Director of Engineering

Full-time Regular
Washington, DC, US

Salary Range:
$150,000.00 To $180,000.00 Annually

About the Position

We are seeking a visionary and technically adept Director of Engineering to be part of the team that works with event design, development, and maintenance of immersive audiovisual systems within our museum and event space. This role is ideal for a hands-on leader with deep experience in live event production, interactive media installations, and networked AV systems. You’ll be central to shaping visitor experiences through cutting-edge technology, while ensuring systems are reliable, scalable, and future-ready.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering initiatives that support immersive exhibitions and live events with interactive media, projection mapping, and multi-room audiovisual installations.
• Oversee the integration, programming, and maintenance of AV systems using platforms such as Vertex, Disguise, Q-Sys, Dante, and Unreal Engine.
• Design custom solutions for show control, media server deployments, networked AV, and digital signage using modern automation and embedded systems.
• Direct on-site technical teams for special events, and permanent installations.
• Develop and maintain high-availability systems for content management, event scheduling, and real-time monitoring of AV health and performance.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with curators, artists, producers, and external vendors to deliver innovative experiences.
• Manage system documentation, and technology lifecycle planning.
• Mentor a team of AV technicians and systems integrators while championing best practices in safety, efficiency, and guest experience.
• Establish and enforce IT and network security protocols for integrated AV systems.
• Maintain, repair and improve audiovisual equipment.
• Duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in AV engineering, live events, and/or exhibit technology leadership roles.
• Proven ability to deploy and maintain media-rich environments in cultural, public, or entertainment venues.
• Strong command of AV control and display systems, including Vertex, Disguise, Q-Sys, SDVoE, Ross Video Switching, and Dante.
• Proficiency with embedded systems (Raspberry Pi, Arduino) and custom web-based UI development.
• Demonstrate expertise in network infrastructure for AV, including VLANs, AVB, and wireless security.
• Strong project management, communication, and cross-disciplinary collaboration skills.

Working Conditions & Travel Requirements

This is a full-time, on-site role located in Washington, D.C. (Federal City campus). Events will include evening and weekend coverage as required. Relocation support is not available.

Note

The statements herein are intended to describe the overall nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

We are interested in qualified candidates who are eligible to work in the United States. Please note, we are not sponsoring visas at this time, being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment.

Please submit resume and cover letter illustrating how your experience and skills will contribute to the department and any unique qualities you bring to the position. If applying via Indeed, please upload your resume and any supporting documentation as one attachment. Any application that does not include both a resume and cover letter will be rejected. If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact our Human Resources department to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan – 403b (5% match)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Personal, Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity & Paternity)
• Fertility Support
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Account (FSAs)
• Pet Insurance Discount
• Training & Development:
• LinkedIn Learning – over 15,000 self-guided classes offered
• Annual Mentor Program
• Wellness Resources:
• Employee Assistance Program
• CALM app membership