Automation Technician (APM Crew Chief)
Position Summary:
Automation Technician or "Crew Chief" is responsible for the operation, maintenance, programming, and troubleshooting of automated show-control systems and stage automation equipment used in onboard entertainment venues. They are hands-on leaders who are able to motivate a team to excel in every facet of their role, able to build trust and have a highly organized and safety driven mindset. Working closely with entertainment, production, and technical teams, the Automation Technician helps deliver high-quality entertainment experiences for guests.
Key Responsibilities:
Ensure the safe and reliable execution of theatrical productions, special events, and multimedia presentations by managing automated scenic elements, lifts, flying systems, and integrated technical systems.
Whether it flies out, moves down, tracks on, trucks off, revolves, opens or closes, our state-of-the-art stage automation systems can do it, controlled, maintained and operated by our Crew Chief.
Responsible for the safety of cast, company, entertainers and occasionally even our Guests on our theatre stages, Crew Chiefs must be able to react fast, anticipate problems and to see their resolution while leading our team of Stage Crew to produce high quality, dynamic events and entertainment.
Maintenance of all automated stage systems, scenic elements, props and inventory requires attention to detail and a passion and understanding of theatre and entertainment industries while crew scheduling, team building, development and training all require great interpersonal skills, working closely with the Senior Production Manager to produce a solid goal driven team who can excel in facilitating fantastic, dynamic and cutting-edge entertainment programs.
Skills, Knowledge & Experience:
An excellent understanding of safety and risk assessment procedures.
Great communication and interpersonal skills.
Understanding of the foundation of guest service; ability and willingness to deliver outstanding service to our guests.
Motivation to excel in all aspects of job duties and responsibilities.
Personable communicator with outstanding social skills and a warm, friendly, and caring personality.
Commitment to establish and maintain courteous and professional working relationships in a diverse cultural environment.
Non-Negotiable Requirements:
Minimum of 3 years' industry experience in theatre or touring industries.
Command of the English language, both verbal and written.
Strongly Preferred:
Experience with theatre automation consoles highly desirable.
Contract Details:
6/2 (continual rotations of 6 months on-board followed by 2 months of vacation).
Shared cabin with private bathroom facilities.
- Department
- Entertainment Technical
- Role
- APM Crew Chief
- Locations
- Shipboard Worldwide (USA), Cruise Academy - United Kingdom, Shipboard Worldwide (Central America), Shipboard Worldwide (Eastern Europe), Shipboard Worldwide (Western Europe), Shipboard Worldwide (UAE), Shipboard Worldwide (South America)
About Cruise Academy
Straight Talk. Real Experience. No Bull-ship. 🚢✨
At Cruise Academy, we don’t just teach it - we’ve lived it. Founded in 2017 by seafarers for seafarers, we specialize in maritime training and shipboard recruitment for the global cruise industry.
We tell it like it is - the good, the bad, and the downright exhausting. No sugarcoating, no sales pitch - just real, honest insights from those who’ve been there. Because you deserve to know exactly what to expect before stepping onboard.
We are MLC Certified and proudly audited and approved by the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency, ensuring the highest standards in training, recruitment, and compliance.
If you're serious about a career at sea, we’ll get you there - the right way.