Show Systems Programmer

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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:

Job Disclosures:

Project-Based Role: This is a project based role with an anticipated duration of 1+ years

Location: Santa Fe, NM or Remote. This position is remote/ hybrid-eligible, provided the candidate resides within the following markets: Santa Fe, Denver, Las Vegas, Dallas, Houston, New York, or Los Angeles.

Compensation: The base salary for this position is $84,872

Deadline: The deadline for submitting applications for this position is July 25, 2025. Meow Wolf reserves the right to extend this deadline if needed.

Purpose:

To write and standardize programming for show control, audio, and video system controllers which run the show systems at Meow Wolf Exhibitions. 

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 of 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-mindedness are essential to align with the ebbs and flows of each technical system’s designs. 

You will bring cohesive show system structure and order to Meow Wolf exhibitions thereby elevating the guest experience.

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 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

• You bring a minimum of 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

• You have certifications in Q-SYS and Dante

• You hold basic knowledge and experience with immersive group entertainment and/or art curation 

• You understand other show disciplines including lighting, audio, video, special effects, show action equipment, interactives, etc.

• You come with strong knowledge of show control systems and platforms 

• You have experience configuring network media transport protocols including Q-LAN, Dante, AES-67, SMPTE 2110, MPEG-TS, sACN, Art-NET, and OSC.

• You are skilled in effectively conveying information and developing protocols across disciplines

• You are 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 

• You are adept at receiving input and information from multiple parties 

• You hold excellent interpersonal skills, written and oral communication skills, organizational as well as creative thinking

• You must possess an in-depth knowledge of core platforms and programs as they will be utilized on a daily basis:

• 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 is based in Santa Fe, NM or Remote. This job also operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and scanners. This position will also work in an indoor setting with exposure to noisy environments, dim lighting, strong visual effects including strobing lights, special effects, fog machines and small and/or enclosed spaces. 

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Physical ability to walk, stand, take stairs/slides/elevators, and navigate the elements during the day and night. Employee may be required to remain in a sitting or standing position for prolonged periods, and repeat motions that may  include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.   Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds at times.

All employees 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 MT  – occasionally requiring flexibility to work during evenings or weekends based on business needs. 

Travel 

Travel is required for this position and varies by phase. This may include business trips and temporary assignments as necessary. During the design phases, this position will require some business travel (10%-25%). During the production and installation phases, this position will require extensive travel (30%+).

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.