Equipment Lead in Los Angeles, California - #73093 | VanderHouwen

Description

Job Id: 73093

Equipment Lead
Our client is seeking an experienced Equipment Lead to support high-volume photo and film production within a fast-paced studio environment. The ideal candidate combines strong lighting, grip, and production equipment expertise with hands-on leadership skills, excellent communication, and the ability to anticipate production needs while keeping multiple sets organized and moving efficiently.

This role is on-site in Los Angeles, California.

Equipment Lead Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate a small team of stage hands, grips, gaffers, camera operators, and production support personnel, assigning team members based on production needs and individual skill sets.
• Oversee the daily readiness and workflow of multiple photo and video bays, ensuring sets are properly built, lit, metered, and prepared for scheduled shoots.
• Provide hands-on support with equipment setup, set changes, lighting adjustments, and production transitions while adapting quickly to evolving schedules and creative requirements.
• Interpret and execute detailed lighting plans, including measuring, rigging, and reproducing consistent lighting configurations across multiple sets.
• Manage, organize, and track studio equipment, including internally owned and rented lighting, grip, digital, and motion-production equipment.
• Coordinate closely with production, digital, creative, and technical teams to anticipate upcoming requirements and maintain efficient studio operations.
• Troubleshoot camera, lighting, and related equipment issues during production and coordinate the documentation and repair of malfunctioning equipment.
• Participate in production planning meetings and use upcoming schedules to proactively determine staffing, equipment, and set-readiness requirements.
• Help establish effective workflows, maintain organized production areas, and identify opportunities to improve equipment management and day-to-day studio efficiency.
• Maintain a strong focus on safe equipment practices while providing clear direction and fostering a collaborative, team-oriented working environment.

Equipment Lead Qualifications

• At least 5 years of directly relevant experience supporting professional photo, film, studio, or comparable production environments.
• Strong hands-on knowledge of professional lighting and grip equipment, including lighting setup, rigging, metering, and interpreting lighting diagrams.
• Previous experience leading, coordinating, or directing a small production or studio team in a fast-moving environment.
• Demonstrated experience working on professional photo and film sets with an understanding of production workflows, set changes, and equipment requirements.
• Ability to proactively anticipate production and staffing needs, prioritize competing demands, and remain organized during high-volume production schedules.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively across production, creative, digital, and technical teams.
• Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to identify and resolve lighting, camera, and equipment issues during active productions.
• Familiarity with digital and motion-production equipment such as monitors, digital carts, cinema lenses, camera-support systems, and cable-management solutions.
• Experience with cinema camera systems, including RED cameras such as the RED KOMODO-X, is a plus.
• Proficiency with standard Microsoft applications; experience with Airtable, Figma, or equipment-tracking platforms is a plus.
• Detail-oriented and highly organized, with an emphasis on maintaining clean, production-ready workspaces and properly managed equipment.
• Comfortable spending much of the workday on their feet and moving throughout an active studio environment.

Compensation: Up to $53.33/hr. (DOE)

VanderHouwen Contractors Enjoy Exceptional Benefit Perks!
As an eligible contract employee with VanderHouwen, you’ll have access to a full suite of benefits designed with your well-being in mind. Our comprehensive package includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and a matching 401(k) to help secure your future.

Meet VanderHouwen
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VanderHouwen is an award-winning, Women & Diversity-Owned, WBENC certified professional staffing firm. Founded in 1987, VanderHouwen places experienced professionals across the nation! Our recruitment teams specialize in either Technology and IT, Engineering, Human Resources, or Accounting and Finance career markets. Partner with us to land your next exciting career!

VanderHouwen is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify. VanderHouwen does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal civil rights laws.