Technical Manager (AV & Immersive) in Newport

Airdrawn is a specialist studio of creative technologists, digital artists, system architects, and project directors. We design and deliver installations, visitor experiences, and events, bringing ideas to life through creativity, technology, and expertise. From ideation to delivery, our experience informs every step of the process.

We are looking for a Technical Manager (AV & Immersive) to take ownership of our technical design and delivery. Currently, our technical direction is led by the Managing Director. As we expand, we need a specialist to take over the detailed engineering and planning of our projects. You will become the technical authority for our installations, taking client vision and turning it into a fully costed, documented, and buildable reality.

We are a growing, agile company, and we need a "Swiss Army Knife" technical lead. While your primary focus is desk-based engineering and pre-production, you must have the practical skills and generalist mindset to jump in wherever needed. You will work closely with our Senior Producer (who leads the creative and interactive development) to ensure the physical systems you specify can support their creative requirements.

The Working Model: We operate a flexible hybrid model. We are looking for someone based in the Greater Bristol, Bath, or Wiltshire area who can join us at our Chippenham Head Office (Kington Langley). Typical Schedule: We aim for 1 day a week in the office for team collaboration, though this may fluctuate based on active project demands. Onboarding: To ensure a smooth handover, we may require 2-3 days a week in the office during your first month.

Key responsibilities

• System Engineering & Documentation

• Technical Authority: Translate creative briefs into robust technical specifications. You determine how it works physically.
• CAD & Schematics: Use Vectorworks to produce high-level technical documentation, including signal flow schematics, rack elevations, patch schedules, and plan-view site layouts.
• Hardware Specification: Select and specify the correct AV hardware (Projectors, LED processors, Media Servers, Networking), balancing technical performance with budget constraints.

• Technical & Creative Alignment: Partner with the creative leads to translate artistic concepts into technical realities. You are responsible for ensuring that the physical system (screens, projectors, sensors) effectively supports the narrative and interactive goals of the project.
• Workflow Definition: Define the technical workflow for content delivery. Whether it is linear video or real-time generative content, you ensure the signal chain (from media server to display) is robust and capable.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Serve as the linchpin between our creative technologists and the technical delivery team. You bridge the gap, ensuring that software developers understand the hardware constraints, and that content creators have the correct technical specifications.

• Budget Management: Manage project budgets, ensuring delivery within budget while achieving profit targets.
• Procurement: Manage relationships with suppliers and rental houses to negotiate rates and secure equipment availability.
• Hands-on Delivery: Lead the technical delivery on-site. While you will often supervise contractors, you should be competent and willing to be "on the tools" to get the job done when necessary.
• H&S and Compliance: Maintain project documentation and processes, including creating RAMS and ensuring site safety.

Physical and social conditions of this role

This role may require non-standard working hours, including weekends and bank holidays, and travel both nationally and internationally. It may involve working at height, with or around plant and access equipment, and in adverse weather conditions. The role can be high pressure and time sensitive, but flexible working arrangements are possible with prior notice.

Person Specification

• Small Team Mindset: You understand that in a small agency, everyone helps out. You are adaptable, proactive, and willing to work outside your strict job description to support the team.
• Positive Attitude: A positive, can-do attitude with strategic thinking abilities.
• Organised & Resilient: Ambitious, organised, self-motivated, calm under pressure, and culturally aware.
• Problem Solver: A flexible problem-solving approach and a solutions-based mindset. You don’t just identify issues; you bring the fix.
• Leader: Confident and able to lead a team of colleagues and/or freelancers at all levels.

Essential Skills

• You must be highly proficient in 2D technical drawing and schematic creation using Vectorworks/ConnectCAD.
• A deep understanding of video and audio signal distribution and networking.
• Proven experience specifying AV hardware for installations, ensuring technical compatibility and budget alignment.
• A solid grasp of how interactive hardware (sensors, cameras, Lidar etc.) integrates into a wider AV system.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with media server software (Disguise, Touch Designer, Pixera, Watchout, Resolume, etc.) from a hardware/specification perspective.
• Understanding of show control protocols (OSC, UDP, TCP) and Q-SYS.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace.

Employment Particulars

• Type of role: Full time / Permanent
• Reports to: Managing Director
• Location: Hybrid. Primarily remote, with a target of 1 day/week at our Chippenham Head Office (SN15). Easy access from the M4
• Salary: Package negotiable dependent on applicant
• Benefits:

• 25 days paid holiday, plus bank holidays
• An extra day off on or around your birthday
• Hybrid working, with plenty of flexibility to work from home
• Free on-site parking
• Work mobile and/or eSim and work laptop
• Incentive scheme for new and repeat business
• Company pension scheme & access to private medical insurance following probation period