# Evan Norbom

![Evan Norbom](/resources/cognition/portraits/evan-norbom.webp)

AV/IT engineer at Cognition; led AV for Netflix's Egyptian Theatre restoration and Dropbox HQ  
Cognition  
San Francisco Bay Area

## At Cognition

- Role: AV/IT Engineer (Engineering)
- Joined: May 2026
- How they joined: Directly
- Before Cognition: Senior AV System Engineer, Block
- Overlapped before Cognition with other Cognition people at: Dropbox; Citadel (https://www.autumn.ai/resources/cognition/worked-together)

## Identity
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evannorbom
- Website: https://www.sinematique.com
- Domain: cognition.ai

## Notes
- Joined Cognition (maker of Devin and Windsurf) as AV/IT Engineer, announced on LinkedIn: "I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as AV/IT Engineer at Cognition!" His role is office audio-visual and IT infrastructure, not the AI product itself. (https://www.linkedin.com/posts/evannorbom_im-happy-to-share-that-im-starting-a-new-activity-7465629834573012992-P-jh)
- Cognition role started about four months after he joined Block as Senior AV System Engineer (announced 2026-01-28). (https://www.linkedin.com/posts/evannorbom_im-happy-to-share-that-im-starting-a-new-activity-7465629834573012992-P-jh)
- At Netflix (AV Engineer, Studio 2020-2023; Media Systems Engineer 2023-2024) he was lead designer for audio and video systems and project manager for the $70M renovation of Hollywood's Egyptian Theatre, which reopened Nov 9, 2023. (https://csumb.edu/news/news-listing/2024/q1/csumb-alumnus-helps-netflix-upgrade-iconic-los-angeles-theater-/)
- Principal and Creative Director of Sinematique LLC (founded 2025), a boutique AV design and engineering consultancy for boardrooms, streaming studios and home theaters; it is his own side practice alongside the Cognition role. (https://www.sinematique.com/about)
- Senior AV Engineer at Citadel (2024-2025), where per his firm bio he established and deployed new enterprise AV room standards across more than 200 global meeting spaces. (https://www.sinematique.com/about)
- Own words on the Egyptian project: "I’ve spent the last 3.5 years at Netflix leading the design and build of the cinema and broadcast systems... This project was the most complex and challenging I’ve faced in my career, due to historical preservation restrictions, 31 storms last winter". (https://www.linkedin.com/posts/evannorbom_this-week-marks-the-beginning-of-a-new-era-activity-7128281985705246720-YJRX)
- At Dropbox (2015-2020: AV Technician, Video Production and Streaming Engineer, AV Engineer Lead) he led AV infrastructure strategy for the 750,000 sq ft global HQ; his firm links a David Carroll Associates SMPTE 2110 case study on that build. (https://www.sinematique.com/about)
- Public headline says "AV+IT @ Cognition | Principal @ Sinematique | ex-Citadel, Netflix, Dropbox". (https://www.linkedin.com/in/evannorbom)
- Netflix Egyptian Theatre teammates named publicly by colleague Ziad Niazi include Tony H. Hambarchian (AIA), Ally M., Ziad Niazi, Kelly Webb and Evan Norbom; Mark Vinten congratulated it as a 'MONUMENTAL accomplishment'. (https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ziad-niazi_temple-of-film-100-years-of-the-egyptian-activity-7120591655883149312-rl7l)
- Projectionist and VR/AR technical support at the Sundance Film Festival / Sundance Institute (2015-2019). (https://www.sinematique.com/about)
- Technical Director of the Carmel International Film Festival (2010-2018). (https://www.sinematique.com/about)
- 2010 graduate of CSU Monterey Bay's cinematic arts program (Teledramatic Arts and Technology), plus computer networking and system administration study at Cabrillo College; he credits CSUMB's hands-on learning and keeps in touch with Chris Carpenter of its Cinematic Arts department. (https://csumb.edu/news/news-listing/2024/q1/csumb-alumnus-helps-netflix-upgrade-iconic-los-angeles-theater-/)
- 15+ years experience in designing, installing and maintaining audio/video systems, unified communication, digital cinema engineering and projection, film festival operations, computer networking and system administration, film production, event production, VR technology and project management; this comes from the profile summary and preserves the person's own positioning. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/evannorbom)
- Earned Q-SYS Level 1 Training certification from Q-SYS/QSC in Nov 2025. (https://www.linkedin.com/posts/evannorbom_great-news-im-proud-to-announce-my-latest-activity-7399620080373968896-qzZp)
- Los Angeles Theatres blog photographs him in the Egyptian projection booth beside former Egyptian head operator Paul Rayton, one of the legacy-film experts he credited for the restoration. (https://losangelestheatres.blogspot.com/2017/02/egyptian-booth.html)
- Film credits on IMDb include production assistant on Strike One (2014) and cinematographer/DP on shorts Simple English (2010) and The Drink (2010); he also photographs as @bigsurcinema. (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4020106/)
- Earlier career: Harry McCune Sound Services project leader (2011-2014), CSU Summer Arts media specialist (2012), The Hive Studios editor/camera (2011-2012), WEEK-TV floor director (2007), WHOI-TV sports videographer (2006-2007). (https://www.linkedin.com/in/evannorbom)
- Previous roles include Senior AV System Engineer at Block; Senior AV Engineer at Citadel; Media Systems Engineer at Netflix; AV Engineer, Studio at Netflix; AV Engineer Lead at Dropbox; Video Production and Streaming Engineer at Dropbox; AV Technician at Dropbox; VR/AR Technical Support at Sundance Institute. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/evannorbom)
- Education history includes Bachelor's Degree, Teledramatic Arts and Technology, California State University, Monterey Bay; Computer Networking and System Administration, Cabrillo College. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/evannorbom)
- Listed as a Netflix Studio AV Engineer attendee at SMPTE 2020, showing engagement with the broadcast-standards community. (https://2020.smpte.org/home/attendees)
- Location is San Francisco Bay Area. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/evannorbom)

