Senior Audio-Visual Designer
π Job Overview
Job Title: Senior Audio-Visual Designer Company: Designs that Compute Location: New Braunfels, Texas, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Engineering / Technology / Design Date Posted: January 29, 2026 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: On-site
π Role Summary
- This Senior Audio-Visual (AV) Design Engineer role is pivotal in shaping the technical infrastructure of advanced AV solutions, focusing on design, proposal development, and escalated technical support.
- The position requires a deep understanding of integrated AV systems, including conferencing, collaboration, control, and audio-visual transport technologies, crucial for GTM (Go-To-Market) success in technology solutions.
- Responsibilities include creating detailed design packages and drawing sets, adhering to established design standards, which directly impacts project delivery efficiency and client satisfaction.
- The role demands strong technical acumen in areas such as AV over IP, HDBaseT, Dante, and AVB, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance of complex AV environments.
π Enhancement Note: While the original job title is "Senior Audio-Visual Designer," the responsibilities and required skills strongly indicate a "Senior AV Design Engineer" role. This enhancement focuses on the engineering and design aspects critical for implementing complex audio-visual solutions, aligning with a technology-focused GTM strategy. The emphasis on design packages, technical support, and specific AV technologies points towards an engineering discipline within the AV field.
π Primary Responsibilities
- Design and engineer medium- to large-scale installed Audio-Visual (AV) solutions tailored for diverse environments, including corporate, educational, and government sectors.
- Develop comprehensive design and proposal packages, encompassing detailed quotations, precise scopes of work, and customer-centric drawings that clearly articulate the proposed AV solution.
- Produce complete and professional drawing sets utilizing established design standards, templates, and industry-leading design tools to ensure consistency and clarity.
- Provide escalated technical support for existing installed AV systems, troubleshooting and resolving complex issues to maintain optimal performance and ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Collaborate closely with pre-sales and post-sales teams to ensure accurate and efficient design implementation from initial concept through to final commissioning.
π Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities have been expanded to provide a more detailed operational view of the Senior AV Design Engineer's role. Emphasis is placed on the end-to-end design process, from initial client engagement through to post-installation support, highlighting the critical touchpoints for ensuring successful project delivery and client retention within a GTM context.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelorβs degree preferred, demonstrating a strong foundational knowledge in a relevant technical field.
- CTS (Certified Technology Specialist) certification is required.
- CTS-D (Certified Technology Specialist - Design) certification is highly preferred, indicating advanced design capabilities.
- Additional industry-specific certifications such as DMC-E, DM-NVX, Biamp, Shure, Dante, or QSC are highly desirable, showcasing specialized expertise.
Experience:
- Extensive professional experience in designing and engineering complex installed AV solutions, with a particular focus on conferencing and collaboration systems.
- Proven track record in designing systems for demanding environments like council and commission chambers, large-scale educational facilities, and sophisticated operations centers.
- Demonstrated experience in developing detailed design and proposal packages, including accurate scopes of work and client-focused documentation.
Required Skills:
- Proficiency in designing integrated AV systems, including audio, video, control, and display technologies.
- Strong familiarity with leading control and integrated switching platforms such as Crestron, Kramer, QSC, and Extron.
- In-depth knowledge of major audio technology vendors, including Shure, Biamp, and QSC.
- Solid understanding of AV transport technologies, including AV over IP, HDBaseT, Dante, and AVB.
- Hands-on experience with wired and wireless microphone systems and permanently installed audio solutions.
- Proficiency with CAD and design tools such as Visio or Stardraw.
- Understanding of modern networking standards and their application in AV systems.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills for clear communication with internal teams and external clients.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with video wall, projection, and display systems from manufacturers like Panasonic, NEC, Samsung, Epson, and Planar.
- Ability to manage multiple project deadlines and prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience with background checks and understanding of security clearance requirements for sensitive projects.
π Enhancement Note: The qualifications section has been structured to clearly distinguish between essential requirements and preferred attributes, providing candidates with a precise understanding of what is critical for application. The inclusion of specific certifications and vendor proficiencies is tailored to the AV design engineering field, emphasizing the technical depth expected for a senior-level role.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- Showcase a minimum of 3-5 complex AV design projects that demonstrate a progression in scale and technical sophistication, ideally including examples from corporate, educational, or government sectors.
- For each project, provide a clear overview of the client's requirements, the AV solution designed, and the unique challenges overcome, highlighting problem-solving skills and design ingenuity.
- Include sample design documentation such as block diagrams, signal flow diagrams, rack layouts, and equipment schedules, demonstrating adherence to design standards.
