Lead Technician, Special Effects - Universal Horror Unleashed

Job Responsibilities: Plans, assigns, and directs daily Special FX tasks for SFX Team Members, including pre-show system checks of atmospheric, pneumatic, hydraulic, animatronic, and water-based effects. Communicates performance expectations and supports proper and safe completion of assigned work. Completes required reporting and task management through Maximo to support communication between shifts, Technical Management, and Technical Coordinators. Reinforces company safety guidelines, OSHA standards, applicable state regulations, UHU operating procedures, and safe work practices related to compressed gas systems, pneumatic and hydraulic equipment, chemical effects, atmospheric systems, and hazardous materials. Leads SFX startup and shutdown procedures in compliance with lockout/tagout and hazard communication standards. Supports proper SDS/MSDS documentation, chemical labeling, compressed gas cylinder storage, equipment care, and consumable supply management. Ensures proper completion of work orders and documentation within Maximo. Troubleshoots SFX-related issues involving atmospheric effects, pneumatic and hydraulic assemblies, animatronic mechanisms, water-based effects, scent delivery systems, cryogenic effects, and breakaway prop mechanisms. Executes approved effects changes for daily operations, seasonal offerings, and special events in accordance with approved design, safety parameters, and regulatory requirements. Documents Team Member observations using the Lead Observation Report. Communicates and coordinates SFX system status, operational updates, resource needs, consumable inventory levels, work plans, and technical concerns with Technical & Show leadership, Scenic Décor & Props, Operations, and affected Team Members to support safe and seamless integration of effects within the show environment. Serves as a primary point of contact between the SFX team and appropriate leadership. Supports on-the-job training for new SFX Team Members and provides refresher training to existing Team Members. Training areas may include compressed gas handling, pneumatic and hydraulic system operation, chemical effects safety, SDS/MSDS interpretation, system documentation, OSHA standards, and venue-specific safety requirements. Completes required training documentation and assists with assigning training shifts as needed. Maintains current working knowledge of atmospheric effects technology, pneumatic and hydraulic control systems, animatronic mechanisms, fluid effects delivery systems, CO2 and cryogenic effects equipment, and applicable industry safety standards. Performs Technician-level duties as operationally necessary, completes company-required training, and maintains any required licenses or renewals. Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UDX policy, procedures, training, and team member involvement activities. Perform other duties as assigned. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY Individual Contributor

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.

QUALIFICATIONS: Previous hands-on experience with the design, installation, maintenance, and operation of special effects systems within the professional entertainment, themed entertainment, or live events industry. Working knowledge of pneumatic and hydraulic system theory, component identification, and safe operation. Must be able to obtain a work card upon employment. Demonstrated experience with atmospheric effects equipment, including fog machines, hazers, CO2 systems, and cryogenic low-lying fog rigs. Familiarity with compressed gas cylinder and cryogenic liquid safety standards, including proper handling, storage, transportation, and regulatory compliance. Experience with animatronic mechanisms, actuator systems, and timing/sequencing of mechanical effects preferred. Ability to read and interpret SDS/MSDS documentation, system schematics, and pneumatic/hydraulic circuit diagrams. Ability to work effectively in a team environment while providing clear work direction to Team Members. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to coordinate with leadership, Team Members, and partner departments. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Consistent attendance is a job requirement. CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS Local and state required licenses including OSHA 10. OSHA 30 General Industry preferred Compressed Gas Association safety training or equivalent preferred. Forklift Operator certification preferred. Applicable state-specific license for compressed gas or hazardous materials handling, if required. Must be able to obtain LVMPD Non-gaming work card upon hire. EDUCATION High school degree or GED is required; Associate degree or technical degree in Mechanical Technology, Industrial Technology, or a related field preferred. EXPERIENCE 3+ years of hands-on special effects experience in system installation, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance is required, including at least 1 year of experience providing work direction to others. Experience in professional entertainment, themed entertainment, live events, or a similar operating environment is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Universal is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Universal Destinations & Experiences via-email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from Universal Destinations & Experiences HR/Recruitment will be deemed the sole property of Universal Destinations & Experiences. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Universal Destinations & Experiences as a result of the referral or through other means. Universal Horror Unleashed. Here you can. Universal Destinations & Experiences is an equal opportunity employer. Universal elements and all related indicia TM & 2026 Universal Studios. All rights reserved. EOE