Planetarium & Production Support Engineer

POSITION SUMMARY:   

The Planetarium and Production Support Engineer I is a member of the Experience Engineering Team of the California Academy of Sciences. This position reports to the Manager of Planetarium Engineering. This small but talented team is responsible for providing high-performance systems and engineering support to the Planetarium, Viz Studio, exhibitions, scientific research, education, and other initiatives to support the Academy’s missions. 

The California Academy of Sciences welcomes people of all backgrounds, identities, and beliefs to join us in achieving our mission to explore, explain, and regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration. We place diversity, equity, and inclusion at the heart of our recruiting efforts and strive to build a culture centered on mutual respect, equal treatment, and the opportunity to succeed.

Organizational Culture
Join a team dedicated to the Academy’s mission, vision, and values! Currently, the Academy has a new strategic plan including three initiatives – Hope for Reefs, Thriving California, and Islands 2030 – that leverage biodiversity science, environmental learning, and collaborative engagement to regenerate fragile ecosystems around the world. Learn more at https://www.calacademy.org/about-us/major-initiatives.

We are committed to ensuring diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion are intrinsic to Academy culture and operations, from recruitment and retention to science and advocacy.

We hope you are inspired by what we do and are excited to contribute to our mission. The mission of the California Academy of Sciences is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration. The Academy is looking for candidates who do great work, and we know they may come from a number of different backgrounds and experiences. We encourage you to apply even if you do not believe you meet every one of the qualifications for the position.

This position is based in San Francisco, California. Staff are currently expected to work from the Academy offices at least 2-3 times per week, which may fluctuate based on business needs. Please do not apply if you are not able to work onsite. This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by Cal Academy Workers United. Once the Academy has a Collective Bargaining Agreement with Cal Academy Workers United this position will be subject to the terms and conditions of that contract. Candidates are required to have up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment, absent qualifying exemptions in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals receiving a conditional offer of employment from the California Academy of Sciences will be provided the full text of the vaccination policy. The California Academy of Sciences is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace, to protect its employees, volunteers and guests.

POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform daily assurance of show systems’ readiness - including seats, screens, etc.
• Assist with high-level maintenance on Planetarium systems - including repairs, calibrations, edge blending, color matching, etc.
• Create digital productions and digital content for presentation in planetarium shows, including custom full dome real-time content as requested​.
• Assist with design/implement systems and applications to enhance system performance and visitor experience.
• Develop tools, applications and methods for show programming.
• Collaborate with presenters, producers, school curriculum coordinators and engineers on the production of Planetarium and related venue programming (lectures, nightlife programs, general public programs, evening special events)
• Assist in acquiring, managing and curating data sets for Morrison Planetarium and related venue programs.
• Assist in presentations and share best practices for show navigation.
• Operate Planetarium systems and assist as Flight Engineer in live presentations.
• Assist in supervising vendors/clients for events in the Planetarium and related venues.
• Assist and review hardware and software acquisition to ensure compatibility and effectiveness.
• Collaborate and support departments throughout the Academy with their technology needs.
• Facilitate correction on system failures/improvements related to the Planetarium and/or the Science Visualization Studio.
• Provide exceptional customer service for internal and rental clients using the planetarium.
• Install/de-install equipment and generate/maintain documentation of systems.
• Cross-train with other staff within EE to cover weekends and holidays.
• Follow all Academy safety procedures and maintain a safe and clean work environment.
• Adhere to the Academy Public Floor guidelines for attire, appearance, and behavior.
• Other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor Degree in Computer Science or 3+ years equivalent job experience
• 3+ years of experience in hands-on systems technical work, including design, installation, and maintenance.
• Experience with full-dome projection, video wall or projection mapping is a plus.
• Experience with astronomy simulation software or computational astronomy is a plus.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Dedication to problem solving and the engineering spirit to explore and discover new ways of doing things.
• Experience with support of high-end planetarium, exhibits, theater, science visualization systems and software.
• Experience with multi-channel edge-blended video and audio systems.
• Knowledge of computer and electronics systems and electronics engineering tools.
• Computer literate (PCs, Mac, Linux or other industrial systems and software).
• Familiarity with command-line interfaces for Windows, Mac or Linux and knowledge of batch/shell scripting.
• Ability to perform well before a live audience and in high-profile situations.
• Ability and creativity to successfully undertake designs, repairs, and programming scripts to enhance operations and visitors experience.
• Must know how to generate and read schematics/diagrams (CAD).
• Professional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills with a willingness to ask questions and share knowledge.
• Ability to produce quality products within tight timeframes.
• Ability to participate in group meetings and work well with interdepartmental teams.
• Able to follow supervisor’s instructions and ask for direction and assistance when necessary.
• Able to multitask, perform detailed work, and successfully complete assignments in a timely manner.
• Ability to write daily correspondence and produce technical documentation.
• Must be able to work weekends/holidays and evenings.
• Working knowledge of production applications useful for planetariums including 3D graphics software such as Blender, audio production software such as Avid ProTools, GIS software tools such as Esri/QGIS or GDAL, and video and image processing tools such as Adobe AfterEffects and Photoshop.
• Knowledge in at least one programming or scripting language (classroom experience is acceptable). Python, Javascript, C# or C++ preferred.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read and fully comprehend documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.  Ability to speak effectively before groups or individuals. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to work in dark, confined spaces and high areas, stand, sit, walk, and reach or manipulate with hands and arms, and talk or hear, climb a ladder or work from an elevated lift.  Must be able to perform repetitive motions 50% of the time.  Must be able to lift 50lbs.

Compensation and Benefits
The hourly range for this position is $39.52 - $41.12 Actual compensation will be commensurate with experience, skills/knowledge set, and internal equity. We believe in fair and equitable compensation practices and are committed to providing competitive salaries within the industry and market standards. The Academy offers a total compensation package that emphasizes both base salary and comprehensive benefits based on the hours per week worked. Further details regarding compensation and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.

Schedule:  Full-Time, 40 hours per week

The California Academy of Sciences will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (SF Police Code, Article 49).

The California Academy of Sciences is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to ensure that all employees and applicants receive equal consideration and treatment, regardless of race, color, creed, gender (including gender identity or gender expression), religion, marital or domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical, mental or medical disability, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship, military service status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law or local ordinance.