Mechanical Design Engineer III

TAIT; Lititz (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Parental leave

Job summary

TAIT, a leader in live event technology, seeks an experienced engineer to design and deliver cutting-edge staging solutions from Lititz, PA. You will develop robust 3D models, produce client-facing drawings, and work closely with project teams to meet performance and safety standards.

The role requires a strong background in 3D CAD, rigging or machinery design, and collaboration across disciplines to ensure on-time, within-budget delivery of complex projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree in a technical field and 5+ years in a related technical role.
• Experience with 3D CAD modeling and live entertainment tech is strongly preferred.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, project-based environment and collaborate cross-functionally.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with project teams to develop innovative technical solutions.
• Plan and execute technical solutions within scope, schedule, and budget.
• Apply TAIT design practices for manufacturability and onsite assembly.

Skills

3D CAD modeling

Live entertainment technology

Cross-functional collaboration

Project-based environment

Lititz, PA base

Education

BA/BS/BFA in technical theater, engineering, or related field

Tools

Autodesk Inventor

Job description

TAIT partners with artists, brands, IP holders and place makers to bring culture-defining, never-before-seen experiences to life. With a legacy of innovation spanning over 45 years, TAIT has grown from pioneering in rock ‘n’ roll concert staging to setting the global standard for extraordinary live events and experiences through cutting‑edge technology, precision engineering, and creative design. TAIT’s 20 global offices have developed iconic productions and experiences in over 30 countries, all seven continents, and even outer space for renowned performers, theme parks, exhibits, and venues across the globe, including partnerships with Taylor Swift, Cirque Du Soleil, Royal Opera House, Nike, NASA, Bloomberg, Google, Beyoncé, and The Olympics

Position Purpose

Essential Responsibilities

• Collaborate with project teams to develop innovative and effective technical solutions that align with project objectives and exceed client expectations.
• Plan and execute technical solutions to work within scope, schedule, and budget.
• Apply TAIT design best practices to design for fit and finish, manufacturing efficiency, onsite assembly + disassembly, and packaging.
• Identify and understand the underlying physics of complex problems to create successful technical solutions.
• Identify and prioritize project specific requirements and constraints to drive technical solutions.
• Apply TAIT Project Delivery best practices and processes including design reviews, project team meetings, and use of planning systems/software.
• Participate in client meetings and produce client-facing drawing packages as needed.
• Communicate effectively through hand sketches, 2D CAD drawings and cross sections.
• Efficiently generate robust and clean 3D models to support TAIT’s collaborative design process.
• Produce pitch studies, schematics, storyboards, weight studies, and other supporting tasks to advance the design + engineering process.
• Identify appropriate timing and scale of prototyping to support design + engineering process.
• Recognize aspects of project work requiring engineering rigor to collaborate with internal and external engineering review on assigned project work.
• Identify long lead time items and work with purchasing department to procure project specific components and materials.
• Use custom TAIT CAD tools as appropriate in design and detailing processes.
• Maintain project documentation including drawing redlines and operation manuals as required
• Release assembly and part drawings to be manufactured internal to TAIT as well as through subcontracting vendors using appropriate dimensioning and tolerancing.
• Efficiently solve technical issues as they may arise during fabrication, testing, and/or commissioning.
• Support legacy TAIT equipment as required by project needs and/or support department requests.
• Maintain awareness of standard of solutions within TAIT’s markets, product lines, and platforms.
• Maintain awareness of TAIT’s markets and competition.

Minimum Qualifications

• BA/BS/BFA in technical theater, engineering, architecture, industrial design, product design, and 5+ years of experience working in a related technical field
• Background in 3D CAD modeling
• Experience with custom overhead rigging design, custom machinery design, custom structural design, and/or custom scenic/facade design
• Working knowledge of live entertainment technology, strongly preferred
• Experience working in a short-term, project-based environment
• Success collaborating as part of a cross-functional team
• Ability to be based in the Lititz, PA TAIT headquarters

Preferred Experience

• Parametric modeling, ideally using Autodesk Inventor
• Building information modeling (BIM)
• Design for manufacture (DFM), especially aluminum structures and electro-mechanical machines
• Rigging, especially theatrical rigging, arena rigging, performer flying, or catenary systems
• TAIT markets, especially concert touring and theme parks
• TAIT technology, especially winches, trolleys, and other overhead machinery/structures

Working Conditions And Physical Effort

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and peripheral vision. The employee regularly operates a computer, including typing, using a mouse or keyboard, and viewing the screen for extended periods. While the role does not require regular lifting or physical exertion, there may be occasional onboarding programs or training opportunities that create opportunities for more exposure to physical tasks or new environments (sites, venues, etc.)

Work Conditions Of The Role Are

• Work conditions may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements such as dirt, dust, fumes, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks which require following basic safety precautions.
• Must be able to wear and properly utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to work within or visit areas where required. This includes, safety glasses, reflective vest, ear plugs, safety toed shoes, and other PPE as required by the location.

TAIT Benefits

• Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions (HDHP plans)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical & Dependent Care)
• Employer-paid life insurance with optional supplemental coverage
• Employer-paid Short-term with optional long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Paid parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Wellness stipends
• Voluntary benefits (e.g., accident, critical illness)
• Paid vacation and 12 holidays

TAIT is an equal opportunity employer fully committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran or any other protected characteristic as outlined by international, national, state, or local laws.