Rigging Designer (CAD Draftsperson & Project Coordinator)

Rigging Designer (CAD Draftsperson & Project Coordinator)

Location: Sycamore, IL (Upstaging, Inc. Headquarters)

Job Type: Full-Time, Project-Based

Travel: Occasional (approximately 5–10% to project sites as needed)

Compensation: Competitive salary based on experience (add pay range if available)

About Upstaging

Upstaging, Inc. is a leading provider of entertainment lighting, rigging, and production solutions for concerts, live events, television, sports, and special events nationwide. We are seeking a talented and organized Rigging Designer to support a large-scale, multi-venue entertainment project that will require close collaboration with engineers, project managers, and production teams.

If you're an organized CAD professional who enjoys solving technical challenges and working on high-profile projects, we'd love to hear from you.

Position Summary

We are seeking a Rigging Designer (CAD Draftsperson & Project Coordinator) to join our team on a large-scale, multi-venue project. This position combines technical drafting with project coordination, allowing you to play a key role in designing rigging systems while helping manage schedules, documentation, and communication between project stakeholders.

Approximately half of your time will be spent producing rigging drawings and layouts, while the other half will focus on coordinating project deliverables, tracking progress, and ensuring information is organized and delivered on schedule.

This is a full-time, project-based position with the potential for continued employment based on business needs and performance.

What You'll DoRigging Design (Approximately 50%)

• Create rigging point-load layouts and general arrangement drawings using Vectorworks.
• Perform point-load and capacity calculations using Braceworks (training available if needed).
• Coordinate design packages with structural engineering partners for review and approval.
• Maintain accurate drawing revisions and document control.
• Support field teams by answering rigging and installation questions during project execution.
• Ensure drawings meet project standards and quality expectations.

Project Coordination (Approximately 50%)

• Track project deliverables, milestones, and schedules across multiple workstreams.
• Maintain project schedules and delivery tracking documents.
• Coordinate with clients, engineering partners, and internal project teams.
• Monitor drawing reviews, approvals, and outstanding action items.
• Identify schedule risks and communicate them early.
• Organize meeting notes, project documentation, and file management.
• Assist with reporting project status and resource planning.

QualificationsRequired

• 2 years of experience in CAD drafting, entertainment rigging, structural drafting, theatrical production, or a related technical field.
• Working proficiency in Vectorworks or another professional CAD software.
• Willingness to learn Braceworks if not already experienced.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate work.

Preferred

• Experience with entertainment rigging or structural load calculations.
• Familiarity with BIM workflows, structured document management, or project documentation standards.
• Experience coordinating engineering or construction documentation.
• Previous work on large-scale events, sports venues, festivals, touring productions, or other complex projects.
• Familiarity with Lightwright or similar production documentation software.

Software You'll Use

• Vectorworks
• Braceworks (training available)
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Adobe Acrobat
• Project management and document control software

What We're Looking For

Successful candidates are:

• Detail-oriented
• Organized and dependable
• Self-motivated
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
• Strong problem-solvers
• Collaborative team players
• Able to balance technical work with project coordination

What Success Looks Like

• Drawing packages are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Project documentation remains organized and up to date.
• Deliverables meet project standards with minimal revisions.
• Engineers, clients, and internal teams receive timely, clear communication.
• Project milestones are met while maintaining high-quality documentation.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods.
• Occasionally travel to project sites.
• Ability to climb stairs and navigate active construction or event venues.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.

Benefits

(Customize to match your offerings.)

• Competitive salary
• Health insurance
• Dental and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to work on large-scale, technically challenging entertainment and production projects.

Why Join Upstaging?

At Upstaging, you'll work on exciting projects that support some of the most recognizable live events and productions in the industry. You'll collaborate with experienced engineers, designers, and production professionals while building technical skills on complex, large-scale projects that make a real impact.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

• Resume
• Portfolio or sample CAD drawings (if available)
• Brief summary of relevant drafting, rigging, or project coordination experience

Applications can be submitted to lightingjobs@upstaging.com.