Acoustics

Acoustics jobs - what does an Acoustic Consultant do?

This page sets out to describe the role of Acoustic Consultant and the skills required for the job.

Acoustic consultants bring a range of skills to help solve noise and acoustic related problems. So first off, what exactly is acoustics? Simply it is everything to do with sound. The Institute of Acoustics - the professional body representing practitioners in the field - says that acoustics is the science that looks at waves and ‘signal propagation’ in materials, liquids, gases and solids - including sound, vibration, infrasound and ultrasound. So, it's about rather more than just sound - vibration being an area of particular interest in relation to construction, road and rail development.

There are a variety of jobs/roles that are included in the work that acoustics professionals undertake. As well as acoustic consultancy, there are roles that have more of an engineering bias. Acoustic engineers are more concerned with the control, design, construction, and sometimes operation of acoustic systems, whereas an Acoustic Consultant would be more involved in strategic planning for developments, as well as problem-solving in existing installations / projects.

Using Computer Modelling to Predict Vibration Issues

One of the most important areas of Acoustics is that of predicting the effect of sound and vibration on buildings and other structures, which can have unexpected effects, up to the catastrophic. Thus the Acoustic Consultant will advise on the best strategy to allow for, but not be damaged, by vibrations.

Insulation and Noise Pollution Issues

Providing legal advice and evidence connected to acoustic issues - an Acoustic Consultant’s expertise will enable them to interpret acoustic issues if they are in dispute, e.g. they could provide scientific data on whether the sound insulation properties of a material or building were sufficient or if they needed improving.

Providing Services to the Entertainment Industry

Providing support to the communication and entertainment sectors, e.g, audio recordings for television, film and radio, including suggesting equipment and environmental improvements - this is a specialist aspect of an Acoustic Consultant’s work, helping to achieve the best sound quality possible, something that is also important when working on the communications infrastructure of a company or country.

Using Technology and Experience to Prevent Problems Before Anything is Even Built.

Predicting (using software) levels of noise and mechanical vibration from industrial machines and suggesting ways of reducing it - there is a great deal of theory about acoustics, so an Acoustic Consultant will be able to use this theory and their own experience to prevent problems long before the machinery is constructed.

Acoustical Advice

Assessing the acoustic effect of proposed modifications to buildings - building changes could make it noisier for neighbours or may affect the clarity of the sound within a concert hall, for example. An Acoustic Consultant can offer advice for optimum solutions.

Monitoring Noise Pollution

Measuring sound levels to check they are within legally imposed limits - there are many requirements to allowable sound or noise, be it from a party in a residential area or the noise emitted by a factory, and an Acoustic Consultant would be involved in measuring and, if required, offering solutions to sounds that break the limits.

Building Regulations Assessments

Assessing the sound and noise performance of buildings to ensure they meet regulations - building regulations are very proscriptive, and ensuring they are met would fall to the Acoustic Consultant.

Medical Equipment that use Sound Waves

Advising on and designing equipment for medical use of audio, such as ultrasound devices for diagnosis and treatment - once again a fairly specialised branch of Acoustic Consultancy, but a deep understanding of how these sound forms work is needed.

Presenting Data in an Understandable Way

Presenting results of their theoretical and experience based work in a form that is comprehensible and accessible for the end users - actually a large part of the work of most consultants is to present the results of their expertise.

Being a Graduate in Acoustics, Maths, Physics or Engineering is important

What skills and qualifications are needed to become an acoustic consultant? Degree-level qualification in a related subject (Acoustics, Maths, Physics or Engineering) is important. There is quite a large amount of theory involved in acoustics, and the consultant needs a good grasp of it. Coming to it from other degree subjects such as Environmental Science or Music Technology would require some additional training and qualification in the specialism of acoustics. Someone wanting to become an Acoustic Consultant may approach the role by being an Acoustic Technician whilst building up their experience.  Much of the actuality of the job is balancing theoretical understanding with wide real-life experience, so  successful consultants will probably need to have spent much of their previous career in related preparatory roles. Personal skills that would be helpful include project management skills, budgeting skills, organising and negotiating skills, experience in IT, the ability to put across information and, maybe most important, a practical and positive approach to problem solving.

The Institute of Acoustics offers helpful advice and also organises training and qualifications for aspiring Acoustic Consultants.

Permanent Acoustic Consultancy and Engineering Jobs

If you are interested in looking for a role as Acoustic Consultant, or perhaps if you need an Acoustician yourself for a particular project, MSA Careers is the perfect place to start your quest. At MSA we specialise in finding experts in acoustics. The MD of that division is Jim McNaughton, and he says:

"Industry knowledge is key. The acoustics sector is the sole market I recruit for, and I have done so since 2004. We treat people well - it’s as simple as that. We offer pragmatic and honest advice whilst taking a genuine interest in people. We listen, advise, and consult.”

Amongst the specialities we can recruit for are:

•  Building and Architectural Acoustics
•  Electroacoustics
•  Environmental Noise
•  Measurement and Instrumentation
•  Noise and Vibration Engineering
•  Underwater Acoustics

We know our BS4142 from our CRTN. We understand the difference between Building Acoustics and Environmental Noise Assessments.

So you couldn’t find better help, either to get that yearned-for post or, on the other side, to find that ideal person to solve your acoustics needs. Rest assured, we will do our best to match your needs and requirements with the right person (or people).