- Present detailed quotes and scopes of work for selected projects, illustrating accuracy, comprehensiveness, and client-focused language.
- Incorporate examples of technical support resolutions for complex AV issues, showcasing troubleshooting methodologies and problem-solving effectiveness.
Process Documentation:
- Document the detailed design process from initial client consultation and requirements gathering through to final documentation and handover.
- Illustrate the workflow for developing and approving design packages, including internal review stages and quality assurance checks.
- Provide examples of how design standards and templates are applied consistently across projects to ensure uniformity and efficiency.
- Detail the process for integrating AV solutions with networking infrastructure and control systems, emphasizing interoperability and security.
π Enhancement Note: This section emphasizes the practical application of design skills and process adherence, crucial for a Senior AV Design Engineer. The focus on portfolio content aims to guide candidates in presenting their experience in a way that directly addresses the core responsibilities and technical requirements of the role, demonstrating their capability to handle complex AV projects.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior AV Design Engineer with 5-10 years of experience in the New Braunfels, Texas area, the estimated salary range is $85,000 - $120,000 annually. This estimate considers the specialized technical skills, required certifications (CTS, CTS-D), and the demand for AV design expertise in the region.
Benefits:
- Competitive base salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance plans to support employee well-being.
- Opportunities for professional development and advanced certifications, including support for maintaining CTS and pursuing CTS-D credentials.
- Paid time off (PTO) and holiday pay to ensure work-life balance.
- Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401k) with potential company matching.
- Dynamic and fast-paced work environment fostering innovation and collaboration.
Working Hours:
- Standard full-time position, typically 40 hours per week.
- Occasional flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines or support client needs, with potential for overtime compensation or compensatory time off.
- Travel requirements are estimated at 10-30%, primarily within the state of Texas, for site assessments, client meetings, and project support.
π Enhancement Note: A salary range has been estimated based on the role's seniority, required certifications, and location, aligning with industry standards for specialized engineering roles. Benefits are detailed to highlight the comprehensive support offered to employees, crucial for attracting and retaining top talent in specialized fields.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: Technology / Audio-Visual Integration / Design Services Company Size: The company size is not explicitly stated but is described as "growing" and "rapidly evolving," suggesting a medium-sized enterprise or a dynamic startup environment. This implies opportunities for significant impact and direct involvement in company growth. Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the company's description suggests a focus on innovation and advanced AV solutions.
Team Structure:
- The Senior AV Design Engineer will likely be part of a dedicated engineering or design team, reporting to an Engineering Manager or Director of Design.
- This role involves close collaboration with sales teams (pre-sales), project managers, installation technicians, and commissioning engineers to ensure seamless project execution.
- Cross-functional collaboration is essential, requiring effective communication and coordination across different departments to deliver integrated AV solutions.
Methodology:
- The company likely employs a structured design methodology that prioritizes client needs, adherence to industry best practices, and robust technical specifications.
- Emphasis is placed on data-driven design decisions, leveraging technical expertise and product knowledge to propose optimal AV solutions.
- Workflow optimization and efficiency are key, with a focus on producing accurate and complete design packages that minimize errors and rework during installation.
Company Website: https://visionality.com/ (derived from domain_derived)
π Enhancement Note: Inferences about company culture and team structure are made based on the job description's mention of a "growing team," "strengthening our existing staff," and a "dynamic, fast-paced work environment." The focus on innovation and advanced AV solutions suggests a forward-thinking and technically adept organization.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Senior" level, indicating a high degree of autonomy, expertise, and responsibility. A Senior AV Design Engineer is expected to lead complex design initiatives, mentor junior staff, and act as a subject matter expert within the organization. Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to an Engineering Manager or Director of Design, with close collaboration across sales, project management, and installation teams. This structure allows for direct influence on project success from the design phase. Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant, directly influencing the technical feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and client satisfaction of AV projects. High-quality designs contribute to successful project delivery, repeat business, and positive client testimonials, all critical for revenue generation and GTM strategy.
Growth Opportunities:
- Technical Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific AV technologies (e.g., AV over IP, advanced control systems, immersive audio) and become a recognized specialist.
- Leadership Development: Potential to move into a team lead or management role, overseeing junior designers and contributing to departmental strategy.
- Project Management: Transition into project management roles, leveraging design knowledge to oversee project execution from initiation to completion.
- Business Development Support: Contribute to pre-sales efforts by providing technical expertise and innovative solutions during client engagements.
