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Backline Tech Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Smarsh

Sr. Technical Support Engineer I

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$105K - $115K/yr

Advanced level expertise as SME (Subject-Matter-Expert) for assigned focused technologies or products as point of escalation for frontline or backline teams. Assigned to specialized teams or projects ...

Smarsh

Sr. Technical Support Engineer I

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

Advanced level expertise as SME (Subject-Matter-Expert) for assigned focused technologies or products as point of escalation for frontline or backline teams. Assigned to specialized teams or projects ...

KLA Corporation

Product Support Manager

Milpitas, CA · On-site

Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop ... Drive Division Self-Sufficiency: shape the operating model so scarce specialists are backline ...

Orbotech

Product Support Manager

Milpitas, CA · On-site

Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop ... Drive Division Self-Sufficiency: shape the operating model so scarce specialists are backline ...

KLA Corporation

Product Support Manager

Milpitas, CA · On-site

Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop ... Drive Division Self-Sufficiency: shape the operating model so scarce specialists are backline ...

PSQ Productions

Director of Events

Irvine, CA · On-site

We are seeking creative trailblazers who embody our core values and are tech-forward, culture ... and backline vendors to ensure all technical requirements are met in advance of show day.

PSQ Productions

Director of Events

Irvine, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

We are seeking creative trailblazers who embody our core values and are tech-forward, culture ... and backline vendors to ensure all technical requirements are met in advance of show day.

Livenation

Stage Hand

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $24.25/hr

... 's no wonder we are certified as a Great Place to Work organization and one of People Magazine ... Maintain and secure House Backline, and supplies * Maintain curtains, drapes, risers and other ...

Livenation

Stagehand- Observatory SD

San Diego, CA

$18.50 - $24.75/hr

... 's no wonder we are certified as a Great Place to Work organization and one of People Magazine ... Maintain and secure House Backline, and supplies * Maintain curtains, drapes, risers and other ...

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.

Stage Hand

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $24.25/hr

... 's no wonder we are certified as a Great Place to Work organization and one of People Magazine ... Maintain and secure House Backline, and supplies * Maintain curtains, drapes, risers and other ...

Livenation

Venue Non-Union Stagehand

El Cajon, CA

$18.25 - $24.25/hr

... 's no wonder we are certified as a Great Place to Work organization and one of People Magazine ... Maintain and secure House Backline, and supplies * Maintain curtains, drapes, risers and other ...

Livenation

Stage Hand - Ace of Spades

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $24.75/hr

... 's no wonder we are certified as a Great Place to Work organization and one of People Magazine ... Maintain and secure House Backline, and supplies * Maintain curtains, drapes, risers and other ...

All JobsBackline Tech JobsBackline Tech Jobs in California

Backline Tech information

See California salary details

$13

$25

$38

How much do backline tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for backline tech in California is $25.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.14 and $29.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the most common challenges faced by a backline tech during live events, and how can they be managed effectively?

Backline Techs often face challenges such as last-minute equipment changes, troubleshooting technical issues under tight time constraints, and coordinating with artists who have unique gear preferences. Effective communication with stage managers and performers, thorough pre-show checks, and having backup equipment ready are key strategies to manage these challenges. Building strong relationships with both the audio team and performers helps to anticipate needs and ensures smooth transitions during live shows.

What is a backline tech?

Backline Techs, also known as backline technicians, are professionals responsible for setting up, maintaining, and troubleshooting musical instruments and related equipment for live performances, concerts, and studio sessions. They ensure that all instruments such as guitars, keyboards, drums, and amplifiers are performance-ready and function correctly throughout events. Backline Techs work closely with musicians, stage crews, and sound engineers to provide seamless support before, during, and after shows. Their expertise is vital for preventing technical issues and ensuring smooth performances.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a backline tech?

To thrive as a Backline Tech, you need a solid understanding of musical instruments, equipment setup, troubleshooting, and experience in live event environments. Familiarity with audio consoles, amplifiers, wireless systems, and basic electrical safety, along with relevant certifications like AVIXA or manufacturer-specific training, is highly valuable. Strong communication, organization, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are essential soft skills in this role. These qualifications ensure reliable performance support, quick problem-solving, and seamless event execution for artists and production teams.

What is the difference between Backline Tech vs Audio Engineer?

AspectBackline TechAudio Engineer
CredentialsTechnical training, certifications in audio or music techDegree in audio engineering or related field, certifications
Work EnvironmentOn-site at concerts, tours, live eventsStudio, live events, broadcast settings
Employer & IndustryMusic tours, festivals, event productionRecording studios, live sound companies, broadcast

Backline Techs primarily focus on setting up and maintaining musical equipment for live performances, while Audio Engineers handle the overall sound quality, mixing, and recording. Both roles require technical skills and certifications, but Backline Techs are more equipment-focused, working closely with musicians and stage crews, whereas Audio Engineers often work in controlled environments like studios or broadcast settings.

How to become a backline technician?

