Automation Specialist

Oregon Shakespeare Festival • Ashland, OR

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Automation Specialist will be responsible for installing, maintaining, repairing, and programming automated effects. This role involves research, development, and prototyping for theatrical automated effects, as well as fabricating, installing, and maintaining electrical components. The specialist will program and configure drives, controllers, and micro-controllers, and create and integrate custom control circuits. They will also provide technical support during technical rehearsals, collaborate with the creative team on motion profiles, and assist with fabrication and installation, including welding and metalwork. The position also involves transporting automation components, planning and executing interdepartmental projects, and participating in workspace clean-up. Other duties include attending meetings and trainings, engaging with patrons, supporting marketing efforts, mentoring colleagues, and performing scene shop carpentry or welding as needed.

Requirements

• Three years of experience in the fabrication, installation, and maintenance of automated effects.
• Two years prototyping electronics equipment.
• Knowledge of microprocessors, programming, AC/DC circuits and drives, PLC’s, motor control, and 3-phase/208V electrical power distribution.
• Skill in reading electronic schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Proficiency in the use of hand and power tools for wiring and soldering automated systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot low-voltage and high-voltage electrical systems.
• Ability to read scaled construction or design drawings.
• Ability to create CAD construction or design drawings in AutoCAD and SolidWorks.
• Excellent PC computer skills.
• Understanding of 3D printing technology.
• Ability to take direction well and work without supervision.
• Ability to work quickly and safely in a fast-paced environment with a high level of cultural competency.
• Ability to lift and move materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Frequently climb and work from ladders and personnel lifts.
• Regularly squat, crawl and kneel and maintain position while assembling automation.
• Regularly reach above shoulders to assemble automation overhead.
• Occasionally climb 24-foot vertical wall ladder to get to the catwalks above the stage.
• Ability to stand and walk constantly for extended periods of time.
• Valid Oregon Driver’s License and a good driving record.
• Ability to drive an 18’ box truck.
• Ability to operate a forklift and personnel lifts (OSF provided Training).
• Ability to pass and maintain a clear background check.

Nice To Haves

• Theatrical automation experience
• Metal fabrication
• Proficiency in SolidWorks drafting

Responsibilities

• Installs, maintains, repairs, and programs automated effects.
• Executes research, development, and prototyping for theatrical automated effects.
• Fabricates, installs, and maintains electrical components such as cables, control boxes, limits, and other electromechanical hardware and devices.
• Programs and configures drives, controllers, and micro-controllers for stock and custom effects.
• Creates and integrates custom control circuits and fabricates electrical enclosures.
• Inspects, maintains, repairs, and adapts automation system infrastructure.
• Installs automated effects using advanced rigging and architectural anchoring methods.
• Provides Automation Department technical support during the technical rehearsal process.
• Collaborates with the creative team throughout the technical rehearsal process to design and program complex coordinated motion profiles.
• Supports maintaining a status of good standing with ANSI Entertainment Safety Standards within the Automation Department.
• Assists with the fabrication and installation of automated effects, including welding and metalwork.
• Transports or arranges for the transportation of automation components to and from the shop and the theaters.
• Works with other production department staff, to plan and execute interdepartmental, show-related projects.
• Participates in the clean-up of workspaces at the end of the each day.
• Attends company, department, shop meetings, and safety trainings as assigned.
• Engages with OSF patrons.
• Support Marketing and Development efforts.
• Mentor colleagues as requested.
• Acts as a scene shop carpenter and/or welder and fabricate scenery and/or props as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by scene shop management staff.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed