Senior AV Design Systems Engineer

Department: Kellogg Information Systems
Salary/Grade: ITS/79

Job Summary:

The AV Engineer is responsible for the integrated audiovisual system architecture and systems design across Kellogg, including general use classrooms, production spaces, live events, digital signage, study spaces, Auditorium, conference rooms, SGR and other AV-integrated spaces, ensuring consistency and interoperability across the enterprise It includes but not limited to:

• Design/engineer room AV integration
• Workflow systems for media production
• Programming DSP and Crestron control systems
• Designing and building systems for streaming services
• Innovate in new technology and improve existing infrastructure
• Network engineering for AV communication, video and web conferencing

This role works on-site across Kellogg's five locations located in Evanston and Chicago, IL, and Miami, FL.

Specific Responsibilities:

• The individual is expected to have a passion for turning advanced AV possibilities into real results that impact and shape AV media experience of students, faculty and staff.
• Perform as a system engineer/designer for audiovisual, video and web conferencing presentation systems in complex university network environments.
• Engineer end-to-end networks for the deployment of AV, collaboration, and streaming initiatives.
• Provide design solutions for simple solutions and work with Design Consultant for proof-of-concepts, complex or high visibility space types.
• Provide and participate in the AV/IT design efforts for architectural renovations and new room designs for construction-based projects.
• Manage small to complex projects and tasks
• Serve as an AV consultant and engineer for various business units for AV deployments. Design and engineer AV and Media systems based on client input and adhering to University standards for AV design.
• Create and write project bid documentation, negotiate with vendors to obtain competitive quotes, determine cost effective equipment, and assure timely delivery and installation of products.
• Produce technical drawings and operational/training guides; Determine equipment requirements and cost estimates for installations ranging in complexity from simple to broad solutions for new or existing AV infrastructure as Request For Proposal.
• Proactively monitor AV/IT network systems, setting up automated alerts for current and future installed AV systems.
• Troubleshoot issues with existing equipment including hardware, software and network issues.
• Work closely with the IT Service and Support Group to serve as an escalation point for complex AV events and learning spaces.
• Supporting LAN/WAN infrastructure, routing, switching, VLAN, etc. and the associated protocols; Analyze and interpret various system logs to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve technical issues through the network monitoring systems.
• Responsible for Tier-3 AV technical support, and videoconferencing support for all locations. Develop and upkeep both point of service and on-line documentation along with follow up communications.
• Reviews AV team incidents and reports in ServiceNow tool and performs problem management with resolution.
• Adapt, learn quickly and transfer knowledge of AV systems to IT Support Team
• Configure and maintain broadcast and AV automation systems.
• Keeps abreast of new technology and innovation that may impact the School's Learning Environments through discussions with colleagues within Kellogg and Northwestern, and through a variety of market information sources, conferences, and classes.
• Vendor Management
• Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a major such as computer science, information technology, or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 4 years of experience with AV system design, development, and implementation of complex AV environments.
• 4 years of experience with visual communications involving media streaming and video conferencing.
• Experience in Evertz, Shure, Cisco, Crestron, Panasonic, Camera Auto tracking or other similar technologies.
• Experience engineering in audio video solutions in a complex IP network or other similar environment.
• Experience with BSS, QSC and Crestron or other similar environments.
• Experience capturing media content using a wide array of hardware and software.
• Knowledge and working with audio engineering functions such as Dante network routing, audio consoles, and edge devices.
• Strong technical understanding of the integration of IP based digital broadcast technology, digital signal types, media formats compression, signal flow, storage, broadcast computer graphics, and conferencing technology; Knowledge of production control technology including software defined network controllers, large format switcher, digital audio switcher, video servers/transcoders, and digital video distribution; Knowledge of encoding technology and head-end distribution.
• Excellent technical and troubleshooting skills.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• A broad base of knowledge of other areas of IT (networking, web applications, security, development, virtualization, etc).
• Ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to end users, business stakeholders and management both verbally and in writing.
• Good analytical, troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with the ability to independently seek out information resources and professional networks for resolutions
• Ability to initiate and maintain highly collaborative working relationships with a wide variety of staff in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to read complex detailed architectural, electrical, and signal flow schematics.
• Knowledge of Mac and Windows client operating systems both in and out of an Active Directory environment.
• Systems experience in AV and Network Technologies such as or equivalent to:
• Evertz MMA 10Gb Switching Fabric, Hubs, Gateways, KVM, VIPs, vScribe
• Panasonic PTZ control, painter, switcher control surface, and IP cameras
• Dante Audio
• Network Monitoring Systems - Evertz VistaLink Pro+, Crestron Fusion, Solar Winds
• Control environments - Evertz Magnum and Crestron
• Strong communication skills, in particular writing technical support Admin guides.
• Ability to work independently within a cross-functional, cross-cultural environment with project management skills.
• Ability to read and follow blueprints and schematics as well as produce workflow documents, signal flow schematics and standard operating procedures; Ability in AutoCAD;
• Ability to do multiple tasks under no supervision in a stressful environment with prioritization.
• Detailed Oriented and Strong organizational skills
• Ability to understand general business management
• Ability to use project management techniques when approaching work.
• Proficient with Microsoft Productivity Suite
• Ad Hoc responsibilities
• Travel between campus locations

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

• Experience working in a higher education environment
• Engineer, build and maintain automated workflows for AV infrastructure
• Experience in Crestron Code development and programming
• AV Broadcast Media Engineer skills are preferred.
• CTS; CTS-D Certification

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• QSC Certified; Crestron Programming; Network Certification

Target hiring range for this position will be between $90,000 - $110,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.

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