Network Technician - Live Events & Production

We’re looking for a hands-on Network Technician who understands how networks function, enjoys solving problems, and takes pride in doing the job well. You’ll work with project leads and fellow technicians to prepare equipment, install infrastructure, configure networks, and support live operations.

This role combines technical configuration with physical installation. You may configure a firewall, deploy wireless access points, run cable, or troubleshoot connectivity for a production team working against a deadline. Staying organized, communicating clearly, and following through matter as much as technical knowledge.

What You’ll Do

Network Configuration & Troubleshooting

• Configure and deploy managed switches, firewalls, and wireless access points using project requirements, configuration guides, and company standards.
• Configure and troubleshoot VLANs, trunks, IP addressing, subnetting, WAN connections, basic routing, NAT, and DHCP.
• Apply and adjust traffic-shaping settings to meet project requirements.
• Manage equipment through web interfaces, SSH, and wireless controllers.
• Diagnose cabling faults, VLAN misconfigurations, network loops, firewall issues, and connectivity problems.
• Use diagnostic tools to verify connectivity, service availability, and network performance.

Wireless Deployment & Performance

• Configure controller sites, wireless networks/SSIDs, VLAN assignments, and access point groups.
• Adopt, configure, label, and deploy access points.
• Adjust channel selection and transmit power for the deployment environment.
• Assess coverage, interference, and client connectivity; test performance with client devices.
• Monitor and troubleshoot networks before and during events, coordinating changes with the project lead.

Cabling & Field Installation

• Install, terminate, label, and test copper network cabling, connectors, and jacks using appropriate tools and wiring standards.
• Run cable safely and neatly, including through existing low-voltage pathways and conduits.
• Secure temporary cable runs to protect equipment and minimize trip hazards.
• Install and remove network equipment, organize racks, and assist with setup and teardown.
• Read and follow network diagrams, floor plans, cable schedules, and configuration guides.

Preparation, Documentation & Client Support

• Prepare, configure, and test equipment before deployment.
• Assist with site surveys and identifying installation requirements.
• Maintain equipment labels, configuration notes, and records of technical issues and resolutions.
• Help organize, inspect, and track equipment and inventory between projects.
• Provide professional, responsive support to clients and production personnel.
• Adapt to changing priorities, keep project leads informed, and escalate issues when appropriate., This position is based in Downey, CA, and includes equipment preparation, field installation, and support at event and client sites. Production schedules may require extended or irregular hours, evenings, weekends, occasional holidays, and overtime.

Essential duties include the following, with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Standing and walking for extended periods.
• Lifting and carrying equipment and materials weighing approximately 25-50 pounds.
• Moving and climbing ladders.
• Stooping, crouching, and kneeling to install and service equipment.
• Identifying color-coded conductors and cable markings for accurate terminations.

Team members must follow site safety requirements and maintain professional conduct and appearance when representing PNI.

Travel Opportunities & Expenses

• Travel nationwide to support major live events, festivals, and corporate productions.
• Travel may total up to seven weeks annually, spread across several trips. Individual assignments may require up to three consecutive weeks away from home.
• Company-paid airfare, hotel accommodations, and ground transportation for approved business travel.
• Daily per diem allowance for meals and incidental expenses while traveling.

• Practical experience installing, configuring, and troubleshooting wired and wireless networks.
• Working knowledge of TCP/IP, subnetting, VLANs, DHCP, switching, routing, firewalls, and wireless networking.
• Experience configuring managed switches, firewalls, and controller-managed access points.
• Understanding of wireless channel selection, transmit power, and interference.
• Familiarity with copper cable types and applications, T568A/T568B wiring standards, RJ45 termination, and cable testing.
• A methodical approach to troubleshooting and the ability to follow problems through to resolution.
• Reliability, initiative, attention to detail, and ownership of assigned work.
• Ability to work independently within your skill level, take direction, and collaborate with a team.
• Clear written and verbal communication and a professional approach to client service.
• Willingness to learn unfamiliar equipment and adapt to changing production schedules.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and a driving record that meets company vehicle insurance requirements.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a job-related background check, conducted in accordance with applicable law.

You do not need experience with every platform we use. We value practical ability, sound judgment, and a willingness to keep learning.

Additional Skills We Value

These skills can support higher starting pay and greater technical responsibility:

• Independent deployment and troubleshooting of event or enterprise networks.
• Wireless design, high-density WiFi, RF site surveys, spectrum analysis, and predictive planning tools.
• Advanced firewall configuration, VPNs, routing, QoS, and traffic shaping.
• Experience with Ubiquiti/UniFi, Aruba/HP, Peplink, pfSense, or comparable platforms.
• Experience supporting live broadcasts, entertainment productions, corporate events, or venue networks.
• Understanding of production, audiovisual, and streaming systems that depend on network connectivity.
• Telephone cabling experience, including RJ11 connectors, telco jacks, 25-pair color codes, and 66-block termination.
• Relevant networking certifications or technical training., Starting pay within the posted hourly range is based on relevant experience, demonstrated technical knowledge, and the ability to work independently. The position offers opportunities for overtime and double-time pay, along with annual performance-based bonuses.

Technicians employed by PNI for the full year averaged approximately $110,000 in annual cash earnings in 2025, including overtime and bonuses. This figure excludes employer retirement contributions, benefits, expense reimbursements, and per diem. Actual earnings vary by hourly rate, project assignments, hours worked, and bonuses; historical earnings are not guaranteed.

Candidates will complete a brief practical skills assessment during the interview process to help determine starting pay. The assessment covers network configuration, troubleshooting, and cabling. Reference documentation will be available.

Benefits

Health Reimbursement

PNI offers eligible employees a company-funded Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (QSEHRA). This benefit reimburses qualifying individual health insurance premiums and medical expenses up to an established monthly allowance, giving you flexibility to choose coverage that fits your needs. Eligibility and reimbursement are subject to plan terms.

Paid Time Off

• 7 paid company holidays annually.
• 80 hours (2 weeks) of paid vacation/PTO annually, available after a 90-day introductory period.
• 40 hours (5 days) of paid sick leave annually.

401(k) Retirement Plan & Profit Sharing

• 3% employer contribution: PNI contributes an amount equal to 3% of your eligible compensation to your 401(k), whether or not you contribute your own money.
• Additional profit sharing: PNI has an uninterrupted history of making discretionary year-end profit-sharing contributions to employees’ 401(k) accounts.

Employer contributions are subject to plan eligibility requirements and terms. Additional profit-sharing contributions and amounts are discretionary and not guaranteed.

Tools, Equipment & Phone

• All tools and equipment required for the job are provided.
• $50 monthly cell phone reimbursement ($600 annually) for work-related use of your mobile phone.

Professional Development & Growth

• Company sponsorship for relevant training and certifications is considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Potential to advance into technical lead or project management responsibilities as your skills and company needs develop.

About PNI

Production Networking, Inc. serves the live entertainment and production industry, working alongside creative and technical teams on projects that demand reliable connectivity and responsive support. Our work is fast-paced, varied, and critical to live production.

If you enjoy understanding how things work, solving technical problems, and seeing a project through from preparation to showtime, we’d like to hear from you.

Pay: $28.00 - $35.00 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 40.0 per week, * 401(k)

• 401(k) matching
• Paid time off