AUDIOVISUAL ENGINEER JOB DESCRIPTION

An Audiovisual Engineer who cannot read a construction drawing or commission a DSP leaves a client unable to occupy their space. This role owns the technical thread from initial site survey through final customer sign-off, translating architectural and electrical drawings into functional AV system designs that meet budget, code, and acoustic requirements. It operates within commercial integration firms serving general contractors, architects, and end-user clients across a wide range of venue types. CTS certification is a common baseline; CTS-D is the benchmark for senior practitioners in this market.

As the Audiovisual Engineer, you lead the full design, commissioning, and client training process for commercial AV systems, ensuring every integrated solution meets documented specifications, client expectations, and industry standards. You coordinate across project managers, field installers, vendors, and end users, with travel to client sites a regular part of the role.

Career Impact: Engineers who progress from CTS to CTS-D in commercial integration gain recognized, vendor-neutral credentials that open doors to lead engineering and systems design roles across the broader AV and construction technology market.

Business Impact: When a commissioned system passes final client acceptance on time and on budget, it directly determines the firm's ability to close contracts, collect final payment, and earn repeat business from general contractors and end-user accounts.

Growth Opportunity: The combination of DSP programming, schematic documentation, and client-facing commissioning experience in this role builds the technical breadth that advances engineers into AV project management and design consultancy positions.

• Design AV system solutions from construction drawings or site surveys to meet client requirements and project budgets.
• Perform configuration-level programming of control systems and configure digital signal processing to specification.
• Conduct site walks to evaluate lighting, acoustics, and cable routing prior to installation planning.
• Commission installed AV equipment including control systems and DSP, and document results for handover.
• Coordinate technical design solutions with clients, project managers, field installers, and vendors throughout the project.
• Review and QC equipment lists, system drawings, and specifications before release to architects and integrators.
• Serve as the tier-2 escalation point for field and customer technical issues during and after installation.
• Train end users and client staff on installed systems to support final acceptance and project close-out.

• Bachelor's degree in a computer-related, electronics, or engineering field, or equivalent work experience.
• 3 or more years of AV design or integration experience, with demonstrated involvement in commercial client-facing projects.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural, mechanical, electrical, and AV schematic drawings.
• Demonstrated competency in DSP configuration and control system programming at the configuration level.
• Ability to independently manage installation tasks, lead installers on site, and interface directly with clients.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical documentation for field and client use.
• AVIXA CTS certification required or must be obtained within one year of hire.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to customer job sites as project demands require.

• CTS-D or CTS-I certification reflecting demonstrated AV design or installation competency at the specialist level.
• Experience estimating AV systems and managing project costs against established budgets across multiple simultaneous projects.
• Background in video, audio, acoustics, or music that supports advanced system design and commissioning judgment.
• Familiarity with low-voltage systems, MEP coordination on construction sites, and general contractor workflows.

• Client sign-off rate, measuring the percentage of commissioned systems accepted without re-work visits.
• Mean time to resolve field escalations, tracking how quickly tier-2 issues are closed after assignment.
• Documentation completeness score, reflecting the proportion of projects closed with full as-built and handover records.
• On-time commissioning rate, measuring project milestone adherence against client and contract schedules.
• Budget variance per project, indicating how closely delivered designs track to approved cost estimates.
• Typical tools: control system programming environments (commonly Crestron and Extron); DSP configuration platforms (commonly Q-SYS and Biamp).

• Base Salary Range: $65,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on experience and certifications.
• Bonus: Project completion or performance bonuses, typically 5 to 10 percent of base.
• Equity: Equity uncommon at this level; offered at some privately held integrators.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage standard; employer contribution varies by firm.
• PTO: 10 to 15 days annually, increasing with tenure; holidays vary by employer.
• Common Perks: Mileage reimbursement, tool allowances, and employer-paid CTS exam and renewal fees.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process, consistent with applicable law. Employment in this role is contingent on satisfactory completion of a background check. All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Consideration for employment is extended to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law.

The Audiovisual Engineer owns technical support and Crestron system troubleshooting for customers, delivering AV competencies across installation, conferencing, and equipment servicing. Working with manufacturers and internal teams, this engineer directly enables customer satisfaction and system uptime through timely resolutions and accurate documentation.

Key Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot Crestron systems, load code, and provide technical support.
• Provide customers with elevated AV tech competencies and support.
• Troubleshoot system issues to determine and implement resolutions or appropriate usage.
• Work with manufacturers to develop relationships related to equipment servicing, return authorizations, and repair functions.
• Assemble reports and in-house paperwork to record customer interactions.
• Provide operational support for video conference meetings as required.

