Project Manager/Lead AV Installation Technician

Location: Chicago, IL Company: Sound Investment

About Us:

Lead Audio Video Installation Technician

Sound Investment is a recognized industry leader in audiovisual (AV) and low-voltage system design and installation, serving clients across a variety of sectors. Our engineers, designers, and technicians deliver high-performance solutions that merge technology and creativity to enhance every environment.

We are seeking a Lead Audio Video Installation Technician / AV Project Manager to join our Chicago office. This role combines hands-on installation and DSP programming with responsibility for coordinating projects, leading field crews, and keeping clients and project partners informed.

Travel to client sites and project locations is required, including multi-day trips within and outside the United States. Candidates must be able and willing to fly.

Position Overview

The AV Project Manager will lead field teams through the installation and commissioning of AV systems, directing daily work, resolving technical issues, and ensuring that installations meet Sound Investment’s quality and safety standards. They will participate in installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and DSP programming as needed. They will also manage assigned projects from planning through closeout, coordinating schedules, materials, field work, and communication with clients and project partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, configure, test, and commission audio, video, control, and low-voltage systems.
• Program and tune DSP systems, including crossovers, equalization, routing, and gain structure.
• Lead installation crews, assign field tasks, and monitor progress and workmanship.
• Develop and maintain project schedules; coordinate labor, equipment, site access, and other trades.
• Review drawings and project documentation, identify conflicts or missing information, and communicate needed decisions.
• Track project progress, document field changes, and provide clear updates to clients and internal teams.
• Help manage project scope, including identifying potential change orders and coordinating their review.
• Troubleshoot system issues during installation, commissioning, and service visits.
• Complete testing, documentation, punch-list work, and project closeout.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least one year of hands-on experience in professional AV installation, DSP programming, and service.
• Experience with BSS, Q-SYS, and Crestron systems.
• Solid understanding of analog and digital audio signal flow.
• Working knowledge of DSP configuration, including crossovers, equalization, and gain structure.
• Ability to configure IP addresses and connect devices to networks.
• Working knowledge of network switches, Wi-Fi access points, and routers.
• Ability to organize field work, communicate with clients and project partners, and lead a crew.
• Ability to work independently and solve problems on active job sites.

Technical Skills

• Ability to perform low-voltage terminations, including soldering, screw terminals, crimp connections, and punch-down terminations.
• Familiarity with Neutrik, XLR, BNC, RJ45, and other common AV connectors.
• Skilled use of voltmeters, hand tools, and power tools.
• Experience installing audio equipment, building racks, and managing cables.
• Ability to perform basic rigging and speaker mounting.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex audio systems in real time.
• Ability to work safely on active construction sites and follow site safety procedures.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely climb ladders and lift or load equipment from trucks, pallets, shelves, and docks.
• Ability to stand and move for extended periods on job sites; handle tools and components; and bend, twist, kneel, stoop, crouch, or crawl as needed for installation and service work.

Preferred Experience

• Programming or operation of XTA, Biamp, Iris-Net, AMX, or similar systems.
• Advanced troubleshooting of audio, video, and low-voltage IT systems.
• Understanding of acoustics and frequency response in architectural spaces.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural and technical drawings.
• Experience managing AV project schedules, budgets, subcontractors, and change orders.
• Experience operating scissor lifts, forklifts, or commercial vehicles.
• Experience with speaker diagnostics, repair, and basic electronic circuit troubleshooting.

Education and Certifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• CTS-I certification, or ability to obtain it.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification, or ability to obtain it.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable personal vehicle.

Join Our Team

If you are a skilled technician who enjoys solving problems, leading teams, and seeing projects through from installation to completion, we encourage you to apply. Join Sound Investment and help deliver exceptional AV systems for clients around the world.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Experience:

• DSP Programming : 1 year (Required)
• Professional AV System Installation: 1 year (Required)
• AV Project Management: 2 years (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 50% (Required)

Work Location: In person