Careers At Blackstar

Blackstar Amplification started in Northampton, England in 2004 and officially launched in 2007. Driven by the passion of the founding team for designing innovative amplification products that redefine players expectations, Blackstar today distributes products to over 50 countries worldwide and is a major international brand in the amplifier market. Over the years the Blackstar team has continued to grow and Blackstar is always keen to hear from like-minded individuals who have the talent and work ethic to make a difference in one of the most exciting brands in the MI industry.

Job Opportunities

DSP Engineer
Department: Research and Development
Job Title: DSP Engineer
Reporting to: Senior Software Engineer

Overall purpose of the job:
Efficient DSP programming in all Blackstar digital products

Main Activities / Tasks: 
  • DSP algorithm development, implementation and optimisation
  • This includes both high-level modelling (MATLAB, C/C++, VST plug-ins) and assembler level optimisation on the target platforms
Other Duties:
  • Assisting in project planning, scoping and problem solving in terms of software
  • Other duties within skill set but not necessarily role scope as and when (creative design input, attending meetings etc
Education / Qualifications:
  • Qualified to degree level or above in a relevant subject 
     
Training / Technical Skills:
(Desirable)
  • Several years (minimum 3) commercial experience as an audio DSP Engineer.
  • SHARC DSP experience.
  • Experience using JUCE or similar for creating software GUIs
  • Proficient using MATLAB
  • Experience in assembler-level optimisation (preferably on ARM Cortex M/Cortex A)
  • Experience in testing audio algorithms and audio processing blocks
(Essential)
  • Excellent demonstrable Embedded C programming skills
  • C++ (OOP) programming skills
  • Solid understanding of fundamental DSP theory
  • Strong understanding of software engineering principles
  • Experience in audio signal processing
  • Understanding of/experience developing VST plugins
Experience / Knowledge:
  • Optimisation on out-of-order architectures
  • Real-world modelling of audio systems
  • Audio analysis of real-world systems
  • DSP development for embedded hardware
  • Independent and self-reliant, being able to work without close supervision
  • Working within a KPI (Key Performance Indicator) structure
  • A musical background, guitar playing or otherwise, would be considered a strong advantage
Personality:
  • Passion for the music industry
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, able to build professional relationships with people at all levels
  • Ability to manage working time effectively and prioritise assignments appropriately
  • Enthusiastic, methodical, committed and dependable
     
Specific Requirements of the Role:
  • Full time, 8:00 – 17:00, Monday – Friday in Northampton, UK
  • Willing to work extra hours as and when required
Job Description:
   View the 'DSP Engineer' job description
Job Details:
  • Location: Northampton, UK
  • Ref No: DW-00002
  • Job Type: Permanent
  • Department: Research and Development
Project Management Assistant
 
Department:  Research and Development
 
 
Job Title:  Project Management Assistant
 
 
Reporting to:  R&D Manager
 
 
Overall purpose of the job: Assisting in all aspects of the project management of new products, and being the owner of specific projects within the R&D team.  This is often a hands-on role which requires a passion and understanding of audio and guitar-related equipment
 
 
Main Activities / Tasks:
 
Project Management
  • The writing, maintenance and reporting of project plans (including Gantt charts)
  • Working with the project team leader on prioritisation and follow-up of day-to-day project tasks
  • Maintenance of project-related budgets and spends
  • The formulation and maintenance of the project risk and test registers
  • Administrating the international safety and EMC approvals testing and documentation for new products (non-technical)
 
Project Coordination
  • The coordination and chasing of project information between the UK-based Blackstar departments (R&D, Marketing, Sales etc.)
  • The daily coordination of information and activities between the UK team and overseas engineering teams
 
Product Support
  • Market research/competitive analysis and the preparation of market-related reports
  • Functional and sonic testing of prototypes
 
Technical Support
  • Setting up and performing product sound tests
  • Sourcing local components for UK prototype production and testing
 
