Multimedia Systems Engineer Lead

The Guardian is a global, reader-funded news organization that delivers fearless, independent journalism. From breaking news and award-winning investigations, to in-depth coverage of technology, sports, film, culture and lifestyle, the Guardian offers a global view that deepens our audiences’ understanding of America and the world.

The Guardian’s US edition – headquartered in New York City, with growing bureaus in Washington DC and Los Angeles – is an entirely digital operation that combines the best of the Guardian’s international reporting with US voices and expertise. Core coverage areas include the climate emergency, economic and racial inequality, wellness, culture, digital privacy and sports – all highlighting the Guardian’s distinctive role within the US media landscape: journalism that’s global, independent, and free. 

It’s the talent, energy and commitment our people bring to the Guardian that make us who we are. Across our business we have some of the most creative thinkers in media and beyond: award winning journalists, cutting edge commercial teams, digital talent and more.

Department: Group Technology & Data 
Reports to: IT Director (US)
Location: New York, NY

Hybrid/Remote/In-Person: Hybrid, 3-4 days in office
Terms and conditions: Permanent, Full-time, News Media Guild position

Annual Salary: $90,000 - $120,000

About the role

The Multimedia Systems Engineer Lead is a hands-on, execution-focused technical lead responsible for standardizing, deploying, and maintaining Guardian US's multimedia and office AV infrastructure across 3 US offices (NYC, DC, LA). Mentored directly by the IT Director (US), this individual contributor serves as the primary technical owner for 8+ conference rooms, room-scheduling displays, an All-Hands event space, digital signage, field production gear, and an integrated podcast/live news studio.

This role balances hands-on endpoint support and IT ticketing with hardware deployments, field gear support, and live event production. It offers a high-visibility growth opportunity for a candidate ready to own a domain on Day 1 and help scale the AV function as Guardian US operations expand.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

AV Systems Engineering & Integration

• Standardize, configure, and maintain physical AV hardware, room-scheduling panels, newsroom displays, and digital signage across all US offices (NYC, DC, LA).
• Manage and optimize the multi-purpose audio/video podcast studio infrastructure, broadcast integration workflows, and portable field production kits for remote reporters.
• Evaluate, spec, and deploy hardware additions for office expansions, including user displays and media signage.

Technical Operations & Support

• Serve as the single point of contact for AV-related IT tickets, endpoint firmware/software management, network integrations, and hardware troubleshooting.
• Execute live audio, visual mixing, and streaming management for company-wide All-Hands meetings and special events.
• Oversee hardware asset tracking, preventative maintenance schedules, and equipment lifecycle planning.

Strategy, Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Proactively identify operational, software, and hardware risks across all systems, implementing proactive improvements to increase reliability and overall production readiness.
• Partner with the IT Director (US) on system design improvements, vendor sourcing, and long-term tech roadmap planning.
• Stay current on developments in AV systems design, broadcast technology, live streaming, and multimedia infrastructure to continually modernize operations.
• Establish operational standards, SOPs, and system health metrics that lay the groundwork for growing, scaling, and mentoring future AV team members as US multimedia operations expand.

Key contacts and relationships (internal and external)

• GT&D managers and teams
• Multimedia studio managers and team
• Editorial managers
• Studio users
• 3rd party suppliers

Knowledge & experience

• 3–6 years of hands-on experience supporting AV infrastructure, IT endpoints, or broadcast systems within corporate or media environments.
• Practical background configuring enterprise video conferencing ecosystems, specifically Cisco Webex Control Hub integrated with Zoom and Google Meet environments.
• Technical familiarity with production equipment, including digital audio consoles, video cameras, studio lighting, and field recording gear.
• Proven track record using IT service desks, managing endpoint patch software updates, and maintaining hardware inventories.
• Prior hands-on experience running live event audio/visual execution or live broadcast streaming.
• Technical proficiency across both macOS and Windows operating systems within a hybrid production/enterprise environment.

Skills and behaviors  

• Strong motivation to expand enterprise systems architecture and design skills under senior IT mentorship.
• Highly proactive approach to identifying potential hardware risks before they cause production downtime.
• Calm, decisive troubleshooting posture when resolving technical issues under live event or newsroom pressure.
• Service-oriented communicator who can easily explain technical workflows to non-technical staff.

How to apply

We know there are great candidates who might not check all these boxes or who possess important skills we haven’t thought of. If that’s you, we encourage you to apply and tell us about yourself.

All candidates interested in applying should upload a resume and cover letter.  

We value honesty in your application. AI generated content must not be presented as your own work. Please review our guidance on the use of AI in your application here.

All roles at the Guardian are open for everybody to apply. It is important to us that you feel supported and comfortable throughout your recruitment process, in order to perform your best. Please let us know if there are any changes we could make to the application process to make it easier and more comfortable for you. Please email the recruiter listed on the job posting or at recruitment.us@theguardian.com to discuss further so we can work with you to support you through your application.

Compensation and benefits

• 25 days of vacation leave in addition to 12 company holidays 
• Unlimited sick time
• Free Headspace subscription for you and your family members(Headspace is a company that offers evidence-based meditation and mindfulness tools, mental health coaching, therapy, psychiatry, and EAP services)
• 401(k) Match
• Subsidized healthcare coverage including medical, vision, and dental
• Medical and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts
• Generous parental leave with 100% pay
• Long Term and Short Term Disability insurance 
• Life insurance 
• Commuter benefits 
• Work/Life balance: Flexible hybrid schedule 

Culture & wellbeing

We want everyone to feel like they belong at the Guardian and we champion diversity of thought. You will also have the opportunity to hear unique insight from our journalists in our morning conference, a live discussion on the news story of the day. 

We offer great tools to help you prioritize your wellbeing including access to Employee Assistance Programs. 

Learning & development

We encourage personal and professional growth. Employees have access to a broad range of tools and solutions, and we are happy to support the pursuit of professional qualifications through vocational courses and apprenticeships.

Sustainability

Our goal is to become an environmentally regenerative company and we have signed up to a sustainability vision and strategy to reach it. Find more information about sustainability at GNM here.

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The Guardian is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, national origin, ethnic origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law in its employment policies. In addition, the Guardian will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.

We value and respect all differences (seen and unseen) in all people at the Guardian. We aspire to have inclusive working experiences and an environment that reflects the audience we serve, where our people have equal access to career development opportunities, their voices are heard and can contribute to our future.