AV Field Engineer Installation/Integration

Project Engineer – Commercial Audio Visual

Location: Charlotte, NC
Job Type: Full-Time | In Person
Travel: Up to 50%

About the Role

Smarter Systems is seeking an experienced Audio Visual Project Engineer to join our team.

This is a senior, hands-on technical position for someone who knows how to take a commercial AV system from drawings and equipment lists through installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and successful project closeout.

The Project Engineer serves as a technical leader on our projects, working closely with Project Managers, Designers, field technicians, subcontractors, general contractors, and customers. This person will provide field leadership, review projects before installation, help develop installation plans, commission systems, resolve complex technical issues, and ensure our work meets Smarter Systems' quality standards.

This is not a desk-only engineering position. The Project Engineer regularly works in the field installing, commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting commercial AV systems.

If you are an experienced commercial AV technician who enjoys solving problems, leading projects, mentoring other technicians, and seeing systems through to completion, we would like to talk with you.

About Smarter Systems

Smarter Systems is a commercial Audio Visual Design-Build company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. We design, install, program, commission, and support meeting space, classroom, collaboration, and large-venue technology for customers throughout the Carolinas and beyond.

Our projects include conference and boardrooms, Microsoft Teams and Zoom Rooms, classrooms, training spaces, digital signage, sound reinforcement, control systems, and other integrated AV environments.

Key ResponsibilitiesProject Engineering & Planning

• Review scopes of work, bills of materials, drawings, and other project documentation before installation.
• Identify potential design, installation, infrastructure, or coordination issues before they impact the project.
• Conduct site surveys and document field conditions, photos, measurements, and infrastructure requirements.
• Assist Sales and Design teams with technical site assessments and development of project solutions when needed.
• Work with Project Managers and Project Coordinators to develop installation plans, labor requirements, schedules, and project sequencing.
• Participate in project design reviews and pre-installation meetings.
• Help guide equipment staging, kitting, and preparation for installation.

Field Leadership & Installation

• Serve as a technical and field leader for assigned AV projects.
• Provide direction and technical guidance to Level 1 and Level 2 technicians and installation partners.
• Coordinate field activities with Project Managers, customers, general contractors, other trades, and authorized service partners.
• Perform hands-on AV installation as required, including:
• Equipment rack assembly and wiring
• Structured cabling
• Cable termination and testing
• Display and projector installation
• Projection screens
• Speakers and audio systems
• Video conferencing systems
• Digital signage
• Control systems
• DSP and audio processing equipment
• Network-connected AV devices
• Interpret architectural drawings, AV drawings, signal-flow diagrams, and installation details.
• Maintain professional communication with customers and other project stakeholders.

Commissioning & Quality Assurance

• Lead system commissioning, testing, and verification.
• Configure and troubleshoot AV devices, DSP systems, control systems, conferencing platforms, and IP-connected equipment.
• Troubleshoot complex audio, video, control, network, and signal-flow issues.
• Verify systems are installed and operating according to project documentation and Smarter Systems standards.
• Perform project quality-control inspections and punch-list resolution.
• Ensure field reports, testing documentation, and project closeout information are completed accurately.
• Provide technical training and mentorship to less-experienced technicians.

Required Qualifications

• 5 years of hands-on commercial Audio Visual installation and integration experience.
• Strong understanding of commercial AV installation practices and procedures.
• Experience commissioning complete AV room systems.
• Experience with equipment rack fabrication, cable termination, system testing, calibration, and troubleshooting.
• Working knowledge of digital control systems, DSP platforms, and IP-enabled AV devices.
• Experience with platforms and manufacturers such as Crestron, Extron, Biamp, Q-SYS, Poly, Cisco, Microsoft Teams Rooms, Zoom Rooms, or similar systems.
• Ability to read and interpret AV drawings, architectural plans, wiring diagrams, and signal-flow drawings.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to independently manage technical responsibilities and meet project deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to professionally interact with customers, general contractors, coworkers, and other trades.
• Comfortable using computers and Microsoft Office applications.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to approximately 50% as project requirements dictate.

Physical Requirements

This is a hands-on field position. Candidates must be able to:

• Regularly climb and work from ladders and lifts.
• Work at heights of up to approximately 35 feet.
• Lift, carry, load, and unload tools, materials, and equipment weighing up to approximately 75 pounds.
• Perform installation work in commercial construction and finished-space environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• AVIXA CTS, CTS-I, or CTS-D certification.
• Manufacturer certifications from Crestron, Extron, Biamp, Q-SYS, Dante, Microsoft, Cisco, or other commercial AV platforms.
• Experience leading commercial AV installation crews or projects.
• Experience with audio and video conferencing systems.
• College degree or relevant technical education.
• Additional industry certifications such as DMC-E, DMC-T, RCDD, or similar credentials.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Health savings account
• Flexible spending account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Schedule

• Full-time
• Monday through Friday
• Primarily day shift
• Overtime, after-hours work, or travel may occasionally be required based on project schedules.

Experience

Commercial Audio Visual Installation: 5 years preferred

Work Location

Charlotte, NC 28273
In-person position. Candidates must be able to relocate to the Charlotte area before starting work.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $70,000 - $90,000