Account Manager, Drone Show Production

Image Engineering•Glen Burnie, MD

11d

About The Position

Image Engineering was founded as a company that pushes boundaries, develops new ideas through design and fabrication, and is a leader in the visual display and special effects industry. We are comprised of a team of artists, engineers, event producers, fabricators and creative thinkers. We have worked all over the United States completing thousands of projects in the field of creative multimedia shows for clients such as Paul McCartney, the Trans–Siberian Orchestra, the Rolling Stones, Lady Gaga, American Idol, America’s Got Talent and multiple professional sports franchises in the NFL, NBA, and NHL. We have also created permanent and temporary interactive installations for world–class venues including the Staples Center and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Our strength lies in the broad range of techniques and custom special effects solutions we use to create first class spectaculars including laser effects, video projection and mapping, pyrotechnics, architectural lighting installs, custom constructed sets and bespoke engineered special effect solutions for live events and permanent applications. Role Summary: The Account Manager for Drone Show Production develops and maintains strong client relationships, leads engagements from initial concept through contract execution, and ensures the safe, compliant, and exceptional delivery of drone light shows aligned with each client’s objectives. This role serves as both client strategist and project lead, balancing business development, creative coordination, operational planning, regulatory compliance, and on-site execution excellence.

Requirements

3–5 years of account management experience in live events, entertainment, sports production, or related technology services.
Proven success acquiring new clients and growing existing accounts.
Demonstrated ability to lead end-to-end project execution in fast-paced, event-driven environments.
Working knowledge of drone light show production (or willingness to learn quickly), including show-day workflows, safety protocols, and client-facing coordination.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe Acrobat, DocuSign, and CRM/project tools.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with experience interfacing across creative, operations, and executive stakeholders.
Ability and willingness to travel for client meetings, site surveys, and show support.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting drone light shows, UAV operations, live production, touring events, or large-scale outdoor activations.
Familiarity with drone show operational concepts such as airspace considerations, formation logic, minimum separation, and show control workflows.
General understanding of FAA Part 107 operations, waivers/authorizations, night operations considerations, and airspace coordination.
Experience working with municipalities, public venues, sports organizations, or regulated event environments.
Exposure to proposal development, budgeting, and contract administration processes.
Experience collaborating with creative and technical teams.
Participation in marketing, social media, or event-based promotional initiatives is a plus.

Responsibilities

Serve as the trusted advisor and primary point of contact for prospective and existing drone show clients across municipalities, brands, sports organizations, festivals, and private events.
Maintain accurate CRM records and pipeline activity; lead discovery conversations to evaluate show objectives, site feasibility, budget parameters, audience considerations, and timelines.
Partner with Production and Flight Operations during early-stage feasibility to evaluate site layout (launch/landing grid), airspace and RF considerations, crowd safety buffers, local permits/notifications, and operational constraints; align client expectations with safety standards and FAA Part 107 requirements.
Schedule and lead client meetings, internal planning sessions, and production calls; clearly document decisions, risks, and action items.
Collaborate with Creative, Production, and Flight Operations to define scope, including estimated drone count, animation and formation requirements, logistics, staffing, equipment, and financial structure; ensure deliverables and timelines are achievable.
Coordinate proposal development, including creative approach, technical methodology, pricing, and assumptions; present solutions and secure client approvals and deposits.
Drive contract execution, change management, and client communications throughout the project lifecycle.
Advocate for client objectives internally while reinforcing company safety, regulatory, and operational standards.
Provide consistent project status updates, proactively identify risks or conflicts, and facilitate timely resolution.
Support show execution as required, including site visits, rehearsals, and live activations, ensuring company quality and safety standards are upheld.
Capture lessons learned and contribute to continuous improvement of workflows, client experience, and operational efficiency.
Support Marketing initiatives by providing accurate project information, visuals, and case study details; represent the company professionally at industry events and client engagements.