Associate Head Audio Engineer - Reynolds

Job Title: Associate Head Audio Engineer - Reynolds

Department: Theatre Operations

Reports to: Technical Director

Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Hourly Rate: $43.96

Date: February 6, 2025

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities

The Associate Head Audio Engineer -Reynolds is responsible for the execution of all aspects of audio engineering, sound design, system maintenance, and equipment inventory management across The Smith Center's performing venues-including Reynolds Hall, Myron's, Troesh Theatre, and Symphony Park. This role ensures the seamless delivery of live and recorded audio production, integrating advanced mixing, signal processing, and acoustic enhancement techniques to support a diverse range of performances and events. Responsibilities include the administration and operational management of technical audio equipment, encompassing installation, calibration, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance to uphold industry standards. The Associate Head Audio Engineer leads staff training on equipment usage, sound reinforcement, and safety protocols while ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations for personnel and technical operations. Additionally, this role collaborates on scheduling and resource allocation to optimize workflow efficiency and production quality. The position also contributes to budget planning, overseeing departmental operating and capital expenditure needs to maintain and enhance audio systems and technical operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with clients and touring productions to assess and advance technical audio requirements for each performance and event.
• Determine necessary equipment, identifying stock inventory or sourcing sub-rentals as needed.
• Provide detailed cost estimates for required audio equipment, submitting for Technical Director approval to facilitate procurement and advance payment.
• Partner with the Technical Director to plan labor needs based on event specifications and touring production requirements.
• Communicate key production details to staff through regular production meetings, ensuring seamless execution of upcoming events.
• Work closely with touring audio and production teams to integrate and interface with The Smith Center's audio, control, electrical, and rigging systems, including console connectivity, company switch termination, and power distribution.
• Serve as an audio engineer when required, handling programming, mixing, and live sound execution.
• Develop and maintain up-to-date audio schematics for Reynolds Hall, Myron's, and Troesh Theatre venues.
• Maintain accurate inventory of all perishable and essential audio equipment ensuring readiness and availability.
• Establish and maintain accurate records of all audio and control circuits within all TSC venues.
• Track and perform routine maintenance on all audio equipment, including consoles, amplifiers, processors, speakers, microphones, cabling, low-impedance drop boxes, snakes, and power distribution systems.
• Troubleshoot and facilitate repairs for audio equipment, coordinating external servicing when necessary.
• Maintain oversight of all equipment sent out for repair, ensuring timely tracking and return.
• Provide training and technical guidance to in-house staff and subcontracted technicians, enhancing their knowledge of The Smith Center's audio systems and operational protocols.
• Perform other duties as assigned, aligned with the scope of the position.

Required Education, and Experience

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Trade school certification or formal education in audio engineering, sound design, or related technical fields is highly preferred.
• Minimum 7 years of professional experience as an Audio Engineer or Sound Designer in a theatrical or live performance setting. Experience must include expertise in at least two or more of the following:

• Broadway or large-scale theatrical productions.
• Modern dance or ballet performances
• Live music performances across various genres
• Symphony, philharmonic, or orchestral performances
• Television / Motion Picture

• Expert-level working knowledge of digital audio control, signal routing and amplification systems, with hands-on experience in:
• Yamaha PM series, DiGiCo, Meyer Sound, Optocore, Lyntech, Symetrix, and Lab Gruppen systems
• Advanced knowledge and experience in audio console programming and operation, including:

• Optocore networking and fiber-optic audio systems
• Avid VENU/Digi Design live sound consoles
• DiGiCo digital mixing consoles
• Yamaha digital audio consoles
• Meyer Sound Galaxy processing and tuning systems
• Shure Axient and standard UHF wireless systems
• R.F. coordinating and frequency management
• Clear-Com wireless and hardwired communication systems
• Listen Technologies assistive listening devices
• Qlab programming and show control for playback and automation

• Knowledge of industry-standard safety protocols, including OSHA regulations and best practices in rigging, electrical safety, and RF management.
• Experience with leading and training staff and subcontracted technicians on advanced audio system operation and maintenance.

