Lead Exhibition Technical Engineer

Visit Meow Wolf’s careers page to apply for Lead Exhibition Technical Engineer.

Meow Wolf is a social impact art project that fuels a business, and a business that fuels a social impact art project. We create immersive and interactive experiences that transport audiences into fantastic realms of story and exploration.

Job Description:

Lead Exhibition Technical Engineer

(Team Manager – Stage Technologies and Electronics)

Grapevine, TX

Meow Wolf creates immersive and interactive experiences that transport audiences of all ages into fantastic realms of story and exploration. This includes art installations, video and music production, and extended reality content.

The Lead Exhibition Technical Engineer will direct a key exhibition team responsible for a consistent technical experience for our guests. The team is tasked with operating and maintaining the exhibition day-in and day-out, supporting special events, media events and contributing to new exhibit installations.This role is responsible for repairs and preventative maintenance of all exhibit technology as well as designing and implementing system and component improvements to evolve and improve the overall experience.

Reporting to the Exhibition Manager and the Director of Facilities & Exhibition, the Tech Maintenance Lead will direct the Tech Maintenance Team and outside Vendors and collaborate with artists and internal resources to maintain and improve a safe and engaging exhibition and facility. You will be responsible for ensuring the quality of work performed and supervise the completion of work through electronic documents and a CMMS, frequent inspections, and conferences with supervisors and Department Heads.The ideal candidates is skilled in maintenance and repair, as well as in the upkeep of the exhibition’s technical systems in accordance with company SOP and all safety regulations, making sure that all quality standards are met and that safe, courteous, and professional behavior is observed in all situations.

How you will do it…

• Will demonstrate expert knowledge of all technical systems in the exhibit which includes electrical systems, data distribution, electronics, micro-controllers, lighting, audio, video, show controls systems and how they work together to create the intended show experience.
• Lead and personally carry out installations and repairs on electronic and electrical equipment and systems, adhering to electrical codes, regulations, and standards. Knowledge and familiarity with electrical drawings, electronic schematics, computer hardware, software, applications, and operating systems and IT infrastructure are required.
• Execute daily inspections and reporting, creation, and adherence to preventive maintenance schedules, managing parts inventory and software backups are a must.
• Author and instruct on best practices, standard operating procedures, troubleshooting techniques, programming, and safety related work practices as well as build and create the documentation of custom interactive artwork, objects and installations that seam together sensors, micro-controllers, computers, lights, sound, video, and various electromechanical elements that are part of the exhibition.
• Budget creation and adherence and may negotiate with outside vendors and subcontractors for quoting, executing, and scheduling both one-off repairs and to establish and manage maintenance contracts.
• Ensure that systems are operational and coordinate with the exhibit wide maintenance staff to repair and maintain all systems at the highest standard of quality.
• Train staff (exhibit team members, managers, docents, etc.) on how to properly engage with guests in the exhibition when emergency repairs and routine maintenance is being conducted during operating hours.
• Institute and maintain a detailed CMMS system, create, track, and audit all Work Tickets, task lists, equipment inventories and inspections policies
• In coordination with leadership, create and manage all Tech Maintenance employee schedules
• Determine and schedule repairs and safety inspections
• Create and maintain Preventative Maintenance program to ensure there is no Exhibit operation impact
• Oversee the purchase, use and care of all technical equipment and supplies
• Respond to emergency calls for all exhibit or building emergencies
• Keep accurate records of work performed by staff, volunteers, vendors, and contractors
• Maintain all warranty information and manuals regarding all supplies and equipment.
• Develop and revise written standard operating procedures
• Develop and ensure routine inspections for checking all technical equipment for safety, cleanliness, and good repair.
• Review and document in the Bug Reports and Tech Failure Log for updates/changes in daily operation.
• Install, test and report on new software and firmware upgrades.
• Update new media content and programming to exhibit devices and controllers as needed
• Install, replace, connect, configure, and test any electronic devices, parts, tech equipment, computers, etc. as needed.
• Work with the Facility Maintenance team to solve any AC power problems, or upgrades.

