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Technical Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

JLL

Environmental Technical Director

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Environmental & Property Condition - Technical Director * Performs senior-level technical guidance for a specific discipline of JLL's Real Estate Due Diligence (JREDD) - Environmental & Property ...

Roblox

Technical Director, Content Platform

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$399K - $457K/yr

As the Technical Director for Content Platform, you will lead multidisciplinary engineering teams responsible for the technical and product vision of Roblox's asset infrastructure. You will own the ...

Roblox

Technical Director, Roblox Studio

San Mateo, CA · On-site

In this role, you will own the technical direction of the Studio application and its creator tooling. You will be accountable for the architecture, performance, and long-term success of Studio as a ...

Roblox

Technical Director, Roblox Studio

San Mateo, CA · On-site

A career at Roblox means you'll be working to shape the future of human interaction, solving unique technical challenges at scale, and helping to create safer, more civil shared experiences for ...

Lam Research

RF Technical Director

Fremont, CA · On-site

... objectives Direct and oversee RF development activities spanning RF subassembly design, RF system design, and integration into complex plasma delivery and control systems Establish technical ...

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How much do technical director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for technical director in California is $113,998.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,100.00 and $152,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a technical director?

Technical Directors are senior-level professionals responsible for overseeing the technical aspects of a project, production, or organization. They coordinate teams, manage technical resources, and ensure that all technical requirements are met efficiently and effectively. Technical Directors often work in industries such as film, television, theater, software development, and live events, providing leadership and strategic direction to deliver high-quality results. Their role involves problem-solving, decision-making, and collaborating closely with other departments to achieve the project's goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a technical director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Technical Director, you need deep expertise in your technical field, strong leadership abilities, and often a degree in engineering, computer science, or a related discipline. Familiarity with project management software, industry-standard design or development tools, and relevant certifications like PMP or Agile are highly valuable. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and team management skills set standout Technical Directors apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial for guiding complex projects, aligning technical teams, and ensuring successful delivery of organizational objectives.

What are some common challenges technical directors face when leading cross-functional teams?

Technical Directors often oversee teams composed of professionals from various disciplines, such as developers, designers, and engineers. Balancing the diverse perspectives and ensuring clear communication between these groups can be challenging, especially when deadlines are tight or project requirements change. Successful Technical Directors foster collaboration by setting clear expectations, facilitating open dialogue, and aligning everyone toward common technical and business goals. This role requires strong leadership and adaptability to quickly address issues and keep projects on track.

Are technical directors in high demand?

Technical directors are in high demand across industries such as film, television, theater, and live events due to their expertise in managing technical teams and equipment. The demand is driven by the need for skilled professionals who can oversee complex productions and ensure technical quality, often requiring strong leadership, technical skills, and relevant certifications. Job prospects are generally favorable, especially for those with experience in emerging technologies like digital media and automation.

What does a technical director do?

A technical director oversees the technical aspects of a project or organization, managing technical teams, ensuring the implementation of technical standards, and coordinating between departments. They often work with engineers, designers, and producers to ensure technical requirements are met on time and within budget, using tools like project management software and technical specifications. Strong leadership, communication skills, and technical expertise are essential for this role.

What does a technical director make?

A technical director's salary varies depending on industry, experience, and location, but typically ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 annually. They oversee technical aspects of projects, manage teams, and ensure technical standards are met, often requiring strong leadership and technical skills. Compensation may include benefits and bonuses based on company size and scope of responsibilities.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Technical jobs in California?

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For Technical Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Technical Director jobs in California look for?

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What cities in California are hiring for Technical Director jobs?

Cities in California with the most Technical Director job openings:

Technical Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Technical Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,998 per year, or $54.8 per hour.

Director, Technical Direction - Portable

Tait

Burbank, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead the strategy, team development, workload planning, and resourcing of Portable Technical Direction across Live and Brand projects.

