Studio Engineer, CoSTAR

Full time (35 hours a week), salary up to £50,000 per annum, depending on experience

Fixed term basis, until 31st March 2029

The National Film and Television School (NFTS)

Location: Futures Studio (CoSTAR National Lab) and Satellite facilities at Royal Holloway University, planned relocation to CoSTAR National R&D Lab at Pinewood from Autumn 2026, the National Film and Television School (NFTS), Beaconsfield

First established in 1971, the National Film and Television School (NFTS) has evolved to become a leading global institution, developing some of Britain and the world's top creative talent in film, television and games. It is widely acknowledged to be the top school of its kind in the UK and one of the best internationally, being named as one of The Hollywood Reporter's top international film schools for over a decade. The NFTS is a registered charity (313429).

CoSTAR National Lab for Research and Development in Creative Technology is the largest ever investment in the creative industries in UK history. The NFTS has been announced as a key partner to run the CoSTAR National Lab, a £51.1m investment by the UK Government to ensure the UK's screen and performance industries have the innovation infrastructure to compete globally. By bringing together world leaders in technology, research and story, we will catalyse innovation for the UK's Creative Industries. Our consortium brings together world-leading research teams from media production, psychology, business and drama at Royal Holloway, AI at University of Surrey; and Creative Technology at Abertay University; and professional training at the National Film & Television School.

We are now recruiting for a Studio Engineer to support virtual production research and creative technological activity within the CoSTAR National Lab Futures Studio, currently at Royal Holloway University with a planned relocation to Pinewood Studios from Autumn 2026. This is a key role, providing on-floor oversight of studio technicians during productions, supporting the safe and effective delivery of studio activity, as well as feeding into the establishment of practical workflows and operational practices.

The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of virtual production techniques and a strong understanding of integrated AV signal flow, alongside experience of troubleshooting within complex, multi-system production environments. You will have strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across creative, research and technical teams.

For further information about this role and information on how to apply please visit .

The closing date for applications will be Thursday 26 th February 2026. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and we do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Please note that we are unable to sponsor candidates for this role, so we are only able to accept applications from candidates who are able to demonstrate their right to live and work in the UK. If you do not have the right to work in the UK, we will not be able to progress your application.

At the NFTS, people are at the heart of what we do. We're an inclusive employer and are committed to equality of opportunity, and building a culturally diverse workforce. We are committed to being an anti-racist organization and to increasing our representation of staff from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Reporting to: CoSTAR Studio Manager

Purpose of role

This role supports advanced virtual production research and creative technological activity within the CoSTAR National Lab Futures Studio at Royal Holloway University. The Studio Engineer is responsible for ensuring the virtual production environment operates safely, efficiently and to the highest technical standards, with particular focus on LED wall engineering, camera systems and rigging. The postholder will play a key role in establishing practical workflows, operational practices and production readiness ahead of the planned transition of CoSTAR National Lab studio operations to a new facility at Pinewood Studios from Autumn 2026. The Studio Engineer also provides on-floor oversight of studio technicians during productions, supporting safe and effective delivery of studio activity.

Core responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Engineer, maintain and operate LED wall and virtual production stage equipment
• Install, configure and support professional camera and tracking systems within integrated production workflows
• Carry out rigging and engineering for LED walls, cameras, lighting, tracking systems and associated infrastructure in accordance with safety standards and best practice
• Provide on-floor technical oversight of technicians during productions, demonstrations, workshops and research activity

Skills and Experience

• Strong knowledge of virtual production technologies, including LED volumes, camera systems, tracking and real-time production workflows.
• Proven professional rigging experience with understanding of load calculations, truss systems, working at height regulations and safe installation practices.
• Strong understanding of integrated AV signal flow and troubleshooting within complex, multi-system production environments.
• Ability to work effectively across creative, research and technical teams with strong organisational and communication skills.

Person specification

Essential

• Strong professional rigging competence combined with experience configuring and supporting camera, tracking and synchronisation workflows.
• Experience working within studio, broadcast or production environments, including providing technical oversight during live studio activity.
• Strong problem-solving ability, attention to detail, and capability to maintain technical documentation while working under production time pressures.

Desirable

• Experience supporting lighting or sound systems within studio, theatre, live performance or event production environments.
• Experience working within theatre, live performance or event-based production environments and awareness.