Contract Technical Sound Designer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

At Zach, we believe in the power of light—to illuminate new ideas, spark imagination, and bring people together. As Austin’s leading professional producing theater, we create vibrant, intimate theater experiences that engage, inspire, and connect our community. The Resident Sound Designer & Manager of Audio acts as the resident Sound Designer and supervisor of the Audio Department at Zach, providing leadership to all full-time, part-time, and contract employees in the on-time, on-budget execution of production audio needs, serving as designer for Zach Mainstage, Family Series, and Events as well as supporting  guest sound designers as directed. The Resident Sound Designer & Manager of Audio is a significant member of the Production team at Zach developing, producing, and maintaining an exceptional level of artistic and aesthetic quality in all Zach Productions.

This critical role ensures the maintenance of audio equipment and inventory, coordinating with external designers, directors, musical directors, artists, and musicians in the fulfillment of production needs. As Resident Sound Designer, this role is responsible for the configuration of each venue’s sound system including the placement and designation of microphones, monitors, loudspeakers, control hardware, and production specific effects and musician support. Additionally, the Resident Sound Designer & Manager of Audio works closely with the Manager of Lighting/Video, Stage Operations Supervisor, and General Manager to support non-production use of Zach facilities and rehearsal spaces for special events, rentals, development events, and meetings.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Hires, mentors, and supervises all full-time, part-time, and overhire audio personnel for each production; providing performance feedback, mentorship and staff development, and payroll approvals
• Serves as Resident Sound Designer for Zach Mainstage and Family series productions as well as special events and other projects as assigned by the Artistic Director and Director of Production each season
• Collaborates with Directors, Designers, Director of Production, rental houses, and other suppliers to achieve desired designs within designated budgets
• Maintains inventory and purchases of all departmental equipment
• Oversees the installation and use of both wired and wireless clear-com systems
• Collaborates with contributing departments to ensure department needs are met for all events
• Builds, layers, and edits sound cues and music quickly in collaboration with the Director and other members of the Production Team
• Sources all music and sound effects for each production
• In charge of all multi-track recording required for each production and event
• Responsible for tracking all audio budgets and ordering of supplies for each production
• In charge of the programming of digital audio consoles and Qlab programming for all events and productions
• Collaborates with the Technical Director, Manager of Lighting/Video, and Stage Operations Supervisor to solve problems that bridge departments, including hangchart development and cable paths on deck
• Attend all required designer runs, technical rehearsals, previews, and production meetings until released by the Director of Production.
• Assists the education department in the execution of sound designs and the hiring of sound board operators
• Helps to maintain relationships with universities and other Regional companies in order to develop the audio overhire pool
• Supports internal departments in the scheduling, logistics, and technical requirements of special events and rentals

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

• 3+ years of experience supervising a department of technicians and overhire crews with preference in a regional or touring house under AEA contracts, and a Bachelors in Sound Engineering or comparable professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience overseeing departmental budgets, forecasts, and other budgetary requirements, primarily in a producing theater or company
• Experience with Crestron Control Systems, Yamaha consoles, namely CL5, Aviom, and Shure equipment
• Extensive experience in sound and audio programming and practices with a deep understanding of technical networking components and their use in sound and design in a theatrical setting

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

• Working knowledge of MS Office and Google Suite
• Understanding of Yamaha CL Series and Allen & Heath Avantis digital audio consoles, Shure wireless microphones, Aviom monitor systems, and Clear-com systems
• Understanding of show control systems including MIDI and OSC
• Ability to use a variety of sound and video performance software including QLAB and Pro Tools
• Understanding of Crestron operation and troubleshooting
• Understanding of DANTE and other networking systems
• Management of expenditures within set budgets and the forecasting of expenses in relation to scope of work and design
• Competency of theatrical rigging standards as it pertains to overhead rigging of audio and video equipment in counterweight, dead hang, temporary, and permanent installation environments
• Extensive knowledge of musical theater as it pertains to sound design including live orchestras and bands and their instrumentation
• Extensive knowledge of video systems as it pertains to orchestra video monitoring for pit conductor cameras and other closed network needs of the music department
• Ability to perform all work with a direct reflection of the vision, mission, and values of Zach Theater

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

This is a campus-based, on-site role. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions upon discussion with HR. 

• Ability to lift, push, pull, or maneuver up to 70 lbs repeatedly, alone or with assistance
• Comfortable working on ladders, mechanical lifts, or other high places
• Comfortable working in confined spaces
• Comfortable working in temperatures sometimes exceeding 95 degrees
• The noise level in this work environment is typically moderate and can be high.
• Must have reliable transportation and the ability to work nights and weekends as communicated through our schedule planning

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to: Director of Production

Supervises (if any): Audio Engineers and Temporary Audio overhires

Supports: Production

Peer collaboration/communicates with: All Departments

PAY:

Beginning salary starting at $60,000-65,000 annually commensurate with experience and qualifications. New hires are typically brought into the organization between the minimum and midpoint of the range posted depending upon qualifications, years of experience in a similar role, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the role. 

All offers of employment are conditional pending the successful completion of background and reference checks.

We’re excited to review your application. To ensure a smooth and fair hiring process, please apply online only. We’re not able to accommodate phone calls or in-person visits about this position. 

Some of the great benefits available to Zach Employees:

• Affordable Healthcare Coverage for Full-Time Employees and their Dependents
• Employer Paid Life and AD&D insurance
• Employer Paid Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 401K Matching Program
• Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time
• Paid Holidays
• Free Parking
• Tickets to Mainstage and Family Series shows and enrollment in Camps/Classes

Zach Theater is committed to ensuring an equitable and inclusive workforce and we strive for a team that reflects Austin’s diverse culture. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, sex or age.