Systems Engineer
Job Description
AKJOHNSTON Group LLC is hiring an onsite Systems Engineer in La Mirada, CA to lead technical system design and engineering quality for IMMERSED.
Responsibilities
- Design audiovisual, control, networking, theatrical lighting, and integrated technology systems for commercial, entertainment, and cultural environments
- Develop full technical design packages including floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, rack elevations, signal flow diagrams, wiring schematics, riser diagrams, and equipment schedules
- Create system architectures aligned to client requirements, operational goals, budget constraints, and project objectives
- Complete engineering calculations covering power distribution, network capacity, signal transport, acoustics, and infrastructure needs
- Ensure compliance with building codes, ADA requirements, safety standards, and relevant industry best practices
- Set and maintain company engineering standards across integrated technology disciplines
- Develop, document, and continuously improve engineering Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Build reusable engineering assets such as templates, design libraries, CAD standards, drawing conventions, and documentation guidelines
- Define equipment naming conventions, rack standards, cable labeling methodologies, and documentation quality requirements
- Lead formal engineering design reviews and peer quality assurance reviews before project release
- Review deliverables for technical accuracy, constructability, completeness, and adherence to company standards
- Identify opportunities to improve engineering efficiency through automation, standardization, and repeatable workflows
- Evaluate new technologies, manufacturers, and engineering tools for inclusion in company design standards
- Maintain internal engineering knowledge resources and document technical best practices
- Define and manage IMMERSED approved technology platforms, preferred manufacturers, and design philosophies with lifecycle support and long-term maintainability in mind
- Own the engineering knowledge base, standard details, reusable system architectures, specification language, and the engineering documentation library
- Participate in client meetings, site surveys, programming sessions, and technical discovery workshops
- Assess existing conditions to identify infrastructure requirements, risks, and constraints
- Translate client needs into functional technical solutions and system recommendations
- Support sales and business development with technical presentations, proposals, and project pursuits
- Develop and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs) and equipment schedules
- Assist with budgeting via labor estimates, equipment selections, and system-level cost analysis
- Produce documentation packages for procurement, installation, commissioning, and owner hand-off
- Review vendor quotations and technical submittals for compliance with project requirements
- Collaborate with architects, consultants, general contractors, IT departments, fabricators, programmers, and project managers across delivery
- Coordinate infrastructure requirements including power, conduit, mounting, networking, and environmental considerations
- Attend project review meetings and design coordination sessions
- Provide technical guidance to installation teams and field engineers during project execution
- Serve as IMMERSED’s principal technical authority with final engineering approval for complex system designs
- Support testing, commissioning, and acceptance activities
- Assist with troubleshooting and resolution of complex technical issues during installation and startup
- Review programming requirements and coordinate with control system programmers
- Participate in client training, documentation reviews, and project closeout activities; provide post-installation technical support as required
- Stay current with emerging technologies, industry standards, and manufacturer product offerings
- Pursue continuing education and industry certifications; lead internal engineering training programs and technical lunch-and-learns
- Build relationships with manufacturers and technology partners; maintain engineering certification roadmaps
- Establish engineering QA/QC procedures and maintain engineering checklists to reduce design errors
- Capture lessons learned from completed projects and incorporate improvements into company standards
- Mentor junior engineers and field engineers through formal design reviews and technical coaching
- Partner with Operations to improve installation methodologies and reduce field labor through better engineering
- Work with estimating to develop standardized labor assumptions and engineering workflows
- Support executive leadership in technical strategy, platform selection, and long-term engineering initiatives
Requirements
- Strong understanding of audiovisual systems, signal flow, control systems, networking, and system integration principles
- Experience designing commercial AV, performance venue, themed entertainment, museum, broadcast, or similar technology systems
- Ability to develop and interpret technical drawings, engineering documentation, and construction documents
- Working knowledge of structured cabling, network infrastructure, audio DSP systems, video distribution, and control system architectures
- Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to engineering accuracy
- Experience developing engineering standards and documentation methodologies
- Experience creating SOPs and design workflows
- Ability to lead technical teams and mentor engineers
- Strong understanding of engineering quality management
- Experience implementing engineering process improvements
- Excellent systems thinking and organizational skills
- Valid driver’s license required
Technologies
- AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam
- Q-SYS Designer, Crestron Toolbox and related software
- Biamp Tesira, Dante Controller, Q-SYS
- Crestron, Biamp, Dante, Extron, Shure
- Microsoft Office, Google Suite
Technical Proficiencies
- Experience with some or all of: AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam, Q-SYS Designer, Crestron Toolbox and related software, Biamp Tesira, Dante Controller, Microsoft Office and Google Suite
- Knowledge of IP networking fundamentals, audio DSP design, video transport technologies, control system architectures, acoustics and sound reinforcement
- Knowledge of theatrical lighting systems and DMX networks; broadcast and streaming infrastructure
Preferred Qualifications
- CTS, CTS-D, CTS-I, or equivalent AVIXA certifications
- Manufacturer certifications from Q-SYS, Crestron, Biamp, Dante, Extron, Shure, or similar platforms
- Experience in themed entertainment, museums, immersive attractions, live performance venues, or cultural institutions
- Experience with BIM coordination and Revit workflows
- Familiarity with enterprise IT environments and cybersecurity considerations for AV systems
Education & Experience Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Information Technology, Audio Engineering, or related field preferred
- Equivalent combination of technical education and industry experience considered
- 7+ years of experience in commercial AV integration, systems engineering, low-voltage technologies, or related industries
- Valid driver’s license required
Work Environment & Physical Demands
- Primarily office and design environment with regular field visits
- Frequent use of computers and engineering software
- Ability to conduct site walks, surveys, and inspections
- Occasionally lift equipment up to 25 lbs
- Occasional work in active construction environments
- Travel up to 25% of the time
Benefits
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Location: La Mirada, CA (onsite), in person
Pay: USD 95,000 - 125,000 per year
Travel: up to 25% of the time