Job Title: Lighting Department Manager / Lighting Engineer / Master Electrician
Location: Kapolei, Hawaii (Oahu)
Reports to: Senior Operations Manager
Values: At AVS, we are driven by shared values that guide our actions and shape our culture:
We embody the spirit of Aloha by ensuring that our daily interactions, and services consistently reflect genuine respect, care and concern for our team members and clients.
- Kuleana & Safety We take responsibilityby upholding honesty, integrity, and transparency, and being accountable for our actions and their outcomes. We prioritize a safe workplace by making safety a daily practice and priority
Ohana & Collaboration
We cultivate an Ohana mindset, fostering a sense of family among team members and supporting one another. By working cohesively across departments and respecting diverse perspectives, we set the foundation for shared success.
We show Mahalo (gratitude) to each other and our clients by expressing gratitude daily and celebrating successes.
- Imua & Continuous Improvement
We embrace Imua (forward movement) by actively seeking opportunities to innovate, refine processes, and explore new technologies to serve our clients and team members better.
We strive to understand and fulfill the needs of both internal and external clients, ensuring a positive experience at every touchpoint.
It will be your kuleana to embrace, exemplify and champion these values.
Position Overview:
The Lighting Department Manager / Master Electrician is responsible for the creative design, technical planning, and safe installation of all lighting elements for events and productions. This role includes overseeing the electrical systems and ensuring compliance with safety standards. The individual will collaborate with project managers, production teams, and technical staff to achieve high-quality results and execute lighting designs in line with the event's vision and AVS standards.
Key Responsibilities:
Team Leadership & Management:
- Lead and manage the lighting department, ensuring that staff are trained and capable of executing both warehouse (pull, qc and repair) and show operations.
- Schedule and oversee team activities, conducting regular meetings to align on workflows, execution, and operational goals.
- Provide leadership and mentorship to promote team growth and excellence.
Design and Production:
- Develop and execute creative lighting designs tailored to meet client needs for events such as corporate meetings, concerts, and special events.
- Utilize industry-standard software (e.g., Vectorworks, Lightwright, or MA3D) to design lighting plots and documentation.
- Program, operate, and troubleshoot lighting consoles, such as grandMA2, High End Systems Full Boar 4, or ETC consoles.
- Specify and recommend appropriate lighting equipment, effects, and layouts for each event.
- Collaborate with other departments to integrate lighting with audio, video, and staging elements for seamless productions.
Technical Execution and Operations:
- Manage the setup, focus, and strike of lighting equipment, ensuring all fixtures and control systems function properly.
- Supervise lighting technicians during load-ins, rehearsals, and events, delegating tasks efficiently.
- Maintain and repair lighting equipment, including intelligent fixtures, dimming systems, and control consoles.
- Inspect and test all electrical equipment to ensure it meets safety standards and local codes.
- Serve as the primary operator or programmer during events, when required.
Electrical and Safety Oversight:
- Manage electrical distribution for events, ensuring that proper power requirements are met without overloading circuits.
- Maintain adherence to NEC (National Electrical Code) and OSHA safety standards.
- Ensure all cables and electrical connections are safely routed and secured.
- Provide guidance on power requirements, load balancing, and troubleshooting electrical issues during events.
Inventory Management:
- Oversee the lighting inventory, including tracking usage, conducting routine maintenance, and managing repairs.
- Coordinate with vendors for rentals, repairs, or new equipment procurement.
- Maintain accurate inventory documentation and assist with quality control processes in the warehouse.
Budget & Procurement:
- Manage the lighting department's budget, making recommendations for new equipment investments to maintain cutting-edge technology.
- Research, recommend, and assist in the procurement of new lighting equipment to enhance AVS's inventory.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with lighting equipment suppliers to negotiate favorable pricing and ensure timely delivery of equipment.
- Monitor and manage spending, ensuring the department stays within budget while maintaining quality standards
Training and Leadership:
- Provide mentorship and technical training to junior technicians and freelancers.
- Foster a team-oriented working environment and promote AVS's values of Aloha in interactions with staff and clients.
Team & Client Collaboration:
- Collaborate with the Technical Director, Project Managers, Sales Managers and other AVS departments to meet client expectations and deliver high-quality lighting solutions.
- Communicate effectively with clients, performers, and event teams to ensure professional and seamless lighting execution.
- Provide technical support and guidance to AVS technicians and work collaboratively with the video and audio departments for integrated event production.
Compliance & Risk Management:
- Ensure all lighting operations adhere to industry standards, safety regulations, and AVS policies.
- Conduct risk assessments related to lighting equipment and operations, implementing preventive measures to minimize hazards.
- Ensure proper handling, storage, and transport of equipment, and maintain clean, organized, and safe work environments, including the warehouse and event sites.
- Stay informed of emerging safety standards and update procedures accordingly.
Fill Technical Roles
- Lighting Designer – Designs the show’s lighting concept and creates cueing, looks, and programming that align with the client’s vision, venue requirements, and production schedule.
- Lighting Systems Technician – Builds, configures, and troubleshoots the lighting control and distribution system (networking, DMX/ACN, consoles, nodes, dimming, and data pathways) to ensure stable performance throughout the event.
- Master Electrician – Leads the electrical planning and execution for the lighting department, including power calculations, tie-ins (as permitted), distro layout, and code-compliant practices to safely deliver reliable power for the production.
- Lighting Technician – Installs, focuses, maintains, and operates lighting fixtures and rigging hardware according to the plot and paperwork, ensuring safe setup, clean cable management, and consistent show quality.
Qualifications and Skills:
- Bachelor’s degree in Lighting Design, Theatre Arts, or a related field (preferred).
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in lighting design and as a master electrician, preferably in a fast-paced live event environment.
- Proficiency in programming and operating lighting consoles such as grandMA, Hog 4, or ETC platforms.
- Strong knowledge of intelligent lighting fixtures (e.g., Martin MAC Viper, ROBE Pointe, Clay Paky B-EYE K20).
- Understanding of electrical systems, including DMX, RDM protocols, and power distribution.
- Familiarity with NEC, OSHA regulations, and other relevant safety standards.
- Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
- Ability to work under pressure, adapt to changing priorities, and meet deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift 50 lbs, climb ladders, and work at heights safely.
- Must be able to work long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, based on event schedules.
- Comfortable with traveling between AVS locations and event sites as needed.
Preferred Experience:
- Experience working with AVS’s lighting inventory, including Martin, Ayrton, Chauvet, ROBE, and Clay Paky fixtures.
- Familiarity with outdoor and décor lighting solutions such as market lights and up-lights.
- Previous experience collaborating across audio and video departments in live events.
Travel Requirements:
- Flexibility to travel to various event locations and warehouse sites to support production nationwide.
- Up to 50% travel is required.
Benefits:
- 401(k) & 401(k) Matching
- Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA) & Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Paid Time Off & Holiday Benefits
- Retirement Plan
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Please advise your salary requirements.
- Are you able to pass a pre-employment drug test and background check?
Experience:
- Lighting design: 5 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
