Manager Programming Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

Position Title: Audio-Visual Programming Manager

Team: Integration
Reports To: Director of Operations
Office Location: Wixom, MI
Travel: Occasional client and project-site travel required

Who We Are

Bluewater Technologies Group, Inc., founded in 1985, is the only woman-owned business of its kind, bringing together multiple industry-leading teams under one roof. Our mission is simple: unlock the potential of spaces. That potential might mean helping organizations communicate more clearly, operate more efficiently, or even monetize their environments in new ways.

From large-scale events and brand activations to workplace environments and permanent installations, we transform spaces into places that connect, inspire, and perform.

At Bluewater, you'll find planners, makers, and innovators working side by side—blending creativity, technology, and strategy to deliver experiences that matter. Rooted in our EPIC values (Excellence, Passion, Integrity, Collaboration—and Fun!), we're driven by a shared purpose: to make people smile.

Position Summary

The Audio/Visual Programmer Lead is the senior technical and operational leader of Bluewater's Programming Team. This role is responsible for programming quality, technical standards, team development, workload planning, estimation accuracy, labor efficiency, and programming execution across all Integration projects.

While the Programmer Lead remains an active programmer on complex projects, the primary responsibility is ensuring the overall success of the programming function through leadership, accountability, process discipline, technical mentorship, and operational rigor.

The Programmer Lead serves as the technical authority for control system programming, DSP configuration, user interface development, system commissioning support, and troubleshooting. This individual works closely with Engineering, Project Management, Installation, Sales, and Operations to ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and in accordance with Bluewater quality standards.

Success in this role requires a balance of technical expertise, leadership capability, financial awareness, resource planning, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Accountability

• Lead, mentor, coach, and develop the Programming Team.
• Establish and maintain programming standards, best practices, templates, documentation requirements, and quality expectations.
• Conduct regular reviews of programming deliverables for consistency, quality, and maintainability.
• Drive accountability for project deadlines, documentation, responsiveness, and execution.
• Ensure team members are effectively prioritizing workload and managing commitments.
• Provide technical coaching and development plans for programmers.
• Assist leadership with hiring, onboarding, performance management, career development, and succession planning.
• Foster a culture of ownership, collaboration, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Promote adoption of standard programming methodologies and repeatable processes.

Programming Operations & Resource Management

• Manage programming workload across the team.
• Balance resources against project priorities and business needs.
• Identify resource constraints and proactively recommend solutions.
• Ensure programming activities align with project schedules and critical milestones.
• Monitor team utilization, productivity, and efficiency.
• Manage programming resource allocation across projects by assigning programmers based on project priorities, technical requirements, certifications, and specialized expertise.
• Support project recovery efforts when schedules, budgets, or deliverables are at risk.
• Own Programming Team performance metrics, including estimate accuracy, labor utilization, programming efficiency, rework reduction, and on-time completion.

Estimating & Financial Performance

One of the most critical responsibilities of the Programmer Lead is ensuring programming hours are estimated accurately and managed effectively throughout project execution.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop programming labor estimates during project pursuit and design phases.
• Review estimates for accuracy, completeness, assumptions, and risk.
• Partner with Engineering and Project Management to validate programming scope and effort.
• Establish realistic labor budgets and programming schedules.
• Track estimated versus actual programming hours.
• Identify scope creep and support Change Order development.
• Provide recommendations to improve future estimating accuracy.
• Participate in project financial reviews and lessons learned sessions.
• Support margin improvement initiatives through improved forecasting, planning, execution, and accountability.

Success will be measured through:

• Estimate-to-Actual Programming Hours Variance
• Programming Labor Efficiency
• Programming Rework Reduction
• Change Order Capture
• On-Time Programming Completion

Technical Leadership

Serve as the highest-level technical escalation point for the Programming Team.

Responsibilities include:

• Design and review programming architecture.
• Support development of complex control system programming.
• Review code quality and programming methodologies.
• Assist with commissioning and troubleshooting of complex systems.
• Support root cause analysis and resolution of system issues.
• Provide technical guidance during project planning and execution.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, programming methodologies, and manufacturer platforms.
• Ensure technical consistency across projects and programmers.

