"XR Engineer and Studio Support Specialist"

Posted: 25-Sep-25

Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan

Categories: Staff/Administrative

Internal Number: 268957

A cover letter and resume are important submissions for the hiring team to get a sense of your experience. In the cover letter, in two pages or less, please let us know how this role aligns with your career aspirations and skill set. Submit both a cover letter and resume as one file (because of system limitations).

• Design and implement technology solutions for XR and digital innovation projects across CAI and Ross
• Maintain and optimize XR studio infrastructure, including LED walls, render engines, camera tracking, and media servers
• Support synchronous operations during high-visibility live productions (e.g., Online MBA classes, Exec Ed sessions)
• Collaborate with creative and technical teams to ensure seamless integration of hardware and software systems
• Establish and document repeatable workflows that ensure studio reliability, scalability, and creative flexibility
• Stay current on trends in XR, virtual production, and educational media, incorporating best practices into evolving studio operations

Bachelor's degree in Network Engineering, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, Video Production or a related technical/media field - or equivalent professional experience (2+ years) in digital innovation, XR technologies, virtual production, or related areas

• Demonstrated ability to interpret signal flow charts, diagnose and resolve complex technical issues in real-time with Disguise media servers (or similar), LED walls, video processors, and camera tracking systems (e.g., Blacktrax, Stype)
• Hands-on experience with real-time render engines such as Unreal Engine (nDisplay, virtual camera, etc.) and Unity; familiarity with spatial asset optimization and XR pipeline integration
• Knowledge of IT infrastructure and cybersecurity, including networking protocols, server management, and media storage systems (e.g., NAS, LucidLink) in production environments
• Familiarity with professional camera systems, color pipelines, creative hardware integration, and technical workflows supporting broadcast and virtual production
• Proficiency in media production and design tools, including Adobe Creative Cloud (Premiere, After Effects, Photoshop), DaVinci Resolve, and 3D tools like Blender or Cinema 4D
• Experience working in high-stakes, fast-paced environments, such as live production, XR stages, commercial VFX, or broadcast studios, with a focus on technical reliability and innovation
• Strong consultative and solution-oriented mindset, with the ability to translate creative and operational needs into scalable technical systems
• Awareness of industry trends and evolving XR practices, with a systems-level understanding of media production architecture and pipeline design
• Preferred experience with XR stage systems integration, including LED walls, camera tracking, and virtual production workflows
• Certifications in relevant platforms or systems (e.g., Unreal Engine, AVIXA CTS, CompTIA, AWS) will be viewed favorably.

This is a hybrid position supporting the University of Michigan's Center for Academic Innovation and Ross School of Business. The role requires a regular and recurring on-site presence, consistent with CAI's minimum of four-days-per-week in-person policy. Additional on-site work may be required based on domain leadership needs, project demands, or operational requirements.

Approximately 50% of this position's responsibilities involve supporting the two XR studios at the Ross School of Business. These studios operate on a time-sensitive schedule aligned with live Online MBA and Executive Education courses. Flexibility in work hours is essential, including the ability to provide on-call support outside standard business hours, including evenings and occasional weekends, when issues arise during critical sessions.

Typical coverage windows may include:

• Online MBA classes at 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. EST
• Executive Education sessions between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. EST
• Occasional weekend sessions, as scheduled in advance

While off-hours support is not expected to be frequent, responsiveness during these critical windows is required to ensure continuity of live production and studio operations.

Please Note: This is a 3 year term limited position with the possibility of renewal depending on funding.

Must have legal authorization to work in the United States.

Salary Information

The general salary range for this position is $95,000 - $102,000. Candidates can expect to be paid a competitive and equitable salary. Factors used to determine salary include education level, experience, knowledge and skills for the position and internal equity within the unit.

All candidates are encouraged to discuss salary questions to honor alignment and transparency throughout the recruiting process.

Excellent benefits are available, for details, see http://benefits.umich.edu/

Organizational Statement on Harassment

We believe all individuals deserve to be treated with respect and dignity and have the right to work in a professional atmosphere that promotes mutual respect and a safe space for collaboration. Any concerns shared with Individuals with Reporting Obligations in the Center for Academic Innovation will be reported to the Equity, Civil Rights, & Title IX Office to be reviewed and addressed, and the Center for Academic Innovation encourages reporting of any forms of harassment including sexual and gender-based harassment.

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.