AV Engineer

Position Title: AV Engineer

Location: Washington, DC (75% Onsite)

Travel: Required between Washington DC and New York offices

Reports To: Director, IT

Position Summary

The Institute of International Education seeks a highly skilled AV Architect & Conference Room Specialist to lead the design, integration, and support of advanced AV environments across our Washington DC and New York offices. This role is pivotal in ensuring seamless, reliable, and innovative AV experiences for meetings, events, and hybrid collaboration. The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise, hands-on troubleshooting skills, and a passion for delivering exceptional user experiences in high-stakes environments.

Key Responsibilities

Design & Integration

• Architect and implement scalable AV solutions for huddle rooms, medium-sized rooms, large divisible conference spaces, and boardrooms.
• Lead AV system upgrades, installations, and integration projects, including transitioning from legacy systems (Crestron) to modern platforms (Logitech, Q-SYS, Cisco, Yealink, etc.).
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation for AV system configurations, wiring diagrams, and equipment inventories.
• Conduct needs analysis and collaborate with architects, consultants, and vendors to ensure optimal AV design and integration.

Configuration & Support

• Program and configure AV systems including DSPs, AV bridges, in-ceiling microphones/speakers, control panels, and AV-over-IP solutions.
• Manage and maintain AV racks, network switches, UPS systems, and related IT infrastructure.
• Provide daily hands-on support, troubleshooting, and break/fix analysis for AV and video conferencing systems (Teams, Zoom, Webex, Google Meet, etc.).
• Perform preventive maintenance, regular inspections, and system performance audits to ensure reliability and uptime.
• Respond to and resolve escalated AV and IT support requests, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.

Event & Meeting Support

• Serve as the primary point of contact for high-visibility meetings, executive AV needs, and live events (town halls, board meetings, webinars, etc.).
• Support live event operations, including setup, operation, and troubleshooting of AV equipment for broadcasts, livestreams, and hybrid events.
• Train and guide end users and internal staff on AV system use and best practices.

Project & Vendor Management

• Collaborate with AV vendors (e.g., SVT, CDW) and IT partners to evaluate, install, and support AV systems.
• Provide technical oversight during vendor installations, repairs, and system upgrades.
• Supervise on-site teams and ensure efficient execution of AV projects from inception through completion.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure AV systems are fully operational for critical meetings, including those involving government officials and board members.
• Monitor system performance, proactively address recurring issues, and recommend future upgrades or replacements.
• Maintain and track AV hardware inventory, ensuring proper deployment and support of AV-related software for end-users.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of experience in AV system design, programming, integration, and support.
• Proven expertise with Crestron, Logitech, Q-SYS, Cisco, Yealink, Biamp, Extron, Shure, Dante, and AV-over-IP technologies.
• Advanced knowledge of audio, video, control, and networking fundamentals (switches, routers, WiFi, VLANs).
• Experience managing AV infrastructure in multi-office environments and supporting hybrid conferencing platforms (Teams, Zoom, Webex, Google Meet).
• Technical skills in terminating low voltage audio, video, and data cabling; Visio or CAD application experience a plus.
• Relevant technical certifications (CTS, CTS-I, Biamp, QSC, AVIXA, Shure, Dante, etc.) highly desirable.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and customer service skills.
• Strong leadership, project management, and mentoring abilities.
• Ability to lift and move AV equipment (up to 50 lbs. or more) and work in equipment closets or ceilings as needed.
• Willingness to travel between Washington DC and New York offices as needed; valid driver's license required.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience; military experience a plus.
• Self-starter with high accountability, reliability, and attention to detail; comfortable working independently or as part of a cross-functional team in a fast-paced environment.

Industry Best Practices & Additional Skills

• Deep understanding of AV design and integration processes, including collaboration with architects, consultants, and construction teams.
• Ability to conduct needs analysis, manage project lifecycles, and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Up-to-date awareness of AV technologies, trends, and vendors; commitment to ongoing professional development.