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Director Cinematic Imaging Software Architecture

Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE: SPHR) is a premier live entertainment and media company. The Company includes Sphere, a next-generation entertainment medium powered by cutting-edge technologies to redefine the future of entertainment. The first Sphere venue in Las Vegas opened in September 2023. In addition, the Company includes MSG Networks, which operates two regional sports and entertainment networks, MSG Network and MSG Sportsnet, as well as a direct-to-consumer and authenticated streaming product, MSG+, delivering a wide range of live sports content and other programming. More information is available at sphereentertainmentco.com.

Who are we hiring?

Sphere Entertainment Co is looking for an upstart, action-biased Director Cinematic Imaging Software Architecture to lead the software team behind the groundbreaking Big Sky 18K Camera System for Sphere. 

Reporting to the Senior Director, Imaging Systems Development, the Director Cinematic Imaging Software Architecture will be working on cinema-grade image processing tools for the world’s largest and highest resolution displays and capture systems for terrestrial, underwater, and aerials and space.

Candidates must have the skillset to engineer a stack of custom image processing software for on set and studio postproduction use. Responsibilities include managing and developing image processing software tools for preview, capture, ingest, transcode, color science, calibration, review, QC, and final delivery. This role will be working closely with internal teams, and world-class technicians and filmmakers to deliver tools used for creating the world’s most stunning immersive imagery.

What will you do? 

  • Manage a 4-person software team comprised of engineers and imaging scientists.
  • Design and develop image processing platform for an entire studio ecosystem, from photons-in to pixels-out.
  • Optimize image science algorithms to maximize rendering performance and real-time playback processing.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with stakeholders in Production, Media Management, Post-Production to determine problems, needs, scope, and roadmap initiatives.
  • Work with the Pipeline Integrations team to ensure post-production toolsets and processes are properly implemented.
  • Responsible for release management and version control.
  • Write clean, efficient, and well-documented code that fulfills the functional and technical requirements of the project.
  • Works with Product Manager to set the tone and strategy for roadmaps, estimations, and product vision.
  • Works with the Technical Project Manager to ensure tasks, bugs, and testing is scheduled appropriately.
  • Analyze and determine system standards and test procedures.

What do you need to succeed? 

  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science or equivalent work experience.
  • 10+ years of experience developing image processing algorithms.
  • Deep knowledge of cinema cameras, production, postproduction toolchains.
  • Expertise in C++ and Python.
  • Expertise in one or more of the following: CUDA, OpenGL, Vulkan, Metal, DirectX.
  • Experience in high bandwidth data and GPU optimization.
  • Proven ability to deliver feature sets and software builds on time.
  • Thorough understanding of trade-offs in accelerated prototyping, performance, scalability, and maintainability.
  • Experience in ImGUI or similar User Interface toolkits.
  • Experience with source code management tools (Git, JIRA, Perforce) and best practices.
  • Deeply grounded in RAW image data, optics, image sensors, camera systems, lighting, and display technologies.
  • Experience with Spherical and/or Virtual Production, LED technology, and FGPAs.

Special Requirements 

  • Able to work on site in Burbank, CA.
  • Ability to travel and work with external vendors (5%), and production locations (5%).

#LI-Onsite

Pay Range
$174,000$280,500 USD

At MSG, we recognize the importance of upskilling employees’ talents and strengths so they can drive their careers forward. We are proud to offer a robust set of tools and resources to help employees understand their interests and purpose, harness their talents and obtain the skills they need to reach the next step in their careers. Growth and longevity for our employees are top priorities here.

We value diversity and are looking for extraordinary employees of all backgrounds! MSG is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, sexual and reproductive health choices, national origin, citizenship, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. In addition to federal law mandates, MSG complies with all applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in all locations and will consider requests for reasonable accommodations as required.