Crew Chief

JOB SUMMARY

The Crew Chief / L1 Lighting Technician is responsible for the safe and professional preparation, leadership, assembly, operation, and maintenance of Bandit Lites’ equipment during tours and events. This role requires the technician to travel with the act, lead lighting crews and departments on-site, set up and deconstruct lighting systems, ensure proper operation of all lighting equipment, and assist with warehouse work and prep when not on the road.

This position is expected to drive execution, maintain the highest standards of quality and safety, and ensure that all lighting systems and personnel operate efficiently and according to specifications and company standards. The Crew Chief / L1 plays a critical role in troubleshooting technical issues, managing personnel, maintaining project organization, and ensuring successful show execution from load-in through load-out.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AND REQUIREMENTS

• Understands, abides by, and actively enforces the philosophy, policies, and procedures of Bandit Lites, setting the standard for all crew members to follow.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of Bandit Lites’ touring equipment, including lights, rigging, control systems, and related accessories, while serving as the subject matter expert on-site.
• Read, interpret, and execute drawings, build specifications, and equipment lists for proper setup and teardown of lighting systems, while directing crews to execute builds accurately and efficiently.
• Troubleshoot technical aspects of equipment and systems, including performing repairs and ensuring smooth operation during events and tours, often under tight timelines and high-pressure conditions.
• Assist with equipment preparation, testing, and packing before and after transport to and from events, ensuring all gear is handled and stored properly, while verifying readiness for deployment.
• Maintain accurate inventory of all lighting equipment throughout the project, tracking assignments and ensuring that equipment is accounted for to avoid unnecessary costs, damages, or losses.
• Assist other departments, such as Technical Services and Integration, to ensure the accurate configuration, delivery, and operation of lighting systems, while facilitating cross-departmental communication and coordination.
• Ensure the safe and efficient setup and teardown of lighting systems at events and tours, adhering to all safety guidelines and company standards, and taking full ownership of on-site safety compliance.
• Serve as the primary on-site representative for the lighting department, reporting to the Project Manager and/or Client Representative for project updates and to ensure all expectations are met or exceeded.
• When not on tour, assist in warehouse prep for upcoming shows, including equipment maintenance, inventory control, and deprep, while supporting continuous improvement of prep processes and standards.

Requirements and Expectations

• Proven experience managing touring crews and local labor, ensuring efficient workflow, accountability, and high-quality execution.
• Deep knowledge of touring lighting equipment, including moving lights (e.g., Vari-Lite, Robe, Clay Paky), static lights, LEDs, follow spots, and other specialized concert lighting gear. Familiarity with industry-standard control systems (e.g., MA Lighting, Avolites, ETC).
• Proven experience diagnosing and troubleshooting technical issues with complex lighting systems, including control systems, power distribution, DMX wiring, and fixtures, under high-pressure live event conditions, with minimal supervision.
• Thorough understanding of rigging equipment, including truss systems, hoists, cables, and safety systems. Able to comply with safety standards when working with lighting rigs and high-voltage equipment at heights, and ensure others do the same.
• Advanced ability to read and interpret CAD drawings, lighting plots, rigging plans, and build specifications for concert and event lighting setups, and translate those plans into actionable direction for crews.
• Basic understanding of programming and operating lighting consoles, including patching, programming cues, and adjusting settings during shows and rehearsals, with the ability to interface effectively with designers and programmers.
• Strong understanding of electrical distribution and power requirements for large-scale lighting setups. Knowledge of electrical circuits, power distribution systems, and the ability to perform basic electrical troubleshooting.
• Skilled in safely rigging and de-rigging lights and rigging gear, packing, and preparing gear for transport. Knowledge of best practices for loading and unloading lighting equipment from trucks, ensuring no damage and following all safety protocols.
• Experience in setting up and tearing down lighting systems at live events, working closely with other departments (sound, video, staging), and following strict timelines to ensure that shows start on time.
• Must be able to climb and lift within regulations and standards, including working with heights and heavy equipment.
• Basic tool knowledge, including the use of crescent wrenches, screwdrivers, allen keys, and other necessary tools for setup, maintenance, and teardown of lighting systems.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience: 5+ years of lighting technician experience, with demonstrated experience in a Crew Chief, Lead Technician, or L1 role on tours or large-scale productions