Position Overview
The Technical Assembly Coordinator plays a central role in ensuring the successful delivery of animatronic products and experiences. This leader is responsible for managing the daily operations, schedules, and productivity of the company’s technical departments, including mechanical assembly, show tech assembly, and welding. The Technical Assembly Coordinator also oversees the planning and execution of installation work, as well as special projects related to SFX, R&D, and interactives.
Working closely with the Production Manager, Producers, Project Managers, CFO, VP of Design & Engineering, and Controls Design Lead to ensure all deliverables meet quality standards, remain on schedule, and stay under budget. This role also partners with the Planning Manager to forecast resource needs and balance workloads throughout the project cycle, while also fostering employee growth, training, and long-term development.
In addition, the Technical Assembly Manager serves as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Mechanical and Show Tech Assembly, working closely with the VP of Design & Engineering and Controls Design Lead to provide expert guidance on mechanical and structural components, as well routing and wiring.
Key Responsibilities:
Department Leadership & Coordination:
- Lead and oversee all technical assembly departments: show tech assembly, mechanical assembly, and welding.
- Set clear goals, expectations, and schedules for team productivity and project deliverables.
- Mentor and support department staff to maximize efficiency and innovation.
- Develop and implement training plans to build skill sets across all technical assembly teams. Set standards for team to follow to reduce training time and required rework
- Establish continuous improvement and growth plans to ensure employee development and long-term success.
Project & Resource Oversight:
- Coordinate with Production Manager and Project Managers to align technical workflows with project timelines and deliverables.
- Collaborate with the Production Manager and Planning Manager to forecast resource loads and strategically allocate staff and equipment.
- Adjust departmental schedules and assignments in response to shifting project demands. Communicate strategic shifts needed with Production Manager.
- Drive cost-effective solutions to deliver projects on time and under budget.
- Installation & Special Projects
- Oversee planning and technical execution for onsite installations.
- Direct and manage technical efforts for special projects in SFX, R&D, and interactives.
- Ensure integration of new technologies and practices to maintain industry-leading standards.
Cross-Department Collaboration:
- Partner with the VP of Design & Engineering, Production Manager, and Costuming Director to coordinate seamless project handoffs and integration.
- Provide technical insight and recommendations during design and production planning stages.
- Act as a key liaison between technical operations and creative/design teams.
- Subject Matter Expertise in Mechanical and Show Tech Assembly
- Serve as an SME in mechanical assembly and show tech assembly, with deep knowledge of structural components and mechanical fastening methodologies, programming, and integration for animatronic and show systems.
- Ensure that assemblies meet both creative intent and technical reliability requirements.
Qualifications:
Required:
- Proven leadership experience in technical operations, preferably in themed entertainment, animatronics, or complex mechanical/electronic production environments.
- Strong understanding of fabrication, mechanical systems, electronics, programming, and IT.
- Subject matter expertise in mechanical assemblies and integration for animatronic or show systems.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple departments with diverse skill sets.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Track record of delivering projects on time and under budget.
Preferred:
- Experience with special effects, interactive technologies, or R&D environments.
- Familiarity with project management tools and resource planning systems.
- Background in engineering, technical design, or related disciplines.
Performance Goals:
- Ensure all technical departments deliver high-quality work aligned with project deadlines.
- Maintain accurate resource forecasting and load-balancing across departments.
- Foster innovation in R&D, SFX, and interactives to expand company capabilities.
- Improve efficiency and productivity across all technical teams.
- Build strong cross-departmental collaboration that ensures seamless project execution.
- Collaborate in training and growth plans that elevate employee skills and support career advancement.
- Provide expert guidance on controls design and integration to ensure reliable, innovative animatronic systems.