Lead Sound Designer

Our client, a renowned game development studio in **Detroit, Michigan, US**, is searching for an exceptionally talented Lead Sound Designer to spearhead audio creation for their upcoming AAA titles. This is a fantastic opportunity for a visionary artist to shape the sonic landscapes of immersive gaming experiences. The ideal candidate will possess a comprehensive understanding of audio production, sound design principles, game audio middleware, and a proven ability to lead and inspire a team of audio professionals. You will be responsible for defining the audio direction, implementing innovative sound solutions, and ensuring the highest quality audio across all game platforms. Key Responsibilities: Lead the sound design team, providing artistic direction, technical guidance, and mentorship throughout the project lifecycle. Conceptualize, design, and implement all in-game sound effects, ambient audio, Foley, and user interface sounds. Collaborate closely with game designers, narrative designers, composers, and programmers to integrate audio seamlessly into the game mechanics and narrative. Define the overall audio aesthetic and direction for assigned projects, ensuring a cohesive and impactful sonic experience. Manage the audio asset pipeline, from creation and implementation to final mixing and mastering. Utilize industry-standard digital audio workstations (DAWs) and game audio middleware (e.g., Wwise, FMOD) to implement and optimize audio. Record and edit Foley, voice-overs, and environmental sounds. Develop and maintain audio budgets and schedules in collaboration with producers. Ensure the technical quality and performance of all audio assets across various target platforms. Conduct audio reviews and provide constructive feedback to team members and external vendors. Stay current with the latest audio technologies, techniques, and industry trends in game development. Contribute creative ideas and solutions to overcome audio challenges and enhance player immersion. Troubleshoot and resolve any audio-related bugs or issues. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Sound Engineering, Music Technology, Game Design, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in game audio sound design, with at least 2 years in a lead or senior role. Demonstrated portfolio showcasing exceptional sound design skills across multiple game titles, preferably AAA. Expertise with industry-standard DAWs (e.g., Pro Tools, Reaper, Cubase) and audio editing software. Proficiency with game audio middleware such as Wwise and/or FMOD. Strong understanding of audio physics, signal processing, acoustics, and psychoacoustics. Excellent leadership, communication, and collaboration skills. Experience with audio implementation in Unreal Engine and/or Unity is highly desirable. Passion for video games and a deep understanding of the player experience. Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines. This exciting opportunity is based in our vibrant **Detroit, Michigan, US** studio. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and the chance to be part of a studio creating award-winning games.