Director of Engineering

Milken Institute

Washington, DC 20022

United States

Posted July 1, 2025

{CONTRACTOR,VOLUNTEER,FULL_TIME}

Valid until July 31, 2025

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Job Description

About the Milken Institute

The Milken Institute is a globally minded, publicly supported, non-partisan, and nonprofit think tank headquartered in Santa Monica, with offices in Washington, DC, New York, London, Abu Dhabi, and Singapore. For the past three decades, the Milken Institute has served as a catalyst for practical, scalable solutions to global challenges by connecting human, financial, and educational resources to those who need them. Guided by a conviction that the best ideas, under-resourced, cannot succeed, we conduct research and analysis and convene top experts, innovators, and influencers from different backgrounds and competing viewpoints. We leverage this expertise and insight to construct programs and policy initiatives. These activities are designed to help people build meaningful lives, in which they can experience health and well-being, pursue effective education and gainful employment, and access the resources required to create ever-expanding opportunities for themselves and their broader communities.

The Milken Institute’s events and programmatic activities, involve the exchange of ideas with leaders from around the world. The Institute hosts more than 200 events each year, with our annual flagship event, Global Conference, bringing together 4,500+ participants from around the world, featuring more than 900+ speakers throughout 200+ sessions over the course of the event.

About the Position

We are seeking a visionary and technically adept Director of Engineering to be part of the team that works with event design, development, and maintenance of immersive audiovisual systems within our museum and event space. This role is ideal for a hands-on leader with deep experience in live event production, interactive media installations, and networked AV systems. You’ll be central to shaping visitor experiences through cutting-edge technology, while ensuring systems are reliable, scalable, and future-ready.

Responsibilities

Lead engineering initiatives that support immersive exhibitions and live events with interactive media, projection mapping, and multi-room audiovisual installations.
Oversee the integration, programming, and maintenance of AV systems using platforms such as Vertex, Disguise, Q-Sys, Dante, and Unreal Engine.
Design custom solutions for show control, media server deployments, networked AV, and digital signage using modern automation and embedded systems.
Direct on-site technical teams for special events, and permanent installations.
Develop and maintain high-availability systems for content management, event scheduling, and real-time monitoring of AV health and performance.
Collaborate cross-functionally with curators, artists, producers, and external vendors to deliver innovative experiences.
Manage system documentation, and technology lifecycle planning.
Mentor a team of AV technicians and systems integrators while championing best practices in safety, efficiency, and guest experience.
Establish and enforce IT and network security protocols for integrated AV systems.
Maintain, repair and improve audiovisual equipment.
Duties as assigned.

Qualifications

10+ years of experience in AV engineering, live events, and/or exhibit technology leadership roles.
Proven ability to deploy and maintain media-rich environments in cultural, public, or
entertainment venues.
Strong command of AV control and display systems, including Vertex, Disguise, Q-Sys,
SDVoE, Ross Video Switching, and Dante.
Proficiency with embedded systems (Raspberry Pi, Arduino) and custom web-based UI
development.
Demonstrate expertise in network infrastructure for AV, including VLANs, AVB, and wireless security.
Strong project management, communication, and cross-disciplinary collaboration skills.

Working Conditions & Travel Requirements

This is a full-time, on-site role located in Washington, D.C. (Federal City campus) . Events will include evening and weekend coverage as required. Relocation support is not available.

Note

The statements herein are intended to describe the overall nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

We are interested in qualified candidates who are eligible to work in the United States. Please note, we are not sponsoring visas at this time, being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment.

Please submit resume and cover letter illustrating how your experience and skills will contribute to the department and any unique qualities you bring to the position. If applying via Indeed, please upload your resume and any supporting documentation as one attachment. Any application that does not include both a resume and cover letter will be rejected. If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact our Human Resources department to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Our Culture

The Milken Institute is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran.

Every person at the Milken Institute is treated with respect, supported with resources and training, and exposed to a broad range of experiences. We foster a space for growth with opportunities to share knowledge and passion with both clients and colleagues. We are committed to building a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Our leadership is actively involved in our commitment to diversity and inclusion, and fostering a culture that creates opportunities for everyone.

Benefits