Software + DSP Engineer (Telepathic Instruments) - Remote

Software + DSP Engineer (Telepathic Instruments) Type 3 Month Contract Start Date ASAP Location Remote (UK Preferred) About Telepathic Instruments

Telepathic Instruments is an internationally based electronic instruments company founded by Kevin Parker and friends. Our whole thing is to help musicians find what's on their mind. Our first product, Orchid, combines intuitive design with deep synthesis and sampling capabilities, and we're just getting started. Our product design is lead by 3 core principles: Insight, Innovation, and Inspiration.

Role Summary

We're hiring a Software + DSP Engineer to help bring our embedded audio systems to life in the desktop world, starting with a custom VST instrument. You'll work closely with the founders to shape the plugin version of Orchid, translate embedded architectures into cross-platform audio tools, and help invent what's next across sampling, synthesis, and control.We're not interested in pigeon-holing.

You bring wide-ranging skills - DSP, VST infrastructure, creative coding, some synth hardware, setting up 10k mics in Abbey Road Studios - and we want to put them to good use. You'll have space to lead, build, and experiment. While this starts as a 3-month full-time contract, our goal is long-term. The only reason we're beginning with a contract is logistics. You'll be treated like a core team member from day one, and we'll convert this role into a full-time permanent position as soon as the UK entity is ready. You'll need to be independent but collaborative, technically brilliant but not precious, and comfortable moving quickly in a fast-evolving, artist-led company.

Responsibilities

Translate embedded C++ code (written for custom hardware) into portable and performant desktop formats (VST3, JUCE, etc.)

Design and implement efficient audio processing blocks that work reliably across systems and DAWs

Develop tools for sample handling, analogue modelling, unique oscillator types (wavetable etc), and various effects.

Develop MIDI / Note tools to modify incoming note data and produce more complex data (Chords, Arpeggiators etc)

Build the VST3 version of Orchid, helping bring embedded code into performant desktop form

Develop DSP modules for sample playback, synthesis, filtering, modulation, and effects

Collaborate with creative directors to prototype musical ideas and translate them into code

Support licensing, deployment, and infrastructure for VST plugins

Write clean, documented, well-structured code - you'll help set the tone for future engineering

Contribute to broader sound engine innovation (beyond VST) - this includes firmware, UI flow, performance control, and audio architecture

Help shape the product roadmap with a hands-on understanding of sound and software

Join daily standups, sprint planning, and async workflows - this is a deeply collaborative team

Participate in code reviews, documentation, and knowledge sharing

Stay up to date with best practices in plugin development, DSP, and audio software.

Skills + Experience

Strong C++ skills, ideally with experience in audio and/or embedded systems

Hands-on understanding of VST3, JUCE, or similar audio plugin frameworks

Hands-on DSP knowledge: buffers, memory, threading, ISR timing, and race condition mitigation

Deep comfort with sample-based instruments, synthesis engines, and sound design workflows

Experience working in plugin development environments (macOS, Windows, various DAWs)

Ability to operate independently and own major technical workstreams

Appreciation for sound, design, and creative intent - you're not just ticking tech boxes

Bonus: experience in convolution, analogue modeling, licensing systems, or embedded audio

Bonus-bonus: you've built things musicians love