Mastering Engineer – Audio & Video

Mastering Engineer – Audio & Video Department: Digital Cinema / Content Mastering Location: Chennai Employment Type: Full-Time Experience: 3–5 Years Industry: Digital Cinema, Film Post-Production, Broadcast & Media 1. Job Summary We are looking for a skilled and detail-oriented Mastering Engineer with expertise in Audio and Video to join our content mastering team. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical understanding of audio/video processing, digital cinema mastering, quality control, and professional media workflows. The candidate will be responsible for processing, mastering, validating, and delivering content for theatrical exhibition and other distribution platforms while ensuring compliance with industry standards and client specifications. The role requires flexibility to work in rotational shifts and provide weekend support when required to meet operational and delivery schedules. 2. Key Responsibilities A. Video Mastering & Processing Perform video mastering, transcoding, and format conversion for theatrical and digital distribution. Handle 2K and 4K content in formats such as ProRes, DPX, TIFF, EXR, MXF, and other professional media formats. Understand color spaces, gamma curves, HDR/SDR workflows, DCI XYZ, DCI-P3, Rec.709, Rec.2020, and PQ. Perform aspect ratio management, scaling, reframing, resizing, and frame-rate conversion as required. Support HDR and SDR mastering workflows, including tone mapping and color space conversions. Ensure accurate image presentation, color consistency, resolution, and frame-rate compliance. Identify and troubleshoot video artifacts, black frames, flickering, scaling errors, and other visual anomalies. B. Audio Mastering & Processing Perform audio QC, synchronization checks, and audio mastering for theatrical content. Work with PCM WAV audio, including stereo, 5.1, 7.1, and Dolby Atmos deliverables. Verify channel mapping, channel assignment, channel order, and audio configuration. Identify audio sync issues, clipping, distortion, unwanted noise, pops, clicks, and audio dropouts. Perform audio level analysis and verify peak levels against applicable delivery specifications. Ensure accurate audio-to-video synchronization and correct audio track configuration. Troubleshoot audio compatibility and playback issues. C. DCP Creation & Digital Cinema Mastering Create, package, and validate 2K and 4K Digital Cinema Packages (DCPs). Work with SMPTE and Interop DCP formats as required by client specifications. Handle Flat, Scope, and Full Container formats, ensuring correct image scaling and framing. Perform DCP packaging and encryption where required. Validate CPL, PKL, asset references, subtitles, audio tracks, frame rates, and package integrity. Understand DCI specifications and relevant SMPTE standards for digital cinema delivery. Troubleshoot DCP ingest, validation, playback, and compatibility issues. D. Quality Control (QC) & Technical Validation Perform audio/video QC on source and final deliverables, ensuring picture, sound, subtitles, frame rates, and content integrity. Identify, document, and report technical issues using mastering, playback, and analysis tools, with clear recommendations. Prepare QC reports, maintain mastering records, and ensure deliverables meet client specifications and quality standards. E. Workflow Management & Technical Support Coordinate with cross-functional teams including colorists, mastering engineers, QC operators, and client services to ensure smooth project delivery. Manage multiple projects, troubleshoot media/workflow issues, and meet delivery timelines. Maintain accurate project documentation, metadata, and delivery records while adhering to quality standards and driving workflow improvements. 3. Required Technical Skills Video and Mastering Understanding of digital video formats, codecs, resolutions, aspect ratios, and frame rates. Knowledge of 2K/4K mastering, DCP workflows, HDR/SDR, and color management. Familiarity with ProRes, DPX, TIFF, EXR, MXF, and JPEG 2000 formats. Understanding of color spaces, transfer functions, gamma, bit depth, and chroma subsampling. Audio and Mastering Understanding of digital audio formats, sample rates, bit depth, channel layouts, and synchronization. Knowledge of stereo, 5.1, 7.1, and Dolby Atmos workflows. Ability to identify audio defects and perform technical audio QC. Understanding of PCM audio and theatrical audio delivery requirements. Software and Tools Experience with one or more of the following tools is preferred: DaVinci Resolve Colorfront Transkoder easyDCP Pro Tools or other professional audio tools DCP validation and analysis tools MediaInfo, FFmpeg, or equivalent media analysis utilities 4. Qualifications & Experience Degree or diploma in Audio Engineering, Film Technology, Media Technology, Electronics, or a related discipline. 3–5 years of relevant experience in audio/video post-production, mastering, broadcast operations, or digital cinema workflows. Practical experience in professional audio/video processing and quality control. DCP mastering experience is an advantage. Experience with theatrical content, film distribution, or cinema exhibition is preferred. 5. Shift Requirements & Work Flexibility Must be willing to work in rotational shifts , including day and night shifts, based on operational requirements. Must be available to provide weekend and holiday support when required to meet client commitments and delivery deadlines. 6. Preferred Additional Skills Experience with HDR mastering, Dolby Vision, and IMF workflows. Knowledge of DCI/SMPTE standards and subtitle/caption validation. Familiarity with Linux/macOS environments and media troubleshooting. 9. Ideal Candidate Profile The ideal candidate will have a strong technical foundation in audio/video mastering, an eye for visual quality, an ear for audio defects, and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues independently. Candidates with experience in DCP mastering, professional media processing, and technical QC will be preferred. The candidate must be flexible with rotational shifts and willing to provide weekend support based on operational needs. Application: Interested candidates may submit their updated resume highlighting their relevant experience, technical skills, software proficiency, and digital cinema or post-production experience.