Automation Specialist

Now Hiring:  Automation Specialist
Department: Production
Reports to:Head of Automation
Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt, Union
Hourly Rate: $30.30/hr.
Expected Dates: 11/1/2026
Location: Ashland, OR
This position is represented by IATSE Local 154.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Installs, maintains, repairs, and programs automated effects.
2. Models and supports the mission and values of OSF by:
   1. Demonstrating inclusive behavior and creating an environment of belonging
   2. Maintaining a safe and anti-racist working environment
   3. Recognizing micro-aggressions and interrupting othering behaviors
3. Executes research, development, and prototyping for theatrical automated effects.
4. Fabricates, installs, and maintains electrical components such as cables, control boxes, limits, and other electromechanical hardware and devices.
5. Programs and configures drives, controllers, and micro-controllers for stock and custom effects.
6. Creates and integrates custom control circuits and fabricates electrical enclosures.
7. Inspects, maintains, repairs, and adapts automation system infrastructure.
8. Installs automated effects using advanced rigging and architectural anchoring methods.
9. Provides Automation Department technical support during the technical rehearsal process.
10. Collaborates with the creative team throughout the technical rehearsal process to design and program complex coordinated motion profiles.
11. Supports maintaining a status of good standing with ANSI Entertainment Safety Standards within the Automation Department.
12. Assists with the fabrication and installation of automated effects, including welding and metalwork.
13. Transports or arranges for the transportation of automation components to and from the shop and the theaters
14. Works with other production department staff, to plan and execute interdepartmental, show-related projects.
15. Participates in the clean-up of workspaces at the end of the each day.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Attends company, department, shop meetings, and safety trainings as assigned.
2. Engages with OSF patrons
3. Support Marketing and Development efforts.
4. Mentor colleagues as requested
5. Acts as a scene shop carpenter and/or welder and fabricate scenery and/or props as needed.

Perform other duties as assigned by scene shop management staff. 

Supervision Received: 

Head of Automation, other shop managers 

Supervision Exercised:

No direct reports

Qualifications & Skills:

Work Experience:  

Three years of experience in the fabrication, installation, and maintenance of automated effects and two years prototyping electronics equipment.

Qualifications/Skills: 

Knowledge of microprocessors, programming, AC/DC circuits and drives, PLC’s, motor control, and 3-phase/208V electrical power distribution; skill in reading electronic schematics and wiring diagrams; excellent verbal and written communication skills; proficiency in the use of hand and power tools for wiring and soldering automated systems; ability to troubleshoot low-voltage and high-voltage electrical systems; ability to read scaled construction or design drawings; ability to create CAD construction or design drawings in AutoCAD and SolidWorks; excellent PC computer skills; understanding of 3D printing technology; ability to take direction well and work without supervision; work quickly and safely in a fast-paced environment with a high level of cultural competency.

Physical Ability: 

Ability to lift and move materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds; frequently climb and work from ladders and personnel lifts; regularly squat, crawl and kneel and maintain position while assembling automation; regularly reach above shoulders to assemble automation overhead; occasionally climb 24-foot vertical wall ladder to get to the catwalks above the stage; ability to stand and walk constantly for extended periods of time.

Other Skills, Knowledge, Ability: 

 Valid Oregon Driver’s License and a good driving record, ability to drive an 18’ box truck, ability to operate a forklift and personnel lifts (OSF provided Training), ability to pass and maintain a clear background check.   

Special Hours Requirements: 

Standard work week is Monday – Friday. Occasional night-time and weekend hours are required for load-ins, load-outs, technical rehearsal support, and technical show emergencies. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATSIONS:

Theatrical automation experience and metal fabrication. Proficiency in SolidWorks drafting

Organizational Background

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) was founded in 1935 in Ashland, OR, and has grown from a three-day festival of two plays to a nationally renowned theatre arts organization that presents a rotating repertory season of up to 10 plays and musicals, including illuminating interpretations of Shakespeare, other enduring classics, and new works. OSF productions have been presented on Broadway, internationally, and at regional, community, and high school theatres across the country. OSF received the 1983 Special Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre and is one of the largest nonprofit theatres in the nation with three stages, including an outdoor Allen Elizabethan Theatre.

Statement of Purpose

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival creates world-class theatre, revealing our collective humanity through illuminating interpretations of new and classic plays, and inspiring a love of our art form for current and future generations.

Company Values

• We are committed to working toward inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, creating a space of belonging for all audiences and employees—through concrete actions and systemic improvements.
• We nurture and support our artists, attracting and retaining diverse, innovative talent across the organization.
• We believe in the transformational power of collaborative artmaking and performance.
• We recognize the importance of responsible stewardship of resources and sustainable business, financial, and environmental practices.
• We serve the public good and engage with and respect our community of artists, audiences, staff, local citizens, patrons, donors, and the greater theatre community worldwide.