JOB: Lead Engineer Interactive Multi-Person Sound / Light / Bio-Sensing Platform

The GroupFlow Project, uses advanced sensors to measure what's happening in the breath and heart, then turns that data into light, sound and music acting as a form of collective self awareness. The group can merge into synchronized breathing, hear each other's heartbeat's, explore new tech augmented approaches to meditation and much more.

The Max/MSP system can accommodate up to 24 participants, requiring 27 independent channels of audio, 24 channels of sensor data, 24 LED channels, in addition to the over 500 LEDs in the physical space. This system is optimized for very low latency and is capable of providing real-time light and sound feedback.

Recently a private funder has supported a research collaboration with UC Santa Barbara which will require the development of new functionality as well as the operating of the system for experiments and events.

This position would require taking over a large and advanced code base developed over years by multiple developers. The work would be in three parts:

1. Development of new functionality: This would include sensor data processing, synthesizing audio from sensor data, dynamic lighting design, user interface design, architecture, low level performance improvements, and much more

2. Performance: This system will be used both in a research context as well as for paid group experiences at events. Similar to operating light/sound at a theatre performance, a typical experience requires complex series of transitions and modes all cued dynamically to the group and facilitator.

3. Design: A number of collaborations will involve multi-day design sprints where facilitators from different modalities will develop new interactions adapting the GroupFlow technology to their practices. For example, multiple Buddhist teachers are currently working to adapt their traditional practices to this system.

This is not a simple or lightweight project. It would take significant energy to get up to speed and will require fluency not only in Max/MSP but deep understanding of audio signal processing and general good coding practices for large software systems efficiently handling numerous real-time data streams.

We are looking for a part-time developer with a flexible schedule and the ability to occasionally travel. Candidate should be based in Southern California and able to regularly participate in events in Ojai, CA. The current funding has a fixed budget, but this project is expected to continue and grow. The ideal candidate is available with flexible hours and open to growing into a more regular work cadence as funding and project grow.

Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions.