Immersive Video Engineer

Who are we hiring?

Sphere is seeking an operations and systems administration professional to ensure technical operations and infrastructure reliability of the highest resolution screen in the world. This position is responsible for maintaining and monitoring multiple media server clusters supporting the venue's 160,000 sq. ft. 16K x 16K domed LED plane, 366-foot exterior LED surface, and custom LED displays throughout its Atrium. This is mainly a site reliability role emphasizing system maintenance, monitoring, and operational excellence. 
 
The position operates on a rotating schedule including evening, overnight, and weekend shifts to support 24/7 venue operations. During pre-production days, this role operates content to satisfy media distribution and previsualization requests from clients. During concert residencies, this role mainly provides critical failover support and emergency troubleshooting. 

The ideal candidate thrives in structured operational environments where success is measured by system uptime and dependability. You prefer process-driven work with clear procedures, have successfully managed rotating shift schedules including overnight shifts, and take pride in being the reliability expert. This role emphasizes infrastructure maintenance over creative development and failover readiness for shows rather than show development, but the production cycle also depends on this role’s ability to operate media servers to answer complex technical challenges. 

What will you do?

• Monitor and maintain operational health of 7th Sense and Disguise media server clusters including real-time monitoring, preventive maintenance, and emergency repairs. 
• Serve as a failover engineer during concert residencies and live events, executing failover procedures. 
• Prepare and operate multiple client content review sessions and daily film screenings, often with tight turnarounds. 
• Monitor and respond across five communication channels (Teams, Slack, email, comms, radio) while maintaining focus on system monitoring. 
• Perform routine system configuration and setup tasks using 7th Sense and Disguise media server software. 
• Develop and maintain SOPs, system documentation, and maintenance logs; troubleshoot display and network issues cross-functionally with other departments. 
• Engineer cross-platform solutions to bridge and automate workflows between different software platforms. 

What do you need to succeed?

• Advanced knowledge of hardware and software aspects of media server systems (e.g. 7th Sense, Disguise, Pixera) with emphasis on system administration and troubleshooting. 
• 6+ years technical operations experience in high-profile live production environments (concert touring, broadcast, theatrical) 
• Strong understanding of Windows networking principles. 
• Success in structured, process-driven technical operations environments. 
• Experience with rotating shift schedules including overnight shifts in 24/7 operations. 
• Ability to maintain focus during system monitoring and manage multiple simultaneous communication channels.
• Proven experience working in 3D spaces with thorough knowledge of warping, ST maps, and OBJ file workflows. 
• Experience managing large-scale media server installations and SMPTE 2110 standards. 
• Background in broadcast systems, virtual production, network operations centers, or as a site reliability engineer. 
• Experience integrating and operating LED video wall systems. 
• Experience with show control systems (e.g. TouchDesigner, Stage Precision) or 3D graphics engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Blender). 
• Proficiency with automation and scripting languages (e.g., Python, PowerShell).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams. 
• Strong interpersonal and motivational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to build positive working relationships. 
• Sound business judgment and ability to navigate time-sensitive conflicts professionally. 
• Exceptional organizational skills, time management, and attention to detail. 
• Flexibility and composure in high-pressure situations with the ability to adapt as priorities shift. 
• Passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences through innovative use of performance, technology, and media. 
• This role rotates shifts (day, swing, overnight) supporting 24/7 operations; weekend and holiday coverage required; significant maintenance occurs during overnight hours when events are inactive; on-call availability for emergencies.

Special Requirements

• This role may require supervising IATSE Local 720 union members as needed to support operational requirements. 
• Occasional travel (<10%) post-opening to New York City, Burbank, and industry trade conferences. 
• Extensive standing, walking, keyboard usage, and general administrative duties. 
• This is a 100% onsite role with limited potential for remote work on non-event days. 

#LI-Onsite