Principal Engineer, Systems - Acoustics

Introduction: A Career at HARMAN Lifestyle 

We’re a global, multi-disciplinary team that’s putting the innovative power of technology to work and transforming tomorrow. As a member of HARMAN Lifestyle, you connect consumers with the power of superior sound.  

• Contribute your talents to the high-end, esteemed JBL brand 

• Unite your passion for audio innovation with high-tech product development 

• Creating cutting-edge technology that elevates the listening experience 

About the Role 

Harman and JBL technical and market leadership is driven by the best loudspeaker systems technology in the world. This is an opportunity to join an elite team to develop the next generation of world-class sound products. 

JBL professional is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to help shape the next generation of world‑class professional loudspeakers. In this role, you won’t just design products, you’ll define the sound and performance standards for an entire product family, taking concepts from the earliest sketch all the way through mass production. 

You'll work alongside a team of elite engineers, industrial designers, and product innovators who share a passion for delivering exceptional audio experiences. If you love creating loudspeaker systems that push boundaries in sound performance, reliability, and design, this is your next home. 

What You Will Do 

• Drive the engineering vision for new JBL Professional loudspeakers from concept through launch. 

• Evaluate new product proposals and collaborate with product management on feasibility, scope, and design direction. 

• Own, create and maintain product requirements specification and design architecture. 

• Create innovative acoustic designs, run simulations, prototype, and demonstrate feasibility to stakeholders. 

• Serve as the acoustic authority for the project, guiding interdisciplinary teams through engineering tradeoffs. 

• Work cross‑functionally with the global engineering team and project management to keep technical milestones on track and resolve challenges proactively. 

• Act as the acoustic specialist for research, new technologies, and platform projects. 

• Mentor and support other engineers and technicians, helping elevate engineering excellence across the team. 

What You Need to Be Successful 

• Bachelor’s degree in Acoustics, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field or experience. 

• 6+ years of experience designing loudspeaker systems or advanced acoustic devices. 

• Deep expertise of acoustic engineering fundamentals, transducer behavior, and system‑level design. 

• Hands‑on experience with simulation tools such as COMSOL or SolidWorks. 

• Proficiency with acoustic measurement systems: Klippel R&D, Listen SoundCheck, EASRA, or equivalent. 

• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to clearly articulate complex engineering concepts. 

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams. 

Bonus Points if You Have  

• Master’s or PhD in relevant engineering discipline. 

• Experience bringing products from concept to high volume manufacturing. 

• Patents or peer reviewed technical publications. 

What Makes You Eligible 

• Willingness to travel 10% of the time 

• Willingness to work in an office in Northridge, CA 

• Successfully complete a background investigation and drug screen as a condition of employment 

What We Offer   

• Access to employee discounts on world-class Harman and Samsung products (JBL, HARMAN Kardon, AKG, etc.). 

• Extensive training opportunities through our own HARMAN University. 

• Competitive wellness benefits. 

• Tuition reimbursement for continuing education. 

• “Be Brilliant” employee recognition and rewards program 

• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development