POSITION SUMMARY
The Media Systems Engineer is responsible for the operation, configuration, and maintenance of projection and media systems across two state-of-the-art theater spaces. This role combines hands-on projection responsibilities with advanced media systems engineering to ensure exceptional presentation quality, system reliability, and seamless integration with AV and theatrical technologies while delivering a best-in-class visitor experience.
The Media Systems Engineer will report to Managing Director, Technology.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Operate and maintain 35mm and digital cinema projectors and associated systems
- Build, test, and manage DCP playlists with multiple files and cues
- Monitor image and sound quality during screenings
- Configure and maintain projection systems, media servers, and AV infrastructure
- Manage signal flow across SDI, HDMI, NDI, and networked AV systems
- Integrate projection with lighting, audio, and show control systems
- Troubleshoot technical issues in time-sensitive environments
- Conduct preventative maintenance and system upgrades
- Collaborate with Visitor Services, Production, and IT/AV teams
- Maintain documentation including schematics, cue sheets, and logs
CORE COMPETENCIES
Analytical Rigor: Simplifies complex problems by using critical thinking to evaluate problems, gathering information, incorporating multiple perspectives, understanding causes, and identifying best-possible solutions. Invests time in planning, discovery, and reflection to drive better decisions and more efficient implementations. Adopts an audience-centric approach, understanding the needs of the audience and incorporating them, as appropriate, into the decision.
Courageous Communication: Intentionally works well with others both on the team and cross-functionally to achieve individual, team, department, or organizational goals. Values diverse input and working with others as a way to achieve the best output possible.
Collaborative Excellence: Displays courage when handling difficult conversations and genuinely and intentionally communicates. Relays key messages effectively, targeted to specific audiences. Identifies others' communication styles and perspectives, adjusting language and approach accordingly. Employs active listening to understand, rather than reply. Asks for, integrates, and values feedback from team, peers, and leaders.
Adaptive Resilience: Thrives and grows in a rapidly changing and complex environment. Displays flexibility, activates networks, and adopts a continuous growth mindset to learn from mistakes and bounce back from adversity.
Inclusive Interaction: Actively contributes to an environment in which all employees feel a sense of belonging, valued for their differences and empowered to participate and contribute freely.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, up to 8 hours per shift.
- Ability to move throughout multiple Museum locations, including galleries, theaters, outdoor spaces, and other public areas.
- Ability to maintain an active and visible presence while providing exceptional guest service.
- Ability to work in a high-volume, public-facing environment with large groups of guests, including school groups, tours, special events, and peak attendance periods, while maintaining professionalism, situational awareness, and composure.
- Ability to frequently bend, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb stairs as needed.
- Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, and pull items weighing up to 25 pounds, including wheelchairs, stanchions, signage, guest service equipment, and other operational materials.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with guests and colleagues in person, by telephone, and over two-way radio.
- Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in varying environmental conditions.
- Ability to maintain awareness of guest activity and surrounding conditions while monitoring galleries, queues, and public spaces.
The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
QUALIFICATIONS
- B.A. in Theater Design, Projection Design, Video Engineering, Media Systems or Theatrical Technology preferred or equivalent experience
- Proven experience working with 35mm, digital cinema projector and integrated media server
- Well-versed with DCP, Pro Res, closed caption and subtitle files, as well as Dolby Audio formats
- Prior role at an organization that modeled a high degree of customer service
ABILITIES
Projection
- Christie CP4435-RGB, Digital Cinema Projector with Dolby IMS3000 Integrated Media Server
- Dolby CP950A Atmos Cinema Processor
- Familiarity with DCI standards and encryption/KDM workflows
- Kinoton FP-30E Premiere Studio 35mm projectors
Audio
- Dolby ATMOS
- 35mm optical audio
- Shure ULXD4Q 4 channel receiver, lavalier microphones, and handheld transmitters
Theatrical Lighting
- Stage lighting
- ADA lighting
- RGB LED accent lighting
Experience with the following equipment preferred:
Skills Required
- Proven experience with 35mm and digital cinema projectors and integrated media servers
- Knowledge of DCP workflows and ability to build and manage DCP playlists
- Familiarity with ProRes, closed caption and subtitle files, and Dolby Audio formats
- Experience managing signal flow across SDI, HDMI, NDI, and networked AV systems
- Experience integrating projection with lighting, audio, and show control systems
- Prior role demonstrating a high degree of customer service in a public-facing environment
- B.A. in Theater Design, Projection Design, Video Engineering, Media Systems or Theatrical Technology or equivalent experience
- Familiarity with Christie CP4435-RGB, Dolby IMS3000, Dolby CP950A, Kinoton FP-30E, Dolby Atmos, and Shure ULXD4Q (equipment experience preferred)
- Familiarity with DCI standards and encryption/KDM workflows
What We Do
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is a museum dedicated to the power of visual storytelling. Founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, it explores how images shape our collective memory and influence society. Located in Exposition Park, Los Angeles, the museum houses a vast collection of painting, photography, sculpture, illustration, comic art, and cinematic art, aiming to connect people across cultures and generations through the art of narrative.