## Experience
- AV/IT Engineer at Cognition - San Francisco, California, United States (May 2026 - Present)
- Principal and Creative Director at Sinematique (Jun 2025 - Present): Sinematique LLC is a modern technology consultancy specializing in AV systems, infrastructure and services for forward-thinking creatives and organizations.  I started the company to bring together everything I’ve learned and people I’ve met over the last 15+ years working in fast-paced, high-stakes media, finance, and tech environments, and offer help to folks who want thoughtful, reliable, well-designed systems that just work.

As Principal and Creative Director, I lead the design and delivery of these connected spaces, from corporate collaboration platforms and post-production studios to smart homes and live broadcasts, with a focus on reliability, creativity, and seamless user experience.
- Senior AV System Engineer at Block - United States (Jan 2026 - May 2026)
- Senior AV Engineer at Citadel - New York, New York, United States (Jan 2024 - Jun 2025): - Lead AV design engineer and technical PM for capital and refresh projects in NYC, Miami, London, and over 20 sites globally, including our new Miami HQ

- Researched, tested and selected new hardware and software to update the firm's conference room standards package, including defining acoustic, lighting, network, and dimensional requirements in partnership with internal peer teams (workplace, site engineering, network, end user engineering) and feedback from VIPs and power users
* Reduced cost per room by up to 70%, install time by over 80%, and support tickets by over 90%, saving the firm tens of millions vs. the previous standard
* Hardware auto-generates and resolves ServiceNow tickets reducing downtime and hands-on support
* Native integration with Zoom to support more features and reduce meeting scheduling and kick-off friction

- Refreshed conference room hardware in all conference rooms globally over just six weeks (200+ rooms), partnering with a trusted AV consultant for logistical and PM support along with several regional/local AV integrators across all sites

- Primary engineer for maintaining and troubleshooting Zoom, Logitech Sync, internal IPTV system and content providers (cable, satellite, OTA)

- Designed new portable broadcast system to help support internal and external facing corporate events with integrated video routing/switching, audio mixing, studio and PTZ cameras, wireless mics/IFEs/comms, live streaming to Zoom Webinar/CDN, backhaul streaming to remote suitcases at external venues, remote interviews, mobile podcasting and more

- Onboarded and trained several new teammates globally
- Media Systems Engineer at Netflix - Los Angeles, California, United States (Mar 2023 - Jan 2024): Created member joy through supporting the content creation efforts of the company’s film and TV studio

