Audio Engineer

Nashville Symphony Association; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nashville Symphony Association is seeking an Audio Engineer to oversee live and recorded sound at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, guiding both staff and visiting engineers to assure consistent sonic quality.

You will collaborate with the Director of Production, orchestra musicians, conductors, and external venues to uphold the orchestra’s reputation for excellence while managing equipment maintenance and safety.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Audio Engineering or related field (or equivalent)
• High School diploma or GED equivalent; and
• 5 years of experience mixing and recording in professional settings

Responsibilities

• Operate and supervise SSC audio equipment.
• Maintain audio equipment and communicate repair needs to the Director of Production.
• Provide audio support for non‑orchestral events at SSC.
• Coordinate with venues, engineers, and artists to maintain sonic excellence for the Nashville Symphony.
• Operate, maintain, purchase and install SSC audio equipment for the Nashville Symphony, visiting artists, and rentals.
• Interpret technical riders and advance audio production for visiting artists and tours per SSC standards.
• Coordinate with Director of Production and Orchestra Production Manager on administrative tasks related to audio production.
• Ensure safety of Production Department equipment.
• Supervise stagehands for floor flips and other tasks.

Skills

Team leadership

Analytical skills

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Independent work

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Audio Engineering or related field

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Analog and digital audio equipment

Digital Audio Workstations

AoIP protocols

Soldering equipment

Job description

Job Details Job Location: NASHVILLE, TN 37201 Position Type: Full Time

Summary

Title: Audio Engineer

Reports to: Director of Production

Employment Status: Full-Time Salaried, Exempt

Overview

As the primary executor of both live and recorded audio for the Nashville Symphony and at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center (SSC), the Audio Engineer helps the Director of Production manage and supervise part‑time audio staff and audio production equipment/infrastructure at SSC. This role also works in conjunction with external venues and engineers to ensure the sonic quality of the Nashville Symphony is preserved regardless of the performance context.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Collaborate with Director of Production, Artistic Operations staff, orchestra musicians, and conductors to establish and execute audio standards and best-practices consistent with the Nashville Symphony and SSC’s reputation of excellence.

• Operate and/or supervise the operation of SSC audio equipment.
• Maintain audio equipment, communicating effectively about any repair or replacement needs to the Director of Production in a timely fashion.
• Provide audio support for non‑orchestral events and concerts at SSC.
• Coordinate with other venues, arts organizations, engineers, and artists to cultivate and maintain a high standard of auditory excellence for the Nashville Symphony outside of SSC.
• Operate and/or supervise the operation, maintenance, and purchase & installation of SSC audio equipment for the Nashville Symphony, visiting artists/tours, and venue rental clients.
• Interpret technical riders and advance audio production for visiting artists and tours congruent with symphony CBA regulations and SSC best practices.
• Coordinate with Director of Production and Orchestra Production Manager to complete administrative work related to audio production including coding invoices, scheduling audio labor, and coordinating audio equipment rentals as needed.
• Ensure safety of Production Department equipment.
• Supervise and direct stagehands for “floor flips” in Laura Turner Concert Hall, as well as other production and maintenance tasks as assigned.

The duties listed above are not all inclusive. The person in this position is expected to perform other work‑related duties as assigned even though they may not be considered primary duties.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervision of audio staff, contracted free‑liners, and venders. Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.

Qualifications

Work Requirements

Education / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Audio Engineering or related; or
• High School diploma or GED equivalent; and
• 5 years of experience mixing and recording in professional settings

Required Soft Skills

• Ability to lead, contribute, and thrive in a team environment.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills and a helpful attitude in developing creative responses and solutions to needs and issues.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex technical manuals and specifications and translate technical terminology to lay terms.
• Strong interpersonal skills for balancing the needs of various stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and use independent judgment while keeping supervisor informed of work activity and issues.
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects and effectively prioritize tasks while maintaining a calm and professional demeanor.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends.

Required Technical Skills

• Familiarity with a variety of analog and digital audio equipment including: consoles, microphones, speakers, amplifiers, wireless systems, AoIP protocols, etc.
• Familiarity with Digital Audio Workstations.
• Excellent computer and Audio over IP networking skills.
• Advanced audio mixing and recording proficiency.
• Proficiency with soldering iron and heat gun.

The Nashville Symphony Association reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description is not a contract for employment. All employees are expected to adhere to all terms and conditions of the Association’s Personnel Policies and Employment Manuals and other Association policies and procedures which may be promulgated and published from time to time.