Position Description:

Welcome

Thank you for your interest in Charcoalblue! We are currently seeking a full-time Acoustics Consultant, based in the New York Metro Area. We are open to candidates who are outside of New York Metro but are elsewhere in the Northeast.

Company Overview

Charcoalblue is widely regarded as the most exciting and innovative theatre, acoustics, and experience consultancy in the world. We specialise in the performing arts, live entertainment, media, technology, education, experiential, hospitality, workplace and cultural sectors. We imagine, design, and deliver captivating spaces that entertain, educate, and transform individuals through collective experiences. Guided by listening, collaboration, and a passion for innovation, excellence, emotion, and theatricality, we strive to create extraordinary moments. Since our inception in the UK in 2004, Charcoalblue is now the largest organization of its kind, delivering projects to every corner of the globe. We operate as a cohesive and collaborative team with studios in London and Bristol in the UK, New York, Chicago, and San Francisco in the US, and Melbourne in Australia. 

Charcoalblue Acoustics delivers great sounding spaces through a technically robust, creative, and collaborative process. We are specialists in performing arts and cultural buildings.

E: recruitment@charcoalblue.com

Description of Role

You will be responsible for design, documentation, measurements, analysis, and construction observation in room acoustics, sound separation, noise and vibration control, soundscapes, and environmental noise. We’re looking for someone with a passion for performing arts and cultural projects who will be able to contribute with their skills and experience to the technical capabilities and design sensibilities that we offer to our clients, our fellow design teams, and project stakeholders.

This position will support our projects specifically in the US, but also our global portfolio of work. You will collaborate with all acoustic members of our global acoustics team.

Acousticians have a key role in establishing the performance and perception of spaces. Charcoalblue champions the position of sound in our environment. You will have direct influence over issues such as the size, scale and geometry of spaces, materials and finishes, building massing, construction materials and detailing, building systems equipment locations and distribution strategies, detailing of noise control means and methods. Communicating design rationale to other team members and to clients, architects, and engineers will be a key aspect of the role.

You will report to one of our Directors or Associate Directors, who will manage project assignments and workload. You will have the chance to meet regularly with your line manager to ensure you are fully supported in your role.

Working fluently between regional design standards (e.g., metric vs imperial, ISO vs ANSI) will be required. Supporting projects in other parts of the world will rely upon communication with Charcoalblue designers and external consultants in other time zones, including extensive use of video conferencing. In-person presence at project sites for measurement, construction observation and commissioning will be expected. Design meetings may be regularly held in-person and there may be some expectation for internal, in-person collaboration sessions in the New York, or other regional studio.

Key Responsibilities

• Communicate with clients, users, contractors, and design teams about acoustic requirements. Present design recommendations through narrative descriptions and diagrams.
• Contribute to the development and communication of project goals, especially the acoustic aesthetics, but also including broader design considerations (cost, sustainability, etc.).
• Establish acoustic criteria appropriate for the project requirements and anticipated uses and expectations.
• Visit buildings to subjectively and objectively evaluate the acoustic characteristics. Use measurement equipment to gather data according to technical standards.
• Conduct room acoustic analysis and calculations to develop and justify design decisions, including computer-based room acoustic modelling, geometric analysis, and processing of measured data.
• Perform sound separation analysis to recommend appropriate construction types and details to meet target performance.
• Analyze and calculate predicted noise levels in building systems and provide design guidance and recommendations to meet target performance.
• Contribute to project documentation through drawn information, including conceptual diagrams and construction details.
• Contribute to the specification language related to acoustic requirements.
• Review the drawings and specifications of other consultants and evaluate acoustic performance and adherence to acoustic goals.
• Participate in site visits for construction progress and building commissioning.
• Communicate the intent and purpose of acoustic recommendations while adjusting communication styles for different audiences - client teams, other creative designers, engineers, building contractors, etc.
• Work with our Team Leaders to set out project work plans, goals, and deliverables. Contribute to the overall design and construction management of projects, including commenting on costs and risks.
• Work with our internal design team to present a holistic design solution which balances all aspects of performance functionality.
• Contribute to the continual development of our internal design, technical and training resources.
• Support the work of our global team including consultants in the UK and Australia.
• Contribute to winning new work through proposal writing, contributing to competitions, and attending gatherings to represent Charcoalblue in the broader industry.

This list is not intended to be exhaustive and may be subject to alteration over time.

Qualifications and Key Skills

We are open to receiving applications from candidates with a varied range of experience and education. If you meet most of the qualifications below, we encourage you to apply.

Essential

• At least four (4) years of experience working in an acoustics consultancy, with experience in building acoustics and environmental acoustics or related field.
• Experience in technical drawing in a CAD package, such as AutoCAD or two-dimensional drawings; Knowledge of technical and architectural drawing standards required.
• Experience creating 3D models for acoustic analysis using software like Sketchup and/or Rhinoceros, or related software.
• Experience in room acoustic analysis using software such as CATT-Acoustic, Odeon or related software.

