Technical Paid Automation Crew Chief The Metropolitan Opera New York City, NY US 06/03/2025

Playbill, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Metropolitan Opera seeks an experienced automation systems technician to lead automation operations and maintain equipment for productions. This role involves overseeing scheduling, supporting budgets, and interacting with design teams, ensuring smooth operations for various theatrical events, requiring both technical expertise and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Strong experience troubleshooting electrical/mechanical systems.
• Familiarity with hydraulics, pneumatics, and variable frequency drives.
• Knowledge of networking systems and Beckhoff TWinCAT.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation operations and scheduling for team.
• Supervise daily operations and maintain inventory.
• Interface with teams to develop requirements for automation effects.

Skills

Analytical ability

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in technical theater production

Tools

TAIT Navigator software

AutoDesk AutoCAD

AutoDesk Inventor

Job description

The Metropolitan Opera
New York City, NY
US

CONTACT NAME

Kyle Brincefield

DESCRIPTION

The Metropolitan Opera seeks an experienced automation systems technician with experience working in large scale live theatrical and/or presentation environments. The Electric-Automation Department is responsible for automation systems integration, maintenance, and operations/run crew for all Opera repertory and special events. This position is represented by Local One I.A.T.S.E. under a collective bargaining agreement.

Primary Responsibilities

• As a member of the Electrics Department, lead automation operations by scheduling and work planning for the team’s day, changeovers, and shows.
• Supervise daily operations and submit payroll entry.
• Maintain Met Opera Production Automation network and equipment inventory in good working order.
• Support Head Electrician in preparation of operating and capital budgets and funding requests to maintain suitable equipment inventory for all scheduled presentations/uses.
• Interface with Production department and in-house/visiting Design teams to develop requirements for New Production automation effects, equipment, and infrastructure.
• Maintain expert knowledge of TAIT Navigator platform programming and operation.
• Keep abreast of developing technology, trends, and best practices in entertainment automation.
• Upkeep of production data storage on Met servers, in collaboration with IS team.
• Work with outside vendors and consultants to coordinate season rentals and new equipment purchasing.
• Act as programmer/operator for productions as assigned.
• Commissioning and integration of new machinery.
• Creating mechanical and electrical drawings as needed.
• Scheduling planned maintenance and working with other departments on maintenance planning.
• Local or remote support of operators during show conditions or during set up and strike activities.

Skills and Qualifications

• Strong analytical ability.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Bachelor’s degree in technical theater production, or related field, or equivalent professional experience required.
• Experience in the cuing, commissioning, show control functions of TAIT Navigator software.
• Experience troubleshooting electrical/mechanical systems.
• Familiarity with variable frequency drive commissioning and troubleshooting, preferably Control Techniques M700 series and Schneider Lexium 32i integrated servomotors.
• Familiarity with hydraulics and pneumatics and the commissioning there of.
• Knowledge of modern networking systems and network switches.
• Knowledge of Beckhoff TWinCAT 2/3.
• Experience in AutoDesk AutoCAD and Inventor software.

Physical Demands

• Must be available to work days/nights/weekends during Opera season as production schedule dictates.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Must be able to work well in a high-pressure/fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to work successfully with a variety of personality types.
• Must be able to learn and adapt to a changing work environment.
• Must be able to work successfully both independently and as part of a team.

The Metropolitan Opera is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and existing employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, citizenship status, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.

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