
Senior Lighting Technician | Marella Cruises
- Recruiter:
- RWS Global
- Category:
- Entertainment & Activities Jobs
- Position:
- Lighting Technician
- Updated:
- January 23, 2026
About RWS Global
Founded in 2003, RWS Global is the worldwide leader in live moments, bringing to life unforgettable in-person experiences on land and at sea.
RWS Global combines the best-of-the-best talent, visionary creative and know-how to make every live experience exceptional. Services include concept and design, show production, seasonal experiences, talent recruitment, AV & technical, music & media, fitness & wellbeing, retail & merchandising, costume design & build, leased experiences and guest acts. RWS also operates RWS Studios UK, which offers over 4,000 square meters of dance studios, vocal rooms, creative and meeting spaces, a two-tier costume shop and more.
RWS Global is the go-to partner of some of the largest parks, resorts, cruise lines, destinations and brands in the world, including Haven, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, Marella Cruises, MSC Cruises, P&O Cruises, Roompot, TUI Group and Warner Bros. To learn more, visit rwsglobal.com.
RWS Global, with its subsidiaries RWS, RWS Sports, JRA and ARC, provides ideation, design, technical, casting and operation services to create extraordinary entertainment, live events, exhibits, destinations, décor and brand attractions. As the world’s largest full-service provider of attractions and experiences, RWS Global delivers more than a million live moments daily and provides more than 8,000 career opportunities each year.
Job Summary
- Reporting to the Entertainment Technical Manager, the Senior Lighting Technician will support the Entertainment Technical Team in delivering all lighting and video related technical aspects of the entertainment programme onboard the ship.
- The Entertainment Technical team consists of an Entertainment Technical Manager, Broadcast Manager, 3 Senior Technicians (Sound, Lighting and Stage Manager) and 5 Entertainment Technicians. The Entertainment Technical team is part of the Entertainment Department, which also includes of a team of Entertainment Hosts, Show Cast Members, a Children’s Host team, as well as a Musical Director and team of Resident Musicians.
- The Entertainment Department is directed and coordinated by the Cruise Director and Assistant Cruise Director. As the Senior Technician in charge of lighting onboard, your primary task is operating the lighting and video equipment for the production shows within the Broadway Show Lounge. You will also ensure that all other venue’s lighting equipment is kept well maintained and functioning to the highest standards during your tenure onboard. This includes daily technical and rehearsal runs for all shows and visiting artists.
- You will also be responsible, together with the Stage Manager and other Technicians, for the set-up of the lighting equipment and the building and striking of the theatre scenery when necessary.
- You will support the Entertainment Technical Manager with any technical issues around the ship and support with the training and development of other Technicians in the field of lighting operation, programming and maintenance. Duties include weekly and monthly maintenance schedules as directed by the Entertainment Technical Manager with general repairs and upkeep of entertainment technical assets onboard being a key part of this role.
- On occasion, you may be required to operate lighting and AV for events out with the main theatre, this would be as and when directed by the Entertainment Technical Manager to support the technical operation and business needs.
- As a member of the Entertainment Department, a position of responsibility will be held with regards to emergency procedures, guest mustering and drills; specific training will be received regarding this, both prior to joining and regularly on board.
- You are an ambassador of RWS Global and Marella Cruises.
Responsibilities
- To deliver the entertainment lighting requirements onboard to the highest standards.
- Operate the lighting and AV systems in the theatre and other entertainment venues.
- To create and enhance the guest experience on board making sure all events are delivered at the highest technical standard possible.
- To ensure that the RWS Global’s show product is always delivered in its integrity and up to the agreed standard after the install period. No re-programming or creative lighting changes should be made without prior permission from RWS Global HQ.
- Ensure all additional and show specific lighting plots are consistently delivered and accurate.
- To programme and operate lighting for the visiting artists’ shows.
- Repair set and scenery lighting if necessary.
- To assist with all staging aspects and show set-ups within the theatre as directed.
- To take ownership and responsibility for all lighting requirements both in the theatre and in the other venues around the ship.
- To ensure events and rehearsals start on time and all technical requirements from the Musicians and Production Performers are met.
