Theatrical Lighting, Projection, and Audio Specialist (Performing Arts Technician II)

Position Summary

The School of Theatre, Television, and Film (TTF) in the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts is seeking a Theatrical Lighting, Projection, and Audio Specialist to support and guide technical production aspects for TTF theatre productions. The Theatrical Lighting, Projection, and Audio Specialist will serve as a technical source for theatrical lighting, audio, and projection, independently oversees complex production systems, budgets, and installations while providing hands-on training, coordination, and innovative support to faculty and students across multiple productions.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Production: Serve as a lead for lighting, audio, and projection support across multiple productions, applying working to advanced knowledge of production systems and design principles to implement designs, effects, and installations under general direction.
• Lead Work Direction: Provide lead work direction, training, and day-to-day guidance to Graduate Assistants and student technicians, ensuring safe work practices and effective execution of assigned production tasks.
• Operations & Resource Coordination: Coordinate production support activities including budgeting support, purchasing, and inventory tracking; assist in organizing materials and managing multiple concurrent production needs.
• Collaboration & Production Coordination: Coordinate with faculty, staff, and students to support production planning, scheduling, and execution, ensuring alignment with production goals.
• Professional Development: Maintain current knowledge of production technologies and practices and participate in professional development opportunities as appropriate.

As part of the California State University (CSU) system, San Diego State University helps power one of the largest and most impactful public university systems in the nation. See what it’s like to work at the CSU-watch our video and imagine your future here: Working at the CSU .

Position Information

• Full-time, benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• Position is designated non-exempt under FLSA and is eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

The School of Theatre, Television, and Film is an academic unit within the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts. offering both undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including the terminal MFA degree. It operates and maintains two university theatres: the 350-seat Main Stage Theatre and the 150-seat Prebys Stage as well as television and film production studios and an extensive equipment inventory. Each year, the theatre production schedule includes 5-6 fully mounted plays within these two theatres, plus one or more community outreach productions that tour to schools and other venues. In addition, there are numerous television and film productions and four annual public presentations of student film work. Productions that combine elements from all three disciplines occur regularly. The School also supports a robust slate of student productions produced by multiple registered student organizations.

For more information regarding the School of Theatre, Television, and Film, click here .

Education and Experience

• One to two years of experience working for a theater, repertory or stock company engaged in the applicable production specialty such as costume construction, stage and set construction, lighting production, and/or sound/audio production. This background normally would be achieved through professional training or applicable college coursework and practical experience.

Key Qualifications

• Equivalent to three years of experience providing instructional support services in lighting, sound and/or projections for a related unit or discipline.

Compensation and Benefits

San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.

Compensation:
Step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience, in alignment with the department’s budget and equity guidelines.

• Initial step placement is not expected to exceed Step 2 ($4,213) for highly qualified candidates.
• CSU Classification Salary Range: $4,130 - $6,017 per month (Step 1 - Step 20).
• Future increases, including step advancements, are subject to contract negotiations.
• Salary step placement for internal applicants will follow the CSUEU Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Full Benefits Package Includes:

• Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• Education Support: CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional Offerings: FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
• Campus & Community: Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.

Our benefits are a significant part of total compensation. Learn more at the SDSU Benefits Overview .

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment. We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university.

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Apply by May 21st, 2026 to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here .

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Justin Phung at jtphung@sdsu.edu .

Advertised: May 07 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

• 

• San Diego State University

• 619-594-5200

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