Required Qualifications

• CTS certification and/or a technical degree or certification preferred.
• 3 years of AV installation experience preferred; experience conducting site surveys, constructing racks, pulling cable, installing projectors and sub-mounts, and crimping/punch-down connections preferred.
• Ability to configure basic Crestron control systems and switching systems.
• Ability to independently manage an installation and lead other installers on job sites.
• Ability to upload and pull into devices and perform break-fix support.
• Must be able to stand, kneel, crouch, climb ladders and scaffolding, lift in excess of 50 pounds, and work in extreme environments.

Reporting to the Global Service Owner AV, the Audiovisual Engineer leads the design, build, and maintenance of global AV solutions for meeting rooms, common areas, and digital signage across Spotify offices worldwide. Partnering with Global IT Integration and external vendors, this engineer builds a scalable AV infrastructure that enables seamless collaboration and supports the handover of new office environments to IT Support teams.

Primary Duties

• Work in regional and global teams to develop and maintain AV infrastructure and services.
• Help coordinate and plan AV team work and serve as an escalation point for the IT Support team.
• Work closely with Global IT Integration, Design & Build, and external vendors.
• Design, build, and maintain global technical solutions for meeting rooms, common areas, lounges, and digital signage together with the Global Service Owner AV.
• Deliver AV solutions for future Spotify offices and provide handover to the IT Support team.
• Build support training materials and conduct training sessions on equipment use for Spotifiers.
• Assist in defining project scope and objectives, involving all relevant stakeholders and ensuring technical feasibility.
• Measure infrastructure and technology performance using appropriate tools and report and escalate to management as needed.
• Manage relationships with clients, partners, and third-party vendors; build and maintain comprehensive technical documentation.
• Recommend improved workflows to better processes and efficiencies.

Skills & Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience as an AV Infrastructure Engineer with a proven record of delivering AV systems to tech companies.
• Advanced knowledge of AV system setups and signal flows; basic to advanced knowledge of programming control systems.
• Knowledge of video conferencing infrastructure including Google Meet, Cisco, H.264 protocol, codecs, and monitoring solutions.
• Basic IT skills including remote desktop, security, network, and ticketing systems such as JIRA; documentation skills required.
• Open to experimenting with new technology, continuously learning, and challenging the status quo.
• Self-motivated, highly dependable, with a sense of urgency and ability to meet deadlines; able to work independently.
• Excellent communication skills and professional demeanor.

Sitting at the intersection of AV system design and field integration, the Audiovisual Engineer produces advanced audio-visual designs including control flow diagrams and CAD construction documents while configuring digital signal processing and programming across diverse systems. Operating across client engagements, vendor relationships, and internal teams, this engineer enables delivery of technically precise AV solutions within budget and schedule.

Duties

• Read and understand blueprints, AV system schematic diagrams, and architectural, mechanical, and electrical (MEP) drawings.
• Identify cable paths and relay site survey information to project managers.
• Effectively perform configuration-level programming of various systems; configure digital signal processing and generate program code.
• Produce advanced audio-visual designs including control flow diagrams and video and audio components; create construction and system integration documents including CAD drawings and specifications.
• Perform systems commissioning and client training.
• Communicate and coordinate technical design solutions with clients, firm staff, and vendors.
• Provide sales and technical staff with high-end technical support on both a pre- and post-sales basis, including attending project meetings.
• Maintain records by documenting installations; manage company equipment, tools, inventories, and project and office materials.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of current and new technologies offered by the company and related manufacturers such as QSC, Harman, Crestron, and Extron.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required; 2 years of AV design experience required.
• Experience designing and estimating professional AV systems required; background in video, audio, music, or acoustics preferred.
• Experience managing multiple team members and working on construction sites with other trades and general contractors.
• Network, audio, and video design experience; experience with Crestron, BSS, DBX, Q-SYS, and advanced Dante networks helpful.
• Computer skills including Microsoft Office, internet browsers, email, and smartphones.
• Demonstrated fine motor skills and ability to understand the fundamentals of controlling costs.
• Ability to work independently, complete daily activities according to work schedule, work flexible hours, travel to customer job sites, and work overtime as required.

Embedded within an AV/IT environment spanning conferencing, digital media, and live broadcast production, the Audiovisual Engineer delivers engineering expertise across integrated systems development, lifecycle repair, and infrastructure architecture. Working closely with the Enterprise Technology Manager and technical staff, this engineer shapes system reliability and design quality across a complex, multi-discipline technology environment.

