Manager, Entertainment Technical

About the Role

The Technical Manager – Entertainment Technical is responsible for the planning, management, execution, and delivery of technical entertainment projects, live shows, special events, seasonal offerings, and other assigned initiatives at Universal Studios Hollywood.

This role serves as the technical lead and primary point of coordination between Entertainment, Technical Services, Creative, Operations, Safety, vendors, contractors, and regulatory agencies. Provides technical leadership throughout the project lifecycle — design development, fabrication, installation, commissioning, operational readiness, and lifecycle support.

Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Execution

• Lead the planning, development, and execution of entertainment projects, special events, live shows, atmosphere offerings, and seasonal activations
• Develop and implement project execution strategies achieving creative, operational, financial, and schedule objectives
• Direct and manage all technical aspects of assigned projects from concept development through operational turnover
• Identify risks, develop mitigation strategies, and drive resolution of issues impacting scope, budget, schedule, quality, or compliance
• Provide technical leadership across show systems, scenic systems, electrical systems, and audio/video technologies
• Lead technical reviews of design packages, fabrication documents, specifications, engineering submittals, and vendor deliverables
• Develop and maintain technical schedules, staffing plans, resource requirements, and project execution strategies
• Communicate project status, risks, milestones, and mitigation plans to leadership and stakeholders

Safety, Compliance, Permitting & Regulatory Coordination

• Serve as primary liaison with regulatory and compliance agencies (Building & Safety, Fire Department, and other AHJs)
• Lead permitting, plan reviews, inspections, approvals, documentation, and project closeout requirements
• Ensure all work complies with applicable codes, regulatory requirements, internal standards, and jurisdictional requirements
• Promote a strong safety culture throughout planning, fabrication, installation, and operational phases

Stakeholder Integration, Vendor & Field Oversight

• Act as the primary technical representative for internal and external partners
• Facilitate cross-functional alignment to support efficient decision-making and successful project delivery
• Manage technical coordination with vendors, fabricators, consultants, contractors, and specialty service providers
• Provide field leadership during fabrication, installation, testing, commissioning, and operational readiness activities

Operational Transition & Support

• Lead technical turnover activities and support transition from project execution to operations and maintenance teams
• Ensure project documentation, training materials, maintenance requirements, and operational support resources are complete and properly transferred

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Production, Entertainment Technology, Construction Management, Project Management, or related field; or equivalent education and experience
• Minimum 7 years of experience in special events, theatrical production, themed entertainment, live shows, or related technical production environments
• Minimum 3 years of leadership experience managing projects, technical teams, or production activities
• Strong technical knowledge of entertainment systems, scenic systems, electrical systems, show systems, and audio/video technologies
• Experience interpreting construction documents, engineering packages, technical specifications, and fabrication drawings
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CAD software
• Experience working within union environments preferred

Pay & Benefits

• Salary: $80,000 – $110,000/yr (bonus eligible)
• Company sponsored benefits: medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and various other perks