AV Lead Technician

Wachter, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and holidays

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Company-matched 401(k)

Job summary

Wachter, Inc. in Chicago seeks a skilled AV Lead Technician to oversee commercial audiovisual installations. This hands-on leadership role demands independent operation and management of field teams to ensure high-quality installations.

You will lead the execution of AV projects, troubleshoot complex systems, and maintain communication with other trades. Candidates must have an active AVIXA CTS certification and a minimum of 5 years of experience.

Wachter offers competitive compensation, company benefits, and a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

• Mandatory AVIXA CTS certification.
• 5+ years of commercial AV installation experience.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lb and work on ladders/lifts.

Responsibilities

• Lead installation of displays and audio systems.
• Direct technicians and assign tasks on-site.
• Act as technical lead for troubleshooting issues.
• Enforce neat cable management and verify functionality.

Skills

AVIXA CTS certification

Commercial AV installation

Reading AV drawings and schematics

Tools

Crestron

Q-SYS

Dante

Job description

Wachter's greatest asset is the people who work here. Join the Wachter family and chart your career path!

Wachter is seeking a highly skilled AV Lead Technician to support commercial audiovisual installations across enterprise and multi‑site environments. This is a hands‑on leadership role for a technician who can operate independently, direct field teams, and deliver clean, standards‑based installations. You will lead field execution, ensure installation quality, and drive consistency across projects.

Why Choose Wachter

• Full‑time work
• Competitive compensation based on experience
• Paid weekly
• Per‑diem paid when overnight travel is required
• Company‑provided cell phone
• Drive time and mileage paid for use of personal vehicle when travel is required
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Opportunities for certification and career advancement
• Supportive team environment

Benefits Package, Company paid

• Medical, dental, prescription & vision benefits – no premium cost!
• Life, AD&D, and LTD insurance
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Company‑matched 401(k) and IRA retirement savings

Key Responsibilities

• Field execution: Lead installation of displays, video walls, audio systems, control systems (Crestron, Q‑SIS), and networked AV (Dante, AV‑over‑IP) using schematics and drawings.
• On‑site leadership: Direct field technicians, assign tasks, manage project pace, and mentor junior crew members without needing constant project manager direction.
• Troubleshooting: Act as the technical lead to resolve complex issues with signal flow, DSP configurations, and control systems.
• Quality & control: Enforce neat cable management and labeling. Submit daily reports, redlines, and punch lists. Verify full functionality before client turnover.
• Communication: Serve as the main on‑site contact for PMs, general contractors, and other trades.

Qualifications

• Active AVIXA CTS certification (mandatory).
• 5+ years of commercial AV installation experience.
• Strong ability to read AV drawings, schematics, and construction documents.
• Preferred: CTS‑I certification, OSHA 10/30, and experience with Biamp, Extron, or AMX.
• Physical/Travel: Ability to lift up to 50 lb, work on ladders/lifts, and travel 60 % or more.

About

Wachter is a family‑owned company since 1930 and we see each employee as a critical piece of the Wachter Family. With over 900 licenses across the country, Wachter serves commercial and industrial clients with the right technologies needed to keep them successful.

We design, install, and maintain the technologies that keep businesses operating efficiently. Our team of dedicated electricians, engineers, and technicians provides electrical, data, security, communications, and automation services to clients in numerous industries.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.