Audio Visual Designer - remote

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Audio Visual Designer

Company: IES Communications

Location: San Diego, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Operations / GTM Support (Sales Engineering & Design)

Date Posted: June 04, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Supports sales and project staff by developing comprehensive audio-visual (A/V) design and engineering solutions for client opportunities.

• Drives accurate cost estimations and maintains up-to-date project documentation to ensure profitability and client satisfaction.

• Acts as a critical liaison between sales, project management, and operations teams to facilitate seamless project handoffs and cost alignment.

• Contributes to the daily sales and project activities by providing technical expertise and operational support.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw job title is "Audio Visual Designer," the responsibilities strongly indicate a role within Sales Operations or Go-To-Market (GTM) support, specifically focused on the technical design and estimation phase of sales cycles. This role bridges the gap between initial sales engagement and project execution, requiring a blend of technical design acumen and operational efficiency. The "remote" aspect is a significant differentiator for this position.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop complete project engineering designs, including material selection and labor estimation, based on bid specifications and client requirements.

• Create accurate cost estimates and detailed scopes of work for A/V solutions, aligning with sales objectives and project profitability targets.

• Conduct site walks and pre-bid meetings to gather critical site condition information, ensuring designs are practical and cost-effective.

• Serve as a key liaison between sales, project management, and operations teams during project turnover, ensuring clear communication and shared understanding of project scope and technical details.

• Monitor the alignment between sales pricing and actual installation costs, identifying potential variances and proposing solutions to maintain financial health.

• Adhere to company guidelines for preferred vendor and product selections, negotiating competitive pricing and lead times to optimize project budgets and timelines.

• Perform floor plan takeoffs and apply recommended solutions from the company's technical documentation and support personnel.

• Ensure all engineering work meets the highest standards of customer and company quality and safety.

• Attend and complete job turnover meetings to meticulously cover all design details and project expectations.

• Manage multiple projects and estimates concurrently, maintaining a high level of organization and meeting strict bid schedules and deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of technical design, cost management, and cross-functional collaboration, typical of a Sales Engineering or Operations role supporting the GTM function. The focus on "cost estimate," "scope of work," and "sales price and actual installation costs coincide" highlights the operational and financial accountability inherent in this position.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required.

• Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant technical field (e.g., Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering, Communications) preferred. Experience:

• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in customer-facing roles, acting as a liaison between clients and the company.

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in Audio/Visual (A/V) design, engineering, or a related technical or construction field. This includes experience with systems such as CCTV, Card Access, Intrusion Detection, Fire Alarm, and IP network-based systems. Required Skills:

• Proven ability to interpret blueprints, specifications, and other project documents to define engineering requirements.

• Strong skills in developing cost estimates and defining labor requirements for A/V installations.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Project, MS Access database).

• Familiarity with project-based accounting software packages for tracking costs and budgets.

• Excellent customer interface and communication skills, with experience acting as a liaison between clients and internal teams.

• High level of organization and the ability to manage multiple projects and estimates simultaneously under strict timeframes.

• Ability to travel within the branch and/or regional territory as needed. Preferred Skills:

• CTS-D (Certified Technology Specialist – Design) certification.

• Experience with specific A/V design software or CAD tools.

• Familiarity with vendor management and procurement processes for A/V equipment.

• Experience in providing technical support and solutions based on established company guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements highlight a blend of technical A/V knowledge, project estimation, and essential software proficiency. The preference for a CTS-D certification and an Associate's or Bachelor's degree suggests a path for career advancement and a desire for specialized expertise within the A/V design domain, relevant to operations roles focused on technical pre-sales support.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated ability to translate client requirements and site conditions into comprehensive A/V system designs.

• Examples of detailed cost estimates and scopes of work, showcasing accuracy and adherence to bid specifications.

• Case studies illustrating the process of collaborating with sales, project management, and operations teams.

• Documentation showcasing proficiency in interpreting blueprints and technical drawings for A/V installations.

• Evidence of managing multiple projects concurrently, highlighting organizational skills and deadline adherence. Process Documentation:

• Workflow examples detailing the process from initial client requirement gathering to final design and estimation.

• Documentation of experience in site assessment and data collection for design purposes.

• Samples of technical reports or documentation used to communicate design solutions and cost breakdowns.

