Automation Specialist

Oregon-Shakespeare-Festival; Ashland (OR); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, OR is seeking an Automation Specialist to join the Production team. This full-time, non-exempt role, represented by IATSE Local 154, focuses on installing, maintaining, and programming automated effects for theatrical productions.

You will collaborate with the creative team during tech rehearsals, develop prototypes, configure drives and micro-controllers, and ensure safe, reliable automation infrastructure in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of microprocessors, programming, AC/DC circuits and drives, PLCs, motor control, and 3-phase/208V electrical power distribution.
• Ability to read electronic schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; proficiency with hand and power tools for wiring and soldering automated systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot low- and high-voltage electrical systems; read CAD drawings in AutoCAD and SolidWorks.

Responsibilities

• Installs, maintains, repairs, and programs automated effects.
• Executes research, development, and prototyping for theatrical automated effects.
• Programs and configures drives, controllers, and micro-controllers for stock and custom effects.
• Creates and integrates custom control circuits and fabricates electrical enclosures.
• Provides Automation Department technical support during the technical rehearsal process.
• Collaborates with the creative team to design and program complex motion profiles.

Skills

Microprocessors

Programming

AC/DC circuits

PLCs

Motor control

Wiring schematics

CAD drafting

3D printing

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

3D printing

Job description

Description

Now Hiring: Automation Specialist
Department: Production
Reports to: Head of Automation
Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt, Union
Hourly Rate: $29.85/hr.
Expected Dates: 9/15/2026
Location: Ashland, OR
This position is represented by IATSE Local 154.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Installs, maintains, repairs, and programs automated effects.
• Models and supports the mission and values of OSF by: a. Demonstrating inclusive behavior and creating an environment of belonging b. Maintaining a safe and anti-racist working environment c. Recognizing micro-aggressions and interrupting othering behaviors
• Executes research, development, and prototyping for theatrical automated effects.
• Fabricates, installs, and maintains electrical components such as cables, control boxes, limits, and other electromechanical hardware and devices.
• Programs and configures drives, controllers, and micro-controllers for stock and custom effects.
• Creates and integrates custom control circuits and fabricates electrical enclosures.
• Inspects, maintains, repairs, and adapts automation system infrastructure.
• Installs automated effects using advanced rigging and architectural anchoring methods.
• Provides Automation Department technical support during the technical rehearsal process.
• Collaborates with the creative team throughout the technical rehearsal process to design and program complex coordinated motion profiles.
• Supports maintaining a status of good standing with ANSI Entertainment Safety Standards within the Automation Department.
• Assists with the fabrication and installation of automated effects, including welding and metalwork.
• Transports or arranges for the transportation of automation components to and from the shop and the theaters
• Works with other production department staff, to plan and execute interdepartmental, show-related projects.
• Participates in the clean-up of workspaces at the end of the each day

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Attends company, department, shop meetings, and safety trainings as assigned.
• Engages with OSF patrons
• Support Marketing and Development efforts.
• Mentor colleagues as requested
• Acts as a scene shop carpenter and/or welder and fabricate scenery and/or props as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by scene shop management staff.

Work Experience:

Three years of experience in the fabrication, installation, and maintenance of automated effects and two years prototyping electronics equipment.

Qualifications/Skills:

Knowledge of microprocessors, programming, AC/DC circuits and drives, PLC’s, motor control, and 3-phase/208V electrical power distribution; skill in reading electronic schematics and wiring diagrams; excellent verbal and written communication skills; proficiency in the use of hand and power tools for wiring and soldering automated systems; ability to troubleshoot low-voltage and high-voltage electrical systems; ability to read scaled construction or design drawings; ability to create CAD construction or design drawings in AutoCAD and SolidWorks; excellent PC computer skills; understanding of 3D printing technology; ability to take direction well and work without supervision; work quickly and safely in a fast-paced environment with a high level of cultural competency.

Physical Ability:

Ability to lift and move materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds; frequently climb and work from ladders and personnel lifts; regularly squat, crawl and kneel and maintain position while assembling automation; regularly reach above shoulders to assemble automation overhead; occasionally climb 24-foot vertical wall ladder to get to the catwalks above the stage; ability to stand and walk constantly for extended periods of time.

Other Skills, Knowledge, Ability:

Valid Oregon Driver’s License and a good driving record, ability to drive an 18’ box truck, ability to operate a forklift and personnel lifts (OSF provided Training), ability to pass and maintain a clear background check.

Standard work week is Monday – Friday. Occasional night-time and weekend hours are required for load-ins, load-outs, technical rehearsal support, and technical show emergencies.

Preferred Qualifications:

Theatrical automation experience and metal fabrication. Proficiency in SolidWorks drafting

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.