Acoustics consultant

Your day to day tasks will depend on the type of acoustics you work in. For example you could:

• carry out noise assessments on buildings to make sure they meet building regulations
•  check noise levels are within legal limits
•  test how changes to a building's design affects sound levels and quality
•  use computers to find ways of reducing machinery noise and vibration in the workplace
•  give specialist advice in legal cases
•  explore how sound vibrations affect machinery and structures
•  design and work with recording studio and broadcast sound equipment
•  design medical equipment, like ultrasound, to help doctors diagnose and treat patients
•  produce reports, share your findings and make recommendations for action

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• the ability to work well with others
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be flexible and open to change
• customer service skills
• knowledge of media production and communication
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

You could become a project leader, managing the design and development of new products. You might also specialise in a particular area, for example architectural, medical or underwater acoustics technology.

With experience, you could become a senior acoustics engineering consultant and register for chartered status through the Institute of Acoustics.