Technical Systems Designer

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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 position with an anticipated duration of 10+ months.

Location: Santa Fe, NM

Compensation: The starting base salary for this position is $65,280.  Compensation may vary based on location and experience.  

Job Summary:

The Technical Systems Designer is a member of the Artistic Development & Production (AD&P) team and works closely with other teams within Meow Wolf INC in developing custom interactive artwork, programming objects and installations that seam together sensors, microcontrollers, computers, lights, sound, video, and electromechanical elements. The Technical Systems Designer is a supporting team member for technical systems design for Meow Wolf exhibitions, design and documentation, sub-project power distribution design, and must work closely with the Senior Technical Systems Designer & Production Manager to execute exhibit installation efforts.  

As a member of the AD&P team, the Technical Systems Designer is embedded in various art projects and collaborates closely with our Creative Engineers, Tech Fabricators, CAD Designers, Tech Directors, Lighting Designers, and Artists during the design and production of elements that may be interactive, contain mechanized moving parts, emit light, and sound. The Technical Systems Designer will also be responsible for contributing to the development of the tech systems documentation for each element in a project’s scope.  This position requires  above-average electrical systems design experience, circuit design and analysis, high attention to detail, and the ability to efficiently collaborate with others. The successful candidate is a quick learner, self-motivated, and driven to try new technologies. Some prior experience with general fabrication, high voltage and low voltage wiring in commercial buildings, understanding of electrical codes, and the ability to read schematics and datasheets is required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review and refine custom tech designs proposed by Designer/Developers and Lighting Designers to ensure component compatibility and reliable system design

• Work closely with the Senior Technical Systems Designer to develop DC power distribution systems for custom tech and LED installations to be safe, reliable, and compatible with exhibition building infrastructure

• Work with the Electrical Systems Designer to ensure code compliance of technical systems

• Use preliminary tech hardware designs to produce Tech Systems Docs (one-line schematics) for upcoming AD&P projects that have integrated custom tech

• Review finished designs with applicable stakeholders prior to release of TSDs to the larger project team

• Support technical document control efforts and process change requests for TSDs, as well as updating the database of all component datasheets and in-house custom PCB designs

• Communicate with Technical Directors, Creative Engineers, Technical Fabricators, Production Managers, and the Electrical Systems Designer to manage design changes to technical systems

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in electrical systems design and engineering

• Experience in circuit design and analysis

• Experience using Bluebeam and Google Suite to annotate and catalog systems designs

• Familiarity with high voltage and low voltage wiring systems in commercial buildings

• Knowledge of low voltage lighting and control systems, addressable LEDs, Arduino and similar microcontrollers, and sensors used for interactive art

• Familiarity with PCB design, manufacturing, and assembly processes

• Technical writing ability, and the ability to document complex electrical systems

• Collaborative problem solving across artistic and technical disciplines

• Self-starter, able to identify and drive major technical needs for a project

It would be nice to have…

• B.S. Degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, strongly preferred

• 2+ years of experience designing and developing interactive environments with a focus on electronics and control systems for major guest-facing exhibitions

• Practical experience with programming of Arduino and similar microcontrollers

• Knowledge of audio systems, networking, and associated wiring in commercial buildings

• Experience with electrical and pneumatic animatronic systems and kinetic sculptures

• Experience using Rhino 3D and/or AutoCAD to design enclosures, mounting plates, and component layouts

• Experience using Diagrams.net for drawing one line system schematics

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 job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and scanners.

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 25 pounds at times.

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. 

Work Schedule:

This is a full-time position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 9a.m. to 5 p.m. or 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Supervisor Responsibilities:

This position does not require supervisory responsibility.

Travel 

This position requires moderate travel <25% 

Other Duties 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.  

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.