Core Functions

• Provide technical expertise and apply best practices in AV engineering, design, and project management across integrated systems development, troubleshooting, monitoring, calibration, and infrastructure architecture.
• Interact with internal and external clients to consult and deliver engineering solutions.
• Collaborate with outside consultants and contractors to control quality and ensure work meets organizational and industry standards.
• Partner with the Enterprise Technology Manager to determine technology trends, create internal standards, and evaluate enterprise solutions.
• Review and monitor equipment and integrated systems throughout their lifecycle and provide guidance to daily users.
• Supervise or undertake repair, replacement, or creation of engineered solutions to keep integrated systems functional and performing to industry standards.
• Apply troubleshooting best practices and root cause analysis to identify weaknesses, minimize recurrence, and improve future design.
• Maintain project stability by developing schedules, managing scope changes, identifying pitfalls, and devising contingency plans.
• Coordinate repair and replacement of equipment with in-house teams, third-party vendors, and outside contractors.
• Manage and maintain database of equipment assets, inventory, and ongoing equipment wish list; review in monthly engineering meetings.
• Maintain system documentation, service manuals, technical drawings, signal flow diagrams, and integrated systems designs in CAD and Visio.
• Serve as Chief Engineer during large-scale staging events and broadcast-level live news feeds; oversee technical infrastructure for all live and broadcast productions.
• Train audiovisual technical staff on new equipment features and related AV matters; manage facility maintenance and support with the Senior Operations Manager.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Electronic Engineering or related field preferred.
• InfoComm (CTS, CTS-D, and/or CTS-I), CCNA, PMP, or other related certifications preferred.
• 8+ years of broadcast, AV, or telecommunications experience in a large market or facility; 3+ years of supervisory experience.
• In-depth knowledge of legacy and state-of-the-industry multimedia systems used in best-in-class conference centers.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills related to videoconferencing, connectivity, and AV equipment; firm understanding of global videoconferencing standards.
• In-depth hands-on knowledge of audio and video production tools such as cameras, mixers, monitors, and editing systems; ability to maintain high and low-end projectors and displays.
• Ability to create, read, and notate high-level schematics, signal flow diagrams, and construction drawings; proficient with AutoCAD.
• Familiar with all types of AV equipment and control systems including AMX, Crestron, Dante, and Q-Sys; experienced in full setup, configuration, and troubleshooting of Cisco and similar videoconferencing systems.
• Proficient understanding of LAN/WAN hardware and software for switches, hubs, routers, and point-to-point data circuits via copper and fiber.
• Strong strategic writing, engineering documentation, and verbal communication skills; well organized and capable of handling multiple assignments.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to supervise small teams and work sensitively in a culturally diverse environment.
• Commitment to excellence and ongoing education in engineering, IT, and mastery of craft.

A key member of a LEED-focused engineering firm, the Audiovisual Engineer shapes the design and analysis of building systems spanning paging, video, security, and wireless across multi-discipline construction projects. Collaborating with clients and contractors, this engineer advances the firm's sustainable design outcomes by applying code requirements and preparing construction-ready drawings and specifications.

Functions

• Interpret and apply local and national code requirements for public safety.
• Design and analyze various building systems including paging, sound, video, security, card access, CCTV, nurse call, medical telemetry, voice, data, and wireless.
• Prepare drawings and specifications for bidding and construction from contractors.
• Work on multiple projects in a collaborative environment.
• Represent company at client meetings.
• Work additional hours as needed to meet project deadlines.

Education & Experience

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• AVIXA (InfoComm) CTS certified or willing to become certified; CTS-D certification a plus.
• 3+ years of experience in AV design.
• Experience with all types of AV equipment, cables, and control systems.
• Experience with other low-voltage systems a plus.
• Experience with Revit and AutoCAD a plus.
• Excellent time management and interpersonal skills.

Reliable AV system performance across commercial and residential properties depends on the Audiovisual Engineer, who leads project involvement across programming, design, construction administration, and end-user training. Serving as the technical authority on system design quality, this engineer works with project managers, integrators, and clients to ensure deliverables meet budget, industry standards, and client expectations.

