Acoustical Research Engineer

Acoustical Research Engineer

Department: Oregon Acoustic Research
Laboratory

Rank: Research Assistant

Annual Basis: 12 Month

Review of Applications Begins

November 12, 2026; open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please submit the following with your online application:

• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge,

skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and
requirements outlined in the job announcement.

• A resume of your educational and professional work

experience.

Please submit the names and contact information for three
professional references. Candidates will be notified prior to
contacting references.

Note: This position is based in Portland Oregon.

Department Summary

The Oregon Acoustic Research Laboratory (OARL) is a
state-of-the-art facility for conducting acoustical tests of mass
timber assemblies to support the expansion of the mass timber
industry. It is located in NW Portland at the Port of Portland's
Mass Timber and Housing Innovation Campus.

Currently, lack of acoustical testing is widely recognized as a
barrier to the development of amass timber multi-family housing in
North America. OARL will provide floor/ceiling assembly testing
chambers capable of delivering reliable, repeatable, and accredited
acoustical test results. Testing will focus on airborne sound
transmission loss (ASTM E90), impact sound transmission (ASTM
E492), and impact sound reduction (ASTM E2179), but will include
other ASTM and ISO standard tests along with other non-standard
tests. As the only university-affiliated lab of its kind in the
United States, OARL will also serve as a central hub for building
acoustics research These new research and industry testing
capacities will support increased utilization of mass-timber
assemblies in low-, mid-, and high-rise housing and commercial
buildings. OARL's research will also pave the way for the future of
building acoustics testing.

Position Summary

The University of Oregon Acoustics Research Laboratory seeks a
qualified Acoustical Research Engineer to support acoustical
testing, applied research activities, and day-to-day laboratory
operations within a nationally recognized research and testing
facility. This position contributes to the execution of
standardized acoustical test methods and supports innovative
research in acoustics, vibration, and noise control across a range
of built-environment and engineering applications.

This role is ideal for a professional with formal training in
acoustics, engineering, physics, or a related discipline, and
hands-on experience conducting experimental measurements in
laboratory or field environments. The successful candidate will
demonstrate strong technical aptitude, attention to detail, and the
ability to support both routine testing services and evolving
research initiatives in a collaborative, multidisciplinary
setting.

The Acoustical Research Engineer reports to the OARL Director and
assists with the setup, calibration, operation, and maintenance of
acoustical and vibration measurement systems; conducts laboratory
and field testing; supports data collection and analysis; and helps
maintain laboratory quality and safety standards. The position may
also support faculty, student researchers, and external industry
partners engaged in sponsored research and testing
activities.

Experience in acoustics or vibration disciplines beyond building
acoustics-including noise and vibration measurement, experimental
modal analysis, signal processing, electroacoustics, and noise,
vibration, and harshness (NVH), and experience with
instrumentation, data acquisition systems, technical software, and
research documentation are highly valued skills for success in this
position.

The ideal candidate is a motivated and technically curious
professional who values precision, problem-solving, and
collaborative research. This role utilizes a strong foundation in
experimental acoustics, an appreciation for laboratory quality
systems and standardized methodologies, and the flexibility to
contribute to both client-based testing and research-oriented work
in a dynamic academic environment.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Acoustics, Engineering (Mechanical,

Electrical, etc.), Physics, or a closely related field with
relevant acoustics coursework

• 2 years of experience conducting acoustical and/or vibration

measurements in a laboratory or controlled experimental
environment

• 2 years of demonstrated familiarity with acoustical measurement

instrumentation (e.g., microphones, accelerometers, data
acquisition systems, FFT analyzers) including working knowledge of
signal processing fundamentals

Professional Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to measurement

accuracy, repeatability, and data integrity

• Effective organizational and documentation skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a laboratory

setting

• Clear written and verbal communication skills appropriate for

technical reporting

• Ability to follow standardized procedures and maintain accurate,

detailed technical records

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a

research and testing environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree in Acoustics, Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical,

etc.), Physics

• 1-5 years of relevant professional or research experience in

acoustics, vibration, or a related field

• Experience in acoustics or vibration domains outside of building

acoustics (e.g., NVH testing, industrial acoustics, experimental
modal analysis)

• Experience supporting or managing laboratory quality systems,

including:

• Development and maintenance of standard operating procedures

(SOPs)

• Calibration tracking and documentation
• Test documentation and data traceability
• Familiarity with quality frameworks (e.g., ISO/IEC 17025 or

similar)

• Familiarity with ASTM and/or ISO standardized test methods
• Experience with data acquisition system configuration and test

automation

• Programming or scripting experience (e.g., LabVIEW, MATLAB,

Python)

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful
completion of a background check.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits
package to eligible employees, including health insurance,
retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about
benefits, visit our
website.

The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution
committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans
with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified
individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any
protected status, including veteran and disability status. The
University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to
applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an
accommodation in connection with the application process, please
email us or call
541-346-5112.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion,
national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender
expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions),
age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including
family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship,
service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state
law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of
leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities
and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable
laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy.
Questions may be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity and
Access. Contact information, related policies, and complaint
procedures are listed
here.

In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares
an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and
services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is
available
online.

To apply, visit https://careers.uoregon.edu/en-us/job/536885

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