Technical Paid Assistant Technical Director Zach Theater Austin, TX

At Zach, we believe in the power of light—to illuminate new ideas, spark imagination, and bring people together. As Austin’s leading professional producing theater, we create vibrant, intimate theater experiences that engage, inspire, and connect our community. The Assistant Technical Director is a vital member of the technical design team, serving as the primary draftsperson (2D and 3D CAD) for all Zach productions and special events;

articulating construction methodology, rigging specifications, and critical technical solutions for the Scenic and Paint departments. This role assists the Technical Director in the budgeting, preparation, assembly, load‑in, and load‑out process for all Zach productions and in the daily operation of Zach’s Scenic Studios.

• Produce 2D and 3D AutoCAD drawings for all Zach Scenic Studios builds, including construction and technical drawings, load in/out drawings, truck packs, and other critical CAD‑based documentation for the Scenic and Paint shops or other projects assigned by the Technical Director.
• Accurately budget materials and labor for each Zach production as directed by the Technical Director based on scenic drawings and renderings, including preparation of budget templates and build, load‑in, and load‑out schedules.
• Acquire materials and special‑order products and equipment with ample lead time on Zach production and various special projects.
• Maintain a safety‑oriented work environment while cultivating safe work practices in the shop and theaters during load‑in, load‑out, day‑to‑day operations, and in the technical design of scenery from construction to assembly and load‑in processes.
• Facilitate clear and effective communication between the Technical Director, the Scenic Studios Supervisor, and shop staff, ensuring the carpenters, painters, and artisans understand each project’s full design needs through drawings, written, and verbal communication.
• Work with the Technical Director and shop staff in backlog creation meetings to ensure all scope estimations from the team are aligned with the build schedule and deadlines.
• Serve as a critical and timely member of quality control processes, reconciling fabrication with construction drawings and installation with designs.
• Assist the Scenic Studios Supervisor with planning and follow‑through of scene shop and facilities improvements for the production department and special projects as assigned by the Technical Director.
• Support the Technical Director in leading daily stand‑ups and overseeing daily operations, load‑ins, load‑outs.
• Attend design and production meetings, technical and dress rehearsal, and other meetings/events as directed by the Technical Director.
• Assist the Scenic Studios Supervisor in the maintenance and implementation of the Scenic Studios FIFO Materials Inventory and MSDS books.
• Attend and participate in all production planning, review, and retrospective meetings.
• Work with the team to help remove procedural impediments in the build process.
• Support internal departments in the scheduling, logistics, and technical requirements of special events and rentals.

• Bachelor’s degree in Technical Theater, Technical Direction, or a related field preferred; 2 years of professional theatrical technical design experience or 3 years of professional theatrical construction experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. MFA in Technical Direction or related field preferred.
• 3 years of experience using AutoCAD for drafting and 3D modeling.
• Experience working in MS Office including MS Word, Excel, and Google Suite.
• Experience working with automation equipment (Creative Connors), theatrical rigging and counterweight fly systems, and scenic painting.
• Valid Driver’s License and the ability to operate cargo vans and box trucks.

• Advanced knowledge of theatrical construction methods, scenic drafting standards, rigging systems, and industry safety practices.
• Advanced AutoCAD drafting and 3D modeling skills with the ability to translate artistic designs into buildable technical solutions.
• Strong project management, budgeting, scheduling,…