Film Lab, Chief Engineer

The Company

FotoKem is a sophisticated post-production environment providing dailies, finishing, VFX, and color grading for top studio and independent features and episodic productions. Our Engineering team designs, deploys and maintains systems, with innovative and sometimes one-of-a-kind workflows, for projects shot on virtually every camera technology, from 65mm film to the newest file-based 8K systems.

Latest projects include Project Hail Mary, Pluribus, The Odyssey, and Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu

 

The Role

The Film Lab, Chief Mechanical Engineer is responsible for overseeing mechanical systems, leading design initiatives, and managing project execution. In this role you will review and approve major designs, establish technical standards and solve complex mechanical engineering challenges.  As a departmental leader, you will direct engineering teams, mentor staff and coordinate cross-functional projects to ensure that all equipment and laboratory infrastructure meet ownership and management objectives. 

 

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide technical and managerial oversight to drive projects to completion.
• Support photochemical development to maintain and advance all resource recovery efforts, on both the front end and back-end systems.
• Produce mechanical designs, analyses, layouts and engineering drawings to support technical operations.
• Troubleshoot, calibrate, and supervise repairs on complex electronic and mechanical systems.
• Supervise the rebuilding of motors, pumps and specialized film lab machinery in coordination with the film lab maintenance team.
• Manage the replacement of electrical components, transformers, motors, wiring, bearings, shafts, rollers, squeegees, belts, bushings, and other miscellaneous parts.
• Generate and maintain documentation of all repairs.
• Prioritize repair and maintenance tasks to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted workflow for the film lab.
• Enforce and follow all required safe work practices. This would include lockout-tagout requirements and wearing of all required PPE in designated areas, confined space safety, safe chemical handling, fall restraints, etc.
• Responsible for the care and maintenance of all property and production assets including the assembly/disassembly of equipment utilizing best safe practices.
• Maintain open communication with management and cross-functional departments regarding issues and/or concerns that may restrict the efficiency of production.
• Able to work in fast paced environments while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines.
• Understand HVAC and heating systems to support troubleshooting and general maintenance.
• Abide by all company policies, including timekeeping, attendance and punctuality guidelines..
• Develop and discover new talent for the maintenance department.

Additional Skills

• Understanding of circuit boards (PCBs), microprocessors, digital systems, and embedded systems.
• Strong foundational knowledge of the industrial equipment principles including electrical, hydraulic, mechanical, pneumatic/vacuum systems.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards, safety precautions and inspection techniques of repairing and operating equipment in a production line.
• Basic understanding of machining parts for custom mechanical systems.
• Proficiency in utilizing diagnostic tools,  machines and precision testing instruments to repair and overhaul equipment and building services.
• Skill in the safe operation, care and maintenance of welding equipment and fabrication tools.
• Experience tracking, managing and optimizing inventory control systems to maintain adequate stock levels and minimize waste.
• Advanced diagnostic skills with a methodical and structured approach to identifying root causes and implementing effective, sustainable solutions.

Qualifications

10+ Years experience in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering.

Demonstrated experience in leadership and complex projects.

Excellent written and verbal communication.

Prior knowledge or experience within a film lab environment is considered a significant asset.

Fluency in both English and Spanish is helpful to support diverse team communication and operational needs.

Work Environment & Physical Activities

The Film Lab, Chief Mechanical Engineer must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. Must also have the physical ability to bend, grasp, reach, walk, lift, climb, stand and stoop. The work environment is in a film lab located in Burbank, CA.

The schedule for this position will typically be Monday through Friday 6:00AM - 2:30PM.  

In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the expected compensation, or a range thereof, for roles in locations where legally required. $135,000 - $175,000 annually.

FotoKem is an equal opportunity employer and will consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for qualified individuals to perform the essential duties of their position.

FotoKem will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable laws.