π Enhancement Note: The career and growth analysis highlights the progression path for a Senior AV Design Engineer, emphasizing both technical mastery and potential leadership opportunities. The "Operations Impact" section connects the role's contributions directly to business outcomes, reinforcing its strategic importance within the company.
π Work Environment
Office Type: The company operates from a physical office location at "876 Loop 337, Bldg C, Suite 30, New Braunfels, TX 78130." This suggests a traditional office-based work environment. Office Location(s): The primary location is New Braunfels, Texas. Travel is expected to be 10-30%, primarily within Texas, for site visits, client meetings, and project support, indicating a hybrid approach to site engagement.
Workspace Context:
- The office environment likely supports collaborative work, with access to design software, documentation tools, and potentially AV demonstration areas.
- Employees will have access to necessary technology and tools for AV design, including CAD software, specification databases, and communication platforms.
- Opportunities for interaction with peers in design, sales, and project management will be present, fostering a team-oriented atmosphere.
Work Schedule:
- The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, aligning with full-time employment.
- While a structured schedule is in place, the nature of design and project-based work may require occasional flexibility to meet critical deadlines or client demands.
π Enhancement Note: The work environment description focuses on the physical setting and the nature of on-site collaboration, which is typical for an engineering role. The mention of travel requirements is contextualized within the operational needs of supporting clients and projects across Texas.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
- Initial Screening: A review of the resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and CTS certification.
- Technical Interview: A deep dive into AV design principles, experience with specific technologies and platforms (Crestron, Biamp, Dante, AV over IP), and problem-solving capabilities. This may include scenario-based questions.
- Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present selected projects from their portfolio, detailing design choices, challenges, and outcomes. This is a critical step to evaluate design thinking and communication skills.
- Behavioral Interview: Assessment of cultural fit, teamwork, ability to manage deadlines, and communication style.
- Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership, focusing on strategic fit and long-term contributions.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your experience with medium- to large-scale installed AV solutions, especially conferencing and collaboration systems. Highlight your CTS-D capabilities if applicable.
- Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved system performance, reduced support calls, client satisfaction scores).
- Detail Design Process: Clearly articulate your design methodology, including how you interpret client requirements, select components, and ensure system integration and compliance with standards.
- Showcase Technical Proficiency: Include examples of detailed drawings (block diagrams, rack layouts, signal flows) and technical specifications that highlight your command of CAD tools and networking principles.
- Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss specific vendor platforms (Crestron, QSC, Biamp, Shure), AV transport technologies (AV over IP, Dante, HDBaseT), and troubleshooting complex AV issues.
Challenge Preparation:
- Design Scenario: You might be given a hypothetical client brief and asked to outline a preliminary AV solution, including key components and design considerations.
- Troubleshooting Case Study: Prepare to discuss how you would diagnose and resolve a common or complex AV system failure.
- Technical Explanation: Be ready to explain a complex AV concept (e.g., AV over IP bandwidth requirements, Dante network configuration) to a non-technical audience.
π Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process is detailed to provide candidates with actionable advice on how to prepare. The emphasis on portfolio content and presentation strategy is tailored to the specific requirements of an AV design engineering role, aiming to help candidates effectively demonstrate their technical expertise and problem-solving abilities.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
- CAD & Design Software: Proficiency in Visio, Stardraw, or similar CAD applications is essential for creating detailed AV system drawings.
- Control System Platforms: Deep familiarity with leading platforms such as Crestron, Kramer, QSC, and Extron for system programming and integration.
- Audio DSP Software: Experience with audio digital signal processing software from vendors like Biamp and QSC for configuring audio processing and routing.
- Video Conferencing Platforms: Knowledge of various video conferencing solutions and their integration into larger AV systems.
Analytics & Reporting:
- While not traditional "analytics" in the BI sense, proficiency in interpreting performance data from AV systems and troubleshooting based on logs or diagnostic reports is key.
- Experience in generating reports on system performance, support issues, and design validation.
CRM & Automation:
- Understanding of how AV systems integrate with broader IT infrastructure and potentially CRM systems for service management.
- Familiarity with project management tools for tracking design tasks and project timelines.
- Knowledge of AV control and automation workflows to ensure seamless user experiences.
π Enhancement Note: This section specifically lists the types of software and hardware tools relevant to an AV Design Engineer, providing candidates with a clear picture of the technology stack they will be expected to work with. This is crucial for job seekers to assess their current skill set and identify areas for development.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
- Technical Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable, and innovative AV designs that meet and exceed client expectations.
- Client Focus: Prioritizing client needs and satisfaction by understanding their requirements and providing solutions that enhance their operational efficiency and communication.
- Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with colleagues across departments, sharing knowledge, and supporting team goals to achieve project success.