To become a backline technician, gain experience with musical equipment, sound systems, and stage setup through apprenticeships or entry-level positions. Developing technical skills, understanding audio and instrument maintenance, and obtaining relevant certifications can improve job prospects; familiarity with tools like audio mixers and power supplies is also beneficial.
What are popular job titles related to Backline Tech jobs in California? For Backline Tech jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Backline Tech jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Backline Tech jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Backline Tech jobs? Cities in California with the most Backline Tech job openings:
Backline Tech jobs near you
Infographic showing various Backline Tech job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,821 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Sr. Technical Support Engineer I

Smarsh

Pleasanton, CA • On-site

$105K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Who are we?

Smarsh empowers its customers to manage risk and unleash intelligence in their digital communications. Our growing community of over 6500 organizations in regulated industries counts on Smarsh every day to help them spot compliance, legal or reputational risks in 80+ communication channels before those risks become regulatory fines or headlines.  Relentless innovation has fueled our journey to consistent leadership recognition from analysts like Gartner and Forrester, and our sustained, aggressive growth has landed Smarsh in the annual Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing American companies since 2008.

Summary
 
Weare looking for expert level Technical Support Engineering individual providing industry-best service to customers and partners using Smarsh products and services. Recognized technical leader for assigned products and technologies, focusing on timely response and rapid resolution of inbound requests or escalations, as well as solving the most complex and challenging issues. Support delivery spans all assisted and digital support channels. 
 
How will you contribute?
  •  Frontline support role for Enterprise products or Backline support role for Saas-hosted solutions or Enterprise products.
  •  Works on assignments that are complex in nature where independent action and high degree of initiative is required in resolving problems and developing solutions. Independently identifies the root cause of software or system issues and uses system analysis and testing techniques to solve problems with minimal assistance. Routinely develops reproducible testcases. May recommend code-level or configuration changes. 
  •  Ensure team adherence to SLAs for support coverage for initial response and timely resolution for customer cases via phone, web and community. 
  •  Develop expertise for broad set of assigned products to maximize first contact resolution. 
  •  Apply product and industry expertise to actively diagnose, troubleshoot and resolve most complex/advanced customer issues. Escalate cases as required based on customer business impact. 
  •  Advanced level expertise as SME (Subject-Matter-Expert) for assigned focused technologies or products as point of escalation for frontline or backline teams. Assigned to specialized teams or projects to leverage knowledge and equip others. Regularly participate in bridge calls for system outages or critical production issues. 
  •  Influence support organization to deliver quality service to customers and partners to drive high levels of customer satisfaction and long-term loyalty. 
  •  Effectively manage cases to ensure timely customer status updates and ultimate resolution. 
  •  Lead customer escalations or 3rd party support coordination to resolve issues for critical accounts. 
  •  Log and track cases using Salesforce, maintaining detailed documentation of all interactions and statuses throughout lifecycle of issue. 
  •  Regularly engage with SRE and Engineering teams to drive resolution of issues, handling all customer-facing communications to set clear expectations through closure. 
  •  Capture, reuse and share knowledge using KCS (Knowledge-Centered Service) practices as Publisher. Knowledge Domain Expert (KDE) responsibilities for online content and product or process feedback across company. May include KCS Coach role.
  • Promote adoption and success of customers and partners using self-service offerings, including knowledgebase, community, and training resources. 
  • Lead the identification and implementation of “shift left” changes to increase resolution rate and accelerate time to resolution. Develop and deploy innovative approaches to resolve issues and scale the use of new support practices. • Actively participate in readiness planning and activities related to pre-release or new product introduction preparation for the support team. 
  • Train and mentor peers to facilitate sharing of expert-level knowledge. 
  • Advocate for product, policy and process improvements that improve the customer experience. 
  • May be assigned as Business-Critical Support resource to specific accounts for premium offerings.
  • Interact with all levels of leadership across Smarsh and clients as needed. 
  • Follow required polices and processes to maintain compliance with information security and data protection requirements.
  • Active and regular collaboration across cross-functional teams to resolve issues, fulfill customer needs, and proactively improve supportability of products and services. 
  • Other duties as assigned. 
What will you bring?
  • College degree in technical related field or industry/career equivalent experience. 
  • Minimum of 5 years in a support delivery role or 8 plus years industry/career equivalent experience. 
  • Passion for helping customers succeed.
  • Requires advanced level IT, networking, database or SaaS/Cloud application support experience. On-premise support experience preferred.
  • Industry certifications in Windows, Linux, RDBMS, AWS are preferred. 
  • Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills. 
  • Expert level diagnosis and problem-solving abilities. 
  • Time management and critical thinking skills. 
  • Project and program management experience preferred. 
  • Self-directed and self-motivated with a demonstrable work ethic and ability to perform under pressure. 
  • Proficient in using CRM business systems, Microsoft business applications, JIRA/Confluence and related platforms. 
About our culture

Smarsh hires lifelong learners with a passion for innovating with purpose, humility and humor. Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. We work closely with the most popular communications platforms and the world’s leading cloud infrastructure platforms. We use the latest in AI/ML technology to help our customers break new ground at scale. We are a global organization that values diversity, and we believe that providing opportunities for everyone to be their authentic self is key to our success. Smarsh leadership, culture, and commitment to developing our people have all garnered Comparably.com Best Places to Work Awards. Come join us and find out what the best work of your career looks like.