Audio Visual Design Engineer

autograph; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 37,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Autograph Sound is seeking an Audio Visual Design Engineer to design robust AV systems from client briefs, producing schematics, BOMs and documentation. The role involves coordinating with sales, project and technical teams through the project lifecycle, while ensuring compliance with standards and safety requirements.

The candidate will translate briefs into detailed designs, lead on-site surveys, and provide guidance to installation and commissioning teams.

Qualifications

• Proven experience designing professional audio-visual and/or audio systems.
• Producing system schematics, drawings, bills of materials and technical documentation.
• Reading technical drawings, specifications and architectural plans.
• Awareness of health & safety requirements and relevant standards.

Responsibilities

• Produce detailed AV system designs, schematics, signal-flow diagrams and rack layouts.
• Specify equipment for each project within budget and client brief.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation including BOMs and cable schedules.
• Carry out design calculations and modelling to validate designs.
• Ensure designs comply with standards, regulations and safety requirements.
• Support sales with technical designs, costings and demonstrations.
• Attend site surveys and design meetings to translate requirements.
• Lead projects and provide guidance to installation teams.

Skills

AV technologies knowledge

Vectorworks proficiency

Communication skills

Project coordination

Education

AVIXA CTS or CTS-D certification

Manufacturer or networked-audio certification (e.g. Dante)

Tools

Vectorworks

Job description

Audio Visual Design Engineer

Department: Sales & Installations
Reports to: Commercial Director
Location: Perivale, London (some remote working may be possible)
Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Salary: £37,000 – £43,000, commensurate with experience

Role Purpose

Autograph Sound is a leading provider of professional audio and audio-visual solutions, serving theatre, live events, broadcast, corporate and permanent-install markets. The AV Design Engineer role is to design robust, high-quality audio-visual systems that meet client requirements, technical standards and budget. The AV Design Engineer translates project briefs into detailed system designs, specifications and documentation that guide procurement, installation and commissioning, working closely with the sales, project and technical teams throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

System Design & Engineering

• Produce detailed AV system designs, schematics, signal-flow diagrams and rack layouts from client briefs and specifications.
• Specify audio, video, control, networking and infrastructure equipment appropriate to each project and budget.
• Develop and maintain accurate technical documentation, including drawings, bills of materials, cable schedules and submittals.
• Carry out design calculations and modelling (e.g. loudspeaker coverage, display sizing, network bandwidth, power and heat loads) to validate designs.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant standards, regulations and health & safety requirements.

Project & Technical Support

• Support the sales and bid process with technical designs, demonstrations, equipment schedules and costings.
• Liaise with clients, consultants, architects and project teams to develop and refine designs.
• Provide technical guidance to installation and commissioning teams.
• Attend site surveys and design meetings and translate requirements.
• Contribute to commissioning documentation, system testing and project handover.
• Manage and lead projects when required.

Continuous Improvement

• Keep up to date with AV technologies, products and industry developments.
• Support the evaluation of new products, suppliers and design approaches.
• Maintain design standards, templates and equipment libraries.

Person Specification

The criteria below will be used to shortlist and assess candidates. Applicants should demonstrate how they meet the essential criteria in their application.

Essential

Experience

• Proven experience designing professional audio-visual and/or audio systems
• Producing system schematics, drawings, bills of materials and technical documentation

Knowledge & Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of AV technologies: audio, video, control, signal distribution and AV-over-IP
• Proficiency in design and documentation tools (e.g. Vectorworks)
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications and architectural plans
• Awareness of relevant standards, regulations and health & safety requirements

Personal Skills & Attributes

• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Able to work effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Well organised, able to manage multiple projects to deadlines
• Proactive, problem-solving approach and a collaborative team player

Other Requirements

• Willingness to attend site surveys and travel between sites as required

Desirable

Qualifications & Training

• AVIXA CTS or CTS-D certification
• Manufacturer or networked-audio certification (e.g. Dante)

Experience

• Working within theatre, live events, broadcast or performance-venue AV
• Supporting bids or tenders with technical designs and costings

Knowledge & Technical Skills

• Networked audio and control platforms (e.g. Dante, AES67, Q-SYS)
• Understanding of acoustics and room design principles

Other Requirements

• Full UK driving licence