Programming & System Development

• Develop and maintain programming for:
  • Crestron, Q-SYS, Extron, AMX, Biamp, BSS
  • Other approved control and DSP platforms
• Develop custom user interfaces and control workflows.
• Configure DSP systems and audio processing platforms.
• Create technical documentation, programming standards, and user guides.
• Participate in testing, commissioning, and system validation.
• Train clients and internal teams on system operation and functionality.
• Ensure all programming deliverables are properly archived, documented, and maintained.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner closely with Engineering, Project Management, Installation, Quality Assurance, Service, and Sales teams.

Responsibilities include:

• Participating in project kickoff meetings.
• Reviewing project scope and technical requirements.
• Supporting project readiness initiatives.
• Identifying technical risks early.
• Assisting with scope clarification and change management.
• Supporting successful project handoffs.
• Driving lessons learned and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Helping strengthen collaboration between Engineering, Programming, Operations, and Project Management.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional AV programming experience.
• 2+ years of leadership, mentoring, or team lead experience preferred.
• Advanced proficiency with one or more major control platforms:
  • Crestron (preferred), Q-SYS, Extron, AMX
• Advanced DSP configuration experience (Biamp, Q-SYS, BSS preferred).
• Strong understanding of AV system architecture.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and system documentation.
• Strong understanding of AV-over-IP and networking fundamentals.
• Experience supporting commissioning and troubleshooting efforts.
• Experience estimating programming labor and managing technical project scope.
• Experience delivering client training and system handoff sessions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel as required.

Preferred Certifications

• Crestron Certified Programmer
• Crestron Masters
• Q-SYS Certifications
• Extron Certifications
• Biamp Certifications
• CTS
• CTS-I
• Network-related certifications
• Completion of manufacturer programming certification programs (Crestron, Extron, AMX, Q-SYS preferred)

Leadership Competencies

The successful Programmer Lead demonstrates:

Technical Excellence

Deep expertise in professional AV control systems, DSPs, networking, commissioning, and programming best practices.

Accountability

Holds self and others accountable for commitments, quality, timelines, and results.

Financial Awareness

Understands how programming performance impacts project profitability, operational efficiency, and company performance.

Communication

Communicates clearly and effectively with technical and non-technical audiences.

Problem Solving

Remains calm under pressure and effectively resolves complex technical and operational challenges.

Collaboration

Builds strong relationships across departments and functions while promoting teamwork and alignment.

Continuous Improvement

Continuously seeks opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, scalability, processes, and team performance.

Additional Requirements

• Maintain a professional appearance consistent with company standards, client expectations, and safety requirements.
• Communicate programming progress, project risks, resource constraints, and support needs proactively to project stakeholders.
• Travel to client sites as required for programming, commissioning, testing, troubleshooting, and client training activities.
• Provide remote technical support to internal teams during system commissioning and issue resolution.
• Be able to climb ladders and work safely in active construction and installation environments.
• Maintain a professional, collaborative, and solutions-oriented demeanor in all circumstances.
• Partner with Engineering to provide technical feedback that improves system design quality, programming efficiency, and client outcomes.

Why Join Us

• Support flagship A/V projects that define client experiences and drive company growth.
• Be part of an innovative, growth-focused culture that prioritizes continuous improvement and partnership between Operations and Sales.
• Direct opportunities to mentor others, establish programming standards, and influence the future of Bluewater's Engineering and Programming disciplines.
• Play a strategic role in strengthening collaboration, innovation, operational excellence, and margin performance across the organization.
• Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and ongoing support for certifications and leadership development.
• Thrive in a collaborative, People-Centric culture built on our EPIC values: Excellence, Passion, Integrity, and Collaboration—while Having Fun!
• Enjoy the flexibility of our hybrid work policy, with a balance of in-office collaboration and work-from-home days designed to support productivity, teamwork, and work-life balance.

Physical Demands: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

Individuals may need to sit or stand as needed. Walking primarily on a level surface for periods throughout the day is required. Reaching above shoulder heights, below the waist or lifting as required throughout the workday. Proper lifting techniques required. Position may include lifting up to 40 pounds.

Additional Information

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Leadership reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties as necessary to meet business needs. All employment at Bluewater Technologies Group, Inc. is at-will and subject to company policies and procedures.

Apply today to join Bluewater Technologies and help us create memorable experiences that leave a lasting impression!

Bluewater Technologies Group, Inc. is a woman-owned business that is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and welcoming company culture. We do not discriminate against candidates and employees