Theater and Performance Lighting - Team Lead

Theater & Performance Lighting - Team Lead  position with New Era Technology offers you the following:

• Full Benefits
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401K match
• 29 PTO Days including company holidays

The Theater & Performance Lighting Team Lead is responsible for managing, mentoring, and growing the lighting team, overseeing technical execution, and serving as the primary liaison for vendor and subcontractor relationships. This role builds upon the Lighting Field Engineer position, adding leadership, strategic, and business development responsibilities.

Ideal candidate would reside in the Columbus, OH or Indianapolis, IN area so that they are able to travel to client job sites within these areas as needed.  Overnight travel is expected to be less than 10%. 

PRIMARY DUTIES: 

Team Leadership & Development

• Manage, instruct, and support the lighting team, fostering professional growth and technical excellence.
• Identify training needs, develop training procedures, and facilitate certification programs (e.g., ETC Authorized Service Provider).
• Coach and mentor field engineers and technicians, both on-site and remotely.

Technical Oversight

• Oversee field engineering, quality control, and commissioning of lighting systems.
• Review system, floorplan, and shop drawings; approve design changes as needed.
• Provide technical guidance and support to project managers, sales, and operations teams.Ensure compliance with industry standards (DMX, SACN, rigging, electrical theory, etc.).

Project & Client Engagement

• Assist sales teams with site surveys, product demonstrations, and pre-sales engineering.
• Lead technical presentations.
• Develop comprehensive proposals, quotes, and submittal packages for lighting projects.
• Attend design, coordination, and turnover meetings with project managers and clients.

Vendor & Subcontractor Management

• Identify, establish, and maintain relationships with trusted vendors, dealers, and subcontractors (lighting, rigging, electrical).
• Collaborate with procurement and engineering teams to ensure quality and reliability of partners.

Service & Support

• Perform service calls and repairs as needed; act as technical backstop for the team.
• Respond to technical questions and business concerns from internal and external stakeholders.

Strategic & Advisory Functions

• Advise on team structure, resource allocation, and process improvements.
• Support business development and subject matter expertise for lighting solutions.
• Contribute to organizational strategy, especially during transitions and restructuring.

COMPETENCY: 

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong understanding of lighting system functionality, design principles, and event/theatrical lighting.
• Proficiency in IP networking, DMX/SACN protocols, Vectorworks, Bluebeam, and MS Office.
• Proven problem-solving and leadership abilities.
• Experience in drafting, design, and estimating lighting systems.

 REQUIRED EXPERIENCE / EDUCATION:

• 5–7 years of field experience installing, programming, and troubleshooting professional lighting systems.
• Prior experience in team leadership or management preferred.
• Degree in Theatre Design, Technology, Engineering, or related field preferred.
• ETC Authorized Service Provider Certification required (or ability to obtain).
• Familiarity with bid documentation, AutoCAD, Vectorworks, Bluebeam, and vendor management a plus.

 PHYSICAL DEMAND:

• Field/Office hybrid role; 40 hours/week with irregular travel for jobsites, conferences, and training.
• Must be comfortable with both hands-on technical work and strategic leadership.
• Expected to fill in for field engineers or technicians when needed, especially during peak periods or absences.

EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK: This is a full-time position, working 40 hours a week with overtime as needed.

SALARY: $80,000.00 - $90,000 based on experience

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