Documentation
  • Regular reports on all aspects of projects including timescales, budgets and costs
  • The organisation and filing of project-related documentation from internal and external sources
  • Occasional travel to OEMs in the Far East if required
 
Other Duties: General departmental and new product related duties as required
 
 
The Person
 
Person Specification
 		  
Desirable		  
Essential
 
Education / Qualifications
 
  • Qualified to degree/HND level or above in Electronics, Acoustics or Music Technology-based subjects
  • Qualified to a minimum of A Level/BTEC standard in technical subjects
 
Training / Technical Skills
 
  • Experience in a project management role or similar
  • Experience using Microsoft Project software
 
 
  • Practical proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Guitar or bass player
 
 
Experience / Knowledge
 
  • Some experience of working in a fast-moving engineering/industrial/commercial environment
  • Used to working to tight deadlines
  • Commercial experience in a project-related role
  • Knowledge of critical path analysis
  • Knowledge of Agile management processes
  • Knowledge of software development principles
 
  • A deep understanding of the Musical Instrument market, especially guitar technology
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Excellent numerical and analytical skills
  • High level of attention to detail
  • Highly organised, with a structured approach to all tasks
  • Independent and self-reliant
  • A flexible approach to work
 
 
Personality / Characteristics
 
  • Passion for the music industry
 
  • Excellent interpersonal skills; able to build professional relationships with people at all levels
  • Ability to manage time and prioritise effectively
  • A personable and outgoing nature
  • Enthusiastic, conscientious, committed and dependable
  • A ‘can-do’ attitude and a keen eye for detail
  • Very methodical and a diligent record keeper
 
 
Specific Requirements of the Role
 
  • Experience in using Blackstar products or equivalent music-related products
  • Full time, 08:00 – 17:00, Monday – Friday in Northampton, UK
  • Willing to work extra hours as and when required
 
Job Description:
   View the 'Project Management Assistant' job description
Job Details:
  • Location: Northampton
  • Ref No: R&DPMA
  • Job Type: Permanent
  • Department: Research and Development
Graduate Design Technician
 
Department:  R&D
 
 
Job Title:  Graduate Design Technician
 
 
Reporting to:  R&D Manager
 
 
Overall purpose of the job: The support of electronics design and project activities with R&D
 
 
Main Activities / Tasks:
  • Assisting in day-to-day R&D new product development activities
  • General duties within the department, such as keeping laboratories and sound-room tidy and well stocked
 
  • Technical
    • Setting up and performing sound tests and competitor evaluations
    • Assisting in the building and testing of prototypes
    • Sourcing components for prototype production and testing
    • Writing and performing new product test procedures and recording/presenting results
    • The modification of electronics schematics, with guidance from the Design Engineers
    • The modification of PCB artworks using CAD, with guidance from the Design Engineers
 
  • Documentation
    • Creation and maintenance of parts lists and associated documentation on assigned projects
    • The maintenance and filing of approvals documentation
 
  • Project Management
    • The creation and upkeep of project plans and timescales
    • Coordinating activities between the UK and China design resources on given projects
    • Updating the R&D manager daily and provide written reports
    • Occasional travel to OEMs in the Far East if required
 
 
 
The Person
 
Person Specification
 		  
Desirable		  
Essential
Education / Qualifications
 		 1-2 years’ experience of electronic and/or mechanical design in a consumer audio or electronics environment
 		 Degree in electronics or associated engineering subject
 
Training / Technical Skills
 		 Some experience of design in a fast-moving engineering environment
Some experience of high voltage valve equipment
Some experience in fault testing and diagnosis
Knowledge of CAD PCB design
 		 A demonstrable aptitude for electronics. Will have been interested in guitar amps, consumer electronics and circuitry, or mechanical construction/design as a hobby or in a previous role
 
Experience / Knowledge
 		 Used to working to tight deadlines
 		 Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Excellent numerical and analytical skills
Bass/guitar player
High level of attention to detail
Highly organised
Independent and self-reliant
A flexible approach to work
 