• Examples of how vendor negotiations and product selection processes were managed to optimize cost and lead times.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an A/V Designer role, a portfolio should showcase not just design creativity but also the operational rigor required for accurate estimation, project scoping, and cross-functional communication. A strong portfolio will demonstrate the candidate's ability to translate technical requirements into actionable, cost-effective project plans.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $100,000 - $125,000 USD per year

Benefits:

• Full benefits package included, as indicated by "* Direct Hire Position with Full Benefits *".

• This typically includes health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Retirement savings plans (e.g., 401(k)) are often part of comprehensive benefit packages.

• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Potential for professional development and training opportunities. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, likely aligning with the 40-hour work week indicated by ai_working_hours: 40.

• Flexibility may be required to meet bid schedules and deadlines, especially during peak periods.

• As a remote position, the role offers a degree of autonomy in managing daily schedules, provided project deliverables and collaboration needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $100,000 - $125,000 USD per year for a remote Audio Visual Designer with 2-5 years of experience in San Diego, California, appears to be competitive, especially considering the company's revenue and likely benefits package. This range aligns with industry standards for specialized technical roles that support GTM and sales operations. The explicit mention of "Full Benefits" is a significant draw.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Electrical, Mechanical, and Communications Contracting Solutions; Industrial Products and Infrastructure Services. IES Communications operates within the commercial, industrial, residential, and renewable energy markets.

Company Size: Large - Over 8,400 employees. As of fiscal year-end 2023, IES produced over $2.3 billion in revenue and employed over 8,400 employees across more than 129 domestic locations.

Founded: The company's founding date is not explicitly stated, but its significant revenue and employee count indicate a well-established organization.

Team Structure:

• The A/V Designer will likely be part of a broader Sales Support, Engineering, or Project Management team, potentially within a specialized division focusing on communications or integrated systems.

• Reporting structure is expected to be to a Sales Manager, Engineering Manager, or a similar leadership role overseeing technical pre-sales functions.

• Cross-functional collaboration will be essential, working closely with Sales Representatives, Project Managers, Estimators, and Installation Teams. Methodology:

• Emphasis on providing engineering solutions and accurate cost estimates to support sales opportunities.

• A structured approach to project turnover, ensuring alignment between sales pricing and installation costs.

• Utilization of company guidelines for preferred vendor and product selection to ensure consistency and competitive pricing.

• Focus on data-driven design based on site conditions and customer requirements.

Company Website: https://joinus.ies-co.com

📝 Enhancement Note: IES Communications is a substantial, publicly traded company. This size implies established processes, a structured hierarchy, and a significant market presence. For an A/V Designer, this means working within defined operational frameworks and contributing to large-scale projects, requiring strong adherence to company standards and collaborative workflows critical for GTM success.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-level position within the Sales Engineering or Technical Design track. It requires specialized technical knowledge combined with business acumen related to estimation and project cost management. It's a crucial support function for the Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy.

Reporting Structure: The A/V Designer will likely report to a Sales Engineering Manager, Project Management Lead, or a similar operational supervisor who oversees the pre-sales technical and estimation functions. Direct interaction with sales teams and project managers is expected.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the company's revenue and profitability by ensuring that sales proposals are technically sound, accurately costed, and aligned with operational capabilities. Effective design and estimation contribute to winning bids, managing project margins, and maintaining client satisfaction, all of which are critical for sustained revenue growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific A/V technologies, certifications (e.g., advanced CTS certifications), or vertical markets.

• Senior Designer/Lead Engineer: Progress to managing more complex projects, mentoring junior designers, or leading design initiatives for larger bids.

• Transition to Project Management: Leverage design and estimation experience to move into project management roles, overseeing project execution from start to finish.

• Sales Engineering Management: Advance into leadership roles, managing a team of designers and engineers, and contributing to sales strategy development.

• Cross-functional Roles: Opportunities to move into roles within procurement, operations management, or even technical sales support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for an A/V Designer in a company like IES Communications offers clear progression from a technical specialist to roles involving leadership and broader operational oversight. The emphasis on accurate costing and liaison responsibilities positions this role as a key contributor to the financial health and efficiency of the sales and project delivery cycles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Remote Opportunity. This role is designated as fully remote, offering the flexibility to work from a home office.

Office Location(s): While remote, the role is associated with the San Diego, California region, suggesting potential for occasional in-person meetings or site visits within that area, though primary work is remote.

