Acoustical engineer

Acoustical engineers study and apply the science of sound to various applications. They work in a wide range of areas including the consultation of the acoustics and elements affecting the transmission of sound in spaces for performances or recording activities. They can also consult on the levels of noise contamination for those activities that require compliance with standards on that matter.

The following job titles also refer to acoustical engineer:

acoustical technology engineering adviser
acoustical engineering expert
acoustics engineer
acoustical technology engineer
acoustical engineering specialist
acoustic engineer
acoustical engineering consultant
acoustical technology engineering consultant
acoustical technology engineering expert
acoustical technology engineering specialist
acoustical engineering adviser

Bachelor’s degree is generally required to work as acoustical engineer. However, this requirement may differ in some countries.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Acoustical engineer is a Skill level 4 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to acoustical engineer.

fire prevention and protection engineer
nanoengineer
biomedical engineer
heating, ventilation, air conditioning engineer
surface engineer

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of acoustical engineer. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of acoustical engineer with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of acoustical engineer.

Acoustical engineering: The engineering discipline that applies acoustics to design new technologies to reduce unwanted noise, to create applications of ultrasound, to improve the acoustics in concert halls, etc.
Engineering principles: The engineering elements like functionality, replicability, and costs in relation to the design and how they are applied in the completion of engineering projects.
Acoustics: The study of sound, its reflection, amplification and absorption in a space.
Engineering processes: The systematic approach to the development and maintenance of engineering systems.

These skills are necessary for the role of acoustical engineer.

Adjust engineering designs: Adjust designs of products or parts of products so that they meet requirements.
Perform scientific research: Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
Approve engineering design: Give consent to the finished engineering design to go over to the actual manufacturing and assembly of the product.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of acoustical engineer. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Electrical engineering: Understand electrical engineering, a field of engineering that deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.
Design principles: The elements used in design such as unity, scale, proportion, balance, symmetry, space, form, texture, colour, light, shade and congruence and their application into practice.
Building codes: The set of guidelines that determine the minimum standards for buildings and other constructions in order to protect public health and safety.
Physics: The natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.
Computer science: The scientific and practical study that deals with the foundations of information and computation, namely algorithms, data structures, programming, and data architecture. It deals with the practicability, structure and mechanisation of the methodical procedures that manage the acquisition, processing, and access to information.
Architecture regulations: The regulations, statutes, and legal agreements existing in the European Union in the field of architecture. 
Audio technology: The various technologies for producing, recording, and reproducing sound.
Audio editing software: The various software for editing and generating audio, such as Adobe Audition, Soundforge, and Power Sound Editor.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of acoustical engineer. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Design transportation systems: Outline and design airports, public transport systems and highways in order to assess how to move people and goods in a safe and efficient manner.
Ensure compliance with noise standards: Make sure that buildings, roads, air traffic, and events comply with local, national or international noise standards and regulations in order to minimise nuisance for the neighbouring residents.
Advise on building matters: Provide advice on building matters to the various parties involved in construction projects. Bring to their awareness important building considerations and consult on construction budgets.
Create software design: Transpose a series of requirements into a clear and organised software design.
Examine engineering principles: Analyse the principles that need to be considered for engineering designs and projects such as functionality, replicability, costs and other principles.
Use sound measuring instruments: Operate instruments such as transducers and sound level meters to measure noise levels in an environment in order to prevent noise pollution.
Draft design specifications: List the design specifications such as materials and parts to be used and a cost estimate.
Develop audio system designs: Develop designs that meet customer functional and budgetary requirements.
Operate audio-signal processors: Operate audio-signal processors to alter auditory signals.
Advise architects: Give advice on design, safety issues, and cost reduction to architects during the pre-application phase.
Develop product design: Convert market requirements into product design and development.

2149 – Engineering professionals not elsewhere classified

 

 

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References

1. Acoustical engineer – ESCO