- To follow the Entertainment Technical Manager’s instructions and work schedules and ensure all work is carried out safely, efficiently and in accordance with all current safety and company regulations.
- Assist the overall Entertainment Department and Hotel Department with your technical expertise as instructed by the Cruise Director and Entertainment Technical Manager.
- To deputise for the Entertainment Technical Manager where required to ensure the continuity in the production operation in case of illness or absence.
- To provide leadership and technical training to other crew members in relation to the lighting requirements both in the theatre and in the other venues around the ship.
- Complete accurate maintenance and equipment records of all equipment onboard and comply with the cleaning and maintenance schedule for the department. This includes re-lamping, cleaning fixtures and dimmers to the highest standard.
- To ensure your professional behaviour is at the highest level at all time. You represent both RWS Global and Marella Cruises during your tenure onboard.
- A position of onboard responsibility will be held with regards to emergency procedures, guest mustering and drills (full training received on board).
- To ensure your appearance and grooming guidelines are maintained at all times.
Experience & Skillset
- The Senior Lighting Technician should have at least 2 years of relevant industry experience and/or relevant qualifications in their field of expertise.
- Operational, set-up and maintenance knowledge of a wide variety of professional lighting and audio visual equipment is mandatory.
- In-depth knowledge of the ‘Grand MA2’ software and console range is essential.
- Lighting programming and busking skills in a live theatre/ concert environment is essential for visiting artists.
- Experience of working in large venues on a variety of entertainment programs such as theatre shows and live concerts is essential.
- Experience in operating and programming QLab playback software is desirable.
- Experience in operating and programming Hippotizer Media Servers is desirable.
- Experience in working with LTC and MIDI timecode for playback in live performance is desirable.
- Good knowledge of Health & Safety procedures within the production environment.
Other Requirements
- Must hold valid STCW training certificates prior to joining the ship.
- Must hold a full, valid passport, with at least 9 months validity at time of joining.
- Must hold a valid ENG1 or equivalent Seafarer Medical Certificate.
- Must hold relevant necessary visas as required.
- It is recommended that you hold a valid Seamans Book/ ID card or have completed an application for this.
Diversity and Inclusion Statement
At RWS Global, our team of bold makers and mold breakers is made of a diverse group of people who we believe make our work stronger. Our stage actively chooses to uplift applicants with diverse racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, sexes, national origins, political affiliations, socio-economic status, veteran and Disability status, and other intersectional dimensions of diversity.
We believe the diversity of our people is the most valuable asset we have. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities, and talent that our employees invest in their work represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our company’s achievement as well.
We are committed to ongoing learning and developing and implementing programs and initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion in all areas of employment as well as through our creative process and projects.
STCW Certificates
You will need valid STCW certificates to apply for this position. Find an STCW course near you.
Language Requirements
Good knowledge of the English language is required.
RWS Global
As the world’s largest producer of groundbreaking live entertainment, RWS Global creates meaningful connections and customized experiences spanning from theatrical productions to events, multimedia and more. In 2024, the entertainment leaders expanded capabilities into live sporting events with the introduction of RWS Global Sports.
Headquartered in New York, London, Cincinnati and Sydney with dedicated RWS Studios in NYC and the UK to serve its vast talent pipeline and client base, RWS Global serves major brands and corporations, theatres, cruise lines, sports properties, live venues, parks, resorts and more. Offering end-to-end services from ideation to operations, RWS Global’s team of world-class designers, creators, producers and visionary talent provide unrivaled scale, producing over one million live moments every day and employing over 8,000 individuals worldwide.
The RWS Global roster of clients includes Apple, Azamara, The Coca-Cola Company, Commonwealth Games, Crayola, Europa-Park Resort, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, The FRIENDS™ Experience by Original X Productions, Hard Rock Resorts, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, Holland America Line, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, International Cricket Council, Invictus Games, Lionsgate, MSC Cruises, Roompot, Rugby World Cup, Six Flags, Space Center Houston, TUI Group, Vera Wang, Warner Bros., Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway, Chicago the Musical, Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes and more. For more information, visit rwsglobal.com.
