Lead Audio Technician

Description

The Lead Audio Technician is the backbone of sound quality across shipboard entertainment venues. From theatrical productions to live music and special events, this role ensures professional audio execution through expert operation and maintenance of digital mixing consoles, wireless microphone systems, DSP networks, and playback systems. You'll work hands-on with complex signal flows, live mixing environments, and advanced system troubleshooting—ensuring every performance meets the highest technical standards.

This role primarily supports the ship’s main auditorium, serving as the lead audio operator for all events in that space, while also providing auxiliary support to secondary venues throughout the ship.

Reporting to the Entertainment Technical Manager, this is a highly skilled, performance-critical position ideal for live sound professionals with deep technical knowledge and a passion for delivering consistent, high-quality results.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and mix audio for all onboard entertainment, including theatrical productions, live music, and special events.
• Serve as the primary audio engineer in the ship’s main auditorium and support additional venues as needed.
• Conduct regular inspections, maintenance, and calibration of audio systems—including digital consoles, wireless microphones, amplifiers, DSPs, and PA systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve audio-related issues quickly and efficiently, minimizing disruption to operations.
• Collaborate with performers and production teams during rehearsals to ensure technical readiness and audio quality.
• Maintain detailed documentation of equipment inventories, configurations, maintenance records, and shift handovers.
• Support fellow technicians with setups, strikes, and department-wide technical tasks.

Minimum Experience

• 3–5 years of professional live sound experience, including at least 1 year operating complex digital audio consoles and DSP systems.
• Strong working knowledge of signal flow, EQ, compression, effects routing, and RF coordination.
• Proficient with digital and analog consoles, wireless IEM/microphone systems, and playback technology.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documentation, including input lists, stage plots, and signal diagrams.
• Excellent troubleshooting skills and the ability to work calmly and efficiently during live performances.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset.
   

Additional Requirements

• Must pass and maintain a valid medical certificate of fitness (arranged by the company).
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs (23 kg), work at heights up to 36 ft (11 m), and operate in confined, loud, bright, or dark environments.
• Comfortable standing and walking for extended periods and adapting to shipboard schedules.
• Double occupancy cabin; one-stripe officer rank.
• Full-time shipboard travel required; this is a seagoing role with 6-month contract durations