Akustiker/Akustikerin

Acoustical Physics, Acta Acustica / Acustica, Akustik Journal, Building Physics, Noise Control, New Journal of Physics, Physics Today, Physics in Our Time, pro-physik.de, World of Physics.

Acousticians typically work in laboratories, offices, at test stands or on test sites, and in the field (e.g., for outdoor sound measurements). They may also work in seminar rooms, lecture halls, from a home office, or remotely.

Core competencies generally required for this profession include: Acoustics, Applied Physics, Building Acoustics, Electroacoustics, Development, Research, Noise Measurement, Physical Measurement and Testing Procedures. Other competencies that may be important for practicing this profession are: Application Engineering, Application Consulting, Sound Reinforcement Technology, Technical Documentation, Electrical Engineering, Experimental Physics, Creating Professional Publications, Expert/Appraisal Activities, Hearing Aid Acoustics, Customer Service, Laboratory Work and Techniques, Noise Protection, Teaching Activities (University), Machine Dynamics, Patent and Trademark Law, Project Management, Quality Management, Technical Physics, Theoretical Physics, Sales, Presentation Activities.

Acousticians independently plan, for example, the room acoustics of concert halls or responsibly conduct studies on the effects of noise on humans and animals. This requires a systematic-methodical, precise, and careful way of working. In addition to professional and methodological qualifications, they need interdisciplinary thinking, creativity for problem-solving, and negotiation skills when dealing with clients. If they lead a team as a project manager, their tasks include organization, planning, and personnel management. Acousticians use measuring and testing devices to investigate sound waves and frequencies. They primarily work in office environments.

Acousticians can become self-employed, for example, as expert witnesses or consultants.

Example monthly gross basic remuneration in the commercial sector: €5,261 to €6,650. Source: Collective Bargaining Collection of the Bavarian State Ministry for Family, Labor and Social Affairs. Note: This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.

Acousticians can work in Natural, Engineering, Agricultural Sciences, and Medicine, as well as in other research and development activities within these fields. They may be employed in tertiary educational institutions such as universities, universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), vocational and specialized academies, advanced training and vocational schools, dual universities, and administrative universities of applied sciences. In the information and telecommunications technology sector, they can work in the manufacturing of consumer electronics devices (e.g., radio, phono, and video technical devices) and telecommunications equipment. They may also be involved in the production of electrical systems and components, electric motors, generators, transformers, electricity distribution, and switching equipment. Furthermore, they can find employment in the manufacturing of aircraft and spacecraft (for civil and military purposes), rail vehicles (locomotives and other rail vehicles), and mechanical or electromechanical signal systems.

Employers often expect a relevant university degree (Studium).

Relevant university degree (Studium) subjects for entry include: Building Physics (undergraduate), Building Physics (postgraduate), Physics (undergraduate), Physics (postgraduate), Engineering Physics (undergraduate), Engineering Physics (postgraduate), Sound and Image Technology (undergraduate), Sound and Image Technology (postgraduate).

Acousticians can find employment in research and development at universities, in development departments of electrical and telecommunications technology, in vehicle and mechanical engineering, and in engineering firms for technical specialized planning.

Acoustician. Also common job title/synonym: Acoustical engineer. Job title in English: Acoustical engineer (m/f). Job titles in French: Acousticien/Acousticienne, Ingénieur (m/f) acousticien.

Acousticians research sound and its propagation, using the research findings, for example, to reduce noise.

DEGA, jobvector, SciTechCareer.

Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG - German Research Foundation), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Akustik e.V. (DEGA - German Acoustical Society), Gewerkschaft Erziehung und Wissenschaft (GEW - Education and Science Union), Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB - National Metrology Institute of Germany).

Screen work (e.g., planning the room acoustics of concert halls). Work with technical devices, machines, and systems (especially various testing and measuring devices when examining sound waves, frequencies, and other acoustic elements). Work in office spaces.

Documents, e.g.: Noise maps, expert opinions, sound and vibration protection regulations, experimental procedure plans and reports, specialized literature. Technical devices and apparatus, e.g.: Testing and measuring devices, acoustic and vibration sensors, microphones. Building materials and auxiliary substances, e.g.: Construction, insulation, and damping materials like absorbers and diffusers. Office equipment and software, e.g.: PC, internet access, programs for sound and vibration analysis.

Acousticians deal with the physical and technical aspects of acoustics. For example, they investigate sound generation using measurement and analysis methods in reverberant or open-field rooms. This allows them to discover how sound propagates differently and to develop suitable solutions. They work in areas such as building, room, and vehicle acoustics, noise research, psychoacoustics, and sound design. Among other things, they investigate how to reduce noise pollution in buildings through sound insulation measures or how noise affects health.

Continuing education for adaptation (Anpassungsweiterbildung) helps keep professional knowledge current and adapt it to new developments (e.g., in the fields of physics, research and development, mechatronics, electrical engineering).

Further professional and career opportunities open up through advanced Studium (higher education degree) (e.g., in physics or hearing technology, audiology). A Promotion (doctorate) is generally required for an academic career at a university; for appointment as a university professor, a Habilitation (postdoctoral lecturing qualification) is usually needed. A doctorate may also facilitate access to higher professional positions in the private sector, research, and public administration.

Utilize research findings in acoustics and purposefully influence the propagation of sound waves. Develop new procedures, measurement methods, and devices to generate or reduce sound. Develop or improve optimal room acoustics. Develop appealing engine and driving sounds. Optimize sounds or sound elements, e.g., for films. Improve sounds for everyday objects, e.g., vacuum cleaners. Develop new noise protection methods or improve existing noise protection. Provide expert opinions in approval or court proceedings. Advise developers and architects. Analyze the subjective assessment of sound and its causes. Offer training on targeted noise avoidance. Undertake tasks in science and research. Research the acoustic behavior of substances and materials, e.g., to reduce sound emissions. Investigate the impact of acoustic signals and frequencies on humans and animals, e.g., through experiments. Acoustic signals and signal systems.

This section lists professions or activities that are similar to the primary occupation. These professions offer a potential alternative for applicants. Furthermore, employers may consider individuals from these professions as alternatives for filling a position in the primary occupation. Some alternative professions cover only partial activities of the primary occupation, while others may require an induction period, which can vary in individual cases. The following direct employment and staffing alternatives are available for the profession of Akustiker/in (Acoustician): Job and staffing alternatives for the overall activity (usually with a short induction period): Engineer for Physics, Physicist. A list of all possible relatedness levels can be found here: Explanations of the Individual Relatedness Levels.