- Designed and built studios, post-production facilities, and theatrical spaces for creation, review and exhibition of original content
- Primary project was the full architectural and technical renovation of the historic Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood (3+ years)
        ○ AV engineering and design included new Barco digital cinema projectors, refurbishing original 
        35/70mm film projectors, Dolby Atmos audio system, Meyer Sound speakers, SMPTE 2110 
        broadcast system with Ross Video routing and switching, and full theatrical lighting system
- Worked closely with stakeholders across the company to gather input on functionality to inform design efforts
- Coordinated with network, low voltage, and security engineers to ensure intended functionality
- Project management as “informed captain” of a project’s AV scope from start of design, to finish of construction and delivery to client
- Grew and maintained existing relationships, and formed new ones with design consultants and systems integrators globally
- Additional projects included screening lounges (high end home theater systems with soft seating) in LA/NYC offices and studios, edit
suites and a live streaming gaming studio (i.e., gameplay promotion on Twitch) in our LA offices, 50 room post production facility in Mumbai, and expansion of stages and post-production facilities at Albuquerque Studios
- AV Engineer, Studio at Netflix - Los Angeles, California, United States (Apr 2020 - Mar 2023)
- AV Engineer Lead at Dropbox - San Francisco, California (Feb 2019 - Apr 2020): * Lead design and engineering for corporate AV infrastructure, systems, and services globally
* Developed long term technical roadmap for video conferencing, broadcast, and event support
* Provided mentorship, training and support to team engineers and technicians for broadcast events and general AV operations and troubleshooting
* Supervised installation and commissioning of new builds and refreshes
* Reviewed technology stack and update standards as necessary
* Maintained existing and build new AV integrator relationships
* Primary AV engineer and technical advisor for buildout of our new corporate HQ in San Francisco:
    - 750,000 ft² facility with large event spaces, training, and conference rooms
    - First large scale implementation of SMPTE 2110 on west coast
    - Core infrastructure built on Lawo VSM, Grass Valley K-Frame X, and Arista networking
    - Dual master control rooms with Grass Valley Karrera and Lawo MC2 consoles
    - Zoom video conferencing with rooms standards ranging from all-in-one hardware to full custom integrations
    - Digital signage infrastructure with Crestron NVX and Brightsign
- Video Production and Streaming Engineer at Dropbox - San Francisco, CA (Feb 2016 - Feb 2019): * Provided engineering and logistical support for corporate AV systems and services globally
* Scoped and designed complex systems for event, training, and meeting room spaces
* Supervised installation and commissioning of new builds and upgrades 
* Tier II/III escalation point for troubleshooting issues
* Launched video production team to create multimedia content for internal presentations, as well as corporate communications and marketing teams
* Monitored and supported systems to provide maximum uptime for end users
* Reviewed equipment standards regularly and update as necessary
* Maintained existing and foster new audio/video integrator relationships
* Engaged with cross-functional partners to support business needs (events, facilities, real estate, trust and security, comms, design, employee resource groups)
* Built and organized system/workflow documentation
* Developed and revised internal communication/coordination best practices
* Facilitated training and support for events support and conference room operations technicians
- AV Technician at Dropbox - San Francisco, California (Feb 2015 - Feb 2016): * Provided AV support for events at Dropbox
* Setup, tested, and operated systems for weekly All Hands, guest talks, and large meetings
* Operated and maintained live streaming hardware/software for internal broadcast
* Troubleshooted issues with AV systems during events and meetings
* Tier I/II support for all AV related issues globally
* Repaired or replaced system components as necessary
* Managed equipment supply to meet growing needs
* Installed and maintained video conference equipment in meeting spaces
- VR/AR Technical Support at Sundance Institute - Park City, UT (Jan 2015 - Jan 2019): * Supported artists and festival staff to build and maintain New Frontier venue
* Provided frontline support/troubleshooting for VR/AR technology (Vive/Oculus/Gear/custom)
* Provided General AV support (projection, digital signage, sound systems)
* Taught and assisted patrons in experiences (how to wear headsets, troubleshooting)
- Technical Director at CARMEL INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL - Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA (Jan 2010 - Jan 2018): * Coordinated with the Festival Directors to prepare media format guidelines for film submissions
* Advised and selected projection, sound, and facility requirements for screenings
* Supervised installation, testing, troubleshooting, and operation of equipment at all venues
* Trained and scheduled projectionists to operate screenings

