Senior AV Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

About Canyon

Canyon is a new media art institution opening on the Lower East Side of Manhattan in fall 2026. Spanning approximately 40,000 square feet, the venue encompasses exhibition galleries, a 120-seat performance space, an 800-person event hall, a restaurant, bar, mezzanine café, and theater. Canyon presents two major exhibitions per year alongside a year-round program of live events, performances, screenings, and community programming.

Canyon's AV infrastructure is among the most technically sophisticated of any cultural institution of its scale, including a Pixera media server array, 70+ Genelec Smart IP speakers on a Dante network, permanent direct-view LED installations, and substantial portable AV and lighting inventory.

The Senior AV Engineer is the technical owner of Canyon's audiovisual infrastructure. This role is responsible for building, maintaining, and operating the full spectrum of AV systems across exhibitions, live events, and performances. The Senior AV Engineer serves as the primary systems architect for Canyon's Pixera media server array, Q-SYS audio processing and control platform, Dante audio network, LED and projection systems, and theatrical lighting infrastructure.

This position manages one direct report (Junior AV Engineer) and is responsible for maintaining and managing the overall schedule and availability of the AV team, including oversight and coordination of outside contractors and overhire. The Senior AV Engineer reports to the VP of Art & Technology.

• Own and maintain Canyon's core AV systems infrastructure, including Pixera media servers, Q-SYS DSP and control, Dante audio networking, LED processors, and projection systems
• Design, program, and troubleshoot complex AV signal flows and system integrations for exhibitions and events
• Lead the installation, calibration, and ongoing maintenance of multichannel audio, video, and lighting systems across all Canyon spaces
• Manage system configurations, firmware updates, network architecture, and documentation for all AV infrastructure
• Supervise and mentor the Junior AV Engineer; delegate tasks and provide technical guidance
• Manage the AV team's schedule, availability, and workload, including planning and coordination of outside contractors and overhire for peak periods
• Collaborate with curators, artists, and production teams to develop and execute technically complex media art installations
• Serve as lead AV engineer for Canyon's performance spaces, overseeing sound and lighting systems for live events, screenings, and performances
• Maintain and manage Canyon's portable AV and lighting inventory, including equipment tracking, maintenance schedules, and procurement recommendations
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, system diagrams, and standard operating procedures for all AV systems
• Ensure all AV systems meet institutional standards for reliability, quality, and safety

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in AV systems engineering, integration, or a closely related technical field
• Deep working knowledge of networked AV systems, including Dante audio networking, Q-SYS DSP/control platforms, and media server environments (Pixera, Disguise, Watchout, or comparable)
• Proven ability to independently design, build, and maintain complex audiovisual systems from the ground up
• Experience with direct-view LED systems, projection mapping, and multichannel video distribution
• Strong understanding of theatrical lighting systems, DMX/sACN control, and lighting console operation
• Experience managing or supervising at least one direct report or a team of technicians
• Demonstrated ability to manage schedules, coordinate contractors, and oversee overhire crews
• Excellent troubleshooting skills and comfort working under time pressure in a live event environment
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with artists, curators, and cross-functional teams

• Experience in a museum, gallery, performing arts, or cultural institution setting
• Familiarity with media art conservation practices and the particular technical demands of time-based media installations
• Experience with show control systems, automation, and integrated AV/lighting programming
• CTS, CTS-I, or CTS-D certification from AVIXA
• Dante Level 2 or 3 certification
• Experience with IP-based AV systems and network infrastructure management

This is a full-time position. The 40-hour standard work week will vary based on needs, but will generally be Tuesday-Saturday, 9-6. The schedule will be adjusted based on programming needs, with the successful applicant expected to cover frequent weekend and evening events, as needed by the organization.

During non-public periods, -including exhibition turnovers, installation builds, and maintenance windows, anticipated to take place twice annually-the schedule will shift to conventional weekday hours. Some flexibility is expected based on programming needs.

Salary: $70,000–$90,000, commensurate with experience.

Canyon offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Generous paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities

This is a full-time, position. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; life, AD&D, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurance; a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account; a 401(k) retirement account with a matching contribution; and tuition reimbursement.

We are an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.