Workspace Context:

• The remote nature requires a self-disciplined approach to workflow management and communication.

• Candidates will need a dedicated, professional workspace conducive to focused technical design and client interactions.

• Access to reliable high-speed internet and necessary communication tools will be critical for seamless collaboration with distributed teams.

• The role involves significant interaction with various internal departments, necessitating strong virtual communication and collaboration skills. Work Schedule:

• The standard 40-hour work week is indicated.

• Flexibility is often required in design and estimation roles to meet strict bid deadlines and client demands, particularly for large or urgent projects.

• Remote work allows for a degree of schedule management, but responsiveness during core business hours and for critical meetings is paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote nature of this position is a significant draw, offering work-life balance and flexibility. However, it requires strong self-management, excellent virtual communication skills, and the ability to maintain a professional home office setup. The San Diego association might imply some regional oversight or occasional travel requirements, though the primary mode is remote.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess basic qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's core responsibilities.

• Technical Assessment/Interview: This may involve a technical discussion about A/V systems, design principles, and estimation methodologies. You might be asked to walk through a past A/V design project.

• Case Study/Design Challenge: Candidates may be given a hypothetical A/V design scenario or a past project to analyze and present solutions, cost estimates, and scopes of work. This assesses practical application of skills.

• Behavioral Interview: Questions will focus on your self-motivation, ability to develop process improvements, communication skills, and how you handle collaboration with sales, project management, and operations.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: A discussion with the direct manager or team members to assess cultural fit, problem-solving approach, and overall suitability for the team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Design Process: Clearly outline your methodology for translating client needs into technical designs and detailed estimates.

• Quantify Impact: Present projects with clear metrics demonstrating cost savings, efficiency gains, or successful bid wins attributed to your designs.

• Highlight Collaboration: Include examples of how you've effectively liaised with sales, project management, and operations teams.

• Technical Depth: Demonstrate your understanding of various A/V systems (CCTV, access control, fire alarm, IP networks) and your ability to interpret blueprints.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Use clear language and concise descriptions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Master Estimating: Practice creating detailed cost estimates and scopes of work for common A/V system configurations.

• Blueprint Interpretation: Familiarize yourself with architectural and electrical blueprints, specifically looking for elements relevant to A/V system installation (e.g., cable pathways, power requirements, rack space).

• Software Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel and MS Project) and any project accounting or A/V design software.

• Company Research: Understand IES Communications' business, its market position, and its approach to client solutions, as this will inform your design and estimation strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely focus on verifying the candidate's ability to perform the core duties: designing A/V systems, accurately estimating costs, and effectively communicating with various stakeholders. A strong portfolio that demonstrates these capabilities is critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for documentation, calculations, and project management. Specifically:

  • Microsoft Excel: For detailed cost estimations, budget tracking, and data analysis.
  • Microsoft PowerPoint: For client presentations and internal project proposals.
  • MS Project: For project scheduling, resource allocation, and timeline management.
  • MS Access: Potentially for managing databases of project information, vendor details, or cost breakdowns.

• A/V Design Software: While not explicitly named, proficiency with industry-standard A/V design and CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp, specific A/V configuration tools) is highly beneficial.

• Project-Based Accounting Software: Familiarity with systems used for tracking project costs, budgets, and financial performance.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Tools for analyzing project costs against estimates.

• Systems for tracking bid success rates and project profitability.

• Reporting dashboards that might integrate sales data with project costs. CRM & Automation:

• CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Dynamics 365) may be used by the sales team, and the designer may need to interact with them to pull client information or project details.

• Automation tools might be used internally for workflow management or report generation, though specific tools are not listed.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and MS Project, is a baseline requirement. Experience with project accounting software and A/V design tools will significantly enhance a candidate's profile. The ability to leverage these tools for accurate estimation and efficient project planning is key to the operational success of this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Accuracy and Precision: A strong emphasis on delivering precise engineering designs and cost estimates to ensure project viability and profitability.

• Customer Focus: A commitment to meeting customer needs and quality standards through effective design solutions and communication.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering a collaborative environment where sales, project management, and operations work cohesively towards common goals.

• Efficiency and Process Improvement: Encouraging self-motivation to develop and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency in design, estimation, and project handoffs.

