About this role
Audio Visual Design Engineer
Department: Sales & Installations Reports to: Commercial Director Location: Perivale, London (some remote working may be possible) Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday Salary: £37,000 – £43,000, commensurate with experience
Role Purpose
Autograph Sound is a leading provider of professional audio and audio-visual solutions, serving theatre, live events, broadcast, corporate and permanent-install markets. The AV Design Engineer role is to design robust, high-quality audio-visual systems that meet client requirements, technical standards and budget. The AV Design Engineer translates project briefs into detailed system designs, specifications and documentation that guide procurement, installation and commissioning, working closely with the sales, project and technical teams throughout the project lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities
System Design & Engineering
• Produce detailed AV system designs, schematics, signal-flow diagrams and rack layouts from client briefs and specifications.
• Specify audio, video, control, networking and infrastructure equipment appropriate to each project and budget.
• Develop and maintain accurate technical documentation, including drawings, bills of materials, cable schedules and submittals.
• Carry out design calculations and modelling (e.g. loudspeaker coverage, display sizing, network bandwidth, power and heat loads) to validate designs.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant standards, regulations and health & safety requirements.
Project & Technical Support
• Support the sales and bid process with technical designs, demonstrations, equipment schedules and costings.
• Liaise with clients, consultants, architects and project teams to develop and refine designs.
• Provide technical guidance to installation and commissioning teams.
• Attend site surveys and design meetings and translate requirements.
• Contribute to commissioning documentation, system testing and project handover.
• Manage and lead projects when required.
Continuous Improvement
• Keep up to date with AV technologies, products and industry developments.
• Support the evaluation of new products, suppliers and design approaches.
• Maintain design standards, templates and equipment libraries.
Person Specification
The criteria below will be used to shortlist and assess candidates. Applicants should demonstrate how they meet the essential criteria in their application.
Essential
Experience
• Proven experience designing professional audio-visual and/or audio systems
• Producing system schematics, drawings, bills of materials and technical documentation
Knowledge & Technical Skills
• Strong knowledge of AV technologies: audio, video, control, signal distribution and AV-over-IP
• Proficiency in design and documentation tools (e.g. Vectorworks)
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications and architectural plans
• Awareness of relevant standards, regulations and health & safety requirements
Personal Skills & Attributes
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Able to work effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Well organised, able to manage multiple projects to deadlines
• Proactive, problem-solving approach and a collaborative team player
Other Requirements
• Willingness to attend site surveys and travel between sites as required
Desirable
Qualifications & Training
• AVIXA CTS or CTS-D certification
• Manufacturer or networked-audio certification (e.g. Dante)
Experience
• Working within theatre, live events, broadcast or performance-venue AV
• Supporting bids or tenders with technical designs and costings
Knowledge & Technical Skills
• Networked audio and control platforms (e.g. Dante, AES67, Q-SYS)
• Understanding of acoustics and room design principles
Other Requirements
• Full UK driving licence
£37,000 – £43,000, commensurate with experience