Lead Technician, Special Effects - Universal Horror Unleashed

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

Job summary

Universal Destinations & Experiences seeks an experienced SFX Lead to support installation, maintenance, and operation of atmospheric, pneumatic, hydraulic, animatronic, water-based and cryogenic effects for Universal Horror Unleashed. You will direct daily SFX tasks, ensure safe and high-quality performances, and coordinate across teams to maintain show integrity.

The role involves troubleshooting, reporting, and training team members while upholding OSHA standards and venue policies.

Qualifications

• Hands-on design, installation, maintenance, and operation of SFX systems in live events.
• Knowledge of pneumatic and hydraulic system theory, components, and safe operation.
• Ability to obtain a work card upon employment.
• Experience with atmospheric effects equipment (fog, hazers, CO2, cryogenic fog).
• Familiarity with compressed gas cylinder safety and regulatory compliance.
• Experience with animatronic mechanisms and timing/sequencing.
• Ability to read SDS/MSDS docs, schematics, and circuit diagrams.
• Ability to work in a team and provide clear direction.
• Strong written and verbal communication; coordinate with leadership.

Responsibilities

• Plans, assigns, and directs daily SFX tasks for team members and performs pre-show checks.
• Reinforces safety guidelines, OSHA standards, and hazard comms; leads start/stop procedures.
• Ensures work orders and documentation in Maximo; troubleshoots SFX issues across systems.
• Communicates status, needs, and technical concerns with leadership and other departments.
• Provides on-the-job training and refreshers for SFX team members.
• Maintains knowledge of atmospheric effects tech and safety standards; performs technician duties as needed.
• Participates in environmental, health, and safety responsibilities per policy.

Skills

SFX systems operation

Pneumatic systems

Hydraulic systems

Animatronic mechanisms

SDS/MSDS interpretation

Team leadership

Regulatory compliance

Education

HS diploma or GED

Associate/Technical degree

Tools

OSHA 10

OSHA 30 General Industry

Compressed Gas Association safety training

Forklift Operator certification

LVMPD Non-gaming work card

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

Supports management in the installation, maintenance, configuration, and daily operation of special effects (SFX) systems at Universal Horror Unleashed, including atmospheric, pneumatic, hydraulic, animatronic, water-based, cryogenic, and related effects. Provides work direction to Team Members to support safe, reliable, and high-quality SFX performance within the show environment. Oversees daily shifts, system startup and shutdown procedures, new effects installations and strikes, seasonal reconfigurations, troubleshooting, and related administrative duties. Reinforces company and venue-specific policies, OSHA standards, hazardous material handling procedures, and regulatory compliance requirements. Maintains working knowledge of SFX systems, safety requirements, and operational standards, while addressing concerns and escalating critical safety or technical issues to Technical & Show leadership as needed.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plans, assigns, and directs daily Special FX tasks for SFX Team Members, including pre-show system checks of atmospheric, pneumatic, hydraulic, animatronic, and water-based effects. Communicates performance expectations and supports proper and safe completion of assigned work. Completes required reporting and task management through Maximo to support communication between shifts, Technical Management, and Technical Coordinators.
• Reinforces company safety guidelines, OSHA standards, applicable state regulations, UHU operating procedures, and safe work practices related to compressed gas systems, pneumatic and hydraulic equipment, chemical effects, atmospheric systems, and hazardous materials. Leads SFX startup and shutdown procedures in compliance with lockout/tagout and hazard communication standards. Supports proper SDS/MSDS documentation, chemical labeling, compressed gas cylinder storage, equipment care, and consumable supply management.
• Ensures proper completion of work orders and documentation within Maximo. Troubleshoots SFX-related issues involving atmospheric effects, pneumatic and hydraulic assemblies, animatronic mechanisms, water-based effects, scent delivery systems, cryogenic effects, and breakaway prop mechanisms. Executes approved effects changes for daily operations, seasonal offerings, and special events in accordance with approved design, safety parameters, and regulatory requirements. Documents Team Member observations using the Lead Observation Report.
• Communicates and coordinates SFX system status, operational updates, resource needs, consumable inventory levels, work plans, and technical concerns with Technical & Show leadership, Scenic Décor & Props, Operations, and affected Team Members to support safe and seamless integration of effects within the show environment. Serves as a primary point of contact between the SFX team and appropriate leadership.
• Supports on-the-job training for new SFX Team Members and provides refresher training to existing Team Members. Training areas may include compressed gas handling, pneumatic and hydraulic system operation, chemical effects safety, SDS/MSDS interpretation, system documentation, OSHA standards, and venue-specific safety requirements. Completes required training documentation and assists with assigning training shifts as needed.
• Maintains current working knowledge of atmospheric effects technology, pneumatic and hydraulic control systems, animatronic mechanisms, fluid effects delivery systems, CO2 and cryogenic effects equipment, and applicable industry safety standards. Performs Technician-level duties as operationally necessary, completes company-required training, and maintains any required 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 responsibilitiesin accordance withthe organization’s policies and applicable laws.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Toperform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities (KSAs)required.

• Previous hands-on experience with the design, installation, maintenance, and operation of special effects systems within the professional entertainment, themed entertainment, or live events industry.
• Working knowledge of pneumatic and hydraulic system theory, component identification, and safe operation.
• Must be able to obtain a work card upon employment.
• Demonstrated experience with atmospheric effects equipment, including fog machines, hazers, CO2 systems, and cryogenic low-lying fog rigs.
• Familiarity with compressed gas cylinder and cryogenic liquid safety standards, including proper handling, storage, transportation, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience with animatronic mechanisms, actuator systems, and timing/sequencing of mechanical effects preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret SDS/MSDS documentation, system schematics, and pneumatic/hydraulic circuit diagrams.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment while providing clear work direction to Team Members.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to coordinate with leadership, Team Members, and partner departments.
• 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.
• OSHA 30 General Industry preferred
• Compressed Gas Association safety training or equivalent preferred.
• Forklift Operator certification preferred.
• Applicable state-specific license for compressed gas or hazardous materials handling, if required.
• Must be able to obtain LVMPD Non-gaming work card upon hire.

EDUCATION

• High school degree or GED is required; Associate degree or technical degree in Mechanical Technology, Industrial Technology, or a related field preferred.

EXPERIENCE

• 3+ years of hands-on special effects experience in system installation, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance is required, including at least 1 year of experience providing work direction to others.
• Experience in professional entertainment, themed entertainment, live events, or a similar operating environment is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

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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