To be successful in this role…

• Establish, model, and manage labor, productivity, quality control and safety measures for the Tech Maintenance Crew
• Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with company policies and applicable laws
• Initiate, encourage, and maintain internal and cross-departmental communication
• Train staff to provide a memorable and uniquely Meow Wolf level of service to guests
• Develop and maintain vendor relationships with subcontracted Vendors and suppliers
• Assists management team in identifying, coordinating, and overseeing exhibit project needs
• Respond and resolve any immediately solvable technical problems
• Work independently and in partnership with other exhibit teams to keep the exhibition clean, safe and functional.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

What you will bring…

• 7 plus years of professional experience in relevant industries, ideally working in Emerging Technology, Entertainment Technology, Software Development, Electrical Engineering, or Professional Audiovisual trades.
• The ideal candidate for this position holds a minimum of an Associate degree, is a graduate of a Technical Institute, holds relevant Industry Certifications or has job experience equivalent
• Is highly experienced in the following specialties:
  • Architectural and Theatrical Lighting Systems
  • TouchDesigner, Max/MSP, other Visual Programming Environments
  • Processing, Arduino IDE, other Creative Programming Environments
  • Electrical Engineering and Low Voltage Electronics
  • Creative Technology and Physical Computing
  • Network Engineering Principles
• Effectively both conduct and delegate responsibilities and maximize resources
• Maintains composure in stressful situations
• Adaptable to changes in a fast-paced work environment
• Project management skills and the ability to resolve complex problems and issues
• Has an expert understanding of electronic circuits and electrical theory, computers and micro-controllers
• Has strong communication skills and ability to collaborate.
• Has strong organizational and documentation capabilities.
• Has strong fabrication skills and is skilled with power and hand tools.

It would be nice to have…

• Demonstrated competency troubleshooting and repairing embedded systems that incorporate Arduino, Teensy and Raspberry Pi.
• Show Lighting Programming, in particular working with ETC systems and HOG Full Boar consoles.
• Advanced understanding of Network Engineering & IT infrastructure.
• Supplemental programming languages such as Python, C/C++, JavaScript, Java; and frameworks like OSC.
• Comfortable configuring, troubleshooting, and administering Linux computers from the command line, Macs from the GUI and command line, and Windows PCs.
• Experience with projectors and media servers
• OSHA 30 Construction.

Work environment & physical demands…

• This is a full-time position, working a minimum of 40 hours a week. It requires a flexible schedule to accommodate both times the exhibit is closed to the public as well as normal operating hours. Evening, overnight and weekend work are required as job duties demand.
• This position requires supervisory responsibility.
• Infrequent travel (less than 10%) may be required for this position.
• This position requires supervisory responsibility.
• This position is located on site, in Grapevine, TX.
• Infrequent travel (less than 10%) may be required for this position.
• This job primarily operates in an indoor setting with exposure to noisy environments, dim lighting, strong visual effects including strobing lights, special effects, smoke machines and small and/or enclosed spaces. Outdoor settings may also be required for special events or as needed for maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Moving in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including small, enclosed spaces.
• Remaining in a stationary position for prolonged periods.
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
• Positioning or moving objects up to 75 pounds.
• Use of maintenance tools and cleaning equipment, includes use of cleaning agents and chemicals.
• Use of access equipment such as ladders and man lifts.
• Ability to operate and manipulate power tools, specialty lighting, fog machine, computers, rigging equipment, projectors and all other exhibit technical equipment as needed.
• 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.

You will get to know Meow Wolf by…

• Exploring Meow Wolf Origins.
• Attending Immersiversity.
• Reviewing Meow Wolf’s Employee Handbook.

Are you…

• Knowledgeable in the maintenance and upkeep of exhibition technology?
• Able to lead a resourceful team and contribute to the overall happiness and health of the team and help keep the vibe alive?
• Able to exhibit professional judgment and decision-making skills?
• A strong communicator and ready to lead a team to create a world class guest experience?
• Forward thinking and creative in your approach to problem solving with the ability to identify process improvement opportunities?
• Experienced in managing processes or projects and driving change through positive influence?
• Highly organized with meticulous attention to detail and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks while demonstrating excellent time management?
• Patient with yourself and with others, and able to work collaboratively and thoughtfully with fellow human beings?

If you answered ‘YES’ to all of the above, then what are you waiting for? APPLY MEOW!

JOIN MEOW WOLF

The organization is comprised of individuals who inspire creativity in people’s lives through art and exploration, so that our combined imaginations can transform the world we live in. Every role is a vital component and thereby essential in creating exhibitions that will serve as anchors, borne in deep radical collaboration with local artists and communities, thus fueling our social impact initiatives. Each hire allows us to enhance our surrounding communities and the true source of our creativity, reputation, and vitality.

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.

Our four areas of impact are:

• Respect for Creative Communities
• Respect for Collaborating Artists
• Respect for our Environment
• Respect for our Employees

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 & HSA
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• Company Paid Life Insurance Policy & Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Voluntary Short-term Disability & Critical Illness Policies
• Company Paid Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Parental Leave for 12 weeks
• Discount off Meow Wolf Gift Shop Merch
• Admission to Meow Wolf attractions for employees and guests
• 401k Retirement Plan
• And more benefits specific to the location of the role

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

COME AS YOU ARE

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.