Senior AV/Technology Consultant

Salas O'Brien; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Wellness programs and EAP

Professional development support

Job summary

Salas O’Brien in Southern California is seeking a Senior AV/Technology Consultant to lead client strategy, interdisciplinary coordination, and design quality for performing arts, corporate, educational, and other venues.

From early visioning through construction administration, you will develop designs, drawings, and specifications, coordinating with architects, engineers, and clients to deliver integrated AV, lighting, rigging, acoustics, and system solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, physics, theatre, architecture, or a related field.
• 5–10 years in design consulting or systems integration.
• Strong communication and collaboration across teams.
• Experience with AV and acoustic testing or modeling software.

Responsibilities

• Lead client strategy, interdisciplinary coordination, and design quality for venues.
• Develop preliminary designs, drawings, and technical documentation.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, clients and internal teams.
• Guide design through construction administration and submittal reviews.
• Prepare presentation materials and coordinate system requirements.

Skills

A/V systems design

Team coordination

Client leadership

Communication

Project management

Detail oriented

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in engineering/physics/theatre/architecture

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

Smaart

EASE

Treble

Job description

Position Title: Senior AV/Technology Consultant

Company Overview

At Salas O’Brien, we’re dedicated to engineering for impact. Our mission to make a difference is at the core of everything we do, from our projects to our team culture. We strive to embody values of inspiration, achievement, and connection, fostering collective ownership and a sustainable future.

Established in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on creating impact for our clients, team members, and the world. We know that today’s challenges bring tomorrow’s opportunities, and we’re here to design innovative, lasting solutions.

We specialize in creating environments where people connect, perform, and thrive. Our team consults on projects ranging from performing arts centers and universities to corporate campuses, cultural venues, and entertainment destinations. By integrating technology, acoustics, lighting and theatre systems, we help clients deliver experiences that inspire and engage.

Responsibilities

As a Senior AV Design Consultant, you will lead client strategy, interdisciplinary coordination, and design quality for performing arts, corporate, educational, sports, faith-based, and community venue projects. This role guides clients and design teams from early visioning through construction administration, helping deliver integrated AV, theatrical lighting, rigging, stage systems, acoustics, and technology solutions that support memorable audience, worship, learning, and performance experiences. Responsibilities include developing preliminary designs, design drawings, and technical documentation; collaborating with architects, engineers, clients, and internal design team members; preparing presentation materials; guiding architectural integration of systems and equipment; and coordinating technical requirements across disciplines. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, organized, collaborative, and effective in a professional design environment.

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of audiovisual systems.


• Experience with related systems such as theatrical lighting, stage rigging, and acoustics desirable to lead efforts and coordination.


• Lead clients and design teams through the design process.


• Possess a thorough understanding of the design and construction process.


• Coordinate system requirements with architects, mechanical, electrical and structural engineers.


• Prepare design drawings and specification packages.


• Conduct site surveys and document existing technical systems.


• Provide construction administration support, including review of submittals and RFIs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, physics, theatre, architecture, or a related field.


• A minimum of 5-10 years of experience in either design consulting or systems integration.


• Strong work ethic and collaborative mindset.


• Clear communication skills with strong organization and time-management abilities.


• Ability to lead and work effectively both independently and within a team environment.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Revit and AutoCAD


• Experience with audio and acoustic testing or modeling software (Smaart, EASE, Treble, etc).


• Experience with performing arts, entertainment, faith-based, corporate or higher education project types.


• Experience with speaker modeling, AV system commissioning, or construction administration for complex technical systems.


• Ability to translate client goals into coordinated design solutions across architecture, engineering, and specialty technology disciplines.

Location

Dan Diego or Southern California.

Work Model

Hybrid.

Travel

As needed for project work (typically up to 10%)

Compensation & Benefits

The expected base salary range for this role is $95,000 – $120,000 USD per year depending on experience. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.

This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance


• 401(k) with company match


• Paid time off and company holidays


• Wellness programs and employee assistance resources


• Professional development support

For more information, visit our full benefits overview here.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.

Education

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, physics, theatre, architecture, or a related field.