Manager, technical entertainment

Circuit of The Americas (COTA) is a 365-entertainment destination for world-class events located in Austin, TX. The sports and entertainment portfolio at COTA is unmatched in the country with Formula 1 US Grand Prix, NASCAR and MotoGP attracting global fans during championship races on the famed Circuit and Live Nation producing over 30 headline concerts every year at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater. COTALAND is an amusement park with over 30 attractions and experiences, including first-of-their-kind roller coasters.

The Manager, Technical Entertainment leads the technical execution and ongoing maintenance of all live entertainment offerings across COTALAND Theme Park. This role is responsible for overseeing show systems, technical crews, and daily operations to ensure all entertainment experiences are delivered safely, reliably, and at the highest quality standard.

This position requires an expert-level working knowledge of show control systems, programming, audio, lighting, video, and network infrastructure. The Manager serves as a key partner to Creative, Production, Operations, and Park Leadership, ensuring all technical elements—from stage shows to character activations to park-wide systems—operate seamlessly and consistently support the guest experience.

Requirements

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Technical Operations and Show Systems

• Oversee all technical aspects of live entertainment including stage shows, atmospheric entertainment, character experiences, seasonal events, rehearsals and park-wide activations
• Manage and maintain show control systems, including programming, troubleshooting, and system optimization
• Ensure proper operation, integration, and maintenance of audio, lighting, video, and special effects systems across the park
• Oversee LED screen systems including maintenance, calibration, content playback, and troubleshooting
• Maintain and support park-wide entertainment infrastructure including distributed audio systems, speakers, amplifiers, and playback systems
• Lead networking coordination for entertainment systems, ensuring reliable connectivity between control systems, media servers, and show elements
• Collaborate with vendors and integrators on system installs, upgrades, and commissioning

Audio, Lighting, and Video

• Maintain expert-level proficiency in audio board operation and live mixing for shows and events
• Oversee sound system design, speaker placement, tuning, and optimization for performance spaces and outdoor environments
• Supervise lighting systems including programming, maintenance, and show operation
• Ensure proper functionality of video playback systems, projection, and LED displays
• Support rehearsals, show openings, and special events with hands-on technical direction as needed

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, train, and supervise technical entertainment staff including technicians, operators, and stagehands
• Develop staffing plans, schedules, and coverage for daily operations, rehearsals, and special events
• Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and high-performance standards within the technical team
• Provide ongoing training and development in show systems, safety procedures, and technical skills

Show Quality and Maintenance

• Ensure all shows and technical elements are maintained to performance-ready standards at all times
• Create and implement preventative maintenance programs for all entertainment technical systems
• Quickly troubleshoot and resolve technical issues to minimize downtime and maintain guest experience
• Partner with Creative and Production teams to maintain show integrity and artistic intent

Safety and Compliance

• Ensure all technical operations comply with company safety standards and industry best practices
• Oversee safe use of all equipment including lifts, rigging, electrical systems, and stage elements
• Maintain documentation for inspections, maintenance logs, and incident reporting

Collaboration and Communication

• Work closely with Creative, Production, Costuming, Operations, Facilities, and Park Leadership to support all entertainment initiatives
• Participate in planning and execution of new shows, attractions, and seasonal overlays
• Provide clear communication and reporting on system status, needs, and improvements

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in technical entertainment, live production, or theme park operations
• Demonstrated expert-level working knowledge of show control systems (Alcorn McBride preferred), programming, and system integration
• Advanced experience with audio systems including mixing consoles, signal flow, and system tuning
• Strong knowledge of lighting systems, control protocols, and programming
• Experience with networking for show systems including IP-based control and media distribution
• Hands-on experience with LED screen systems, media servers, and video playback technologies
• Strong troubleshooting skills across audio, lighting, video, and control systems
• Experience managing technical teams in a live entertainment or theme park environment preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to learn specialized show control and production software

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Ability to work flexible schedules including early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Ability to lift, push, and pull equipment as needed
• Comfortable working at heights and operating lifts including scissor lifts and boom lifts

Salary commensurate with experience.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: COTA strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.