Media Systems Engineer in Long Beach, California at Astra Production Group Inc

Astra Production Group designs, builds, installs, and supports audiovisual systems across audio, video, lighting, control, and networking. We handle the full scope of a project: engineering, fabrication, on-site installation, and the rental and staging that keeps systems running.

Our work supports museum and brand experiences, cruise ship entertainment systems, and national touring productions. These are environments where the show runs on schedule regardless of readiness, so every system has to perform the first time. We build to a clean standard, label and document thoroughly, and test before anything ships.

We are a Long Beach-based shop with a varied project slate, a close-knit team, and a track record of long-tenured staff.

Astra Production Group is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to an inclusive environment for all employees. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

We are seeking a Media Systems Engineer who builds to a high standard and sees projects through. The role is split between the shop and the field. In the shop, you will build and wire racks, test and configure equipment, and program media servers. When a project ships, you will travel with it to install, commission, and bring the system online on-site.

We welcome a range of experience. If you are early in your career, we will invest in your training, with a clear path into system design, project leadership, media server programming, and CAD documentation. If you are an experienced engineer seeking a stable role to do strong work, you are equally welcome. We ask for a solid work ethic and high standards, and in return we keep the work varied and steady.

• A stable, full-time role.
• Room to grow, with promotion from within and company-supported training and certifications.
• Varied work across integration, rental, and live production.

• Build and wire racks from drawings and signal flow, including mounting, cabling, labeling, and clean cable dress.
• Test and quality-check incoming and outgoing equipment so that nothing ships unless it is fully functional.
• Configure and program media servers such as Pixera: playback, output mapping, and show-ready configuration.
• Prepare and stage audio, video, control, and network systems for installations, rental orders, and live events.
• Travel to project sites to install, commission, and fine-tune systems, including rack builds, equipment configuration, and media server programming.
• Diagnose issues during the build, resolve them, and flag recurring problems so they can be prevented.
• Maintain accurate documentation, including wiring, labeling, and as-builts.
• Coordinate with project managers, technicians, and the warehouse team to meet deadlines and build to spec.
• Keep the shop and equipment inventory organized and well maintained.

• Strong hands-on aptitude and a genuine interest in how these systems are assembled.
• Hands-on technical experience in rack building, equipment assembly, AV, IT, electronics, audio, broadcast, low-voltage, or a related field. Depth of experience is valued, and how you work matters as much as how long you have done it.
• The ability to read signal flow and system drawings, or the aptitude to learn quickly.
• A consistent standard for clean, organized, and reliable work.
• Availability on-site in Long Beach five days a week with travel as projects require, up to 25% including domestic and international
• Clear communication, ownership of your work, and a collaborative approach.
• A desire to do strong work and stay, whether you want to grow into more responsibility or settle into a role you excel at.
• The ability to lift and move equipment (approximately 50 lbs) and work on your feet in a shop environment with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Valid Class C (non-CDL) driver’s license and insurable driving record. Driving a company cargo van to transport equipment is an essential, though infrequent, function of this role.
• Valid passport or ability to obtain one.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer. Astra is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

• Vectorworks ConnectCAD or comparable AV/system CAD tools. If you do not have it yet, we will train you; existing experience is a plus.
• Media server programming experience with Pixera or comparable platforms (Watchout, disguise, Hippotizer).
• Familiarity with networking (IP and AV-over-IP), signal types, or control systems.
• A background in live events, rental and staging, broadcast, or AV integration.
• Soldering, basic electronics, or custom cable fabrication.

• Location & schedule: Full-time, on-site in Long Beach, CA (5 days a week), with up to 25% travel to project sites for installation and commissioning.
• Exceptional benefits: Medical, dental, and vision fully covered for you and your first dependent, HSA contribution for eligible plans, 100% 401k match on the first 8% you contribute, unlimited PTO, per diem for travel, company-paid life and disability insurance.