- Continuous Improvement: Embracing a mindset of ongoing learning and adaptation to new technologies, industry standards, and best practices in AV design.
- Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding high ethical standards in all interactions and delivering on commitments with professionalism and accountability.
Collaboration Style:
- Cross-Functional Synergy: Actively engaging with sales to refine proposals, with project managers to track timelines, and with installation teams to ensure design intent is realized accurately on-site.
- Knowledge Sharing: Participating in team meetings, design reviews, and informal discussions to share insights and best practices related to AV technologies and design techniques.
- Feedback Integration: Open to receiving and providing constructive feedback on designs and processes to foster continuous improvement and maintain high standards of quality.
π Enhancement Note: The team culture and values section is tailored to an engineering and design environment, emphasizing technical proficiency, client-centricity, and collaborative spirit, which are essential for successful AV integration projects.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
- Rapid Technological Evolution: Staying abreast of the constantly changing landscape of AV hardware, software, and networking protocols requires continuous learning and adaptation.
- Complex Integration Requirements: Designing systems that seamlessly integrate with diverse IT infrastructures, control systems, and user interfaces can be technically challenging.
- Balancing Performance, Cost, and Aesthetics: Finding the optimal balance between delivering high-performance AV solutions, meeting budget constraints, and ensuring aesthetic integration within various environments.
- Managing Client Expectations: Effectively translating client needs into technically sound designs while managing expectations regarding capabilities, timelines, and budget.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Advanced Certifications: Pursuing and maintaining advanced certifications like CTS-D, and specialized vendor certifications (e.g., Crestron, Biamp, Dante) to enhance expertise.
- Industry Conferences & Training: Attending AV industry trade shows, webinars, and training sessions to stay updated on emerging trends and technologies.
- Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to learn from senior engineers and potentially mentor junior designers, fostering leadership and knowledge transfer.
- Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of project types and scales provides broad experience and exposure to different design challenges and solutions.
π Enhancement Note: This section addresses potential challenges inherent in the AV design field and maps them to concrete learning and development opportunities, providing a forward-looking perspective for potential candidates.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
- "Describe a complex AV system you designed for a collaboration space. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on detailing your design process, component selection rationale, and problem-solving approach.)
- "How do you ensure your AV designs are scalable and future-proofed, especially regarding AV over IP and emerging technologies?" (Highlight your understanding of future trends and modular design principles.)
- "Walk me through your process for developing a detailed AV design package, from initial client brief to final drawing set." (Emphasize your adherence to standards, use of CAD tools, and documentation rigor.)
Company & Culture Questions:
- "What interests you about Designs that Compute and this Senior AV Design Engineer role specifically?" (Research the company's projects, mission, and values to align your response.)
- "How do you approach collaboration with sales and installation teams to ensure project success?" (Provide examples of effective cross-functional communication and teamwork.)
- "How do you stay current with the rapidly evolving AV technology landscape?" (Discuss your methods for continuous learning, certifications, and industry engagement.)
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Select Diverse Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that showcase your range, from large-scale installations to intricate collaboration systems.
- Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the client's problem, your design solution, the technical details, and the successful outcome. Use visuals effectively.
- Highlight Technical Skills: Specifically mention your proficiency with CTS standards, CAD software, and key vendor platforms relevant to the job description.
- Quantify Results: If possible, use data to show the impact of your designs (e.g., improved user experience, cost savings).
- Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, component selections, and troubleshooting methodologies.
π Enhancement Note: This section provides targeted interview preparation advice, including specific question examples and strategies for portfolio presentation, directly relevant to the Senior AV Design Engineer role and the company's stated requirements.
π Application Steps
To apply for this Senior Audio-Visual Designer position:
- Submit your application through the provided Paylocity portal link.
- Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience with AV design, relevant certifications (especially CTS), proficiency with specified platforms (Crestron, QSC, Biamp, Dante, AV over IP), and your experience in designing conferencing and collaboration systems. Use keywords from the job description.
- Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your strongest AV design projects. Focus on clarity, technical detail, and showcasing your ability to handle medium- to large-scale installations. Be ready to discuss your design process and problem-solving approach.
- Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with Designs that Compute (Visionality.com) and their work. Understand their focus areas and client types to better align your application and interview responses.
- Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio projects, focusing on clear communication, concise explanations, and demonstrating your technical expertise and passion for AV design.
β οΈ 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.
Application Requirements
Candidates should have an extensive background in designing conferencing and collaboration systems and familiarity with leading control platforms. A bachelor's degree is preferred, along with CTS certification and proficiency in CAD and design tools.