Media Systems Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

ABOUT THE LUCAS MUSEUM OF NARRATIVE ART

Opening in September 2026, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is dedicated to illustrated storytelling.  Founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, the museum’s collection features works by artists including Norman Rockwell, Kadir Nelson, Jessie Willcox Smith, N. C. Wyeth, Beatrix Potter, Judith F. Baca, Frida Kahlo, and Maxfield Parrish; as well as comic art legends such as Winsor McCay, Jack Kirby, Frank Frazetta, Alison Bechdel, Chris Ware, and R. Crumb; and photographers Gordon Parks, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and Dorothea Lange. The Museum also houses the Lucas Archives, containing models, props, concept art, and costumes from Lucas’s filmmaking career. 

 

Designed by Ma Yansong of MAD with a landscape by Mia Lehrer of Studio-MLA, the Museum is in Exposition Park, Los Angeles, on an 11-acre campus that includes new green space and a 300,000-square-foot building with galleries, two theaters, a library, restaurant, café, retail store, and community spaces.  

 

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

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. 

• 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. 

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

Experience with the following equipment preferred:  

• 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 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND OUR COMMITMENT TO DEAIB

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents and supports a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The Lucas Museum fosters a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment, whether based on race, national origin, gender, gender expression, religion, ethnic background, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other criterion prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our team is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the best qualified people from a diverse candidate pool. Applications from traditionally underrepresented communities are encouraged.

 

The statements in this description represent typical elements, criteria, and general work performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the job.

 

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MISSION AND VISION

 

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is dedicated to the art of illustrated stories. Our mission is to inspire and connect people through the exploration of visual stories and their influences in society. 

 

VALUES

Our internal and external practices are shaped by the following beliefs and behaviors.

 

People First : We meet people wherever they are (physically, intellectually, emotionally). Our inclusive practice connects who people are and what they find emotional in works of art.

 

Inspired: We believe that art can move you to feel, think, reflect, and act.

 

Collaborative: We believe that nimble thinking and working together yield exponential results.  

 

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

 

Narrative Art:

Amplify the social impact of storytelling and illustration. 

 

Community:

Connect to a broad and diverse public.

 

Operational Excellence:

Create a healthy and durable institution. 

All staff at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art lead through a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, both within the Museum and with the communities that we serve.

 

Salary and titles will be assigned commensurate to the successful candidates’ education and experience. An attractive compensation package will be offered to the successful candidate(s).