Job Description

Position Title: Senior Theatre Consultant

Company Overview:

At Salas O'Brien, we're dedicated to engineering for impact. Our mission to make a difference is at the core of everything we do, from our projects to our team culture. We strive to embody values of inspiration, achievement, and connection, fostering collective ownership and a sustainable future.

Established in 1975, Salas O'Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on creating impact for our clients, team members, and the world. We know that today’s challenges bring tomorrow’s opportunities, and we’re here to design innovative, lasting solutions.

We specialize in creating environments where people connect, perform, and thrive. Our team consults on projects ranging from performing arts centers and universities to corporate campuses, cultural venues, and entertainment destinations. By integrating technology, acoustics, lighting and theatre systems, we help clients deliver experiences that inspire and engage.

Responsibilities:

As a Senior Theatrical Consultant, you will lead design on a variety of performing arts, entertainment, education, faith-based, community projects and other venues where people gather. This position involves leading design, documentation and coordination of the theatre systems and project management on some of the projects. Awareness and the ability to speak into theatre adjacent technologies (acoustics, audio, video, telecom, security) is highly desirable. Specific responsibilities include:

• Lead project teams and technical design efforts.
• Serve as the primary client contact for theatre planning and stage technology systems.
• Manage project scope, budgets, and schedules.
• Mentor junior consultants and designers.
• Support business development, proposals, and presentations.
• Participate in project interviews and client workshops.
• Design theatrical lighting and rigging systems in accordance with project scope and client requirements. Develop light plots, system layouts, reports, and detailed drawings.
• Lead planning studies for seating, sightlines, backstage circulation, and other technical space layouts.
• Coordinate system requirements with electrical and structural engineers.
• Conduct site surveys and document existing theatrical lighting and rigging systems.
• Provide construction administration support, including site surveys, review of submittals and RFIs.

Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Theatre, Architecture, or a related field and a minimum of 8 years of experience in venue work.
• Knowledge of theatrical lighting and rigging system design.
• Strong work ethic and collaborative mindset.
• Clear communication skills with strong organization and time-management abilities.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within a team environment, including managing project teams.
• Proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD.
• Familiarity with applicable codes, standards, and design guidelines.

Preferred

• ETCP or similar certification (or interest in pursuing certification) a plus.
• Membership in ASTC
• Visualization software (Twinmotion, Enscape, Vectorworks)
• Experience with lighting control platforms
• Experience with rigging controls platforms

Employment Details:

• Duration: Full Time
• Hours: 40 hours per week
• Location: San Diego CA
• Work Model: Hybrid 3:2 (in office : remote).
• Travel: Limited, approx10%
• Compensation: $125,000 - $145,000

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement:

Salas O'Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Salas O'Brien will accommodate disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.

Education:

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Theatre, Architecture, or a related field, or a minimum of 10 years of experience in performing arts or entertainment venues.