Lighting & Special Effects Programmer

Image Engineering is an industry leader in laser, lighting, special effects, and multimedia production. We combine art, engineering, fabrication, and technology to create immersive live experiences for concerts, sporting events, television productions, corporate events, and permanent installations.

Our team has delivered over 500 projects across the United States for clients including Rihanna, Jay-Z, Tiësto, America's Got Talent, the Swiss Embassy, Walt Disney World, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and professional sports franchises throughout the NFL, NBA, and NHL.

We are seeking an experienced Lighting & Special Effects Programmer to join our team. This role is ideal for a highly skilled programmer who enjoys both creative design and hands-on field execution.

Position Details

Employment Type: Full-Time, Hourly

Primary Work Location: Baltimore, MD

Schedule:

• Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• Event, installation, and show schedules will require various schedules: evenings, weekends, overnight travel, and extended hours.

Touring Opportunities:

• This team member will also support touring productions as needed.
• Tour compensation and schedules are established separately on a project-by-project basis.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, program, and execute lighting, laser, flame, and special effects systems for live events, installations, and productions.
• Serve as the lead programmer and/or designer for assigned projects from concept development through show execution.
• Create and maintain show files using GrandMA, Pangolin Beyond, Depence, and other industry-standard software platforms.
• Collaborate with clients, project managers, designers, vendors, and production teams to deliver successful projects.
• Serve as Laser Safety Officer (LSO) when required, overseeing safe installation, operation, and removal of laser systems.
• Complete required service logs, permitting documentation, safety records, and compliance reports.
• Assist with troubleshooting, maintenance, testing, and repair of lighting, laser, flame, and special effects equipment.
• Lead onsite crews during installation, operation, and strike of shows and events.
• Maintain compliance with OSHA requirements, company safety policies, and industry best practices.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and professional workspace.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Advanced proficiency with GrandMA2 and GrandMA3 programming, workflows, fixture management, networking, and macros.
• Advanced proficiency with Pangolin Beyond.
• Experience programming and operating lighting and laser systems for live events.
• Ability to lead technicians and production crews in a live event environment.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Willingness to travel frequently and accept assignments on short notice.
• Ability to perform effectively in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments.
• Valid driver's license and ability to pass a background check and drug screening.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Depence previsualization software.
• Experience with laser projection systems and laser show programming.
• Experience with flame effects, pyrotechnics, or special effects equipment.
• Laser Safety Officer certification or ability to obtain certification.
• ETCP certification or other entertainment technology certifications.

Benefits

• Aetna Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• Flexible Time Off (FTO) Program
• Paid Holidays
• John Hancock 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Aflac Supplemental Insurance
• Robust Employee Assistance Program
• Dependent Care FSA Program
• CE Allowance
• ...and more!