Freelance Lighting Technician

Bandit Lites, Inc.; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Bandit Lites, Inc. seeks Freelance Lighting Technicians in the Nashville area to join a sub‑contracted W-2 program.

Responsibilities include safe preparation, setup, operation and maintenance of lighting systems during tours, with travel with the act and warehouse prep when not on the road. The role requires experience with moving lights, static LEDs, rigging, and control systems; candidates must be able to lift up to 50lbs and work at heights, with potential for transition to full‑time at

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience with touring lighting equipment and crews.
• Ability to read CAD drawings, lighting plots, and rigging plans.
• Knowledge of control systems (MA Lighting, Avolites, ETC).
• Comfort with safety standards and high‑height work environments.

Responsibilities

• Set up and deconstruct lighting systems for tours and events.
• Travel with act and assist with equipment prep and packing.
• Troubleshoot technical issues and ensure proper operation on site.
• Oversee loading/unloading and equipment inventory.
• Coordinate with Technical Services and other departments.

Skills

Touring crew management

Lighting troubleshooting

Reading CAD drawings

Patch lighting consoles

Safety compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

MA Lighting

Avolites

ETC

Vari-Lite

Robe

Clay Paky

Job description

We are currently looking to bring on Freelance Lighting Technicians to the Bandit team. This opening is as sub‑contracted W-2 employee, NOT 1099. Learn more about this program at www.besttechs.net. This pathway may provide the potential to transition into a full‑time technician role at Bandit Lites, offering added stability, perks, and benefits.

We are seeking candidates who are currently located in the Nashville area or who have a plan to relocate. Bandit Lites does not transport non‑local technicians to Nashville for project work. We are current not accepting international applicants.

Freelance Lighting Technician Job Summary

The Freelance Lighting Technician is responsible for the safe and professional preparation, assembly, operation, and maintenance of Bandit Lites’ equipment during tours and events. This role requires the technician to travel with the act, set up and deconstruct lighting systems, ensure proper operation of all lighting equipment, and assist with warehouse work and prep when not on the road. The Freelance Lighting Technician plays a key role in troubleshooting technical issues and ensuring that all systems are operating according to specifications and company standards.

Job Responsibilities And Requirements

• Understands, abides by, and instills the philosophy, policies, and procedures of Bandit Lites.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of Bandit Lites’ touring equipment, including lights, rigging, control systems, and related accessories.
• Read, interpret, and execute drawings, build specifications, and equipment lists for proper setup and teardown of lighting systems.
• Troubleshoot technical aspects of equipment and systems, including performing repairs and ensuring smooth operation during events and tours.
• Assist with equipment preparation, testing, and packing before and after transport to and from events, ensuring all gear is handled and stored properly.
• Oversee the packing, loading, and unloading of equipment, ensuring all items are handled with care and in accordance with company standards.
• Maintain accurate inventory of all lighting equipment throughout the project, tracking assignments and ensuring that equipment is accounted for to avoid unnecessary costs.
• Assist other departments, such as Technical Services and Integration, to ensure the accurate configuration, delivery, and operation of lighting systems.
• Ensure the safe and efficient setup and teardown of lighting systems at events and tours, adhering to all safety guidelines and company standards.
• Supervise and manage assigned crew members and local labor, ensuring quality work and that all tasks are completed according to Bandit Lites’ standards.
• Report to the Project Manager and/or Client Representative for project updates and to ensure all expectations are met.
• When not on tour, assist in warehouse prep for upcoming shows, including equipment maintenance, inventory control, and deprep.

Requirements And Expectations

• Proven experience managing touring crews and local labor, ensuring efficient workflow and quality work.
• Deep knowledge of touring lighting equipment, including moving lights (e.g., Vari‑Lite, Robe, Clay Paky), static lights, LEDs, follow spots, and other specialized concert lighting gear. Familiarity with industry‑standard control systems (e.g., MA Lighting, Avolites, ETC).
• Proven experience diagnosing and troubleshooting technical issues with complex lighting systems, including control systems, power distribution, DMX wiring, and fixtures, under high‑pressure live event conditions.
• Thorough understanding of rigging equipment, including truss systems, hoists, cables, and safety systems. Able to comply with safety standards when working with lighting rigs and high‑voltage equipment at heights.
• Advanced ability to read and interpret CAD drawings, lighting plots, rigging plans, and build specifications for concert and event lighting setups.
• Basic understanding of programming and operating lighting consoles, including patching, programming cues, and adjusting settings during shows and rehearsals.
• Strong understanding of electrical distribution and power requirements for large‑scale lighting setups. Knowledge of electrical circuits, power distribution systems, and the ability to perform basic electrical troubleshooting.
• Skilled in safely rigging and de‑rigging lights and rigging gear, packing, and preparing gear for transport. Knowledge of best practices for loading and unloading lighting equipment from trucks, ensuring no damage and following all safety protocols.
• Experience in setting up and tearing down lighting systems at live events, working closely with other departments (sound, video, staging), and following strict timelines to ensure that shows start on time.
• Must be able to climb and lift within regulations and standards, including working with heights and heavy equipment.
• Basic tool knowledge, including the use of crescent wrenches, screwdrivers, allen keys, and other necessary tools for setup, maintenance, and teardown of lighting systems.
• Must have a valid passport and driver’s license to travel internationally and domestically as required.
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs and to stand/walk for extended periods.

Preferred Skills

Strong attention to detail and problem‑solving skills, possess strong work ethic; both reliable and punctual, the ability to work independently and prioritize tasks effectively, Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, Flexibility to adjust to changing priorities and emergencies, excellent time management skills and the ability to multi‑task, physical stamina and ability to perform role requirements.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience: 3+ years of lighting technician experience

Job Department: Production

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Nashville