Technical Designer

Overview

PRG is the world’s leading technology provider within the entertainment and events industry. Our mission is to bring together the power of our people with our production and rental expertise to deliver unforgettable events.

PRG has the largest inventory of production equipment for hire and offers a complete 360-degree range of services to clients within the live events industry. These include music touring and festivals, TV & Film, Theatre, Sports and E-sports and Corporate live events. Our clients and partners rely on PRG’s innovation, experience and in-depth expertise in video, lighting, rigging, staging, virtual productions, and set & automation systems to bring their creative visions to life. With 38 offices located in North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia, PRG offers the ability to provide services worldwide by collaborating with our local partners.

Responsibilities

The Technical Designer is responsible for the design, management, and development of designs
from concept to completion.

PURPOSE

Designs and develops components for entertainment scenery and machinery design projects under direct supervision. To conceive elegant and profitable design solutions that enhances the artistic as well as functional goals of each project.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Define the specific performance and artistic requirements for each effect.
• Provide concept designs and layouts.
• Investigate all safety and reliability concerns.
• Complete client’s unresolved aesthetic design issues.
• Provide a reasonable balance between the client’s creative needs and the company’s profitability.
• Generate accurate bills of materials and highlight long lead items that could delay fabrication.
• Generate Statement of Probable Cost.
• Interface with production departments to ensure all design and quality goals are met.
• Support and cross train Engineers and Draftsmen in theater design and technology disciplines.
• Provide weekly project updates to design lead/ team.
• Assist development of standardized solutions.

Pre-Production Phase

• Determine design assumptions and life safety issues
• Interface with client/ project manager to finalize aesthetic details and performance intent.
• Participate in Site Surveys to understand space limits/ abilities as needed.

Preliminary Design Phase

• Layout effect geometry
• Complete preliminary engineering calculations and analysis
• Confirm effect actuation types and power requirements
• Select major mechanical/structural components and materials
• Complete any aesthetic and performance details left unresolved by the client
• Layout effect packaging
• Layout interface of mechanical/structural components with aesthetic elements
• Prepare preliminary facility impacts and/or concept design submittals as required
• Ensure design meets life safety standards
• Ensure design meets owner contractual requirements
• Propose fabrication techniques and subcontractors as needed
• Continue to identify changes to scope of work for additional client sales
• Continue to identify shortfalls in bid submission that lead to budget and/or schedule overruns
  
  Detailed Design Phase
• Complete final facility impact submission
• Complete site coordination plan and finalize installation strategy with installation director
• Finalize effect geometry and packaging
• Research reusable inventory components
• Complete final engineering calculations and analysis
• Complete final bills of materials and initiate procurement
• Confirm design continues to meet safety, contractual, and code/regulatory requirements
• Create fabrication detail and assembly drawings
• Continue to identify changes to scope of work for additional client sales
• Create final design submittal documentation for approval

Fabrication Phase

• Interface with production departments to guarantee products are fabricated as designed
• Ensure that safety and quality goals are being met in fabrication
• Troubleshoot any difficulties resulting from client, design, or fabrication oversights
• Support installation and site coordination issues as needed

Shipping & Installation Phase

• Continue to support installation and site coordination issues as needed

Qualifications

• Entertainment scenery/machinery design and/or fabrication experience.
• Mechanical, structural, and/or fluid power design experience.
• AutoCAD 2D computer aided drafting experience. 3D experience a plus
• Computer literacy with Windows, Excel, Word
• Bachelors degree in technical theater or engineering
• 3-5 years industry experience.
• Good oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Must be self-motivated able to self-manage time.
• Ability to work with remote co-workers consistently.