PhD Research Intern - Acoustic Data (Fall 2026)

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Date: Jun 11, 2026

Location: San Francisco, US

Company: Dolby Laboratories, Inc.

 Join the leader in entertainment innovation and help us design the future. The Advanced Technology Group (ATG) is the research division of the company. ATG’s mission is to look ahead, deliver insights, and innovate technological solutions that will fuel Dolby’s continued growth. As a valued member of the Dolby team, you’ll see and hear the results of your work everywhere, from movie theaters to smartphones. We continuously push the boundaries of audio, imaging, and cloud technology to create spectacular entertainment experiences.  

 

As a diverse and dynamic group, our ATG researchers work on cutting-edge projects related to computer science and electrical engineering for audio, video, and cloud technologies, exploring exciting domains such as AI/ML, algorithms, digital signal processing, audio processing, image processing, computer vision, AR/VR, data science & analytics, distributed systems, cloud, edge & mobile computing, computer networking, and IoT. 

 

 

Summary: 

We are a key research team within Dolby’s Advanced Technology Group focused on creating cutting edge technologies that drive immersive audio experiences. As an Acoustic Mapping Intern, you will be exposed to the technologies that enabled Dolby Atmos FlexConnect and be responsible for developing some of the technologies that will enable the next generation of products. In addition to a relevant degree, you will need good communication skills and will be the type of researcher who loves collaborating with and enabling others to jointly produce high-quality outcomes.  

 

Responsibilities:  

  1. Numerical Optimization 

    • Solve constrained linear and nonlinear optimization problems 

    • Formulate real-world problems as within optimization frameworks 

  1. Acoustics 

    • Measurement and simulation of microphone arrays and loudspeakers 

    • Direction of arrival estimation and beamforming algorithms 

    • Room impulse response analysis and general acoustic signal processing 

  1. Data Analytics 

    • Monte Carlo analysis 

    • Data pipelines – continuous integration workflows, data models, SQL, Spark 

    • Visualization dashboards 

  1. Technical Documentation and Communication 

    • Write and maintain detailed technical documentation 

    • Communicate clearly with colleagues through technical discussions and presentations 

    • Read, write, and publish technical reports and papers 

    • Protect intellectual property by filing patents  

 

Requirements: 

  • Pursuing a Master’s or PhD degree in Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or related fields.  

  • Experience with Python, C/C++  

  • Experience with machine learning / AI 

  • Experience with acoustic simulations 

 

Highly Desired: 

  • Familiarity with acoustic modeling tools e.g. COMSOL, Treble, pyroomacoustics 

  • Experience with measurement of real-world acoustics e.g. SMAART 

  • Experience with data visualization 

  • Experience with data intelligence platforms e.g. Databricks 

  

We recognize that applying to internships can be a daunting process, especially if you have not had any previous internships, or if this is a new field of interest to you. Even if you do not have previous professional experience to meet the listed qualifications, we will consider relevant project, volunteer, and extracurricular experiences, and we encourage you to include them on your resume and apply.  

 

We will review applications on a rolling basis. For the best chance to have your resume reviewed and considered, we recommend submitting your application by June 26, 2026.      

 

Eligibility   

Working towards a Master’s or PhD in Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or related fields. Recent grads who are within 6 months of graduation are also eligible to apply. Must be available to work full-time Monday – Friday for 12 weeks between September 2026 – December 2026.  

  

The start date for this internship is as follows (please note these dates are not flexible):  

  • September 21, 2026 

 

The San Francisco/Bay Area base hourly range for this internship position is $62/hr and can vary if outside of this location. Our hourly ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific hourly range and perks and benefits for your location during the hiring process.

 

Dolby will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of San Francisco Police Code, Article 49, and Administrative Code, Article 12

 

Equal Employment Opportunity:
Dolby is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our success depends on the combined skills and talents of all our employees. We are committed to making employment decisions without regard to race, religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, marital status, family status, medical condition, disability, military service, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions or any other classification protected by federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.


Nearest Major Market: San Francisco
Nearest Secondary Market: Oakland