Entry Level Acoustics Designer
About Us:
Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.
We specialize in creating environments where people connect, perform, and thrive. Our team consults on projects ranging from performing arts centers and universities to corporate campuses, cultural venues, and entertainment destinations. By integrating technology, acoustics, and theatre systems, we help clients deliver experiences that inspire and engage.
Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.
Job Summary:
We are seeking an entry-level acoustics engineer who will work as part of our dynamic team, contributing to a variety of projects under the guidance of senior acoustics consultants. Responsibilities and opportunities include:
Responsibilities:
- Performing acoustical analyses and field testing, such as sound transmission loss, reverberation time, and environmental noise.
- Conducting research and generating documentation in support of design projects, including detailed drawings and/or calculations.
- Developing and applying acoustical modeling.
- Coordinating with other design team members concerning acoustical design details.
- Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to develop technical solutions.
- Gaining exposure to project work in diverse built environments, including education, sports venues, performing arts venues, entertainment venues, government, mixed-use/residential, and corporate markets.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Acoustics, Audio Engineering, or a related field (recent graduates encouraged to apply).
- Genuine passion for the AEC industry and a drive to learn and contribute to meaningful projects.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
- Proficiency in relevant software tools, such as CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit), audio simulation software, or acoustic modeling software, is advantageous.
- Adaptability to changing priorities and tasks, with a readiness to perform duties onsite or at project locations as needed.
- Previous internship or co-op experience in the AEC industry is advantageous, though not required.
Location: Boulder, CO
Compensation & Benefits:
The expected base salary range for this role is $85,000 - $115,000 USD per year. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.
This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and company holidays
- Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
- Professional development support
For more information, visit our full benefits overview here.
Salas O’Brien does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees.
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement:
Salas O'Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Salas O'Brien will accommodate disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.
Qualifications Education Required Bachelors or better. Experience Preferred Previous internship or co-op experience in the AEC industry is advantageous, though not required. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with DisabilitiesThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Acoustics, Audio Engineering, or a related field
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment
- Adaptability to changing priorities and tasks
- Readiness to perform duties onsite or at project locations as needed
- Genuine passion for the AEC industry and drive to learn and contribute to meaningful projects
- Proficiency with relevant software such as AutoCAD, Revit, audio simulation software, or acoustic modeling software
- Previous internship or co-op experience in the AEC industry
Salas O'Brien Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Salas O'Brien and has not been reviewed or approved by Salas O'Brien.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare options include multiple medical, dental, and vision plans with an individual medical option at no premium, plus no‑cost preventive medications and mental‑health resources. Employer‑paid disability and life coverage further strengthen the safety net.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off includes a base PTO allotment plus company office‑closure days and paid parental leave for births, adoptions, and foster placements. Feedback suggests the breadth of leave is a standout component of the package.
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Retirement Support — Retirement benefits include a 401(k) employer match with a potential additional company stock contribution, along with RRSP support in Canada and a student‑loan payment 401(k) match in the U.S. These features provide structured long‑term savings support beyond base pay.
Salas O'Brien Insights
What We Do
Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and technical services firm focused on advancing the human experience through the built environment. Our team is engineered for impact™, helping clients achieve critical goals, advancing our team members through growth and opportunity, and operating at the center of important global issues, including sustainability and decarbonization. We are a top firm as ranked by Engineering News-Record and Consulting-Specifying Engineer, and we have appeared for over a decade on the Inc. 5000 list of North America’s fastest-growing private companies.
