Automation Engineer II - Cruise Operations

TAIT; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

HSA with employer contributions

Flexible Spending Accounts

Life insurance

Short-term disability

401(k) with company match

Paid parental leave

EAP

Wellness stipends

Voluntary benefits

Paid vacation and 12 holidays

Job summary

TAIT is seeking an Automation Engineer to provide hands-on service, maintenance, and upgrades of automation systems across live entertainment environments. You will diagnose faults, perform preventative maintenance, and implement upgrades while traveling to client sites and potentially internationally.

Ideal candidates bring 4+ years in automation or related field, strong problem-solving, and excellent communication.

Qualifications

• GED or high school diploma required.
• 4+ years of technical field experience in automation and maintenance.
• Experience installing automation systems on cruise ships is a plus.
• Experience with mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical systems.
• Willingness to relocate to Orlando, FL or Lititz, PA.
• Right to work in the US.

Responsibilities

• Provide on‑call and emergency technical support to client partners, responding to faults and disruptions.
• Perform rapid triage and troubleshooting remotely and onsite to restore functionality.
• Diagnose and resolve faults across automation, control systems, networks, drives, and safety systems.
• Plan and execute scheduled and reactive onsite service visits, including maintenance and testing.
• Deliver system upgrades, software updates, patches, and retrofits according to TAIT standards.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Capability, Project Management, and client teams to support performance and service requirements.
• Prepare and maintain service documentation, test reports, commissioning records, and updates.
• Travel on short notice to client sites, potentially internationally.

Skills

Technical troubleshoot

Field service

Communication

Autonomy

Willingness to travel

Education

GED or High School Diploma

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 Automation Engineer is a hands‑on, technically focused role responsible for the ongoing service, maintenance, troubleshooting, upgrades, and operational support of automation and control systems across live entertainment environments. This position ensures that show automation, motion, and safety systems remain reliable, safe, and fully functional throughout ongoing operations. Automation Engineers support systems beyond initial delivery—responding to operational issues, diagnosing faults, performing preventative maintenance, and implementing upgrades that improve reliability and system capability over time. The role requires strong technical judgment, problem‑solving skills, and the ability to work effectively in fast‑paced, time‑sensitive environments. Working across active client sites, Automation Engineers collaborate with Achieve teams, Engineering, Project Management, client operations, and client technical teams to resolve issues, minimize downtime, and maintain system performance. The role requires a high degree of autonomy, strong communication, and the ability to travel on short notice, including internationally.

Essential Responsibilities & Accountabilities

• Provide on‑call and emergency technical support to client partners, responding to system faults, operational issues, and disruptions
• Perform rapid triage and troubleshooting remotely and onsite to identify root causes and restore system functionality
• Diagnose and resolve faults across automation, control systems, networks, drives, and safety systems
• Plan and execute scheduled and reactive onsite service visits, including inspections, preventative maintenance, repairs, load testing, and system validation
• Maintain and troubleshoot automation, control, mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical systems
• Perform mechanical troubleshooting and repairs, including rigging, gearboxes, brakes, alignment, and related equipment
• Identify equipment wear, system degradation, and emerging risks and address them before they affect operations
• Support automation system commissioning, testing, validation, and return‑to‑service activities
• Deliver system upgrades, software updates, patches, and retrofits in accordance with TAIT standards and client requirements
• Support Navigator and iQ software updates and system configuration changes
• Validate system upgrades through structured testing to ensure compatibility with live operational environments
• Prepare and maintain accurate service documentation, test reports, commissioning records, redlines, and system updates
• Coordinate with Engineering, Capability, Project Management, and client technical teams to support system performance and ongoing service requirements
• Communicate clearly with onsite technical teams, clients, and remote stakeholders throughout troubleshooting and service activities
• Support system handover, operator training, and transition into ongoing operational support
• Identify and communicate recurring system issues, risks, scope gaps, and service‑related challenges
• Contribute to continuous improvement by documenting lessons learned and identifying opportunities to improve system reliability and service processes
• Follow TAIT safety protocols, technical standards, and company procedures
• Maintain organization, documentation, and attention to detail across assigned projects and service activities
• Travel on short notice to support client sites and projects, potentially for extended periods and internationally

Minimum Qualifications

To perform the essential responsibilities, individuals must have the following level of education and experience, or equivalent combination. Additionally, the following certifications, knowledge, skills, or physical requirements are necessary for the position.

• GED or High School Diploma required
• 4+ years of technical experience in field applications, mechanical system maintenance, automation installation, controls, or a related technical discipline
• Experience installing automation systems on cruise ships a plus
• Experience working with mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical systems
• Experience with rigging, hydraulics, mechanical systems, and electrical systems
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently in fast‑paced, time‑sensitive environments
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients, technical teams, engineering, and project stakeholders
• Experience with entertainment automation systems on cruise ships, in theme parks, theaters, or other live entertainment environments is a plus
• Willingness to relocate to Orlando, FL or Lititz, PA
• Willingness to sail with and accept accommodations onboard cruise ships during maintenance periods
• Ability to travel approximately 120 days per year, both domestically and internationally, depending on client and project locations
• Right to work in the US

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

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. The employee is required to frequently walk, bend, climb, push, pull, twist, squat, stoop, and kneel each day. Specific requirements are:

• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time
• Must be able to lift or move 70 lbs. with or without assistance.
• Must be able to pull or push 140 lbs.
• Work conditions of the role:

Work conditions may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements such as dirt, dust, fumes, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises. Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks which require following basic safety precautions.

• Must be able to wear and properly utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to work within or visit areas where required. This includes, safety glasses, reflective vest, ear plugs, safety toed shoes, and other PPE as required by the location
• Ability to work in “entertainment conditions” including a wide variety of working places such as shops, backstage, catwalks at height, construction areas, theme parks, and cruise ships.

TAIT Benefits:

• Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions (HDHP plans)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical & Dependent Care)
• Employer‑paid life insurance with optional supplemental coverage
• Employer‑paid Short‑term with optional long‑term disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Paid parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Wellness stipends
• Voluntary benefits (e.g., accident, critical illness)
• Paid vacation and 12 holidays

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.