Designer and Producer, Aerial Drone Shows

Description

About the Company:

Image Engineering was founded as a company that pushes boundaries, develops new ideas through design and fabrication, and is a leader in the visual display and special effects industry. We are comprised of a team of artists, engineers, event producers, fabricators and creative thinkers.

We have worked all over the United States completing thousands of projects in the field of creative multimedia shows for clients such as Paul McCartney, the Trans–Siberian Orchestra, the Rolling Stones, Lady Gaga, American Idol, America’s Got Talent and multiple professional sports franchises in the NFL, NBA and NHL. We have also created permanent and temporary interactive installations for world–class venues including the Staples Center and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Our strength lies in the broad range of techniques and custom special effects solutions we use to create first class spectaculars including laser effects, video projection and mapping, pyrotechnics, architectural lighting installs, custom constructed sets and bespoke engineered special effect solutions for live events and permanent applications.

Role Summary:

This Designer & Producer of Aerial Drone Shows is responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and supporting the execution of visually compelling aerial drone light shows. The role blends creative storytelling, animation design, technical understanding, and production coordination to deliver high-impact experiences for clients and audiences.

Position Location: BALTIMORE, MD | DOMESTIC TRAVEL REQUIRED

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead creative concept development and visual design of drone show formations and animations using 2D and 3D design tools (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Blender, Maya, Cinema 4D)
• Develop animated visual sequences, motion graphics, and vector-based assets synchronized to music or soundtracks
• Design drone show concepts aligned with client objectives, themes, and brand identity
• Create detailed show scripts, visual storyboards, and choreography plans
• Produce digital previews and visualizations; iterate designs with clients and internal stakeholders
• Curate, edit, or recommend music and sound design to enhance visual storytelling
• Engage directly with clients to understand creative goals, present concepts, and incorporate feedback
• Collaborate with Flight Operations, Production, and Compliance teams to ensure design feasibility and safety
• Manage timelines, revisions, and deliverables across multiple concurrent projects
• Troubleshoot design-to-execution issues and adapt visuals as needed
• Support onsite show execution, including supervising drone deployment, launch, and recovery activities
• Coordinate with onsite production teams to ensure smooth show operation
• Document workflows, identify process improvements, and promote design and operational best practices
• Stay current with industry trends, animation techniques, and emerging drone show technologies

Requirements

Required Skills / Abilities:

• Proficiency in modern 2D/3D design and animation tools
• Strong visual design, motion graphics, and storytelling skills
• Solid understanding of drone show principles, spatial design, and motion choreography
• Experience working in live events, entertainment production, or immersive media environments
• Strong communication, presentation, and collaboration abilities
• Ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities

Preferred Experience:

• Experience designing or programming synchronized aerial drone choreography
• Familiarity with drone show platforms such as Verge Aero or similar systems
• Experience with animation scripting, procedural animation, or creative coding
• Knowledge of FAA Part 107 operations, night operations, and airspace coordination
• Background in lighting design, visual effects, or real-time graphics (Unity / Unreal)
• Experience integrating visuals with music, audio editing, or sound design

Technical Tools & Software Experience

• Design & Animation: Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects, Premiere Pro, Blender, Cinema 4D, Maya, Unity, Unreal Engine
• Audio / Media Editing: Audacity, DaVinci Resolve, or similar tools
• Drone Show Software: Verge Aero or comparable choreography platforms
• General Software: Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint), project management systems

Education / Experience Requirements:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Design, Animation, Multimedia, or related field, or equivalent practical experience

Company Benefits:

• Aetna Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• Flexible Time Off Program
• Paid Holidays
• John Hancock 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Aflac Supplemental Insurance
• Robust Employee Assistance Program
• Dependent Care FSA Program
• ...and more!