Technical Director at vanwycknet

Compensation

$150,000 – $175,000/yr

Setup: Hybrid
Location: New York, New York
Type: Full-time
Level: not_specified
Posted: Aug 11, 2026

Description

Van Wyck & Van Wyck is seeking a Technical Director to lead the technical planning and execution of large-scale events and complex temporary installations. This senior, hands-on technical leadership role involves owning the technical vision, standards, and execution across all events and special projects. The Technical Director will partner with various stakeholders from early design development through installation and strike, providing technical leadership across areas such as scenic construction, rigging, lighting, AV, power distribution, temporary structures, and site infrastructure.

Required Skills

AutoCAD
Rigging
Lighting
Audio-Visual
HVAC systems
Structural Engineering Principles
Electrical Load Calculations
Life-Safety Code Compliance

Additional Information

Required Previous Experiences: 8+ years in technical event production, with hands-on experience across lighting, audio-visual, rigging, tenting, and HVAC systems.
Advanced-level drafting ability in AutoCAD required — including floor plans, load calculations, power distribution, and rigging plots.
Strong working knowledge of rigging and structural engineering principles, electrical load calculations, and life-safety code compliance.
Proven experience managing and mentoring Production Managers and other support team members.
Track record negotiating and managing contracts with major technical vendors.
Department or portfolio-level budget management experience, not limited to single-event budgets.
Preferred Qualifications: Vectorworks experience is a plus but does not substitute for AutoCAD proficiency.
Experience with several of the following is strongly preferred: Formal training or certification in rigging, electrical, or structural engineering, Experience setting technical standards or SOPs across a production organization, Direct experience working with fire marshals, code officials, or permit authorities, Background in theater, themed entertainment, or large-scale live event engineering, Experience working with union crews and labor agreements (e.g., IATSE) on live event builds.