The Carmel International Film Festival screens films in five different categories: Narrative Feature, Documentary, Short, Student, and Animation. Awards are presented in all five categories, along with an award for Best Screenplay from our script competition. Additionally, CIFF offers scholarships every year for student filmmakers.
- Project Leader/Event Operations Technician at Harry McCune Sound Services - Monterey, CA (Nov 2011 - Dec 2014): * Supervised installation and operation of audio, video, and lighting equipment for live music, dinners, weddings, and corporate events in San Francisco, Monterey, and beyond
* Maintained, tested, and operated various equipment such as lighting consoles, audio mixers, studio cameras, intelligent stage lighting, video switchers and processors, staging and structural truss
* Created client deliverables through video editing, DVD authoring, media encoding, sound mixing, and graphics design/editing
* Coordinated crew requirements and concerns during installation, show, and strike
* Working knowledge of Yamaha and Soundcraft digital audio consoles, Jands and ETC lighting consoles, AV Stumpfl Wings, HD video switching and routing, signal analysis with vectorscope and waveform monitor, Final Cut Studio and Adobe Creative Suite, video/audio codecs and compression techniques, signal flow and compatibility, computer networking and troubleshooting
* Clients included Monterey Bay Aquarium, Boys and Girls Clubs of Monterey County, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey Jazz Festival, NBCUniversal, Kaiser Permanente, Tizen, Aston Martin, Bugatti, York School, University of the Pacific, Midwinter Conference of Immunologists and more
- Media Specialist at CSU Summer Arts (Jan 2012 - Jan 2012): * Mentored students with technical issues in the sound design and cinematography summer sessions
* Supervised computer lab and editing suites and provided assistance when requested
* Maintained equipment logs and secured the facilities at the end of the day
- Editor/Camera Operator at The Hive Studios (Jan 2011 - Jan 2012)
- Freelance Production at Independent Contractor - Los Angeles and Monterey (Jan 2009 - Jan 2012): Director/Editor/DP
“Vynal Nazereth” (music video, 2009)

Director of Photography
“Simple English” (short, 2010)
“It’s Got A Miss” (short, 2010)

20+ credits in Camera Operator, Sound Designer, Gaffer, Electrician, PA roles
- Lead Media Technician at California State University, Monterey Bay - Seaside, CA (Jan 2008 - Jan 2010)
- Floor Director at WEEK-TV - Peoria, Illinois Area (Jan 2007 - Jan 2007)
- Sports Videographer at WHOI-TV - Peoria, Illinois Area (Jan 2006 - Jan 2007)

## Education
- California State University, Monterey Bay - Bachelor's Degree, Teledramatic Arts and Technology
- Cabrillo College - Computer Networking and System Administration

## Sources
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/evannorbom
- https://csumb.edu/news/news-listing/2024/q1/csumb-alumnus-helps-netflix-upgrade-iconic-los-angeles-theater-/
- https://www.sinematique.com/about
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/evannorbom?miniProfileUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afsd_profile%3AACoAABSaR08BOzg6YSEeescy5ZEdtvZ1T782whU
- https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4020106/
- https://www.linkedin.com/posts/evannorbom_this-week-marks-the-beginning-of-a-new-era-activity-7128281985705246720-YJRX
- https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ziad-niazi_temple-of-film-100-years-of-the-egyptian-activity-7120591655883149312-rl7l
- https://losangelestheatres.blogspot.com/2017/02/egyptian-booth.html
- https://2019.smpte.org/home/attendees?code=BCPC10%3Fi%3D%3Fi%3D%3Fi%3D&page=16&per-page=40
- https://about.me/evannorbom
- https://www.linkedin.com/posts/evannorbom_im-happy-to-share-that-im-starting-a-new-activity-7465629834573012992-P-jh
- https://www.linkedin.com/posts/evannorbom_extending-our-impact-activity-7422409126351265792-Atie
- https://www.linkedin.com/posts/evannorbom_great-news-im-proud-to-announce-my-latest-activity-7399620080373968896-qzZp
- https://2020.smpte.org/home/attendees


Researched with Autumn (https://www.autumn.ai) from public sources. Updated 2026-11-04. Profile: https://www.autumn.ai/resources/cognition/people/evan-norbom · Everyone at Cognition: https://www.autumn.ai/resources/cognition/people