Digital Systems Technical Director - 139117

Under the general oversight of the Associate Director, Artistic Programs & Operations, the incumbent serves as the primary technical authority for the Strauss gallery and associated exhibition spaces. This role provides the strategic engineering foundation for the Chief Campus Curator's Office (CCCO), transforming complex artistic concepts into technically precise installations that prioritize safety, scalability, and adherence to institutional standards. The incumbent functions with a high degree of autonomy, determining the technical methods of execution for specialized environments including the Flexible Gallery Lobby, Gray Box (suspended artwork), White Box (traditional), Black Box (immersive Meyer audio), and outdoor Terrace.

The position manages the full lifecycle of AV projects-from client consultation, scope development, and engineering design through installation, commissioning, testing, and final verification. Applying advanced engineering concepts, the role creates comprehensive system designs, including detailed flow diagrams, infrastructure drawings, schematics, and equipment specifications aligned with applicable codes and regulations.

The position independently evaluates "first-of-its-kind" engineering challenges-such as those found in artist riders-and formulates technical strategies where no standard precedent exists.

As a technical lead, the incumbent bridges the gap between artistic production and hard engineering. Leads coordination between structural, mechanical, and electrical (MEP) teams to ensure seamless technology integration. Prepares technical documentation for third-party installers, reviewing RFIs/submittals, and conducting on-site walkthroughs to verify work compliance with engineering specifications. Oversees safety procedures and coordinating formal inspections to ensure all installations meet applicable building codes and regulations. The incumbent develops cost estimates for specialized equipment, assists in bid preparation, and implements budgets for both individual installations and general facility operations. This role oversees the long-term maintenance of sophisticated audio, lighting, and video systems and provides direction and guidance to small technical crews or contractors during high-intensity installation periods. By maintaining a cutting-edge technical infrastructure, the incumbent ensures the CCCO can reliably present world-class contemporary art and innovative exhibitions.

• Demonstrated ability to create AV flow diagrams, schematics and AV infrastructure drawings.

• Demonstrated experience with CAD software such as AutoCAD, Vectorworks and Blue Beam and operation and knowledge of audio, video, theatrical lighting equipment such as Yamaha Audio Consoles, Meyer Sound Systems, Ross Video Systems, ClearCom Intercom Systems, LED Displays and Processors, Electronic Theatre Controls, High End Systems, GrandMA, Truss & Rigging motor control systems

• Demonstrated knowledge of applicable codes and regulations and ability to provide technical advice based on sound understanding of AV principles and practice.

• Advanced knowledge of audio, video and control systems as well as architectural and cabling requirements.

• Demonstrated understanding of audio, video, theatrical lighting, and staging design and ability to interpret architectural and construction design of "As Built" architectural and engineering documentation.

• Demonstrated experience managing phases of AV projects including obtaining scope, budget, planning, design, bid preparation, installation, inspection, testing and final walk through. Ability to test and operate installed AV IT equipment.

• Strong creativity and problem solving abilities to apply principles, practices and procedures within discipline to complete difficult assignments.

• Knowledge of electronics theory with emphasis on audio, video and communications circuitry, AV IT control systems and signal flow. Knowledge of acoustic design theory.

• Excellent attention to detail.

• Demonstrated effective communication and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to communicate technical information to technical and non-technical personnel at various levels in the organization. Demonstrated ability to work with others from diverse backgrounds.

• Self-motivated and works independently and as part of a team. Demonstrates problem-solving skills. Able to learn effectively and meet deadlines.

• Strong project management skills needed to assume responsibility for accomplishment of project objectives.

• Advanced knowledge of AV IT design and field implementation.

• Demonstrated ability to lead a project or team and to maintain a climate of fairness, cooperation and professionalism.

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.

• Mandated Reporter: This position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter pursuant to the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and requires immediate reporting of physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, or neglect of anyone under the age of 18. It is the responsibility of the Mandated Reporter to ensure that they obtain proper training in order to fulfill their reporting responsibilities as required by the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and University policy, and to complete and submit the required reports to the UC San Diego Police Department without delay.

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

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The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace