Mechanical Project Lead III

TAIT; Cumberland Heights (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision insurance

HSA

FSA

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) match

Parental leave

EAP

Wellness stipend

Voluntary benefits

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

TAIT in Tennessee seeks a Mechanical Project Lead to drive planning, fabrication, installation, and commissioning of mechanical systems for live entertainment projects.

You will coordinate cross-functional teams, read drawings, troubleshoot on-site, manage safety, quality, and schedule, and travel as needed to support installations.

This role offers hands-on leadership, mentorship of technicians, and opportunities to shape high-profile experiences with a global leader in production staging.

Qualifications

• Must read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and specs.

Responsibilities

• Lead project execution from planning through final installation, commissioning, and turnover.
• Coordinate fabrication, integration, testing, and commissioning activities.
• Own deliverables related to safety, quality, schedule, and budget.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings and documentation.
• Provide technical leadership on fabrication, staging systems, rigging, and integration.

Skills

Read engineering drawings

Mechanical troubleshooting

Project coordination

Safety compliance

Cross-functional collaboration

ERP systems (Epicor)

Hand tools / shop equipment

Travel ability (domestic/international

Education

High School Degree or GED

Technical training / related education

Tools

Epicor ERP

Slack

Box

Microsoft Office

Shop testing equipment

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

Gallagher Staging and Productions is an industry leader in production staging, custom fabrication, and truss structures for entertainment and special events. From coast to coast, Gallagher builds the stages, structures, and custom solutions that bring unforgettable entertainment experiences to life. With a focus on quality, safety, and innovation, Gallagher delivers exceptional solutions for clients across the entertainment industry through its network of facilities in Los Angeles, the Bay Area, Nashville, and Las Vegas.

Position Purpose

The Mechanical Project Lead plays a critical role in bringing TAIT's creative and technical visions to life by leading the planning, coordination, execution, installation, and integration of mechanical systems across live entertainment, brand experience, and permanent installation projects.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Manufacturing Operations, this position serves as the primary technical lead for assigned projects and is accountable for the successful execution of entire small-to-medium scale projects as well as significant scopes within large-scale projects. The Mechanical Project Lead works across the full project lifecycle, from fabrication and integration through testing, installation, commissioning, and final client delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead complete project execution from planning through final installation, commissioning, client acceptance, and turnover.
• Plan, coordinate, and manage fabrication, integration, testing, installation, and commissioning activities.
• Own project deliverables related to safety, quality, schedule, budget awareness, and technical performance.
• Organize workflow and assign tasks to project team members to achieve project objectives and deadlines.
• Read, interpret, and utilize engineering drawings, schematics, blueprints, specifications, and project documentation.
• Provide technical leadership related to fabrication, staging systems, rigging, mechanical assemblies, and integration activities.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, fabrication, installation, and field-related technical issues.
• Coordinate materials, equipment, tooling, project documentation, and labor resources to support project execution.
• Monitor project progress and proactively identify risks, constraints, and schedule impacts.
• Communicate project status, technical challenges, resource requirements, and recovery plans to project stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Project Management, Procurement, Manufacturing, Automation, and Installation teams.
• Lead shop testing, site acceptance testing, commissioning, and system validation activities.
• Ensure quality standards are achieved through inspections, testing, verification, and documentation.
• Drive process improvements that enhance safety, productivity, consistency, and quality.
• Mentor and develop junior fabricators, technicians, and integrators through training and knowledge sharing.
• Support development of work instructions, best practices, technical standards, and lessons-learned documentation.
• Participate in client-facing meetings, site visits, and project reviews as required.
• Maintain compliance with company safety policies and industry best practices.
• Travel as required to support project installation, integration, commissioning, and final delivery activities.
• Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.

People Management / Leadership Responsibilities

This role does not have direct supervisory responsibility but provides project and technical leadership to assigned teams and project personnel.

Key leadership responsibilities include:

• Providing day-to-day project leadership and technical direction.
• Supporting team collaboration and cross-functional communication.
• Mentoring and coaching developing team members.
• Facilitating effective problem solving and decision-making.
• Promoting a culture of safety, accountability, inclusion, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Supporting employee development through training, knowledge sharing, and technical guidance.
• Coordinating activities and priorities across multiple project stakeholders.
• Influencing successful project outcomes without direct reporting authority.

Position Requirements

• High School Degree or GED required
• Technical training, apprenticeship, trade certification, or related education preferred.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in mechanical fabrication, integration, manufacturing, welding, automation, rigging, mechanical systems, installation, commissioning, or related technical disciplines.
• Demonstrated experience leading projects or significant project scopes from planning through completion.
• Experience working within manufacturing, construction, themed entertainment, live events, automation, or related industries preferred.
• Experience working directly with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, schematics, and technical specifications.
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Knowledge of fabrication processes, rigging systems, staging systems, mechanical assemblies, and integration methodologies.
• Proficiency with hand tools, power tools, shop equipment, and mechanical testing equipment.
• Strong planning, organization, and project coordination skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining quality and schedule commitments.
• Ability to influence and lead without direct authority.
• Experience with ERP systems and collaboration platforms such as Epicor, Slack, Box, and Microsoft Office preferred.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Physical Demands

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.

Specific requirements are:

• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to lift or move up to 70 lbs.
• Must be able to carry up to 70 lbs.
• Must be able to pull or push up to 140 lbs.
• Must be able to frequently walk, bend, climb, push, pull, twist, squat, stoop, and kneel.
• Must be able to work at heights and in a variety of installation and project environments.

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, steel toed shoes, and other PPE as required by the location

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

#LI-AB1

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.