Electronics Technician
Gurnee, Illinois
Job Category: Maintenance/Trades
Req ID 34929The Electronics Technician is a skilled, full-time position responsible for installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, and designing the park's electronic and audiovisual systems across the entire property. These support ride operations, guest communication, entertainment and park security through ride PA systems, background music, DSP and network audio, amplifiers, show controllers, DMX lighting and special effects, intercoms and analog and IP camera systems. This position requires a broad and deep technical skill set, industry certifications, and sound judgement in a fast-paced and safety-critical environment.
Responsibilities:
Audio Systems and Sound Reinforcement
- Install, maintain, and repair ride PA, background music (BGM), paging, and area audio systems across rides, buildings, and midways.
- Design and wire 8Ω (low-impedance) and 70V (constant-voltage) speaker systems, including impedance calculations, series and parallel wiring, and 70V transformer tap selection.
- Design ride PA systems, including speaker layout, 70V tap and amplifier sizing, and gain structure.
- Trace signal flow through the full audio chain (source, DSP, amplifier, and speaker) to isolate and correct faults.
- Diagnose and correct gain structure problems, hum and ground loops, and dead zones.
- Configure, diagnose, and replace amplifiers.
- Build, solder, and repair cables and connectors (XLR, TRS, and similar).
Networked Audio, DSP, and Control Systems
- Build, modify, and maintain Q-SYS designs, including control programming and user control interfaces (UCIs).
- Monitor Q-SYS system status, read faults, and replace cores and peripherals.
- Deploy, configure, and support Dante audio networks.
- Apply networking knowledge (IP addressing, VLANs, and PoE) to install and troubleshoot networked AV equipment.
Electronics Repair
- Perform board-level troubleshooting and component replacement from schematics using standard test equipment (oscilloscope, signal generator, multimeter).
- Repair failed circuit boards and electronic assemblies to the component level, reducing replacement costs and downtime.
- Install and troubleshoot electronic controls and systems on ride vehicles and ride equipment.
Show Control, Lighting, and Special Effects
- Program, operate, and troubleshoot show controllers, including I/O, triggers, timecode, and show loading.
- Troubleshoot DMX lighting and effects systems, including fixture addressing, universes, cabling, and termination.
- Maintain and repair ride special effects, monitors, intercoms, and other A/V systems.
Video and Security Camera Systems
- Design, deploy, and maintain camera systems, including analog CCTV and IP systems.
- Diagnose and repair camera, recording, and video display faults.
Service Calls, Maintenance, and Documentation
- Respond to service calls independently and restore operation quickly to minimize ride and attraction downtime.
- Complete preventive maintenance (PMs) and work orders accurately and on time.
- Perform routine checks on equipment in buildings, midways, and rides.
- Test, commission, and document new and modified systems.
- Guide and support seasonal technicians on repairs, installations, and troubleshooting.
Safety and Professional Standards
- Climb rides, structures, catwalks, and ladders at heights of up to 300 feet.
- Comply with all Six Flags safety and fire responsibilities and procedures.
- Follow and complete all tasks assigned by management.
- Adhere to Six Flags Standards of Appearance.
Qualifications:
- Minimum age: 18.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Available to work days, nights, weekends, and certain holidays.
- Working knowledge of 8Ω and 70V speaker systems, signal levels (mic, line, and speaker), and balanced and unbalanced connections.
- Ability to read schematics and perform component-level repair using standard test equipment (oscilloscope, signal generator, multimeter).
- Skilled in soldering and cable fabrication.
- Working knowledge of networking basics, including IP addressing, VLANs, and PoE.
- Willing to work outdoors in various weather conditions and at heights of up to 300 feet.
- Able to work independently with minimal supervision and manage multiple priorities.
- Strong teamwork and communication skills; professional and self-motivated.
Preferred
- Q-SYS Level One, Q-SYS Level Two, and Q-SYS Control 101 certifications.
- Dante Certification Level 1 and Level 2.
- Experience designing and commissioning Q-SYS PA systems.
- Experience programming show controllers and troubleshooting DMX lighting and effects.
- Experience with smart amplifiers and IP camera systems.
- Associate degree or technical certificate in electronics, audio technology, or a related field, or equivalent experience.