Summer Intern - Acoustic Engineering, Microphones and Sensors

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 an acoustic engineering Intern on the Automotive Microphones and Sensors team, you will be working with R&D engineers to contribute to the development of acoustic and vibration sensors and sensing technologies for automotive applications including, for example, active noise cancellation (ANC), road noise cancellation (RNC), acoustic beamforming, voice communication and acoustic pattern recognition. You will have opportunities to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges by developing simulation models, building engineering prototypes, and conducting laboratory measurements.

What You Will Do

• Develop acoustic and vibration sensor prototypes, along with test fixtures, for laboratory evaluation.

• Perform acoustic and/or vibration measurements and complete data post‑processing.

• Build simulation models to understand sensor behavior and critical design parameters.

• Explore potential application scenarios for new sensors and sensing technologies, demonstrating feasibility through experiments and simulations.

• Stay current with automotive sensor technologies and applications by reviewing technical literature and participating in internal and external technology forums.

• Write technical reports to document simulation and experiment findings, results, etc.

What You Need to Be Successful

• Completed one or more courses in Mechanical Vibrations, Acoustics/Electroacoustics, Signals and Systems, or smart materials (e.g., piezoelectric materials), or related subjects.

• Able to collaborate effectively within a team, demonstrating strong interpersonal and relationship‑building skills, while also being self‑motivated and capable of working independently when needed.

• Possesses strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to confidently interact with engineers and management and present technical information clearly.

• Demonstrates genuine interest or passion for sound and vibration and/or audio engineering.

• Pursuing a degree in Acoustic/Audio Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related science or engineering field.

• Familiar with Microsoft Office tools, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

• Experience with engineering modeling tools and programming, such as COMSOL, MATLAB, and/or Python.

Bonus Points if You Have

• Experience with mechanical and/or acoustic testing, such as structural vibration measurements, sound‑field measurements, and analog/digital audio recording.

• Hands‑on experience with mechanical/electrical hardware prototype development, for example, 3D designs and printing, basic PCB soldering, etc.

• Working knowledge or completed coursework in electroacoustic transducers (e.g., accelerometers, microphones) and/or piezoelectric sensing is a plus.

• Working knowledge or coursework in digital signal processing is a plus. 

What Makes You Eligible

• Must be currently enrolled in a related Bachelor's Degree program or higher at an accredited institution having completed your Sophomore year or later, taking at least one class in the semester/quarter before participation in the internship program, and returning to school for at least one semester upon completion of the internship program

• Must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher

• Be willing to work in a hybrid office environment with occasional requirements to be in our Novi, MI location

• Able to provide your own housing and transportation to/from work.

• Must possess unrestricted work authorization.

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

• Must provide full work availability from May 18, 2026 through August 7, 2026 and be able to work 40 hours per week

What We Offer

• Flexible work environment, allowing for hybrid work for positions/tasks that can be performed outside a HARMAN 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

• Access to HARMAN Campus Fitness Center and Cafeteria

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

Pay Transparency

Freshman: $21.00
Sophomore: $23.00
Junior: $25.00
Senior: $27.00  
Master: $32.00 
Doct: $38.00

Dependent on the internship offered, pay is based on factors, including without limitation, the applicant's level of education and business need.

Benefits

HARMAN is interested in your health and wellbeing and offers benefits designed to support your wellbeing. Benefits and perks may vary depending on the nature of your relationship with HARMAN, and may include paid sick leave and medical benefits.

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.