Audio engineers record, manipulate, mix, reproduce, and reinforce sound in a variety of different settings. They use techology in creative ways to produce audio for film, radio, television, music, electronic products, and computer/video games. They also help to set up and operate sound systmems for concerts, theaters, sporting events, and more. 

If you are thinking about a career in audio engineering, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the top audio engineer careers available so you can focus your studies and begin to excel at the tasks required for your dream career.  

Here is a list of some of the top audio engineer careers you can find yourself doing to make a living, especially if you choose to attend the Sheffield Institute for the Recording Arts.

Top Career Choices

1. Studio Recording Engineer

Recording engineers work in recording studios and often manage the equipment necessary for recording the sound in-studio, especially before an actual recording session takes place. Here you may work with professional singers or musicians, people creating commercials or doing voice-overs for videos, and more. you may even find yourself responsible for the recording, editing, and mixing of live audio. 

2. Front of House Engineer

This position includes the planning and installation of loudspeakers, cabling, and equipment during a live show.  It also involves mixing any audio music needed during a performance.  The goal of the Front of House Engineer is to make the audience's experience perfect.  

3. Remastering Engineer

Also known as the remix engineer, a remastering engineer can convert many types of audio (old and new) into up-to-date digital media.  This may include preparing old media forms (such as vinyl records and cassette tapes) for sale as CDs or MP3s. It may also involve mixing tracks to create live remixed audio for an audience.  Whatever the case may be, remastering engineers have a keen ear for sound quality and a creative mind for mixing. 

4. Audio for Video Engineers

A video engineer dealing with the audio aspects during production has a tall order to fill. Poor quality audio on a video can ruin a great production. It is the video audio engineer's responsibility to replace flawed audio with crisp, clean sound, remove noise and distortion, and enhance musical sounds or even voices. 

5. Monitor Engineer

This audio engineer career choice will have you managing the setup, control, and maintenance of things like stage speakers, or monitors, for a musician or band performing live.  If the performer chooses to use the increasingly popular in-ear monitors, you would be responsible for those as well. 

6. Non-Linear Digital Audio Editor

The transition from linear to non-linear video editing has become a permanent solution providing ease of use and flexibility during the editing process.  Non-linear digital editors have become a popular audio engineer career choice. Rather than editing using physical film or tape, a non-linear editor simple manipulates files on video serves or hard disks and manages the audio via computer-based digital editing software.  

7. Studio Manager

A studio manager will oversee recording productions of a studio and is often at least partial owner of the studio due to the influence this position has over the studio's overall business. You may also have your hand in the studio's budget, manage recording sessions, and help draft contracts between your studio and clients. 

8. Broadcast Technician

Broadcast technicians are the ones responsible for the set up and maintenance of electronic equipment that is used for transmitting television and radio waves during shows that are being broadcasted either live or previously recorded.  Sound monitoring (including quality and volume) is also part of the job description; sound is transmitted differently depending on the medium - whether through television or video waves, as opposed to live sound being performed.

If you are interested in becoming an audtio engineer, or have recently finished your Sheffield AudioWorks course and are searching for the perfect audio engineer career, know that there is something out there for everyone.  Live productions, video editing, computer-based programs, equipment management, business handling, and more; there really is no end to the versatility an education in audio engineering can provide you.