Manager, Live Event Permitting

Image Engineering•Glen Burnie, MD

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 temporary and permanent interactive installations for world–class venues, including the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC. 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. The Manager, Live Event Permitting is responsible for leading all permitting operations across live events, tours, and special projects, ensuring full regulatory compliance while enabling efficient project execution. This role owns the permitting lifecycle—from jurisdictional research and submission strategy through approval, execution support, and closeout—while managing a team of permitting specialists. The position requires strong analytical judgment, the ability to manage competing priorities across dozens of active projects, and the capability to navigate complex and evolving regulatory environments. This role serves as a critical interface between Project Management, Compliance, and external Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), ensuring that permitting processes support operational timelines without compromising safety or compliance.

Requirements

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret and apply complex regulatory requirements across jurisdictions
Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple high-priority projects and deadlines in fast-paced, dynamic environments
Advanced prioritization and decision-making abilities to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances
Professional and effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interface with AHJs, executives, internal teams, and other stakeholders
High attention to detail and accuracy in compliance documentation and recordkeeping
Ability to identify gaps, implement process improvements, and take ownership of outcomes independently
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Adobe Acrobat
Ability to quickly learn and navigate internal systems, including project management and compliance tracking tools (e.g., Monday.com, databases)
Strong time management skills with accountability for completing tasks and achieving results
Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent professional experience
5+ years of experience in permitting, compliance, project operations, or a related field
2+ years of experience managing or leading a team
Experience working with regulatory agencies, AHJs, or permitting authorities
Experience in live events, entertainment production, construction, or a similarly regulated environment

Nice To Haves

Experience in live event production, touring, or special effects environments, including permitting for pyrotechnics, flame effects, lasers, or similar regulated activities
Familiarity with NFPA standards (1123, 1124, 1126, 160) and other applicable regulatory frameworks
Experience coordinating federal notifications and permitting processes with agencies such as the FAA and U.S. Coast Guard
Experience working in high-volume, multi-project environments with the ability to manage competing priorities
Experience developing or improving operational workflows, SOPs, and compliance systems
Proficiency with project management platforms (e.g., Monday.com or similar tools)
Proficiency with Adobe software, including Acrobat, Illustrator, or Photoshop

Responsibilities

Lead and manage all live event permitting operations, ensuring timely and accurate submission of permits across multiple jurisdictions
Supervise and develop Permitting Specialists, including workload allocation, performance oversight, and process standardization
Establish permitting strategies for each project based on jurisdictional requirements, timelines, and risk factors
Coordinate cross-functionally with Project Managers to gather technical details and align permitting timelines with production schedules
Prepare and review permit application packages, including technical plans for pyrotechnics, flame effects, lasers, and other regulated effects
Manage direct communication with AHJs, fire marshals, inspectors, and local partners to secure approvals and resolve issues
Oversee federal notifications and permits (e.g., FAA, U.S. Coast Guard) as required by project scope
Track and report permitting costs in real time to support project budgeting and client billing
Maintain and audit permitting documentation and jurisdictional data within company systems
Identify regulatory risks and proactively escalate or resolve permitting challenges
Review permit plans for safety and compliance, coordinating with Compliance leadership to address concerns
Drive process improvement, including development of templates, workflows, and standard operating procedures
Support site surveys, demos, and inspections where permitting or compliance expertise is required
Ensure clear, professional communication across internal teams and external stakeholders under tight deadlines
Other duties as assigned.