Lead Exhibition Technical Engineer

About the role

Meow Wolf opens portals of possibility. 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.

Responsibilities

• Maintenance & Operations: Conduct systematic daily inspections, routine cleaning, and comprehensive preventive maintenance across all exhibit technology, electronics, and interactive show components. Efficiently diagnose and resolve complex technical hardware and software issues, while accurately logging bug reports, repair histories, and maintenance schedules using the corporate CMMS database.
• Team Collaboration & Leadership: Partner closely with local exhibition staff, facility maintenance teams, and cross-site sister exhibition engineering groups to foster cross-functional knowledge transfer and collaborative problem-solving. Serve as a technical subject matter expert, authoring clear standard operating procedures (SOPs), guiding best practices, and training staff on operation of new show control systems and diagnostic tools.
• Technical Support & Integration: Guarantee high system availability for daily exhibit operations, special guest events, and media productions. Execute low-voltage wiring, device configuration, component replacement, and deployment of software, firmware, and media content updates across show control networks, theatrical/architectural lighting, Q-SYS audio, video, and micro-controllers.
• Project Development & Enhancements: Continuously observe visitor interactions to conceptualize and design technical enhancements that elevate the overall guest experience. Participate in the mechanical integration, physical fabrication, coding, and prototyping of custom interactive artwork, while thoroughly documenting as-built schematics, system topologies, and software version histories.

Required Qualifications

Experience & Education

• 3 to 5+ years of hands-on professional experience in emerging media technology, creative tech installations, software development, electrical engineering, or professional AV systems integration.
• Associate degree, technical institute certification, or equivalent practical industry experience required.

Technical Skills & Domain Expertise

• Deep technical proficiency in theatrical/architectural lighting (DMX/ETC systems), networked audio protocols (Q-SYS, Dante), visual programming environments (TouchDesigner, Max/MSP), micro-controllers and embedded systems (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Teensy), low-voltage electronic schematics, and physical computing.
• Strong competence in reading and debugging code across languages such as Python, C/C++, JavaScript, and Node-RED, as well as working knowledge of Linux/Windows/macOS administration, networking principles, version control (Git), CAD/CAM software, and hands-on fabrication tools.

Soft Skills & Safety Standards

• Outstanding interpersonal communication, organizational, and self-management skills with the ability to lead work projects effectively under direction from management.
• Uncompromising commitment to workplace safety protocols, electrical codes, standard operating procedures, and OSHA compliance (OSHA 10 General Industry preferred).

Work Environment and Physical Demands

This job primarily operates in an indoor setting with exposure to noisy environments, dim lighting, strong visual effects including strobing lights, special effects, smoke machines and small and/or enclosed spaces. Outdoor settings may also be required for special events or as needed for maintenance and troubleshooting. This position may work at heights at times and equipment and training will be provided.

• Moving in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including small, enclosed spaces
• Remaining in a stationary position for prolonged periods
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers
• Positioning or moving objects up to 75 pounds
• Use of maintenance tools and cleaning equipment, includes use of cleaning agents and chemicals
• Use of lead free solder with smoke extraction required
• Use of access equipment such as ladders and aerial work platform
• Safe standards are required for work at heights
• Ability to operate and manipulate power tools, specialty lighting, fog machine, computers, rigging equipment, projectors and all other exhibit technical equipment as needed

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.