Rigging Designer (CAD Draftsperson + Project Coordinator)
Location: Sycamore, IL (Upstaging, Inc. Headquarters)
Job Type: Full-Time, Project-Based
Travel: Occasional (approximately 5+ndash;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 Do
Rigging 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.
Qualifications
Required
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.
