Animatronics Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Join Our Creative Team in Los Angeles!

Are you a hands-on problem solver with a passion for electrifying the extraordinary? We’re expanding our technical division at 13th Floor Entertainment production facility and searching for innovative, resourceful, and energetic professionals to help engineer the magic behind the nation’s premier haunted attractions and immersive experiences.

As part of our coast-to-coast portfolio—including Haunted Attractions, Halloween Festivals, Immersive Installations, Escape Rooms, and more—you’ll use your technical expertise to transform creative visions into spine-tingling realities that thrill audiences nationwide.

We’re looking for tech specialists with a knack for wiring, lighting, automation, and interactive effects—those who thrive in fast-paced environments and love bringing bold, imaginative ideas to life through hands-on work.

Our shop is a hub of collaboration, creativity, and excitement, where every day brings new challenges and opportunities to innovate. If you’re ready to join a passionate team and help shape the future of live entertainment technology, we want to hear from you!

Job Title: Production Tech 

Department: Thirteenth Floor Creative Shops

Employment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time Positions

Position Overview:

Ready to electrify the world of immersive horror? 13th Floor Entertainment Group—the nation’s largest Halloween-themed entertainment company—is searching for a rare breed: a Haunt Production Tech with the skills and imagination to conjure unforgettable scares. In this unique role, you’ll blend hands-on technical mastery with creative vision, building the magic behind the mayhem that thrills guests coast to coast.

You’ll wire haunted realms, program eerie lighting, and breathe life into animatronics and interactive puzzles. If you thrive in high-energy environments and have experience with:

• Wiring and electrical systems
• DMX programming and lighting control
• PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) builds
• Pneumatic systems
• Fright Ideas controllers (familiarity preferred)
• Escape game wiring and interactive tech
• Addressable LED technology

…this is your chance to join a team where your talents don’t just matter—they make nightmares real. Step behind the curtain and help us engineer the extraordinary.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, install, and troubleshoot electrical systems for haunted attractions, escape rooms, and immersive sets.
• Program and maintain DMX lighting systems to create dynamic, atmospheric effects.
• Build and configure PLC systems for automated scare sequences and interactive elements.
• Assemble and repair pneumatic systems for animatronics and motion-based props.
• Wire and test fright prop controllers to ensure seamless scares and guest interactions.
• Collaborate with designers, fabricators, and creative teams to execute technical visions.
• Travel to off-site locations to install, troubleshoot, or repair tech elements during events.
• Maintain strict safety standards for all electrical and mechanical systems.

Location & Travel

• Primary base: La Verne, CA (shop and off-site venues).
• Must commute to the shop and travel to event locations as needed.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in wiring, electrical work, or related technical fields.
• Familiarity with DMX programming tools (e.g., Light-O-Rama, QLab) and PLC software.
• Familiarity with pneumatics, fright ideas controllers, and escape room tech (training provided for niche systems).
• Familiarity with addressable LED technology and xLights software.
• Ability to lift 50+ lbs, work on ladders, and navigate tight/haunted-house-ready spaces.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours during peak seasons (August–November).
• Strong problem-solving skills and a “make it work” attitude under pressure.

What We Offer

• Innovative Projects: Be part of a team creating immersive, cutting-edge experiences in entertainment and storytelling.
• Dynamic Team Culture: Work in a collaborative, supportive environment where creativity and camaraderie thrive.
• Competitive Compensation: Enjoy a salary tailored to your experience—your contributions are recognized and valued.

If you’re passionate about creating hauntingly immersive environments and have the skills to bring eerie atmospheres to life, we want to see your work! Apply today and join our talented team of artists redefining the world of haunted entertainment.