Audio Operator

Job DetailsJob Location: Milwaukee, WI 53203At Pabst Theater Group, every performance tells a story—and exceptional sound is at the heart of every unforgettable moment. We're looking for a skilled, passionate Audio Engineer to help bring world-class concerts, comedy shows, theater productions, and special events to life across our iconic Milwaukee venues. If you thrive in a fast-paced live entertainment environment, take pride in delivering flawless audio experiences, and want to work alongside a dedicated team that creates memorable nights for thousands of guests, we'd love to hear from you. Join us behind the scenes and play a vital role in shaping the soundtrack of live entertainment. PRIMARY PURPOSE: This position is responsible for delivering high-quality live sound for concerts, comedy, theater, and special events across our venues. The Audio Engineer works closely with touring engineers, artists, production staff, and venue personnel to ensure every performance meets the highest technical and production standards. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced live entertainment environment, possesses strong technical expertise, and enjoys collaborating with diverse teams to create exceptional audience experiences. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Operates Front of House (FOH) and monitors consoles for touring and local performances, working directly with visiting engineers, tour managers, and production personnel to execute each show according to artist specifications and technical riders. Advances audio requirements with touring productions prior to show day by reviewing and troubleshooting audio riders, identifying venue capabilities, and coordinating equipment or staffing needs with the Production Manager. Patches, rings out, aligns, and tunes house audio systems during changeovers to ensure optimal system performance and efficient transitions between acts. Supports all aspects of event production from load-in through load-out, including system deployment, microphone placement, stage patching, line checks, soundchecks, live mixing, strike, and equipment restoration. Monitors system performance throughout performances and troubleshoots technical issues quickly and effectively while maintaining a professional, guest-focused environment. Maintains, inspects, tests, cleans, and inventories house audio equipment across assigned venues, reporting maintenance needs, repairs, or replacement recommendations to the Production Manager. Assists with equipment preparation, organization, and storage to ensure production assets remain performance-ready and accurately inventoried. Works collaboratively with lighting, stage management, backline technicians, hospitality, venue operations, and security personnel to maintain production schedules and support seamless event execution. Provides exceptional customer service and maintains positive working relationships with artists, promoters, tour personnel, vendors, and fellow employees. Occasionally supports multi-track recording requests (2–48+ tracks) in accordance with Pabst Theater Group recording policies and production standards. Adheres to all safety standards and regulations by ensuring compliance with company safety policies, OSHA     QualificationsMINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: High school diploma or GED. 4 years of progressive experience mixing live sound in a professional venue, touring support environment, festival, performing arts center, house of worship, or comparable live event setting. Demonstrated experience operating Front of House (FOH) and monitor systems in professional live entertainment environments. Working knowledge of at least one major digital console platform (such as DiGiCo, Allen & Heath, Midas, Yamaha, or comparable systems) with the aptitude and willingness to learn additional console platforms used across Pabst Theater Group venues. Strong understanding of professional audio systems, including loudspeaker systems, line arrays, subwoofers, amplification, signal flow, audio networking, wireless microphone systems, RF coordination, and system optimization. Experience advancing and interpreting technical riders, including input lists, stage plots, monitor requirements, and venue specifications. Demonstrated ability to patch, troubleshoot, repair, tune, and optimize audio systems in a live production environment. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to serve as the primary liaison between touring audio crews and house production staff. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting demanding production timelines. Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and contribute effectively within a collaborative production team. Commitment to delivering exceptional live audio experiences with professionalism, accuracy, and attention to detail. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Experience with multi-track recording systems and live recording workflows. Familiarity with audio networking protocols and system measurement/optimization software. Experience working in multi-venue performing arts or concert environments. GENERAL SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS: Ability to remain calm, adaptable, and solutions-focused in high-pressure live event environments. Excellent troubleshooting and critical thinking skills. Ability to diagnose and resolve technical issues during load-ins, soundchecks, and performances. Strong customer service mindset with a commitment to supporting artists, touring personnel, promoters, and fellow employees. High attention to detail and pride in delivering consistently outstanding audio experiences. Ability to coach and mentor others.  Ability to be flexible and make quick decisions, inform others of decisions, and provide rationale for decisions.  Strong interpersonal skills.  Ability to work with a wide range of people from different backgrounds. Positive attitude, flexibility, and a collaborative approach to working with diverse teams.  Ability to resolve customer complaints and issues while maintaining a professional and calm demeanor.  Excellent verbal and written communication skills.   Organized with attention to detail.  High attention to detail and pride in delivering consistently outstanding audio experiences. Strong work ethic. Commitment to continued learning of new technologies, production workflows, and venue systems.  Ability to work autonomously.  Ability to work as part of a team. Strong analytical thinking skills.    PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: ●      Able to regularly lift, carry, push and/or move up to 50 lbs. and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 lbs. ●      Able to use close vision, distance vision, depth perception, color determination, and adjustment of focus.  ●      Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, climb stairs, talk, and hear. ●      Regularly required to bend, twist, climb, kneel and balance. ●      Regularly required to stand for long periods of time, including during load-ins, performances, and load-outs. ●      Manual dexterity that includes the use of hands to grasp, reach and operate objects, tools, controls, and equipment. ●      Must comply with any safety or PPE requirements.  Reasonable accommodations are made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. WORK LOCATION(s):  Riverside Theater, Pabst Theater, Miller High Life Theater, Turner Ballroom, and Vivarium. SCHEDULE:  Availability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, late nights, weekends, and holidays based on event schedules. Ability to work extended hours, split shifts, and irregular schedules as required by production demands. Reliable transportation between Pabst Theater Group venues as needed. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment consists of historic buildings that host live music. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is primarily located indoors at Pabst Theater Group venues. Occasionally the employee is exposed to outside weather conditions during the course of performing job duties. The noise level in the work environment can include loud production environments and occasionally at heights when required  depending on the type of event. Conditions can include normal to low light conditions.