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
We are looking to add great freelance Mechanical Design Engineers onto our roster. By applying here you will be considered for upcoming short & long-term contracts with TAIT. This application is not for a full-time role.
Position Purpose
Mechanical Design Engineers (MDE) at TAIT are responsible for project-based mechanical design work that focuses on specialized machinery, structures, and rigging systems for the entertainment technology industry. MDEs drive innovative technical solutions, while working within TAIT safety and quality processes, as well as leveraging TAIT standard design principles and practices.
As part of the wider mechanical design and engineering team, this role will focus on owning specific subsections of projects. The MDE team collaborates across departments (project management, fabrication, procurement, field teams) to ensure project success, from "initial concept" through "opening night."
Essential Responsibilities / Accountabilities
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, 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.
To perform this position successfully, each essential responsibility/accountability must be fulfilled satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the responsibilities and accountabilities outlined above.
Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.
Minimum Qualifications
Formal degree or 2+ years experience in Technical Theater, Engineering, Architectural, Industrial Design, Machine Design, CADD preferred, or High School Diploma/GED
Background in 3D CAD modeling
Working knowledge of live entertainment technology
Experience working in a short-term, project-based environment
Success collaborating as part of a cross-functional team
Work will be hybrid/remote in Lititz PA
Preferred Experience
Parametric modeling, ideally using Autodesk Inventor
Design for manufacture (DFM), especially aluminum structures and electro-mechanical machines
Building information modeling (BIM)
Knowledge of and experience with live event specific structures, mechanisms, machinery, rigging, automation, and scenic elements
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 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.