Accountabilities

• Lead direct involvement in all aspects and phases of AV projects including programming, design, and construction administration.
• Attend internal and client meetings as needed, both onsite and remote.
• Provide direction and create red lines and sketches for production team members; perform QC checks on all deliverables prior to release to clients, architects, construction firms, and integrators.
• Create and document AV budgets; develop AV system designs and perform all necessary engineering tasks to ensure designs meet client needs, expectations, and budgets.
• Create, QC, and issue equipment lists, system drawings, details, and system specifications.
• Collaborate with the project manager to ensure design intent, client requirements, and field design notes are covered by the system design.
• Ensure industry best practices and company standards are used consistently; participate in building and maintaining standards through lessons learned sessions, continuing education, and R&D.
• Oversee system integrator efforts, review submissions and shop drawings, and assist with site coordination, commissioning, punch lists, and end-user training as required.
• Review as-built and closeout documentation for accuracy; perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a computer-related field or equivalent work experience.
• CTS certification required minimum; CTS-D, CTS-I, and Crestron Programmer certifications preferred; AV manufacturer training and certifications such as SynAudCon, Crestron, Extron, and Biamp preferred.
• Working knowledge of AV systems, software, and video distribution required; experience with remote support tools.
• Exceptional verbal and written communications skills; strong documentation skills; strong attention to detail.
• Must be customer-focused and work well in a team-oriented environment; must have very good phone etiquette.
• Must be available to support a 24/7 environment and participate in on-call rotation for after-hours support; up to 50% travel possible.
• Must be capable of lifting and/or moving 50 to 70 pounds; mobility required to reach equipment and perform diagnosis in limited space.

As the Audio Visual Engineer, this role leads technical oversight from initial design through post-installation support of commercial AV projects, including site walks, DSP commissioning, and customer training. The Wachter team relies on this work to deliver fully functional audio and visual solutions that meet client requirements, budgets, and final approval across the full project lifecycle.

Technical Responsibilities

• Provide technical oversight and support from the beginning of the design process through post-installation support of AV projects.
• Communicate effectively with commercial customers regarding their AV requirements and budgets.
• Perform site walks and evaluate the lighting and acoustic properties of rooms.
• Design a fully functional audio and visual solution from construction drawings or a site survey.
• Work effectively with manufacturing and industry partners; collaborate with customers, project management, and other engineers when modifying a design or project plan.
• Document technical information needed for field installation; develop schematics and architectural drawings as additional duties may require.
• Commission AV equipment including control systems and DSP configurations.
• Serve as a tier 2 escalation point for field or customer-related issues; lead the commissioning process and document for others.
• Perform onsite and remote technical customer training; work with customers, project management, and field personnel to receive final customer approval on projects.
• Learn and demonstrate Wachter's culture and core values.

Experience & Qualifications

• College or technical degree preferred.
• AVIXA CTS preferred, required within one year of hire; valid design, engineering, or installation certifications as needed per manufacturer specifications.
• 3 to 5 years of experience in the commercial AV industry; minimum 3 years in an engineering or customer-facing role.
• Knowledgeable in Crestron programming; experience and certifications with AV manufacturers including Crestron, Biamp, Extron, Atlona, Shure, and Cisco.
• Advanced knowledge of AV hardware and software manufacturers such as Crestron, Extron, Biamp, QSC, Microsoft, Cisco, Zoom, Cambridge, and D-Tools preferred.
• Highly proficient with email, spreadsheets, Microsoft Office, Visio, and the ability to learn internal systems; computer, laptop, and smartphone proficiency required.
• Excellent customer relationship and communication skills, verbal and written; ability to maintain accurate records and document technical scopes of work.
• Valid state driver's license; available and willing to travel.

Audio Visual Engineer builds and maintains the full suite of AV solutions supporting an international law firm's Washington, D.C. technology team, spanning installation, monitoring, event setup, and vendor coordination. The work directly supports firm-wide staff and client-facing operations by ensuring all portable and built-in AV systems perform reliably across conferences, special events, and daily use.

Job Functions

• Install, configure, monitor, maintain, and support all AV solutions to ensure optimum performance.
• Duplicate and edit audio and video; capture webcasts and streaming media to DVD or other media.
• Track, schedule, and maintain all portable AV equipment including TVs, cameras, projectors, screens, podiums, microphones, and audio conference units.
• Set up all AV needs in support of conferences or special events.
• Maintain, monitor, and periodically test all built-in AV systems.
• Document and keep current administrative and design manuals for the implementation and maintenance of the AV network.
• Provide quality customer service to staff and clients in direct support of AV needs.
• Assist in coordinating vendors to maintain and service the Cable TV system.

Background & Experience

• Two-year college degree preferred.
• 4+ years of experience implementing, maintaining, and supporting Windows operating systems and MS Office application suites; experience providing workstation support in a Microsoft networking environment.
• Experience with Exchange and a document management system a plus.
• Technical experience configuring and supporting workstations, laptops, and printers required.
• Ability to read and interpret AV wiring diagrams.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals; ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, and customers.