Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Video Sound Engineer

🎯 Role Definition

Are you passionate about the power of sound to tell a story? This role requires a meticulous and innovative Video Sound Engineer to join our dynamic creative team. In this pivotal role, you will be the guardian of our audio quality, responsible for everything from on-location sound recording to the final mix and master of our video content. You will collaborate closely with producers, directors, and video editors to ensure that the audio not only meets technical standards but also elevates the narrative and emotional impact of every project. The ideal candidate is a technical expert with a creative soul, capable of solving complex audio challenges and contributing to a high-quality final product that captivates our audience.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Junior Audio Engineer or Audio Assistant
Production Sound Mixer/Boom Operator
Recording Studio Engineer

Advancement To:

Senior Sound Designer or Supervising Sound Editor
Audio Director / Head of Audio
Post-Production Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

Game Audio Designer
Broadcast Engineer
Live Sound Engineer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Manage the entire audio post-production workflow, including dialogue editing, sound design, ADR, Foley, and final mixing for a diverse range of video content.
Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot professional audio equipment for on-set and in-studio recording, including mixers, recorders, boom mics, and wireless lavalier systems.
Perform detailed audio restoration and noise reduction using specialized software (e.g., iZotope RX) to clean up dialogue and remove unwanted background noise.
Design and create compelling soundscapes, atmospheres, and custom sound effects that enhance the visual narrative and align with the creative director's vision.
Edit and sync dialogue tracks, ensuring seamless transitions, consistent levels, and perfect synchronization with picture lock.
Record and direct Foley sessions to create organic, realistic sound effects that bring on-screen actions to life.
Conduct and supervise ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement) sessions with talent to replace or enhance production dialogue.
Mix and balance all audio elements—dialogue, music, sound effects, and ambient sounds—to create a dynamic, clear, and immersive final track.
Master all final audio mixes to meet specific loudness standards (e.g., ATSC A/85, EBU R128) for broadcast, web, and social media platforms.
Collaborate effectively with video editors to ensure a smooth exchange of files and a cohesive audio-visual final product.
Manage and maintain an organized library of sound effects, music cues, and session files for efficient recall and project archiving.
Provide expert consultation during pre-production meetings to plan for the audio needs and potential challenges of upcoming shoots.
Set up and test all audio gear on location, ensuring optimal microphone placement and signal levels before and during filming.
Perform quality control checks on all final video exports to guarantee audio integrity and adherence to delivery specifications.
Stay current with emerging audio technologies, plugins, software, and industry best practices to continuously improve workflow and quality.

Secondary Functions

Research and source licensed music and sound effects from various libraries to fit the mood and budget of different projects.
Assist in the technical setup and sound management for live-streamed events and webinars.
Mentor junior audio engineers and production assistants, providing guidance on best practices for recording and post-production.
Contribute to the development and documentation of the company's audio standards, workflows, and best practices.
Archive and catalog all raw audio recordings and project sessions according to established data management protocols.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Expert-level proficiency in at least one major Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) such as Pro Tools, Adobe Audition, Logic Pro X, or Reaper.
Deep expertise in audio repair and restoration software, particularly iZotope RX.
Comprehensive knowledge of microphone types (shotgun, lavalier, condenser), their polar patterns, and advanced placement techniques for dialogue and effects.
Strong understanding of signal flow, gain staging, and audio-for-video synchronization (timecode).
Experience with on-set audio recording using field mixers/recorders from brands like Sound Devices, Zoom, or Tascam.
In-depth knowledge of audio file formats, sample rates, bit depths, and digital audio theory.
Proven ability to mix in both stereo and surround sound (5.1) formats.
Familiarity with video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve) for seamless project integration.
Expertise in using a wide range of audio plugins, including EQs, compressors, reverbs, and limiters.
Thorough understanding of broadcast and streaming loudness standards (LUFS, LKFS) and metering tools.

Soft Skills

Exceptional attention to detail and a critical ear for identifying subtle audio imperfections.
Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot technical issues quickly under pressure.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for collaborating with creative teams and directing talent.
Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
A creative and artistic sensibility for sound design and its role in storytelling.
Patience and professionalism, especially during long recording or mixing sessions.
Proactive and self-motivated, with a constant desire to learn and improve.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent, combined with a professional certificate in audio engineering or significant, demonstrable experience.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's or Associate's degree in a relevant field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Audio Engineering / Production
Sound Arts / Design
Music Production / Technology
Film & Television Production

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-5+ years of professional experience as a sound engineer with a focus on audio for video. A strong portfolio demonstrating a range of work is essential.

Preferred:

Experience working in a fast-paced agency, production house, or broadcast environment.
A portfolio that showcases expertise in dialogue editing, sound design, and mixing for narrative, commercial, or documentary content.