Required Skills & Qualifications

These specifications are general guidelines based on the minimum experience normally considered essential to the satisfactory performance of this job. Individual abilities may result in some deviation from these guidelines. To perform effectively in this position, the incumbent must have:

• Advanced knowledge of technical theater performance operations and stage productions as it relates to corresponding procedures, principles, and practices.
• Extensive experience in live sound reinforcement, digital and analog audio systems, signal flow, and sound design for theatrical and live performance environments.
• Expert-level knowledge in both high-and-low-impedance systems, voltage-amperage principles, and power distribution.
• Proficiency in utilizing a variety of audio analysis tools and measurement systems while possessing the ability to assess sound quality, balance, and clarity through critical physical listening abilities without sole reliance on diagnostic equipment.
• Working knowledge of Fire Life Safety, NAFP, OSHA, Occupancy, and other code enforcement agencies.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate and present information and ideas clearly (both oral and written).
• Highly organized and superior attention to detail while coordinating and performing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to establish priorities, work independently, and execute objectives with minimal supervision.
• Sound problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to cultivate and maintain productive working relationships with organization staff, community partners, vendors, and related show personnel.
• Availability to work varied shifts and extended hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as determined by production schedules and events.

Computer Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Expertise in digital audio workstation (DAW) software such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, or Reaper for sound editing, playback, and production.
• Advanced knowledge and use of AutoCAD (or similar program) and Vectorworks applications.
• Competency in system tuning and measurement tools such as Smaart, SpectraFoo, and WaveCapture for audio analysis and calibration.
• Experience working with Momentus Elite (VenueOps) or Event Booking calendar program.
• Ability and willingness to learn and adapt to new and existing venue-specific control systems and proprietary software for audio, rigging, and performance operations.

Other Skills and Abilities

• Possesses comprehensive technical expertise and strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities in high-pressure live production environments.
• Ability to diagnose and repair audio equipment, perform routine maintenance, and coordinate external repairs when necessary.
• Demonstrated ability in creating and maintaining system schematics, control circuit diagrams, and audio equipment inventories.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and team-oriented production environment.
• Ability to interact with a range of styles and behaviors both internally and externally of the organization.
• Willingness to accept and embrace challenges at every level.
• Ability to exercise discretion and uphold confidentiality when managing sensitive information and handling confidential matters.

Physical Job Requirements

• This position will require sitting, standing, bending, and walking for extended periods, as well as using fine motor skills, such as finger dexterity for typing.
• Dexterity and hand-eye coordination to operate complex audio consoles, patch bays, and fine adjustments on technical equipment.
• Possess physical vision acuity and hearing precision necessary for identifying sound quality, troubleshooting audio issues, and monitoring live performances.
• Ability to regularly lift, move, carry, push, and pull 75lbs or more.
• Ability to regularly reach, bend, twist, stoop, stack, crouch, kneel, and balance when performing job duties in varying work areas.
• Ability to work in dimly lit environments, confined spaces, and areas with high ambient noise levels.
• Ability to physically stand, walk, and climb stairs on a consistent basis.
• Ability to work at heights, including climbing ladders, scaffolding, and operating aerial lifts, while adhering to safety standards.
• Ability to withstand inclement weather and temperature conditions.

Certificates, Licenses, Registration

• Possess a valid driver's license.
• Must possess, or be willing to obtain, an OSHA 30 Certification, demonstrating familiarity with OSHA safety standards and compliance requirements.
• Must be able to meet and continue to meet any applicable Theatrical regulation as mandated by OSHA, ESTA & USITT.

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be constructed as an exhaustive list of all the responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

Pay Transparency

To encourage pay transparency, promote pay equity, and proactively address regulations, The Smith Center for the Performing Arts will comply with all applicable state laws or regulations that require employers to provide wage or salary range information to job applicants and employees. The hourly rate for this full-time and non-exempt position is $43.96 plus benefits, including insurance plans as applicable.

With a career at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, you really benefit! We offer:

• Creative and collaborative work culture
• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Employee Assistance Program- including counseling, wellness programs, and financial support services.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) & Health Savings Account (HSA) options to help you save on eligible medical expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Generous Paid Time Off Plan
• Paid Holidays and Personal Holiday Time
• 401(k) retirement savings plan eligibility on your start date with employer match
• Employer-paid disability insurance coverage
• Supplemental benefits are offered such as accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity coverage, pet insurance, and employee-only discounts.
• Safe and paid parking on-site
• Training and career growth opportunities
• Exclusive early access, employee discounts, and complimentary tickets to world-class performances and events.
• Discounts on Starbucks products and merchandise

Limitations and Acknowledgment

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that reasonable accommodations be made for qualified individuals to help perform the required duties and tasks of the position. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts (TSC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that complies with the laws and regulations set forth under EEOC.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Mission Statement

At The Smith Center for the Performing Arts (TSC) diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of who we are. Our commitment to these values is unwavering. They are central to our mission and to our impact on the community. We know that having varied perspectives helps generate better ideas to solve the complex problems of a changing-and increasingly diverse-world. We believe that a variety of opinions, approaches, perspectives, and talents are the cornerstones of a strong and flexible organization.

TSC strives to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion for all.