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