Staff Media Systems Engineer

We are seeking a highly experienced and technically proficient Media Systems Engineer. This role involves supporting critical media production and post production technology.

The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in traditional broadcast SDI video and audio infrastructure, coupled with strong capabilities in managing and optimizing Linux based computer systems for media workflows.

This position requires a proactive problem-solver with a meticulous approach to system design, implementation, and maintenance. The engineer will provide frontline maintenance and support for department AV and computer equipment and assist with planning, designing, procurement, and implementation of media technology systems.

This role is considered Onsite, which means the employee will work 100% onsite 5 days a week at our San Francisco, Presidio office.

What you’ll do

• Address technical issues with physical and post production equipment, ranging from professional to consumer grade AV equipment.

• Troubleshoot and maintain specific equipment including 12G SDI routers, enterprise KVM matrix, video monitors and projectors, AV control systems, motion capture equipment, video playback workstations, timing signal generators, AV streaming appliances, etc.

• Maintain and troubleshoot various enterprise storage systems.

• Design, install and commission various AV equipment used in different technical and operational departments throughout ILM and Lucasfilm.

• Maintain the hardware and software for our Linux based media playback servers.

• Collaborate with the network team to diagnose and resolve network related issues impacting AV system functionality.

• Create and maintain documentation using tools like Jira, Confluence, Google Workspace, Visio, etc.

• Create and update Computer Aided Design (CAD) drawings related to AV systems.

• Generate high quality reports and presentations for management.

• Participate in off hours maintenance, upgrades, and installations as necessary.

• Participate in on-call rotation to provide off hour technical support.

• Conduct research and evaluate new technologies and trends to understand their potential impact on current and future workflows within the organization.

What we’re looking for

• 8 years support and installation experience in post production or broadcast facilities with complex AV systems.

• B.S. in Engineering or equivalent professional experience required

• Up to date knowledge and a passion for technology relating to media and post production.

• Solid understanding and practical experience of various media file formats.

• Solid understanding and practical experience with video and audio transport streams.

• Familiarity and practical experience with professional post production equipment including video routers, disk based playback appliances, SAN and NAS file servers, Linux workstations, network switches, KVM routers, A/V control systems etc.

• Linux, macOS and Windows administration skills.

• Experience troubleshooting TCP/IP, Ethernet, UDP, NFS & CIFS protocols, DNS, DHCP, Fiber channel and be familiar with basic network troubleshooting tools.

• Basic image format knowledge including an understanding of Rec. 709 and DCI color spaces, gamma encoding, chroma subsampling, etc.

• Knowledge and experience with various file formats used in post production including OpenEXR, DPX, TIFF, JPEG 2000, H.264, DNx, HEVC, AV1, ProRes etc.

• Identify and resolve problems in a timely manner: Gather and analyze information skillfully, develop alternative solutions, work well in group problem solving situations.

• Ability to identify and address technical issues without direct supervision, while also working effectively as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• First hand experience with the following or equivalent post production equipment a plus including:

  • Evertz EQx 12G SDI router and various baseband video equipment.

  • ADDER Infinity enterprise KVM.

  • Linux builds based on RHEL 9.

  • Enterprise storage experience with Isilon, Qumulo, NEXIS, Pure, StorNext etc.

  • Q-SYS Core programming for audio and control.

  • DaVinci Resolve, Autodesk RV

  • Christie DLP projectors.

  • WireCad, Confluence, Jira, Draw.io

  • Legacy Video Tape Decks (DigiBeta, SRW, HDCAM etc.).

• Advanced understanding of and experience with Linux, macOS and Windows operating systems.

• Avid certified or widespread experience with Avid Media Composer, Interplay, Media Central.

• A solid understanding of IP networks with some practical in field experience.

The hiring range for this position in San Francisco, CA is $155,400 to $208,400 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.