Technical Assistant - Sahara Arena

Sahara Arena is seeking a Technical Assistant to support the Operations Manager in the daily technical operation and maintenance of the venue. The successful candidate will help ensure the arena is safe, event-ready, and operating efficiently by coordinating maintenance activities, reviewing technical event requirements, and providing technical support before, during, and after events – to a standard consistent with comparable local and regional arenas.

• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or related) or a related technical field.
• 2+ years’ experience in arenas, theatres, exhibition halls, stadiums, or live event production preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of entertainment rigging, trusses, chain hoists/motors (including large-capacity grids), AV systems, professional sound and lighting, LED screens, and electrical power distribution/generators.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, rigging plans, load calculations, and event layouts.
• Recognized rigging/safety certification (e.g., ETCP Rigger, IRATA, or equivalent), or willingness to obtain one, is an advantage.
• Familiarity with CMMS or maintenance-tracking software for PPM and asset management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; AutoCAD or Vectorworks knowledge is a strong advantage.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to stay calm under the time pressure of live event load-in/load-out.
• Willingness to work flexible hours – including evenings, weekends, and public holidays – based on event schedules, and to provide on-call standby coverage during live shows.

Venue Operations & Preventive Maintenance

• Assist in the daily technical operation of the arena, including mechanical, electrical, fire/life-safety, rigging and AV systems.
• Perform routine inspections and Preventive Planned Maintenance (PPM), logging all activity in the venue’s CMMS or maintenance-tracking system.
• Coordinate maintenance team and supervise contractors and specialist vendors, verifying completed work meets venue and manufacturer standards.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, asset registers, and technical documentation (as-built drawings, rigging certificates, equipment manuals).
• Ensure all building systems and event infrastructure – including the rigging grid up to its full rated capacity, power distribution, HVAC, and LED/AV systems – operate safely and efficiently.

Event Technical Support

• Attend technical meetings and advance calls with event organizers, touring production teams, and contractors.
• Review and validate incoming technical riders, stage plots, and rigging plans against venue capacities before approving load-ins.
• Provide hands-on technical support during event setup, rehearsals, live events, and dismantling, including standby coverage for live shows.

Pre- & Post-Event Responsibilities

• Before each event: review technical submissions, verify rigging and roof/grid loads against certified limits, inspect hoists, trusses, chain motors, power distribution boards/generators and AV systems, and confirm the arena is fully event-ready.
• After each event: inspect the venue and equipment for damage or faults, document maintenance requirements, coordinate necessary repairs with contractors, and ensure the arena is restored and ready for the next event.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Support compliance with Kuwait Civil Defence, fire/life-safety, and recognized international rigging and entertainment-industry safety standards.