Principal DSP & System Validation Engineer, Car Audio

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.

As an Audio System Validation Specialist 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 behaviour, system architecture implications, and technical validation strategy. You lead complex root‑cause investigations, define validation methodologies, and influence architectural decisions to prevent integrity risks  operate independently across domain and cross‑brand initiatives and act as a mentor and technical escalation point within the team.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Willingness to travel up to 10%, domestic and international.
• Willingness to work in a hybrid office environment in Novi, MI, requiring a minimum of three days per week in office.
• Successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen as a condition of employment.

Salary range: $125,250 – $183,700 (dependent on position offered). Other compensation such as bonuses or commission may also be available.

• 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 HARMAN University.
• Competitive wellness benefits.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• "Be Brilliant" employee recognition and rewards program.
• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters personal and professional development.

HARMAN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. HARMAN strives to hire the best qualified candidates and is committed to building a workforce that represents the diverse marketplaces and communities of our global colleagues and customers. 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.

HARMAN attracts, hires, and develops employees based on merit, qualifications and job‑related performance. HARMAN is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process, please contact us at  Requests will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis in accordance with applicable law.