Exhibitions Creative Engineer (Project Based Role)

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Meow Wolf opens portals of possibility. Come as you are! 

We are individuals who inspire creativity in people's lives through art and exploration, so that our combined imaginations can transform the world we live in. We create immersive and interactive experiences that transport audiences into fantastic realms of story and exploration.  Our Vision is to be the world’s leading creative company, reimagining the paradigm of art and storytelling, to make a positive difference in the world.  

We share a strong commitment to Belonging through our values of: 

• Collaborative Creativity: We believe the act of creating together amplifies possibilities.

• Provocative Playfulness: We celebrate the unexpected because it is the doorway to discovery.

• Outsiders Welcome: We are all outsiders at heart, and we create space for everyone to feel like they belong.

• Authentic Compassion:We are “kind punks” - supportive to each other and standing up for what we believe in.

• Audacious Courage: We have the courage to radically reinvent ourselves to push the boundaries of art.

If this all sounds like YOU, read on….

Job Description:

Job Disclosures:

Project-Based Role: This is a project-based position with an anticipated duration of 18+ months.

Location: (On-site) Santa Fe, NM

Compensation: The base salary for this position starts at $80,000.00 USD Annual .  Compensation may vary based on location and experience.  

Exhibitions Creative Engineer 

Job Summary:

The Exhibitions Creative Engineer (CE) is a key member of Meow Wolf’s Creative Technology team, collaborating across art, design, and technical disciplines to develop, program, and integrate interactive elements for immersive exhibition environments. This role combines creativity and engineering expertise to design technical artwork, drive system design, and ensure interactive elements function cohesively within Meow Wolf’s installations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with Creative Directors, Experience Designers, Audio, Video, and Lighting Designers, Artists, and Technical Directors to design interactive elements.

• Define system architecture, sensor logic, and control flow for interactive behaviors and elements.

• Research, prototype, and test electronic and mechanical systems to validate design viability.

• Program and develop software for microcontrollers and other interactive systems.

• Design and document multimedia hardware and software systems for exhibitions.

• Produce and maintain comprehensive technical documentation for installation and maintenance.

• Finalize programming of all elements and ensure integration with exhibit show controllers.

• Deliver final system code and documentation to Operations Maintenance upon project completion.

• Support installation and troubleshooting during production phases.

• Apply best practices for risk management, safety, and technical reliability.
   

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or a related field preferred.

• 3+ years of experience developing interactive environments, electronics, and control systems.

• Proven proficiency in at least one high-level multimedia programming language (e.g., TouchDesigner, Python, Processing, Max/MSP).

• Experience programming and integrating Arduino or other microcontroller-based systems.

• Demonstrated ability to create dynamic, sensor-based interactions using custom electronics.

• Strong understanding of electrical, electromechanical, and software systems design.

• Excellent technical writing and documentation skills.

• Strong collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills across creative and technical disciplines.

• Self-starter with the ability to manage multiple projects and deliverables independently.

• Familiarity with Unity, C/C++, JavaScript, or similar tools preferred.
   

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed must be representative of the knowledge, skills, minimum education, training, licensure, experience, and/or ability required.

Work Environment:
This position operates in both professional studio and office settings, routinely using computers, standard office equipment, power tools, and art fabrication materials. Employees may work around dust, fumes, or light mechanical environments and will occasionally use respirators as needed.

Physical Demands:
The role requires periods of standing, walking, and working with tools and materials. Employees must be able to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally. Physical demands are consistent with medium work.

The employee will comply with company and OSHA standard workplace safety protocols. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Schedule:

This is a full-time position averaging 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm MT or 10am–6pm MST, with occasional evening or weekend flexibility based on business needs, as well as travel to off-site locations, depending on the role and needs.

Supervisor Responsibilities:

This position does not require supervisory responsibility.

Travel:

This position will require some travel (10%–25%).

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.  

IMPACT: Meow Wolf is committed to our DIY roots and grassroots community support principles. To document that commitment, we converted our legal designation into a Delaware Public Benefit Corporation and have certified as a B Corporation. As a B Corp, we have a triple bottom line of supporting financial, social and environmental wellbeing in our community.

INCLUSION:  Meow Wolf is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to ensuring all employees enjoy and thrive in a work environment where differences make us the vibrant, wonderful community we are! All employment decisions at Meow Wolf are based on business need, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, veteran status, service in the military or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

BENEFITS:

The choices we make concerning our benefits during enrollment periods are among the most important we select for ourselves and our families. As part of the total compensation package for full-time employees, Meow Wolf offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes various options to meet individual healthcare and financial needs along with many perks.  

• Medical Insurance options: PPO & HDHP*

• Dental and Vision Insurance*

• HSA, HRA, and FSA options*

• 401k Retirement Plan

• Company paid Life Insurance Policy and Disability Coverage(s)*

• Voluntary Critical Illness and Life Insurance Policies*

• Company Paid Employee Assistance Program

• Paid Parental Leave for 12 weeks

• Discount off Meow Wolf Gift Sh