Desired

• Have education or experience in the physics of sound, noise, and vibration, including standard metrics and their derivation; Completion of a degree or diploma in acoustics or other related technical subject preferred.
• Practical experience in acoustic measurement procedures and familiarity with relevant standards.
• Skills in data manipulation and calculation, in spreadsheet and/or programming platforms.
• Writing and editing skills, including familiarity with the standard suite of Microsoft Office products; Our written work is an integral part of Charcoalblue’s profile.
• Knowledge of acoustics regulations, industry guidance, planning policy, and sustainability standards.
• Critical listening skills; ability to discuss and communicate ideas about sound in built environment.
• The ability to collaborate, self-manage and set work plans for the successful delivery of work against deadlines.
• Enthusiasm in pursuing continuous personal and professional development.
• Parametric modelling with Rhinoceros and Grasshopper.
• BIM modelling with Revit.
• Auralization techniques, the use of Max/MSP and knowledge of 3D audio such as ambisonics or binaural processing.
• Coding and scripting for data analysis.
• Experience using acoustics analysis software such as INSUL and SoundPLAN.
• Experience or interest in construction, building science, and architectural design, including the design process and the roles of an architectural design team.
• Skill and sensitivity to graphic design and layout, graphical display of information, adhering to design standards, and incorporating corporate branding.
• Experience and interest in live performance, music, broadcast, and/or events.
• Performing arts knowledge and experience, especially performing in musical ensembles or in theatrical productions or undertaking technical roles in productions.
• Licensed Driver a plus but not required.

Interpersonal Skills

• Ability to work in a collaborative and fast-paced environment with a high degree of self-motivation and initiative.
• Ability to easily manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Detail oriented with ability to think, plan, and execute on multiple projects in different phases simultaneously with little direct supervision.
• Able to work calmly and effectively under pressure.
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing business needs.
• Ability to build relationships with colleagues, clients, vendors, stakeholders, and management.

Working hours

The role is being offered on an 'at will', non-exempt basis at 40 hours per week.

As an international organisation, the needs of the business are as such that this role requires a flexibility in working hours (which can be variable from week to week) to facilitate project demands and maintain support across our global entities’ varying time-zones. Working hours patterns will be agreed with your line manager to suit your personal circumstances and the current project load.

The role is subject to a three-month probationary period. 

Location

We are currently working in a distributed hybrid model, meaning you will be able to work from your home (or other place of your choosing) with a minimum of one (1) day per week in the New York studio. Travel within the US and occasional travel internationally for projects and/or team building will also be required, with advanced notice.

Please note, although the role is distributed, the successful candidate would ideally be located in the New York Metro Area to effectively meet the current needs of our work and local team, and you should be able and willing to travel to external meetings and our US studios as required, with notice. However, we are open to candidates who are outside of the New York Metro Area but are elsewhere in the Northeast. Working arrangements will be discussed with the selected candidate. 

Salary

The salary range for this role is $80,000 - $100,000 per year.

Please state your salary expectations in your covering letter in line with your experience.

Charcoalblue intends to offer the selected candidate base pay within this range, dependent on job-related, non-discriminatory factors such as experience. Base pay is one part of the total rewards that Charcoalblue provides to compensate and recognize employees for their work. Charcoalblue provides a robust benefits package to help support you physically, financially, and emotionally through the big milestones and in your everyday life. Please visit our careers page for more details.

Take-What-You-Need (TWYN) Leave

Team members have no ‘cap’ on the number of days they wish to take in any one year. This means you can plan holiday or vacation time or request time when you need it, without the worry of running out of leave days. TWYN leave requests must follow policy guidelines and team members are encouraged to use a minimum of fifteen (15) days of paid time off per year (prorated in the first year), in addition to federal and some local public holidays.

Charcoalblue traditionally closes its studios between Christmas and New Year’s Day, resulting in an additional 4-5 discretionary paid vacation days each year.

Additional Benefits

• To support you in successful hybrid/distributed working, you will receive a laptop and any other associated IT peripherals required for the role.
• You will receive contributions towards your home internet and utilities to enable you to work productively and comfortably.
• You will be eligible immediately to join our 401K plan (employee contributions only). Employer contributions after two (2) years of service.
• You will be eligible immediately for life insurance cover, Short Term Disability and you may take advantage of joining our FSA/Dependents’ Care plans.
• Following successful completion of the insurance waiting period, you will be eligible to join our company healthcare plan for the duration of your employment.
• Following completion of your three-month probationary period, you will receive an allowance for live event tickets each month in line with our policy limits, to keep current with our industry.
• Charcoalblue operates a bonus plan which you will benefit from following successful completion of a three-month probationary period. Please note that this is subject to the company's performance year-on-year and is not guaranteed.
• You will receive regular check-ins with your line manager to enable you to succeed in the role.

Start Date

February 2025, or earlier

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Policy Overview

Charcoalblue is an equal opportunities employer, actively working towards becoming an inclusive organization. We work consistently to ensure elimination of unfair and discriminatory practices within the company and encourage full contribution from its diverse community.

Our mission is to manifest an inclusive ethos by creating a diverse and inclusive working environment across our practice. Recruitment opportunities are open to all, but we are particularly keen to hear from ethnically diverse and disabled candidates, as these groups are currently underrepresented within our teams.

If you require this application in a different format or need support during the application process, please contact Angelica Lucero via email angelica.lucero@charcoalblue.com. Equally, please contact Angelica if you have any questions in relation to access, or how the role might need to respond to your personal circumstances.

Charcoalblue aims to provide a service that does not discriminate against its clients and customers and works to ensure all can access the services and goods supplied by the company. We believe that all employees and clients are entitled to be treated with respect and dignity.

Contact Information:

Please submit applications here - https://charcoalblue.peoplehr.net/Pages/JobBoard/Opening.aspx?v=9369fe1e-32c9-4057-a588-11ea486c86a6