Studio Assistant Engineer

This is a Freelance Job

Job Overview:
The Studio Assistant Engineer Consultant will provide technical and operational support in a variety of recording sessions, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow from start to finish. This individual will work closely with studio general manager, administrative coordinators, lead tech, lead engineers, producers, and clients, assisting with everything from session setup to troubleshooting and ensuring top-quality sound capture and production. The ideal candidate will be proactive, highly organized, and able to adapt to a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

Key Responsibilities:
Session Preparation & Setup: Assist in the preparation and setup of recording sessions, including microphone placement, equipment configuration, and signal flow routing. Ensure all technical gear is functioning and ready for use.

Tracking & Recording: Support engineers during recording sessions by operating the console, handling input/output routing, and ensuring the highest quality sound capture across all instruments and vocals.

Editing & Post-Production: Assist in editing tracks, comping vocals, cleaning up audio, and ensuring the final product meets commercial standards. Familiarity with advanced editing techniques (e.g., time-stretching, pitch correction, noise reduction) is essential.

Mixing Assistance: Aid in mixing tasks, from balancing levels and EQ to adding effects and processing. Ensure mixes are clean, dynamic, and ready for final approval.

Client & Artist Liaison: Provide excellent customer service to artists and clients, ensuring that their needs are met, and the session runs smoothly and efficiently. Maintain a professional and courteous demeanor at all times.

Troubleshooting & Technical Support: Be ready to resolve technical issues quickly and efficiently, whether they involve hardware, software, or signal routing. Troubleshoot problems related to DAWs, outboard gear, microphones, and the studio's technical setup.

Studio Maintenance & Cleanliness: Ensure the studio is kept organized, clean, and well-maintained. Regularly check and maintain studio equipment, ensuring it is in good working condition and properly stored when not in use.

Documentation: Keep detailed session logs, track sheets, and setup notes to ensure accurate records for each session. Maintain consistent file management and backups for session files and audio data.

Collaboration: Work closely with senior engineers, producers, and artists to understand their vision for each project and assist in bringing that vision to life. Contribute creatively when needed, offering technical suggestions to enhance the final product.

Required Qualifications:
Experience: Proven experience working in a professional commercial recording studio, either in an assistant engineering or freelance capacity. Experience working with high-profile clients and managing demanding sessions is a plus.

Technical Proficiency: Expertise in audio recording and mixing, with a deep understanding of signal flow, analog and digital systems, and equipment (e.g., analog consoles, outboard gear, microphones).

DAW Expertise: Proficiency in Pro Tools (advanced) is required; familiarity with other DAWs (Logic Pro, Ableton, etc.) is a plus.
Sound Engineering Skills: Strong understanding of studio techniques such as mic placement, gain staging, and signal routing. Experience with complex multi-mic setups, live recording, and multi-track mixing.

Creative Sensibility: Ability to support the creative vision of producers and artists, with a keen ear for high-quality sound production and an eye for detail in both the technical and artistic aspects.

Location: Must be based in the Tri-State area and flexible with availability.
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Problem Solving: Ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues on the fly, ensuring minimal downtime and a smooth session experience.

People Skills: Strong interpersonal skills with a professional attitude, able to communicate effectively with clients, artists, and colleagues in a fast-paced environment.

Organizational Skills: Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills, capable of managing session files, equipment inventory, and session documentation with accuracy.

Preferred Qualifications:
Studio Equipment Familiarity: Knowledge of high-end studio gear, including vintage microphones, analog tape machines, classic mixing consoles (SSL, Neve), and modern recording technologies (e.g., Dolby Atmos).

Creative Input: Ability to offer constructive technical and creative suggestions to improve the recording process and final product.
Experience with High-Profile Artists/Clients: Comfortable working in an environment where confidentiality, discretion, and professionalism are paramount.

Education: A degree in audio engineering, music production, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.