Automation Operator

About RWS Global

As the world’s largest producer of groundbreaking live moments, RWS Global creates meaningful connections and customized experiences spanning from theatrical productions to events, multimedia and more. In 2024, the entertainment leaders expanded capabilities into live sporting events with the introduction of RWS Global Sports.

Headquartered in New York, London, Cincinnati, Shanghai, Orlando and Sydney with dedicated RWS Studios in NYC and the UK to serve its vast talent pipeline and client base, RWS Global serves major brands and corporations, theaters, cruise lines, sports properties, live venues, parks, resorts and more. Offering end-to-end services from ideation to operations, RWS Global’s team of world-class designers, creators, producers and visionary talent provide unrivaled scale, producing over one million live moments every day and employing over 8,000 individuals worldwide.

The RWS Global roster of clients includes Apple, Azamara, The Coca-Cola Company, Commonwealth Games, Crayola, Europa-Park Resort, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, The FRIENDS™ Experience by Original X Productions, Hard Rock Resorts, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, Holland America Line, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, International Cricket Council, Invictus Games, Lionsgate, MSC Cruises, Roompot, Rugby World Cup, Six Flags, Space Center Houston, TUI Group, Vera Wang, Warner Bros., Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway, Chicago the Musical, Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes and more. For more information, visit rwsglobal.com.

About the role…

The Automation Operator is primarily responsible for the effective operation of all automation related needs for assigned venue(s) and operations. Reporting to the Production Stage Manager, this role will be responsible for operating automation equipment for special events, performances, and general maintenance of the automation systems. In conjunction with Production Stage Manager, responsible for the safe setup, use, troubleshooting, and maintenance of equipment used by cast and crew within the venue, as well as participating in all set ups/strikes. Will act as the crew for the venue as necessary, and will be responsible for rehearsals, special events, running show tracks, including Deck, Sound, and Lighting as needed.

What’s expected…

• Must have advance knowledge of automation systems. TAIT systems a plus.
• Ensure the safe setup, use and maintenance of all rigging, aerial, and automation equipment used by Cast and Technicians during performances, rehearsals, and trainings.
• Operate rigging and aerial equipment during performances and rehearsals. Including but not limited to operating automation consoles, assisting performers into harnesses, connecting harnesses to rigging points, and performing spotting duties.
• Complete daily inspections and pre-checks of all rigging and flying equipment, including motors, winches, cables, hardware, apparatus, and harnesses.
• Must have basic knowledge in audio play back and mixing, operating a spotlight, as well as basic stage deck crew experience such as moving set pieces and helping with quick changes.
• Regularly safety inspect and maintain automation, rigging, and aerial gear in the venue.
• Communicate professionally with Production Stage Manager, cast, technicians, and onboard maintenance teams.
• Work with a team to effectively troubleshoot and report issues with all technical equipment as they arise, in addition but not limited to automation, rigging, and aerial equipment.
• Complete pre- and post-show duties after each performance, and rehearsal; ensuring all technical equipment and scenic elements are safely stored. Assist the Production Stage Manager in completing reports by notifying them of any issues that arise, especially when pertaining to automation, rigging, and aerial equipment.
• Be able to assist as needed with special events, trainings, and happenings that occur within the venue, this includes but is not limited to technical set ups and playbacks. Assist with other production related duties as necessary and reasonably requested which includes general maintenance for technical equipment, scenic, and prop elements.
• Complete inventories and equipment maintenance as required, follow reporting procedures set forth by RWS and Venue Management.
• Keep a working knowledge of the other RWS Technicians’ show tracks and duties.
• Play an active role in cast and technician changeovers and installations of new programming. Knowing that during these periods of time work hours will increase while remaining in line with ILO and Maritime law.

Please Note: While this is intended to be an accurate description of the job, this is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions associated with the position, and may require that other or different tasks be performed as necessary and assigned.

What you bring…

• Have a valid passport not expiring with in 6 months past the length of the contract.
• Have or the ability to obtain visas required given the sailing itinerary of the ship.
• Ability to complete the required pre-employment medical screening, including comprehensive vaccination requirements.
• Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (or proof of exemption) including one booster shot.
• Bachelor’s degree in theatre (production or technical) or equivalent in field experience required.
• Excellent communication and time management skills, as well as work ethic and attitude
• Fluency in spoken and written English. Knowledge and understanding of other languages a plus.
• Working knowledge of technical equipment inclusive of sound, lighting, video.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate the need for technical support for various events and performances.
• Cruise Line or Touring Experience suggested, but not required.
• Ability to stay professional in high stress situations working under tight deadlines, while still accomplishing daily work and producing and maintaining a high-level product.
• Ability to communicate with multiple departments onboard, understanding how the entertainment team folds into the bigger operation.
• Willingness to lend a hand even when asked to do something out of your direct scope of work. This includes a willingness to learn new skills when asked if it will better the team as a greater whole.
• Ability to think on your feet and jump in quickly to help when needed.
• Ability to work seven (7) days per week for periods of up to 6 to 8-months at a time.
• Comfortable working across multiple venues, learning multiple tracks for running shows and events as needed.
• Comfortable living and working in close quarters with co-workers from varied backgrounds.
• Ability to work at height in harnesses, Genies, and ladders; stand for long periods of time; consistently lift 50lbs/25kg in fulfillment of responsibilities.
• Ability to learn and abide by all onboard safety regulations as outlined in ship's Safety Management System.

What we bring…

• Onboard handover and training with previous Automation Operator
• Food & Lodging included
• Single Occupancy Cabin
• Select privileges in passenger dining facilities
• Select access to guest gym facilities
• Upon embarking the ship, reimbursement for visas and required pre-embark medical
• Friends and Family cruise discounts – information provided by on board management team
• Completion bonus upon the end of a successful contract

At RWS Global, our team of bold makers and mold breakers is made of a diverse group of people who we believe make our work stronger. Our stage actively chooses to uplift applicants with diverse racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, sexes, national origins, political affiliations, socio-economic status, veteran and disability status and other intersectional dimensions of diversity.

We believe the diversity of our people is the most valuable asset we have. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities and talent that our employees invest in their work represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our company’s achievement as well.

We are committed to ongoing learning and developing and implementing programs and initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion in all areas of employment as well as through our creative process and projects.