Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for AVI Engineer

🎯 Role Definition

The AVI Engineer (Audio-Visual Integration Engineer) designs, implements, and supports end-to-end AV systems for corporate, education, events, and broadcast environments. This hands-on role combines AV system design, control system programming, AV/IT network integration, equipment installation and commissioning, and ongoing technical support to deliver reliable, scalable, and user-friendly audio-visual solutions. The ideal candidate brings strong technical expertise in Crestron/Extron/AMX control systems, DSP configuration, AV over IP, video conferencing platforms (Zoom Rooms, Microsoft Teams Rooms), structured cabling and rack wiring, plus proven troubleshooting and client-facing skills.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

AV Technician / AV Installer
Field Service Technician (AV or Broadcast)
Junior Systems Integrator

Advancement To:

Senior AV/Systems Engineer
AV Solutions Architect / Design Engineer
AV Operations Manager / Technical Lead

Lateral Moves:

Network Engineer (AV/IT convergence)
Broadcast Engineer
Unified Communications Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct detailed site surveys and discovery sessions to document room acoustics, sightlines, existing infrastructure, power and network availability, and client use-cases; produce site survey reports and recommended scope of work.
Create system designs, block diagrams, equipment lists, and rack elevations that specify audio, video, control, and network components while ensuring scalability and compliance with industry standards (TIA/EIA, NEC).
Develop and deliver detailed AV proposals and technical scope documents in collaboration with sales and project management teams, including BOMs, pricing assumptions, and installation schedules.
Design and program control system logic using Crestron, Extron, AMX or similar platforms to automate room control, device discovery, and user workflows with robust error handling and remote management capabilities.
Configure and tune digital signal processors (DSPs) such as Biamp, QSC, BSS, or Yamaha for microphone/line-level mixing, echo cancellation, automatic gain control, and room equalization to meet speech intelligibility and audio quality goals.
Architect and deploy AV over IP solutions (SDVoE, Dante AV, AES67) including multicast configuration, QoS, IGMP snooping settings, and VLAN segmentation in close coordination with IT/network teams.
Deploy and integrate video conferencing systems (Zoom Rooms, Microsoft Teams Rooms, Cisco Webex) end-to-end—hardware selection, codec provisioning, room scheduling integration, and post-deployment user training.
Install and integrate displays, projectors, video walls, matrix switchers, scalers, and signal extenders; perform resolution and aspect-ratio testing, EDID management, and color/brightness calibration.
Perform structured cabling, termination and testing for Ethernet, fiber optics (single-mode/multi-mode), HDMI, HDBaseT, SDI and audio lines; label and document wiring to company standards.
Build and wire AV racks and enclosures, mount equipment, create cable management, apply proper grounding and bonding, and ensure thermal and power considerations meet manufacturer recommendations.
Commission systems with comprehensive testing: audio level checks, video test patterns, latency and sync verification, control system verification, and scripted acceptance procedures.
Troubleshoot complex AV and AV/IT interoperability issues using network analyzers, protocol logs, oscilloscope/multimeter readings, and vendor tools; provide timely root-cause analysis and permanent remediation plans.
Maintain and update as-built documentation, system drawings, firmware inventories, user guides and support runbooks to support long-term maintenance and serviceability.
Coordinate with electricians, general contractors, IT teams, and third-party vendors to schedule site access, power/grounding work, network provisioning, and final acceptance testing.
Manage small-to-medium projects, track milestones, monitor budgets, and communicate project status to stakeholders; escalate risks and propose mitigation strategies.
Provide ongoing technical support and field service, including remote diagnostics, on-site repairs, preventive maintenance, and firmware upgrades to maintain SLA compliance and uptime.
Create and deliver client training sessions and quick-reference materials tailored to end-users to drive high adoption and reduce support tickets.
Perform warranty and post-installation reviews; track recurring faults and implement systemic fixes across multiple sites to improve reliability.
Evaluate and recommend new hardware and software solutions (codecs, DSPs, control processors, AV over IP encoders/decoders) to improve performance, cost, and scalability.
Implement asset management and spare parts strategies, keep an accurate inventory of loaner equipment and critical spares for rapid field replacement.
Ensure installations meet safety, accessibility, and regulatory requirements, including proper labeling, firestopping, seismic bracing (where applicable), and local electrical codes.
Collaborate on AV/IT convergence initiatives: adopt automation for device provisioning, remote monitoring (SNMP, REST APIs), telemetry, and centralized management tools to scale enterprise deployments.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap.
Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.
Assist sales and pre-sales teams with technical clarifications, site feasibility, and high-level solution sketches.
Participate in continuous improvement programs, share lessons learned, and propose standards for consistent deployment across regions.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Crestron programming (SIMPL, SCM, Python integration), or equivalent control system experience (Extron, AMX).
DSP configuration and tuning experience with Biamp, QSC, BSS, or Yamaha platforms.
Dante, AES67, and other networked audio proficiency, including clocking, routing, and multicast troubleshooting.
AV over IP technologies (SDVoE, NDI, H.264/H.265 streaming) and experience configuring multicast, IGMP, VLANs, and QoS for video transport.
Video conferencing platform deployment and administration (Zoom Rooms, Microsoft Teams Rooms, Cisco) including appliance provisioning and calendar/resource integration.
Proficiency with HDMI/HDBaseT/SDI, EDID management, HDCP issues, matrix switching, and video signal flow.
Structured cabling and fiber optic termination/testing (OTDR, power meter), along with knowledge of TIA/EIA cabling standards.
Network fundamentals: TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS, VLANs, SNMP, SSH/HTTPS, and experience working with enterprise network teams.
Rack design and power distribution, including UPS considerations, grounding and bonding per NEC.
Familiarity with diagnostic tools: network packet analyzers, NDI tools, Dante Controller, test pattern generators, multimeters, and oscilloscope basics.
Basic scripting or automation experience (Python, PowerShell, REST APIs) to support deployments and remote monitoring.
Ability to read and create CAD, Visio, or Revit drawings for AV layouts and rack elevations.
Knowledge of safety codes, accessibility standards, and installation best practices.

Soft Skills

Strong verbal and written communication; able to translate technical topics into business terms for stakeholders.
Client-facing professionalism: customer training, needs assessment, and post-installation follow-up.
Problem solving and analytical thinking under pressure; structured approach to root cause analysis.
Project management skills: time management, milestone tracking, and cross-team coordination.
Team collaboration and mentoring; willingness to train junior technicians and share best practices.
Adaptability in fast-paced environments and willingness to work occasional nights/weekends for rollouts or event support.
Attention to detail and commitment to high-quality documentation and workmanship.
Vendor relationship management and negotiation skills when coordinating warranties and RMA processes.
Strong organizational skills to manage multiple concurrent projects and service calls.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Associate degree or technical certificate in Audio Engineering, AV Technology, Electronics, IT, or related field.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Audio Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Science, or equivalent technical discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Audio / Music Technology
Electrical or Electronics Engineering
Information Technology / Computer Networking
Telecommunications / Broadcast Engineering
Systems Integration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3–7 years of hands-on AV integration, installation, or field service experience.

Preferred: 5+ years of progressive experience in AV system design, control programming, DSP tuning, and AV/IT convergence projects with demonstrated leadership of medium-complexity deployments.

Keywords: Audio Visual Engineer, AVI Engineer, AV Integration, Crestron, Extron, Dante, AV over IP, Zoom Rooms, Microsoft Teams Rooms, DSP, AV system design, AV installation, AV troubleshooting, AV/IT convergence.