  • Represent Innovate within Portable Market Leadership to advise on technical solutions, capacity, and priorities.

  • Sponsor standards, processes, and training to ensure efficient, high-quality, and consistent technical delivery.

Job description

TAIT partners with artists, brands, IP holders and place makers to bring culture-defining, never-before-seen experiences to life. With a legacy of innovation spanning over 45 years, TAIT has grown from pioneering in rock ‘n’ roll concert staging to setting the global standard for extraordinary live events and experiences through cutting-edge technology, precision engineering, and creative design. TAIT’s 20 global offices have developed iconic productions and experiences in over 30 countries, all seven continents, and even outer space for renowned performers, theme parks, exhibits, and venues across the globe, including partnerships with Taylor Swift, Cirque Du Soleil, Royal Opera House, Nike, NASA, Bloomberg, Google, Beyoncé, and The Olympics

Position Purpose 

The Director, Technical Direction, Portable is the market-based leader for Technical Direction across TAIT's Portable Market. The role leads Technical Directors assigned to Live and Brand projects, and is accountable through those teams for the quality, consistency, safety, and commercial effectiveness of technical delivery across the project lifecycle.

Beyond leading the Technical Director team, this role serves as Innovate's representative within the Portable Market, partnering with market leadership and cross-functional leaders to shape the strategy for technical work and translate it into clear priorities for capability, staffing, and process. This leader is key to shaping the evolution and expansion of Technical Direction at TAIT, particularly as we adopt more industry-standard expectations for technical direction.

 

Responsibilities 

  • Lead the strategy, team development, workload planning, and resourcing of Portable Technical Direction across Live and Brand, balancing market demand with long-term capability and succession needs.
  • Represent Innovate within Portable Market Leadership, advising and informing on technical solutions, capacity, and priorities to market strategy and planning.
  • Shape and adapt the Portable Technical Direction operating model, including role expectations, decision rights, engagement points, and cross-functional handoffs.
  • Define and evolve the Technical Direction strategy for portable work, including expanding the role of Technical Directors within Live toward a broader industry-recognized model.
  • Refine and enforce Techncial Direction’s role in TAIT Project Process, including interactions with Market leaders and other capabilities.
  • Sponsor standards, process, and training that drive efficient, high quality, and consistent technical delivery.
  • Build and maintain a workforce and succession plan for Technical Directors and Draftspeople, aligned to the Portable pipeline and evolving market needs.
  • Set clear expectations for direct reports, coach and hold leaders accountable, and ensure effective performance management and development pathways throughout the organization.
  • Partner with the Director, Technical Direction, Fixed to align core Technical Direction processes, standards, metrics, talent practices, and shared learning across markets and Innovate competencies while preserving market-specific needs.

Management Responsibility
The Director, Technical Direction, Portable leads the Technical Direction organization serving Live and Brand and is accountable for performance, development, resourcing, and succession across the team. The role also oversees the Drafting team supporting Portable work. Direct reports include:

  • Executive and Lead Technical Directors
  • Managers of Technical Directors and Draftspeople


Position Requirements
Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, technical theater, design, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
  • 10+ years of experience in technical direction or technical delivery, including 4+ years of demonstrated people leadership.
  • Proven track record delivering complex Live, Brand, touring, or other portable entertainment projects at scale.
  • Broad technical knowledge across automation, rigging, structures, AVL, show control, drafting, manufacturing, and delivery.
  • Experience establishing technical and team processes.
  • Strong commercial acumen, including experience shaping scope, resourcing, schedules, risk, and budgets.
  • Demonstrated ability to translate market strategy and stakeholder needs into actionable plans.
  • Clear and credible communicator with the ability to represent Innovate with clients, market leaders, and technical teams.
  • Experience leading teams across locations and supporting projects around the globe.
TAIT is an equal opportunity employer fully committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran or any other protected characteristic as outlined by international, national, state, or local laws.

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