Technical Draftsperson

Detroit Institute of Arts; Hertford; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Detroit Institute of Arts is seeking an experienced AV Draftsperson to join our UK team and contribute to planning and delivering live events and AV installations worldwide.

You'll produce accurate technical drawings and layouts using Vectorworks, create floor plans and elevations, and work with project managers to ensure drawings meet project specs, safety and timelines. Overnight travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Experience as Draftsperson or CAD Technician in AV, live events, lighting or entertainment industries.
• Extensive experience using Vectorworks to produce accurate, detailed drawings.
• Strong understanding of technical drawings and AV installations.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Produce accurate technical drawings and layouts using Vectorworks for AV installations and live events.
• Prepare floor plans, equipment layouts, elevations, sections and other technical drawings.
• Interpret project requirements into clear, practical drawings to support planning and installation.
• Check drawings for accuracy and practicality before installation.
• Coordinate with Project Managers and technical teams to meet deadlines.
• Liaise with stakeholders to clarify requirements and ensure drawings meet project needs.
• Attend project meetings and site visits to gather information.
• Update drawings to reflect changes in scope and site layouts.
• Assist with equipment lists and technical schedules as required.
• Manage workload and adapt to changing priorities.

Skills

Drafting

Attention to detail

Tools

Vectorworks

CAD software

Job description

We are a global video, rigging and lighting service provider with multiple locations across the UK and the US. We bring unrivalled service and technical know-how to every project we deliver, supporting exhibitions, concerts, touring, conferences, theatre, TV, film and retail.

We are seeking an AV Draftsperson to join our UK team and play a key role in the planning and delivery of our projects worldwide. This is a technical and detail focused role, responsible for producing accurate technical drawings, equipment layouts and plans to support the successful delivery of live events and AV installations.

Working closely with Project Managers and technical teams, you will translate project briefs and technical requirements into clear, practical drawings, ensuring that equipment layouts, rigging plans and installation drawings meet project specifications and can be delivered safely and efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce accurate technical drawings and layouts using Vectorworks for AV installations and live events, including lighting, video, audio, rigging and associated equipment.
• Prepare floor plans, equipment layouts, elevations, sections and other technical drawings based on client briefs, project specifications, venue plans and site measurements.
• Interpret technical information and translate project requirements into clear, practical drawings to support project planning and installation.
• Check drawings for accuracy, consistency and practical application, identifying potential issues or discrepancies before installation.
• Work closely with Project Managers and technical teams to understand project requirements, coordinate priorities and deliver drawings are completed within agreed deadlines.
• Liaise with internal departments and other stakeholders to clarify requirements, resolve queries and ensure drawings meet project needs.
• Attend project meetings and site visits where required to gather information, verify measurements and support drawing development.
• Update drawings to reflect changes in project scope, equipment requirements, venue layouts and installation plans, ensuring revisions are clearly identified and current versions are shared with relevant teams.
• Support the preparation of equipment lists, technical schedules and other project documentation where required.
• Manage workload effectively, respond to changing priorities and identify opportunities to improve drawing processes and efficiency.

About you

• Previous experience working as a Draftsperson, CAD Technician or Technical Draftsperson, ideally within the professional AV, live events, lighting or entertainment industries.

• Extensive experience using Vectorworks to produce accurate, detailed and technically robust drawings.

• Good understanding of technical drawings, equipment layouts and the practical requirements of AV installations and live events.

• Sound technical knowledge of AV equipment and systems, including rigging principles and requirements.

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy and quality.
• Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with Project Managers, technical teams and other stakeholders.
• A proactive approach to problem solving, with the ability to identify potential issues and suggest practical solutions.
• Comfortable using computer systems and maintaining accurate technical documentation.
• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to respond to changing project requirements.
• A commitment to safe working practices, sustainability and contributing to a positive team culture.
• Willingness to work overtime, evenings and weekends when required, with occasional travel for site visits or project requirements.