Sr Audio Systems Technician I

This role is an opportunity to play a hands-on role in verifying the performance and quality of Starkey's next-generation hearing technology through system-level audio and audiological testing. You'll own day-to-day audio lab readiness, execute repeatable measurement workflows, troubleshoot equipment and test issues, and provide the reliable, traceable data engineers need to bring innovative products to market.

Starkey is a world leader in the manufacturing and distribution of advanced hearing technologies. We are in the business of connecting people and changing lives. Our teams come to work each day focused on ensuring people everywhere have the products and services they need to hear better and live better.

Founded in 1967 by Bill Austin, Starkey is known for our cutting-edge hearing health innovations, industry-leading research and development, and not being afraid to push the edge of what's possible.

We are headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, have over 5,000 employees in 29 facilities across the globe, and do business in more than 100 markets worldwide.

Watch this video to see more of what sets Starkey apart: https://youtu.be/9cUYwTlCepg?si=wkovx8_R_iINfrc6

JOB SUMMARY DESCRIPTION / PRIMARY PURPOSE OF JOB

This position is responsible for documenting and performing system level audio and audiological tests for hearing aids, accessories, and fitting software. The technician owns day-to-day audio lab readiness and measurement-system setup, executes defined tests, maintains fixtures and equipment, and collects traceable data using repeatable benchmark workflows. The position supports problem solving and issue resolution across new product verification, continuation engineering, and technology development, as needed.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES/RESULTS

• Document, and continuously improve the audio system verification tests

• Document and conduct peer review of test procedures to ensure coverage of defined use cases

• Continuously improve existing test procedures to address previously identified test gaps as captured during test execution in ADOs and lessons learned on a program basis

• Perform audio system tests

• Conduct audio system verification tests as assigned following the defined test procedures

• Document the configuration under test and the test results within existing tools

• Conduct a peer review of the test results, if needed, and drive to resolution of the action items

• Report any test procedure gaps in ADOs

• Clearly present results of assigned test procedures

• Own audio lab readiness and measurement-system availability

• Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and test-ready laboratory environment; verify required equipment, accessories, cables, couplers, adapters, software, licenses, and reference devices are available before planned testing

• Set up, configure, and verify operation of B&K measurement systems, HATS, and KEMAR for assigned acoustic and electroacoustic test activities

• Complete pre-test readiness checks and document equipment configuration, calibration status, environmental conditions, and deviations that could affect results

• Execute audio system tests and repeatable benchmark workflows

• Execute approved test procedures and benchmark methods consistently across devices, firmware or software versions, product configurations, and reference conditions

• Use controlled setup, stimulus, positioning, routing, gain, and analysis settings so measurements can be repeated by another trained technician

• Identify abnormal measurements, setup errors, or test interruptions; contain invalid data and escalate technical issues with clear evidence

• Maintain fixtures, interfaces, and laboratory assets

• Inspect, maintain, troubleshooting, and track fixtures, cables, couplers, adapters, reference microphones, and acoustic interfaces used for verification

• Coordinate repair, replacement, calibration, and preventive maintenance activities; clearly identify equipment or fixtures that are unavailable or not suitable for use

• Apply disciplined data collection and reporting practices

• Record complete and traceable data, including device identifiers, hardware and software versions, test configuration, equipment used, file locations, operator, date, and relevant observations

• Follow defined file naming, data storage, backup, review, and version-control practices; retain raw data and processed results as required

• Perform quality checks for completeness, consistency, units, labels, and outliers before releasing results for engineering review

• Maintain reusable benchmark procedures, setup guides, checklists, templates, and reference datasets; incorporate approved lessons learned to improve repeatability and efficiency

• Identify and document system-level technical issues

• Document technical issues identified during audio system testing with clear description of steps to reproduce and configuration under test in relevant tools

• Provide regular updates on issues assigned in relevant tools

• Participate in reviews of audio test plans, test procedures, and test results

• Review the document thoroughly in preparation for review meeting

• Provide clear and concise feedback in a timely manner considering test gaps

• Perform other duties commensurate with a senior technician

• Clean and organize lab environment

• Keep track of the calibration methods, requirements, and due dates

• Support parts and equipment purchases

• Support process improvements and lean product development efforts

• Provide efficient, systematic, and well documented feedback for the assigned tasks

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education

• Minimum 2-year Electronic, Audio Technician degree/certificate or equivalent is required.

Experience

• Minimum 7 years' experience in electronic, audio design, test, and manufacturing.
• Minimum 1 years' experience in a regulated environment (audio or military).
• Experience desired in hearing instrument and accessory design, development, and test.

Knowledge / Technical Requirements

• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of audio circuits and components required
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of common business software required (i.e. Microsoft Office suite)
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of product development processes for microelectronic circuits required
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of bench top test instrumentation control and use
• Working knowledge of acoustic and electroacoustic measurement systems, including B&K platforms, HATS, KEMAR, microphones, couplers, analyzers, fixtures, and associated software
• Working knowledge of measurement-system setup verification, calibration status checks, signal routing, test configuration control, and troubleshooting
• Ability to create and follow repeatable benchmark workflows with controlled conditions and documented acceptance criteria
• Working knowledge of disciplined laboratory data collection, traceability, file organization, and quality checks
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of verification methodologies
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of software development methodologies
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of ANSI, IEC, and homologation standards desirable

Competencies, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent design, problem solving, and documentation skills required
• Excellent attention to detail required
• Good verbal and written communication skills required
• Good organizational skills required
• Must be self-motivated and able to work in a fast-paced environment

Working Conditions

• Standard office and electronics lab conditions
• Minimal travel expected

Equipment Operation

• Standard office and laboratory equipment, including B&K acoustic measurement systems, HATS, KEMAR, microphones, couplers, analyzers, test fixtures, interfaces, and related software tool

Salary and Other Compensation:

The target pay rate for this position is between $26.65 - $40.38 per hour. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include: geography/market, skills, education, experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is eligible for a bonus based upon performance results. There is no guarantee of payout.

The following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements, include medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, company-paid life and short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, employee assistance plan, hearing aid benefits, Paid Time Off, paid holidays, paid floating holidays, paid volunteer service day, paid paternity and maternity leave and tuition reimbursement.

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