Sr Acoustic Engineer, Risk and Resiliency

The AWS Risk and Resiliency team supports datacenter site selection through performing technical due diligence on prospective datacenter locations to identify liability, site development, and operational risks. The AWS Risk and Resiliency team is seeking a Senior Acoustic Engineer whose primary role is to represent AWS at external jurisdictional meetings, community forums, and public engagement events within the AMER region.

As AWS"s data center portfolio continues to expand across the Americas, the frequency and complexity of acoustic-related interactions with jurisdictions and local communities has grown significantly. This role requires a senior-level individual who can independently navigate complex technical discussions, exercise sound judgment when addressing sensitive questions in real time, and credibly represent AWS"s acoustic design philosophy.

External engagement activities will consume approximately 70 - 80% of this individual"s capacity. While the primary focus of this role is community and jurisdictional engagement, this individual will also contribute to acoustic engineering and modelling work , maintaining close familiarity with active designs and providing additional technical capacity to the team. This includes performing sound modeling, supporting due diligence assessments, coordinating with cross-functional teams, and managing project timelines and deliverables. The role will also identify and detail any mitigating measures.

Key job responsibilities

• Represent AWS at external jurisdictional meetings, community forums, and public engagement events across the AMER region, serving as the primary acoustic subject matter expert.
• Independently navigate complex technical discussions with Authorities Having Jurisdiction, exercising sound judgment when addressing sensitive questions in real time.
• Prepare for engagement events by coordinating with partner teams on the latest design and mitigation measures, compiling talking points approved by Public Relations and Legal, and preparing project-specific printed materials.
• Communicate clearly with community members about expected sound levels from data center operations and proposed mitigation strategies.
• Coordinate with third-party acoustic vendors to ensure an acoustic expert is present at events as requests come in across the region.
• Manage all aspects of a technical sound assessment and collaborate with team members to ensure projects meet timelines.
• Model the expected sound levels of datacenter equipment (use of CadnaA is preferred; experience in SoundPLAN is helpful) and evaluate vibration on a project specific basis.
• Conduct ambient sound levels and/or equipment source measurements using a Class I or Class II sound level meter.
• Determine whether expected sound and vibration levels are compliant with applicable standards and evaluate the risk to sensitive receivers.
• Identify and detail any mitigating measures needed.
• Engage with local jurisdictions on noise-related permit applications, including preparing sound study submittals and responding to regulatory inquiries.
• Report on findings and summarize any identified risks to project timelines, costs, or feasibility.