Show Systems Programmer (Project-Based Role)

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Meow Wolf opens portals of possibility. Come as you are! 

We are individuals who inspire creativity in people's lives through art and exploration, so that our combined imaginations can transform the world we live in. We create immersive and interactive experiences that transport audiences into fantastic realms of story and exploration.  Our Vision is to be the world’s leading creative company, reimagining the paradigm of art and storytelling, to make a positive difference in the world.  

We share a strong commitment to Belonging through our values of: 

• Collaborative Creativity: We believe the act of creating together amplifies possibilities.

• Provocative Playfulness:  We celebrate the unexpected because it is the doorway to discovery.

• Outsiders Welcome: We are all outsiders at heart, and we create space for everyone to feel like they belong.

• Authentic Compassion: We are “kind punks” - supportive to each other and standing up for what we believe in.

• Audacious Courage: We have the courage to radically reinvent ourselves to push the boundaries of art.

If this all sounds like YOU, read on….

Job Description:

SHOW SYSTEMS PROGRAMMER (Project-Based Role)

Job Disclosures:

Project-Based Role: This is a project-based position with an anticipated duration of 4+ months.

Location: (On-Site) Los Angeles

Compensation: The bi-weekly pay for this position is $3,917.19.

“Off-scale salaries” and other components of pay, i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated position grade, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions. 

Job Summary:

The Show Systems Programmer is responsible for programming show control and media routing within Meow Wolf’s show systems. Show systems at Meow Wolf consist of QSC Q‑SYS cores, which are responsible for audio routing and processing, a proprietary Q‑SYS plugin called El Jefe which is used for monitoring and control of computers and other elements within the show systems, network video distribution systems, and a show network which is administered by our IT department according to requirements set by the show systems team.

A key to success is to create clear and thorough standards together with the Show Systems Architect and ensure that those standards are communicated and upheld throughout the planning of new exhibitions. In addition to creating unique programming for the Q‑SYS audio and show control needs of each exhibition, the Show Systems programmer works with internal and external teams to update and refine templates and plugins for Q‑SYS, the El Jefe plugin, and the Watchdog monitoring application.

The Show Systems Programmer will coordinate with subject matter experts from each discipline, working to weave together all of the Exhibition’s communication needs and requirements into a unified show system. Strong communication skills and solid experience with show control systems are key for this role. The Show Systems Programmer must also hold a robust understanding of various media delivery systems, network protocols, and communication methods to be able to troubleshoot and drive development. Adaptability and an open mind are essential to align with the ebbs and flows of each technical system’s designs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Create and update Q‑SYS templates and plugins used to support Meow Wolf exhibitions

• Assist in writing, updating, and implementing show control standards across all show system disciplines

• Document the commands and protocols used between all of the show systems in an exhibition including lighting, audio, video, special effects, show action equipment, and Platform Services

• Document the functionality needs of exhibitions during the design process to ensure the programming strategy is aligned with those needs

• Step into existing projects to support handover

• Troubleshoot and effectively communicate procedures to teams

• Be an agent of progress, learning what makes Meow Wolf unique, while introducing your own experiences to create growth and development

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as a show control programmer in the themed entertainment industry, or experience working for a company that provides show control products or services

• Certifications in Q‑SYS and Dante

• Basic knowledge and experience with immersive group entertainment and/or art curation

• Solid understanding of other show disciplines, including lighting, audio, video, special effects, show action equipment, interactives, etc.

• A strong knowledge of show control systems and platforms

• Experience configuring network media transport protocols, including Q‑LAN, Dante, AES‑67, SMPTE 2110, MPEG‑TS, sACN, Art‑NET, and OSC.

• Skilled in effectively conveying information and developing protocols across disciplines

• Open-minded to a DIY culture and amenable to the ebbs and flows of Meow Wolf’s show control architecture

• You bring patience and perseverance, and will be able to serve as a teacher for the teams

• Adept at receiving input and information from multiple parties

• Excellent interpersonal skills, written and oral communication skills, organizational, as well as creative thinking

• In‑depth knowledge of core platforms and programs as they will be utilized daily, including Google Suite, Microsoft Office & BlueBeam

• You must have a thorough understanding of the following:  Show control systems, languages, and related equipment, such as: QSC Q‑SYS, Arduino, Teensy, TouchDesigner, Max/MSP, OSC, Lua, HTML5, CSS, Python, Java, JSON

Work Environment and Physical Demands 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed must be representative of the knowledge, skills, minimum education, training, licensure, experience, and/or ability required.  

Work Environment:

This position operates in a highly collaborative technical environment that includes offices, studios, workshops, server rooms, and active exhibition or installation sites. The Show Systems Architect partners closely with engineering, creative, production, IT, and operations teams to design, integrate, and support complex show systems and infrastructure. The role routinely uses computers, system modeling and control software, networking tools, and may interface with powered and non-powered technical equipment during system design, testing, and commissioning. Work may occur in environments with varying noise levels, low lighting, equipment rooms, and active construction or installation activity. Employees are required to comply with company policies and OSHA workplace safety standards and may be required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) based on task and location.

Physical Demands:

This role combines desk-based systems design work with on-site technical support. The employee may frequently stand, walk, bend, reach, and navigate active build or equipment spaces and occasionally climb ladders or work in confined areas during system installation, troubleshooting, or commissioning. The position may require lifting and/or moving equipment up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds, with or without assistance. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color differentiation (including cable and signal identification), depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

The employee will comply with company and OSHA standard workplace safety protocols. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Work Schedule:

This is a full-time position averaging 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm MT or 10 am to 6 pm MST  – occasionally requiring flexibility to work during evenings or weekends based on business needs, as well as travel to off-site locations depending on the role and need. 

Supervisor Responsibilities:

This position does not require supervisory responsibility.

Travel 

This position does not require travel 

Other Duties 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 
 

This position is represented by the Meow Wolf Workers Collective/ Communications Workers of America.

Meow Wolf will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable law, including the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance.

IMPACT: Meow Wolf is committed to our DIY roots and grassroots community support principles. To document that commitment, we converted our legal designation into a Delaware Public Benefit Corporation and have certified as a B Corporation. As a B Corp, we have a triple bottom line of supporting financial, social and environmental wellbeing in our community.

INCLUSION:  Meow Wolf is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to ensuring all employees enjoy and thrive in a work environment where differences make us the vibrant, wonderful community we are! All employment decisions at Meow Wolf are based on business need, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, veteran status, service in the military or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

BENEFITS:

The choices we make concerning our benefits during enrollment periods are among the most important we select for ourselves and our families. As part of the total compensation package for full-time employees, Meow Wolf offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes various options to meet individual healthcare and financial needs along with many perks.  

• Medical Insurance options: PPO & HDHP*

• Dental and Vision Insurance*

• HSA, HRA, and FSA options*

• 401k Retirement Plan

• Company paid Life Insurance Policy and Disability Coverage(s)*

• Voluntary Critical Illness and Life Insurance Policies*

• Company Paid Employee Assistance Program

• Paid Parental Leave for 12 weeks

• Discount off Meow Wolf Gift Shop Merch and Cafes

• Admission to Meow Wolf attractions for employees and guests

*Regular or Project Based Full-time positions

Please visit www.meowwolf.com/careers for more information.