Production Design Engineer

Job Summary / Essential Functions

The Production Design Engineer works closely with clients and internal departments to create original designs for events, shows, and installations based on client specifications, restrictions, and budget constraints. They visualize those designs for presentation, feedback, and sign-off from clients. They prepare shop drawings from designs, including from external designers, to enable fabrication staff to work as efficiently as possible, using the tools and staff available. They design, model, and annotate scenic pieces, trade show booths, and structures for traditional theatre, special events, and commercial/experiential installations such as escape rooms, haunted houses, theme parks, etc.

Projects include long term installations that the general public interacts directly with, in addition to more transitory projects such as traditional theatre and events. The Production Design Engineer also creates well executed technical drawings to support the work of riggers, installers, and A/V professionals working in the field. They create external marketing materials per relevant department specifications and they fabricate and implement designs on site when necessary. They may attend sales meetings, site visits, planning meetings, and post-mortems as needed to understand design needs. The Production Design Engineer also does website work in conjunction with the IT department and creates materials for same. They may conduct research and develop prototypes to meet client needs or expand the offerings of the company.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of drafting experience
• 3+ years of scenic, stage building, custom fabrication, or trade show experience
• Working knowledge of build materials and techniques to execute builds/designs with structural stability, safety, and on-site execution in mind
• Be familiar with, or the ability to develop a familiarity with, theatrical construction techniques and live event production equipment
• Experience designing with various mediums: wood, metal, plastics, fabrics, etc.
• Demonstrated experience working with creative personnel and communicating effectively with diverse personalities
• Demonstrated strong leadership, collaborative, organizational, and communication skills and the ability to supervise teams of employees
• Extensive knowledge of theatrical construction techniques, carpentry, welding, and theatrical rigging
• A working knowledge of principles and practices of theatre/event staging in one or more of the following areas: prop design and construction, stage set design, rigging, stage lighting, video and projections, scenic painting, vinyl installation, sound engineering, operation/use of stage equipment or other related production/event functions
• Formal, informal, and cross-disciplinary experiences will be considered
• Must have extensive experience with 2-D drafting, 3-D preferred
• Knowledge of stage effects and pneumatics/hydraulics is a plus
• Experience administering budgets
• Valid Driver’s License with acceptable driving record and reliable transportation required