Software Engineer – Audio Device Specialist

Fairphone is more than just a company - we are a global leader in sustainable, modular electronics, on a mission to change the electronics industry from the inside out. Built on strong social and environmental values, we are a diverse and inclusive team from all walks of life creating market consumer electronics that make a real impact.At Fairphone, you will find a supportive and safe space where everyone can be themselves, collaborate openly, and have the freedom to learn and grow - because that’s how we innovate and drive change together! So… are you a proactive, self-motivated team player who loves taking initiative and bringing positive energy? Do you thrive in a fast-moving start-up or scale-up environment? Are you a great communicator who values collaboration and embraces different perspectives? And most importantly, do you feel a strong connection to Fairphone’s mission and values? If you're nodding along and thinking, “Yes, that’s me!”, then check out our vacancy below! Please know that we acknowledge that we are living in a time where the use of AI can bring many efficiencies and support. However, we want to know the real YOU. Please try to limit the use of AI tools to generate answers to the application; we value authenticity and encourage you to use your creativity! Location: Taiwan-based. Daily presence in Fairphone’s Taipei office (minimum 2 days per week).Hours: 40 hours per weekAvailability to attend regular meetings with Fairphone teams across different time zones.Availability to travel to Fairphone headquarters, ODM facilities, suppliers, and trade fairs as required.Start: September 2026Deadline to apply: We review applications on a rolling basis. Please apply as soon as possible As an experienced and skilled Audio Device Software Specialist, you are responsible for overseeing software development and technical execution of Fairphone’s audio products, including over-ear headphones and TWS earbuds, audio accessories, and future audio categories.You act as the primary software interface between Fairphone and ODM partners, ensuring product requirements are translated into well-defined software features and delivered with the expected level of quality, usability, and performance.Working closely with Product Management, Audio Design, Hardware Engineering, Mobile App teams, and ODM partners, you guide software feature planning, SDK integration, UI/UX behaviour definition, issue resolution, and software release readiness throughout the product lifecycle. Your Key Responsibilities Product Definition & Software PlanningWork closely with the Product and Hardware Engineering teams to define software requirements and feature specifications.Translate product concepts into actionable software requirements for ODM implementation.Review and define user interaction flows, button behaviors, companion app features, and software-driven user experiences.Integrate and advocate for software longevity principles—including long-term firmware support, maintainability, and upgradeability—into initial product requirements and ODM specifications.ODM Software ManagementLead software execution with ODM partners throughout development and maintenance phases.Support the Production definition process (especially for firmware updates)Monitor software development progress and proactively identify technical risks.Drive issue resolution and escalation processes to ensure timely delivery.SDK Integration & Feature EnablementReview and support integration of chipset vendor SDKs, firmware and software frameworks.Evaluate and enable audio-related software features including but not limited to: ANC / ENC, Transparency Mode, Multipoint Connectivity, Wear Detection, Audio Personalization Features.Assess feature limitations and define mitigation plans where necessary.User Experience & App IntegrationCollaborate with companion application teams to define software interactions and feature accessibility.Review UI/UX implementation related to audio products.Ensure consistency of user experience across devices, firmware, and mobile applications and operating systems.Support validation of customer-facing software behaviors and usability improvements.Software Quality & Issue AnalysisSupport internal teams in reproducing and analyzing software issues.Validate bug reports and define corrective actions with ODM partners.Review software release readiness and provide recommendations for milestone approvals.Supplier & Partner AssessmentEvaluate software capabilities of potential ODM partners and chipset vendors.Assess software development maturity, SDK support quality, and long-term maintainability.Provide technical recommendations regarding supplier selection and associated risks.Key ObjectivesSupport the implementation of the software feature roadmap and technical strategy for audio products.Ensure software implementation aligns with Fairphone product requirements and user experience expectations.Drive ODM software execution and maintain visibility of feature development, risks, and release status.Continuously improve software quality, usability, and customer experience across Fairphone audio products. Clarifying and prioritising software issues with ODM partners.Monitoring software milestones, risks, and release readiness.Supporting feature enablement and SDK integration activities.Reviewing UI/UX behaviour and mobile app interactions.Driving root cause analysis and corrective actions for software defects.Researching new software features and technologies relevant to future audio products. Must-Have SkillsBS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.8-10+ years of experience in audio productsExperience working with TWS, Bluetooth audio devicesExperience with audio chipsets such as Qualcomm, Airoha or similar.Strong understanding of Bluetooth audio technologies and audio product architectures.Experience collaborating with ODM partners and managing outsourced software development.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.Excellent English and Mandarin communication skills.Nice-to-haves:Familiarity with Bluetooth profiles including A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, BLE and LE Audio.Experience with audio tuning tools and DSP-related software features.Experience in project/resource planning and execution. The opportunity to create an impact on the electronics industry around the world.A diverse work environment full of international, passionate, warm-hearted team members.Competitive salary aligned with market standards.10 days of paid annual leave, birthday leave, public holidays, and rest days in accordance with the labour law.Hybrid work modelHome Office AllowanceSocial benefits & contributions made by both employer and employee as required under Taiwan law.Professional development opportunities for training, skill development, and career advancement.