Principal DSP & System Validation Engineer, Car Audio

A Career at HARMAN

As a technology leader that is rapidly on the move, HARMAN is filled with people who are focused on making life better. Innovation, inclusivity and teamwork are a part of our DNA. When you add that to the challenges we take on and solve together, you’ll discover that at HARMAN you can grow, make a difference and be proud of the work you do every day.

Introduction: A Career at HARMAN Automotive

We’re a global, multi-disciplinary team that’s putting the innovative power of technology to work and transforming tomorrow. At HARMAN Automotive, we give you the keys to fast-track your career.

• Engineer audio systems and integrated technology platforms that augment the driving experience

• Combine ingenuity, in-depth research, and a spirit of collaboration with design and engineering excellence

• Advance in-vehicle infotainment, safety, efficiency, and enjoyment

About the Role

As a Principal DSP & System Validation Engineer you are the technical authority for System Trust within a group that defines the future of technology for car audio. You bring highly specialized expertise in DSP behavior, system architecture implications, and technical validation strategy. You lead complex root-cause investigations, define validation methodologies, and influence architectural decisions to prevent integrity risks at scale.

You operate independently across Domain and Cross Brand initiatives and act as a mentor and technical escalation point within the team.

What You Will Do

• Define and evolve System Trust validation methodologies and technical standards

• Lead resolution of complex, cross-domain DSP and system-level integrity issues

• Evaluate architectural decisions for potential performance and integrity risks

• Design scalable regression protection strategies and automation frameworks

• Interpret business and performance trade-offs while protecting non-negotiable integrity boundaries

• Mentor team members in advanced DSP validation techniques and analytical reasoning

• Drive cross-functional collaboration to resolve systemic technical risks

• Act as technical authority during critical development and pre-release validation phases

What You Need to Be Successful

• Deep expertise (10+ years) in DSP algorithms, audio processing systems, and embedded performance constraints

• Academic background with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Sound Engineering / Electrical Engineering / Signal Processing or equivalent

• Extensive experience diagnosing complex technical issues across software and system layers

• Strong understanding of architectural trade-offs and scalability considerations

• Demonstrated ability to lead others in solving complex technical problems

• Experience influencing cross-disciplinary teams in technically challenging environments

• Ability to interpret business drivers while maintaining integrity standards

What Is Nice to Have

• Experience designing large-scale automated validation frameworks

• Background in real-time embedded or automotive systems

• Experience working in cross-brand or platform-based product organizations

• Exposure to psychoacoustic implications of system-level design decisions

• Experience mentoring or acting as technical lead in complex projects

• Valid driver's license

• Proficiency in on site native language

What Makes You Eligible

• Be willing to travel up to 10%, domestic and international travel

• Be willing to work in a hybrid office environment in our Novi, MI location, requiring a minimum of 3 days per week in office.

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

What We Offer

• Flexible work environment, allowing for full-time remote work globally for positions that can be performed outside a HARMAN or customer location

• 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

• “Be Brilliant” employee recognition and rewards program

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

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$ 125,250 - $ 183,700

HARMAN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.