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Video Playback Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Video Playback Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$31.4K

$91K

$143.7K

How much do video playback engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for video playback engineer in Chicago, IL is $90,965.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $111,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a video playback engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Video Playback Engineer, you need expertise in video codecs, streaming protocols, and a solid background in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as FFmpeg, HLS/DASH streaming, and media playback libraries, as well as experience with video delivery platforms, is common. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication are critical soft skills for collaborating across engineering and product teams. These skills ensure the reliable, high-quality video experiences users expect and enable efficient troubleshooting and innovation in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

What is a video playback engineer?

A Video Playback Engineer is a technology professional who specializes in the development, optimization, and maintenance of video streaming and playback systems. They work on ensuring seamless delivery of video content across various platforms and devices, addressing issues like buffering, latency, and compatibility. Their responsibilities often include working with video codecs, streaming protocols, content delivery networks (CDNs), and player technologies to provide high-quality viewing experiences. Video Playback Engineers may also collaborate with software developers, QA teams, and content providers to troubleshoot and enhance video performance.

What are some common challenges faced by video playback engineers, and how can applicants prepare to address them?

Video Playback Engineers often encounter challenges related to ensuring smooth streaming across a wide range of devices and network conditions. Applicants should be prepared to troubleshoot compatibility issues, optimize video quality and latency, and implement adaptive bitrate streaming techniques. Staying current with evolving video codecs and industry standards is also crucial. Collaboration with front-end developers, QA teams, and content delivery network providers is common, so strong communication and problem-solving skills are important for success in this role.

What is the difference between Video Playback Engineer vs Video Software Engineer?

AspectVideo Playback EngineerVideo Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related; experience with multimedia frameworksBachelor's or higher in Computer Science or Software Engineering; programming skills in C++, Python
Work EnvironmentMedia companies, streaming platforms, multimedia device manufacturersSoftware development firms, tech companies, multimedia application developers
Employer & Industry UsageFocus on optimizing video playback, decoding, and renderingDeveloping multimedia software, codecs, and applications

While both roles involve multimedia and video technologies, Video Playback Engineers specialize in ensuring smooth video playback and decoding, often working closely with hardware and media frameworks. Video Software Engineers develop broader multimedia applications and codecs, focusing on software development across various platforms. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the multimedia industry.

How much does a video playback engineer make?

A video playback engineer's salary typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Professionals with skills in multimedia software, hardware troubleshooting, and real-time video processing tend to earn higher wages.

What are popular job titles related to Video Playback Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Video Playback Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Video Playback Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Video Playback Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Facilities Manager 280 Building

Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Art Institute Of Chicago rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 29 rated museums


Job description

About SAIC
For more than 150 years, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) has been a leader in educating the world's most influential artists, designers and scholars. Located in downtown Chicago with a fine arts graduate program consistently ranking among the top four graduate fine arts programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, SAIC provides an interdisciplinary approach to art and design as well as world-class resources, including the Art Institute of Chicago Museum, on-campus galleries and state-of-the-art facilities. SAIC's undergraduate, graduate and post-baccalaureate students have the freedom to take risks and create the bold ideas that transform Chicago and the world-as seen through notable alumni and faculty such as Michelle Grabner, David Sedaris, Elizabeth Murray, Richard Hunt, Georgia O'Keeffe, Cynthia Rowley, Nick Cave, and LeRoy Neiman.
About the Department
IRFM stands for Instructional Resources & Facilities Management. It is the broad administrative/operational area responsible for much of the physical and instructional infrastructure that supports the school. IRFM is essentially the part of SAIC that makes sure the campus, facilities, equipment, instructional spaces, and related services are available and functioning to support the academic mission. Facilities Services is a division of IRFM that ensures the functionality of facilities through coordination of people, processes, space, infrastructure, and technology. Services include academic facility coordination, capital purchase planning, resource and service coordination, environmental health and safety, logistics, and housekeeping. SAIC students, faculty and staff depend on us to provide an environment that promotes SAIC's reputation as a leader in arts education.
Position Summary
The Facilities Manager, 280 Building provides facility management services to academic and administrative departments located in the assigned building. This position oversees facility operations on a day-to-day basis, manages and maintains a clean and safe environment, and responds to the needs of faculty, staff, and students.
Responsibilities
  • Manages general facility operations in assigned buildings on a day-to-day basis. Coordinates with Engineering, Housekeeping, AV, Facilities Services, and outside contractors to address facilities needs and improvements.
  • Provides quality customer service through staffing the IRFM Helpline. Receives calls and ensures questions and concerns are responded to in an efficient, courteous, and timely manner.
  • Provides basic maintenance and troubleshooting for classroom AV resources. Collaborates with SAIC's AV staff to address advanced problems.
  • Manages work orders related to classrooms and offices, including supply needs, cleaning, maintenance and repair, moving, event setup, furniture, and audiovisual.
  • Manages the creation, installation, maintenance, and repair of wayfinding and other communication signage (safety, construction, etc.).
  • Works closely with supervisors and project managers to coordinate and prepare for large-scale construction projects.
  • Manages inventory of classroom and facilities resources. Coordinates the installation, maintenance, and supply of new and existing furniture resources in offices and classrooms. Manages sustainable waste programs, including e-cycling, composting, surplus collection, classroom cleanouts, locker checks, and locker cleanouts.
  • Supervises a staff of 8-10 student employees each semester, including hiring, scheduling, training, performance, and termination. Collaborates with Facilities Services colleagues to develop and deliver student employment policies, training materials, procedures, and orientation programs.
  • Works with IRFM leadership to provide recommendations for the development of projects. Participates in discussions and conduct surveys for future budget planning.
  • Works with Environmental Health and Safety regarding the proper management of hazardous materials. Performs classroom and graduate studio inspections to ensure safety and regulatory compliance, and teaches and enforces safe practices regarding tools, materials, room use, art-making and installation, and moving and storing equipment and furniture.
  • Works with faculty, staff, Exhibitions, and campus partners to provide logistical support for academic projects, exhibitions, symposia, admission events, outreach programs, art handling, and installations in offices, public spaces, and non-traditional gallery settings.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • BA/BFA required
  • Two to five (2-5) years of supervisory experience in classroom, facilities, and/or academic support services in higher education.
  • Strong mechanical skills, including basic carpentry and the use of power tools.
  • Experience operating classroom technology, including video projectors, computers, and media playback devices.
  • Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills.
  • Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe Creative Suite, and other standard office software.
  • Ability to complete a respirator certification.

Physical Requirements
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Compensation & Benefits
Please click on the links below to view our competitive, comprehensive benefits package:
  • Hiring Range: $23.45-$29.31 per hour

The expected hiring range is an estimated amount for positions based on the grade. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, qualifications and other job-related reasons.
  • Benefits
  • PTO Overview
  • Job Classification:Full time exempt
  • Employment Category:
  • Grade Level:

If you are accessing this listing from a third party, not all links to salary and benefits information may work. Please visit our career page at saic/artic.edu/employment for complete information
Application Instructions
Please submit your resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.
Union
This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31.
Accessibility
If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, you will find the contact information to request the appropriate accommodation by visiting the following page:
Accessibility Accommodation for Applicants
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals compliant with federal and state laws. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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