University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Audio Engineer

Job Profile Title

Theatre Technician

Job Description Summary

Reporting to the Audio Supervisor, the Audio Engineer is responsible for the implementation and coordination assistance of all audio activities, systems, equipment, and infrastructure in all Penn Live Arts venues as well as event audio for off-site PLA or PLA-supported functions.   

Primary duties of this position include but are not limited to; Participate in the operation, maintenance, inventory, and safe use of all PLA-owned audio infrastructure within allotted schedules and expense projections; Participate in the maintenance and organization of each PLA venue’s house audio system, keeping detailed documentation and console files for patch & routing, RF configuration, and playback; Assist in advancing performance-specific audio needs with touring companies and/or clients, including coordinating and securing backline or other audio rentals, interpreting or generating stage plots and/or input lists, negotiating equipment substitutions when necessary; Assist with rental equipment coordination in coordination with Audio Supervisor and Production Manager; participate in RF coordination between multiple venues with a combination of stock and rental equipment; Serve as engineer for performances and events in various capacities, A1, front of house, monitors, deck/A2, etc.; Operate a variety of digital and analog mixing consoles during events; Seamlessly integrate client, artist, or rental AV equipment with house audio systems as needed; Assist in managing PLA audio inventory in asset management system, tracking preventive maintenance, services, and warranties; Assist with the upkeep of equipment and inventory in the Donnay Recording Studio.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

• Install, operate, and dismantle audio equipment for performances & events as directed by the Audio Supervisor or event Production Manager.

• Assist in coordinating audio needs for performances and events for visiting artists, clients, and internal facility users as directed by the Audio Supervisor.

• Actively participate in the maintenance and repair of Penn Live Arts audio equipment.

• In coordination with the Audio Supervisor and Production Management, assist in keeping up to date documentation of house audio systems, RF coordination, and console files.

• Generate patch & input lists and stage plots as needed for visiting artists, clients, and internal facility users as directed by the Audio Supervisor.

• Assist in the administration of event information and staffing via PLA's administrative channels including Artifax, SharePoint, Smartsheet, Asset Tiger, When To Work, and others as needed.

• As needed, supervise the work of other audio technicians, work study students, interns, or student groups using PLA venues and/or equipment.

• As needed, train staff & students on operating audio equipment.

• As needed, function as a venue supervisor or technician in another department for performances, rehearsals and events.

Qualifications

• Associates of Arts, and 1 to 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Preferred bachelor's degree in Technical Theater or technical certification in Audio Production or equivalent experience.

• Prior experience working in a technical theatre capacity is required. Candidate must have a good working knowledge of sound engineering, audio systems and industry standard sound paperwork and stage plots.

• Knowledge of or aptitude to learn Qlab programming, Dante Networking + other audio network protocols (MADI, AES50).Candidate must have a strong work ethic and superior communication skills; must work well in a team environment, have strong customer service skills and be able to perform complex and varied tasks. Computer skills are necessary. Supervisory experience required. This position requires a flexible work schedule which includes nights and weekends and ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and use variety of tools.

Application Requirement

• A Cover Letter and Resume/CV are required to be considered for this position. Please upload your Cover Letter where it asks you to upload your Resume/CV; multiple documents are allowed.

  Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Penn Live Arts

Pay Range

$15.34 - $22.00 Hourly Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.

Affirmative Action Statement Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts : Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

• Tuition : Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits . You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

• Wellness and Work-life Resources : Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

• Discounts and Special Services : From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

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  To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay

  The University of Pennsylvania's special character is reflected in the diversity of the Penn community. We seek talented faculty and staff who will constitute a vibrant community that draws on the strength that comes with a substantive institutional commitment to diversity along dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, veteran status, interests, perspectives, and socioeconomic status. Grounded in equal opportunity, nondiscrimination, and affirmative action, Penn's robust commitment to diversity is fundamental to the University's mission of advancing knowledge, educating leaders for all sectors of society, and public service. The University of Pennsylvania prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.