I work in an office with lots of dads and people in the 30-50 range. It's still not that quiet because people get along well and going over to someone's desk to discuss something happens often.
The best thing to do is make your own quiet with headphones. If your headphones don't do enough, request different ones. "I would be more productive and focused with headphones that block out peripheral distractions better." With wording that makes it a potential gain rather than a failing on your part. Most (smart) places will readily jump at buying software or hardware that will increase an engineer's productivity. Your salary is high enough that it's a no-brainer.
"I would get maybe 5% more work done with fewer distractions." So long as that's true, I'd imagine you'll get them.
The best thing to do is make your own quiet with headphones. If your headphones don't do enough, request different ones. "I would be more productive and focused with headphones that block out peripheral distractions better." With wording that makes it a potential gain rather than a failing on your part. Most (smart) places will readily jump at buying software or hardware that will increase an engineer's productivity. Your salary is high enough that it's a no-brainer.
"I would get maybe 5% more work done with fewer distractions." So long as that's true, I'd imagine you'll get them.