Lead Technician, Lighting - Universal Horror Unleashed

Universal Studios; Las Vegas (NV); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Universal Destinations & Experiences is seeking a Lighting Technician Leader for Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas. You will oversee daily lighting operations, troubleshoot fixtures, and ensure show integrity across automated and conventional luminaires, DMX networks, and pixel-mapping systems.

You will lead a team, enforce safety standards, and work with show control and operations to deliver immersive lighting experiences. Strong communication and documentation skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with automated moving-head luminaires from major manufacturers.
• Proficiency with theatrical lighting control consoles (ETC Eos, grandMA2/3).
• Solid knowledge of DMX512/RDM, Art-Net, and sACN networking.
• Experience with LED luminaires, pixel-mapping software/hardware, and LED drivers.
• Knowledge of conventional dimmer/relay systems (ETC Sensor+, Unison).
• Ability to read lighting plots, schedules, focus charts, and DMX patch docs.
• Strong teamwork and clear written/verbal communication.
• Willingness to obtain/maintain licenses and safety certifications.

Responsibilities

• Plan and direct daily lighting tasks; verify DMX/RDM, backups, and focus checks.
• Lead safety compliance, rigging and aerial work platform operation.
• Troubleshoot lighting systems incl. LEDs, pixels, DMX distribution, and consoles.
• Coordinate with Show Control, A/V, and leadership for cohesive show integration.
• Assist with training new Lighting Team Members and track training needs.
• Maintain knowledge of luminaire tech and industry standards; perform related duties.

Skills

Moving-head luminaires

Theatrical lighting consoles

DMX/RDM, Art-Net, sACN

LED luminaires & pixel-mapping

Dimming & relay systems

Reading lighting plots & schedules

Team leadership & direction

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate/Technical degree in Theatrical Production or related

Tools

ETC Eos family consoles

grandMA2/3 consoles

Avolites or Chamsys platforms

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

Supports management in the installation, maintenance, and daily operation of theatrical and themed entertainment lighting systems at Universal Horror Unleashed, including automated fixtures, conventional lighting, LED pixel-mapping systems, dimming/relay infrastructure, and network-based lighting controls. Provides work direction to Team Members to maintain high-quality illumination and atmospheric effects consistent with approved show design. Oversees daily shifts, lighting installations and strikes, seasonal programming updates, focus and position maintenance, and related administrative duties. Reinforces company and venue-specific policies, including work-at-height and electrical safety standards, while addressing technical concerns and escalating critical issues to Technical & Show leadership as needed.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plans, assigns, and directs daily lighting tasks for Lighting Team Members, including pre-show fixture checks, lamp replacement, color media changes, DMX/RDM verification, console programming backups, and position/focus checks for automated and conventional luminaires. Communicates performance expectations and supports proper completion of assigned work. Completes required reporting and task management in Maximo to support communication between shifts, Technical Management, and Technical Coordinators.
• Reinforces company safety guidelines, OSHA standards, applicable state regulations, and UHU operating procedures. Leads lighting system startup and shutdown processes and oversees the safe use of aerial work platforms, extension ladders, and related equipment during rigging, focusing, and maintenance activities. Monitors the condition of fixtures, dimmer racks, relay systems, and DMX distribution infrastructure, and supports proper storage of gel media, gobos, consumables, and rigging hardware in accordance with venue safety standards.
• Ensures proper completion of work orders and documentation within Maximo. Troubleshoots and resolves lighting system issues involving automated fixtures, conventional theatrical luminaires, LED and pixel-mapping systems, DMX512/RDM distribution, Art-Net and sACN infrastructure, dimmer/relay systems, and lighting control consoles. Executes approved programming changes, focus and position adjustments, beam, iris, color, and gobo updates for daily operations, seasonal events, and special programming in accordance with approved lighting design. Documents Team Member observations using the Lead Observation Report.
• Communicates and coordinates lighting system status, operational updates, and technical needs with Show Control, Audio/Visual, Special FX, Operations, and Technical & Show leadership to support cohesive integration of lighting within the overall show experience. Communicates resource needs, inventory levels, work plans, and operational concerns. Serves as a primary point of contact between the lighting team and appropriate leadership.
• Supports on-the-job training for new Lighting Team Members and provides refresher training to existing Team Members. Training areas may include DMX/RDM fundamentals, console programming, automated fixture maintenance, rigging, safe work-at-height practices, and lamp/LED handling and disposal procedures. Completes required training documentation and assists with assigning training shifts as needed.
• Maintains current working knowledge of conventional and automated luminaire technology, dimming and switching systems, DMX512/RDM protocol, network-based control protocols, LED driver and pixel-mapping systems, and lighting control console platforms. Stays informed of relevant USITT and ETCP industry standards. Performs Technician-level duties as operationally necessary, completes company-required training, and maintains any required state licenses or renewals.
• Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UDX policy, procedures, training, and team member involvement activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• Individual Contributor

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous hands-on experience with automated moving-head luminaires (wash, spot, beam, and hybrid fixture types) from manufacturers including Robe, ETC, Chauvet Professional, Martin Professional, or equivalent.
• Proficiency with theatrical lighting control consoles, specifically the ETC Eos family (Eos Ti, Ion Xe, Element) and/or grandMA2/3 is required; experience with Avolites or Chamsys platforms is a plus.
• Solid working knowledge of DMX512/RDM protocol, Art-Net, and sACN network-based lighting control.
• Experience with LED luminaire systems, pixel-mapping software and hardware, and LED driver configuration.
• Working knowledge of conventional theatrical dimmer and relay systems, including ETC Sensor+ and Unison architectural control platforms.
• Ability to read and interpret lighting plots, instrument schedules, focus charts, and DMX patch documentation.
• Strong ability to work in a team environment and provide clear work direction.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Consistent attendance is a job requirement.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Local and state required licenses including OSHA 10.
• Aerial Work Platform (AWP/Scissor Lift) operator certification required.
• ETCP Certified Entertainment Electrician preferred.
• ETC Eos family console certification preferred.
• Must be able to obtain LVMPD Work card.

EDUCATION

• High school degree or GED is required; Associate's or Technical degree in Theatrical Production, Entertainment Technology, or a related field is preferred.

EXPERIENCE

• 3+ years of technical experience in design, installation, and maintenance of entertainment systems with 1 year of providing work direction is required.
• 2+ years of experience within the professional entertainment or themed entertainment industry is preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Universal is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Universal Destinations & Experiences via-email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from Universal Destinations & Experiences HR/Recruitment will be deemed the sole property of Universal Destinations & Experiences. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Universal Destinations & Experiences as a result of the referral or through other means.

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