Audio Engineer

Location: Arlington, VA (onsite)
Type: W2 Contract
Compensation Range: $45-50/HR

We are seeking a highly skilled Audio Engineer to support our client's in-house studio, live events, and broadcast-style work. This role is responsible for ensuring high-quality, reliable audio for everything from one-on-one interviews to multi-guest panels, all-staff meetings, and live media hits with major news outlets.

You'll be the primary owner of our control room audio board and audio signal flow, while also helping cross-train team members so that we build a resilient, "backup to the backup" culture.
 
Responsibilities:
Studio & Control Room Operations

• Operate and maintain the audio board in our control room, managing inputs, routing, and levels for live and recorded sessions.
• Set up, test, and monitor 1-6+ microphones for interviews, panels, and live discussions.
• Ensure all connections (e.g., XLR to camera/recording devices) are correctly configured and verified before sessions begin.
• Capture clean, broadcast-ready audio for studio recordings, live streams, and virtual hits.

Live Events & Broadcast Support

• Provide audio support for:
  • Media hits (e.g., CNN, Fox News, and other outlets) conducted from our studio.
  • Company-wide all-staff meetings and large internal events (hundreds of attendees, with hybrid/remote streaming).
  • Marketing & communications all-staff events and other key internal gatherings.
• Collaborate with the infrastructure and events teams to design, set up, and run audio for live events, including room mics, playback, and streaming feeds.
• When needed, coordinate or work alongside an A2 (assistant audio tech) for higher-volume, multi-guest events.

Collaboration & Training

• Partner with "jack/jane-of-all-trades" teammates, training them on basic audio workflows so they can provide backup support when needed.
• Communicate clearly with producers, project managers, and on-camera talent about audio needs, timing, and any constraints.
• Participate in planning meetings for recurring events and special projects to anticipate and address audio requirements.

Quality, Reliability & Professionalism

• Own the end-to-end reliability of the audio chain during your productions (rigorous pre-checks, redundancy where possible, rapid troubleshooting).
• Maintain a high standard of professionalism and appearance, especially when supporting executives, external guests, and high-visibility events.
• Follow all financial and equipment-handling policies and adhere to organizational standards and best practices. 

Qualifications:

• Proven experience as an Audio Engineer, A1, or similar role in studio, live event, or broadcast environments.
• Strong fluency with professional audio boards/consoles (digital and/or analog), including routing, buses, monitoring, and recording.
• Hands-on experience with:
• Microphones and wireless systems (lavs, handhelds, headsets).
• Audio interfaces and outboard gear.
• Basic audio troubleshooting (hum, noise, RF issues, gain staging, etc.)
• Experience supporting multi-mic setups (panels of 4-6+ people) in live or live-to-tape contexts.
• Comfort working in hybrid events: in-room sound plus streaming to remote audiences.
• Excellent attention to detail, especially around cabling, patching, and pre-event checks.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to stay calm and solutions-focused under time pressure.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience with broadcast-style workflows for news hits or remote live interviews.
• Familiarity with DAWs (e.g., Pro Tools, Adobe Audition, Reaper) for basic editing and cleanup.
• Experience mentoring or training others on foundational audio concepts.
• Background supporting corporate communications, nonprofit, or mission-driven organizations.
  
  

Job ID: JN -042026-130249
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Equal Opportunity Employer: Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group status.

At Cella, a randstad digital company, we welcome people of all abilities and want to ensure that our hiring and interview process meets the needs of all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to make your application or interview experience a great one, please contact HRsupport@randstadusa.com.

Pay offered to a successful candidate will be based on several factors including the candidate's education, work experience, work location, specific job duties, certifications, etc. In addition, Cella by randstad digital offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: medical, prescription, dental, vision, AD&D, and life insurance offerings, short-term disability, and a 401K plan (all benefits are based on eligibility).

This posting is open for thirty (30) days.