John O. Aalberg began his career in 1914 as a projectionist in Chicago's nickelodeons. Following military service overseas in World War I, he received a degree in electrical engineering and joined General Electric Company, where he was involved in the development of the RCA sound system. In 1930 he installed the first RCA theater sound equipment at the Carthay Circle Theater in Los Angeles. The following year he joined RKO Studio, where he supervised the construction and maintenance of sound equipment. In 1936, he was named director of sound at RKO and remained in that position until 1957.

Aalberg joined the Academy in 1930 and served as a member of the board of governors and as an officer for many years. He was an instructor at USC where he lectured on sound reproduction in motion picture theaters.

Aalberg received a Scientific or Technical award in 1938 "for the application of compression to variable area recording in motion picture production." He was nominated for an Academy Award in 1940 in the Special Effects category for "Swiss Family Robinson." In 1979 he was the recipient of the Academy's Medal of Commendation given in appreciation for his service and dedication to the Academy. Aalberg died in 1984.