in the rehearsal studioCreate cues for any sound technicians and verify their understanding of them. If no sound crew are available, use others' cues to operate the sound system.ensure compliance with noise standardsensure compliance with noise standardsMake sure that buildings, roads, air traffic, and events comply with local, national or international noise standards and regulations in order to minimise nuisance for the neighbouring residents.advise on building mattersadvise on building mattersProvide advice on building matters to the various parties involved in construction projects. Bring to their awareness important building considerations and consult on construction budgets.create software designcreate software designTranspose a series of requirements into a clear and organised software design.examine engineering principlesexamine engineering principlesAnalyse the principles that need to be considered for engineering designs and projects such as functionality, replicability, costs and other principles.draft design specificationsdraft design specificationsList the design specifications such as materials and parts to be used and a cost estimate.operate audio equipmentoperate audio equipmentApply technologies for re-creation or recording of sounds, such as speaking, sound of instruments in electrical or mechanical form.develop audio system designsdevelop audio system designsDevelop designs that meet customer functional and budgetary requirements.operate audio-signal processorsoperate audio-signal processorsOperate audio-signal processors to alter auditory signals.advise architectsadvise architectsGive advise on design, safety issues, and cost reduction to architects during the pre-application phase.develop product designdevelop product designConvert market requirements into product design and development.set up sound equipmentset up sound equipmentSet up equipment to record sound. Test acoustics and make adjustments.

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Frequently asked questions

What does an acoustical engineer do?

Acoustical engineers study and apply the science of sound to various applications. They work in a wide range of areas including the consultation of the acoustics and elements affecting the transmission of sound in spaces for performances or recording activities. They can also consult on the levels of noise contamination for those activities that require compliance with standards on that matter.

What skills does an acoustical engineer need?

An acoustical engineer needs 12 essential skills, including engineering principles, acoustics, audio technology, prevent undesired changes to sound design, adjust engineering designs.

Will AI replace acoustical engineer jobs?

The AI disruption score for acoustical engineer is 20/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: audio editing software, use sound measuring instruments, architecture regulations. Most resilient: perform soundchecks, operate the sound in the rehearsal studio, develop product design.

Quick Facts

SectorScience & Research
ISCO GroupScience and engineering professionals
Essential Skills12

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