Personality / Characteristics
 		 Passion for the music industry
A structured engineering approach
 		 Strong team and work ethics
Personable and outgoing nature
Excellent interpersonal skills
Enthusiastic, conscientious, committed and dependable
A ‘can-do’ attitude
Very methodical and diligent record keeper
Team player
Ability to manage time effectively and prioritise appropriately
 
Specific Requirements of the Role
Hours
 		 Experience of using Blackstar products or equivalent music related products Full time, 8:00 – 17:00, Monday – Friday
Willing to work extra hours as and when required.
Job Description:
   View the 'Graduate Design Technician' job description
Job Details:
  • Location: Northampton
  • Ref No: R&DGDT
  • Job Type: Permanent
  • Department: Research and Development
Project Engineer
  
 
Department:  R&D
 
 
Job Title:  Project Engineer
 
 
Reporting to:  R&D Manager
 
 
Overall purpose of the job:
Electronics design and project management activities within R&D. The lead role in driving the development of assigned new products from concept through to production and post-production maintenance
 
 
Main Activities / Tasks:
 
  • Technical
    • The input and modification of electronics schematics, with guidance from the Chief Engineer
    • The input and modification of PCB artworks using CAD, with guidance from the Chief Engineer
    • Building and testing of prototypes
    • Sourcing components for prototype production and testing
    • Writing and performing new product tests and recording/presenting results
    • Managing the approvals of products to international standards
 
  • Documentation
    • Creation and maintenance of parts lists and associated documentation on assigned projects
 
  • Project Management
    • The creation and upkeep of project plans and timescales
    • Coordinating activities between the UK and China design resources on given projects
    • Updating the R&D manager daily and providing written reports
    • Occasional travel to OEMs in the Far East if required
 
 
 
 
 
Other Duties:
  • Assisting the day-to day technical activities within the R&D department including:
    • Setting up and managing product listening tests
    • Speaker test set-ups
    • Input into product specifications including brainstorming new product ideas
 
 
The Person
 
Person Specification
 		  
Desirable		  
Essential
Education / Qualifications
 		   Degree in electronics or associated engineering subject
 
1-2 years’ experience of electronic and/or mechanical design in a consumer audio or electronics environment
Training / Technical Skills
 		 Some experience of design in a fast-moving engineering environment
Some experience of high voltage valve equipment
Some experience in fault testing and diagnosis
 		 A demonstrable aptitude for electronics. Will have been interested in guitar amps, consumer electronics and circuitry, or mechanical construction/design as a hobby or in a previous role
Knowledge of CAD PCB design
 
Experience / Knowledge
 		   Used to working to tight deadlines
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Excellent numerical and analytical skills
Bass/guitar player
High level of attention to detail
Highly organised
Independent and self-reliant
A flexible approach to work
 
Personality / Characteristics
 		 A passion for the music industry Strong team and work ethics
Personable and outgoing nature
Excellent interpersonal skills
Enthusiastic, conscientious, committed and dependable
A ‘can-do’ attitude
A structured engineering approach
Very methodical and diligent record keeper
Team player
Ability to manage time effectively and prioritise appropriately
 
Specific Requirements of the Role
Hours
 		 Experience of using Blackstar products or equivalent music related products Full time, 8:00 – 17:00, Monday – Friday
Willing to work extra hours as and when required.
Job Description:
   View the 'Project Engineer' job description
Job Details:
  • Location: Northampton
  • Ref No: R&DPE
  • Job Type: Permanent
  • Department: Research and Development

Apply For A Job

If you think you have what it takes to join us please make sure you download and fill out the Blackstar Application Document and attach that along with your CV using our online form.

Alternatively if you would prefer, you are able to apply in writing with your Covering Letter, CV and your Blackstar Application Document to our mailing address: Blackstar Amplification Ltd, Suite 2, Hawes Business Centre, Sandfield Close, Moulton Park, Northampton, NN3 6EU

Application Form

Download Application Document
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