• Integrity and Professionalism: Upholding high standards of quality, safety, and ethical conduct in all aspects of work.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires seamless integration with sales to understand client needs, with project management for handover and cost control, and with operations for installation feasibility.

• Proactive Communication: A proactive approach to communication is essential, especially in a remote setting, to ensure all stakeholders are informed and aligned.

• Feedback Exchange: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to improve designs, estimates, and overall project execution.

• Solution-Oriented: A collaborative spirit focused on finding effective solutions to design challenges and cost considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's culture, as inferred from the job description and EEO statements, likely values professionalism, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to quality and customer service. For this role, collaboration and a proactive communication style are paramount given the remote nature and the need to bridge multiple internal departments.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Speed and Accuracy: Meeting strict bid deadlines while ensuring the highest level of accuracy in engineering designs and cost estimates.

• Remote Collaboration: Effectively communicating and collaborating with distributed teams and clients without the benefit of in-person interaction.

• Technical Complexity: Staying updated with rapidly evolving A/V technologies and integrating them into practical, cost-effective solutions.

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Aligning the technical and financial aspects of a project with the expectations of sales, clients, and the project execution teams.

• Cost Variance Mitigation: Proactively identifying and addressing potential discrepancies between sales prices and actual installation costs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• A/V Technology Advancement: Continuous learning to stay abreast of new A/V products, system designs, and integration methods.

• Professional Certifications: Pursuing and maintaining certifications like CTS-D to enhance expertise and career marketability.

• Project Management Skills: Developing skills in project planning, execution, and financial oversight, potentially leading to project management roles.

• Sales Process Understanding: Deepening knowledge of the sales cycle and customer acquisition strategies to better support the sales team.

• Software Proficiency: Mastering advanced features of Microsoft Office Suite and specialized A/V design tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities for significant professional growth by tackling complex technical and operational challenges. Continuous learning and skill development are key to navigating the evolving A/V landscape and advancing within the company's operations and GTM functions.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Estimation: "Describe your process for designing an A/V system from initial client consultation through to a final, detailed cost estimate. How do you ensure accuracy and account for potential installation complexities?" (Focus on methodology, tools used, and risk assessment.)

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: "Walk me through a time you acted as a liaison between sales, project management, and operations. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure successful project handover and alignment?" (Highlight communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.)

• Cost Management: "How do you approach ensuring sales prices and actual installation costs remain aligned? Describe a situation where you identified a potential cost variance and what steps you took to address it." (Demonstrate financial acumen and proactive problem-solving.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about IES Communications and this specific Audio Visual Designer role?" (Research company values, recent projects, and industry standing.)

• "How do you approach self-motivation and productivity in a remote work environment?" (Emphasize organizational skills, time management, and proactive communication.)

• "Describe your experience interpreting blueprints and technical project documents. What are the critical elements you look for when designing an A/V system?" (Showcase technical understanding and attention to detail.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio piece, clearly state the client's need, your proposed solution, the design process, the estimation details, and the outcome (e.g., bid won, project success).

• Quantify Your Impact: Use numbers and data to illustrate the value you brought – e.g., "design resulted in a 15% cost saving," or "accurate estimation led to a 98% project margin."

• Highlight Collaboration: Explicitly mention how you worked with sales, project managers, or operations in each case study.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Be ready to explain the technical choices you made and how they addressed specific client requirements or site conditions.

• Address Remote Dynamics: If possible, highlight projects where remote collaboration was key to success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical A/V expertise but also the operational skills of accurate estimation, project cost management, and effective cross-functional communication, particularly within a remote setting.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the IES Communications careers portal at https://joinus.ies-co.com/jobs/23195.

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize keywords related to Audio Visual Design, Project Engineering, Cost Estimation, Blueprint Interpretation, Microsoft Office Suite proficiency, and any experience with CCTV, Card Access, Fire Alarm, or IP network systems. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Managed estimation for projects valued up to $X," or "Reduced design errors by Y%").

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate examples of A/V designs, cost estimates, scopes of work, and case studies that highlight your problem-solving abilities, collaboration skills, and impact on project profitability. Ensure it’s easily shareable and professionally presented.

• Research IES Communications: Understand their market position, services offered, and company values. Prepare to articulate how your skills and experience align with their operational needs and GTM strategy.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common technical, behavioral, and situational questions, focusing on demonstrating your capabilities in design, estimation, and remote collaboration. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.