What is an Event Engineer?
Do you dream of turning your expertise in light and sound technician work into a thriving career as an event engineer? Field Engineer provides the platform to help you connect with clients around the world to land the contracts you desire and the salary you deserve.
It takes a skilled technician to work in this role. Thankfully, the demand for the role means that those with those talents can earn the big bucks. FE is the perfect place to make it happen.
What is the Event Engineer Job Description?
Often referred to as the light and sound engineer, an event engineer is ultimately in control of all lighting and sound facilities at a live event to enhance the on-stage shows and performances. This could occur in a B2B setting or a variety of commercial settings and may be based in a single location or at an event that tours.
The sound and lighting aspects play an integral role in providing guests or paying customers with the perfect experience. Businesses and clients are happy to pay handsomely for the professional touch of a high-quality event engineer due to the influence that their work has on the whole project.
An event engineer will typically handle design, installation, and maintenance of systems to promote the smoothest possible running. As a freelancer, capitalizing on the demand gives you the perfect chance to thrive.
What are the Responsibilities of an Event Engineer?
Event engineers need to be highly skilled in all aspects relating to the visual and audio presentation of an event. Working in this role, you’ll be tasked with the setting up and management of various equipment. Event engineer responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Designing lighting and sound setups based on the limitations of a space.
- Completing risk assessments and safety testing.
- Setting up any necessary equipment and testing the performance.
- Managing the lighting and sound facilities throughout a performance.
- Complete repairs in the fastest possible times.
- Track all client-owned equipment and inventory.
It will also be necessary to communicate and interact with performers, producers, and other key personnel linked to the event in question.
What Education is Required for Event Engineer jobs?
An event engineer is primarily judged on skills and talent. Educational backgrounds may include qualifications in theatrical production design, audio engineering, audio/visual technology or lighting technology. Most clients will desire training that’s equivalent to experience, which is why many opt for degrees in audio technology and related fields.
Still, any freelancer wishing to stand out from the crowd will boast further certifications. Various outlets offer these depending on whether you are focusing on audio, visual, or both.
What Skills do You Require?
As an event engineer, you need to be proficient in using all visual and audio technology. Given that you’ll often be required to use on-site facilities, it’s important to boast a great level of versatility in this sense. A good eye for what looks great and a great ear are vital too. Meanwhile, you’ll need to be very receptive to problems and think logically to find the best solutions.
Staying ahead of the curve regarding latest technologies is vital while an understanding of other technician roles at the event can help. Good communication, organization, and time management are all vital skills too. When it comes to design phases, creativity and the ability to comprehend the message of an event is key.
What Salary can You Expect?
The fluctuation of salaries in the role of event engineers is quite large due to the variety of focal points, as well as the potential requirement to travel with the show or business. However, the national average for event engineers with an audio background is $45,291 according to ZipRecruiter, with average salaries sitting between $20,000 and $90,000.
There are many contributing factors, and going freelance can help you capitalize on those. From locations to contract durations and project complexities, finding jobs that match your skills and experience can spearhead quick progress while enabling you to command bigger fees while working with bigger clients.
How can FE Help You as an Event Engineer?
Field Engineer helps connect technicians from all over the world to clients willing to pay good money for skilled experts. Of the 40,000+ engineers in our network, though, event engineers aren’t the most common. So, whether you’re a new or experienced events engineer, FE will ensure that the offers come flooding in.
The platform also makes it easy to manage schedules and invoices, as well as find new jobs or even get headhunted by clients looking for experts like you. Sign up today, and discover how Field Engineer can boost your career with instant results.
