AV Systems Programmer & Commissioning Specialist

Description

ForTech Solutions, Inc. – North Hollywood, CA
Full-Time | In-Person / Field-Based

About ForTech Solutions

ForTech Solutions is an established technology integration company serving residential, commercial, and public-sector clients throughout Southern California and beyond.

For over two decades, we have designed, installed, programmed, commissioned, and supported integrated technology systems including AV, automation, lighting control, networking, security, surveillance, access control, and related technologies.

We are looking for an experienced AV Systems Programmer & Commissioning Specialist who takes pride in making systems work correctly—not just getting them operational.

This position is ideal for someone who is technically strong, detail-oriented, organized, focused, self-motivated, and comfortable taking ownership of multiple projects and technical responsibilities.

The Role

The AV Systems Programmer & Commissioning Specialist is responsible for programming, configuring, testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and helping complete integrated technology systems.

This individual serves as an important technical bridge between our design, project management, installation, service, and engineering teams.

The role requires someone who can review a project, understand how the complete system is intended to function, identify what is missing or incorrect, resolve technical issues, and help bring the project to a professionally completed and documented state.

This is not strictly a desk programming position. The successful candidate must be comfortable working in the field, interacting with technicians and project managers, troubleshooting systems hands-on, and taking responsibility for the final technical performance of a project.

Key Responsibilities

Programming & System Configuration

• Program, configure, and commission residential and commercial AV and control systems.
• Configure control processors, touch panels, remotes, user interfaces, AV equipment, and integrated devices.
• Program and configure systems involving audio/video distribution, conferencing, lighting control, shades, HVAC integration, and other connected technologies.
• Configure network-connected AV and control devices, including IP addressing, VLAN-related requirements, device communication, and system connectivity.
• Perform firmware updates, software configuration, equipment setup, and system optimization.
• Modify and troubleshoot existing programming when taking over, upgrading, or servicing existing systems.
• Maintain consistency and quality in programming standards and user experience across projects.

Commissioning & Quality Control

• Perform complete system commissioning before project turnover.
• Verify that installed equipment matches project documentation and intended system design.
• Test all system functions, signal paths, controls, interfaces, and integrations.
• Verify proper operation of audio, video, networking, control, lighting, shades, and other integrated systems.
• Identify installation, configuration, programming, documentation, or design discrepancies.
• Create and communicate punch-list items clearly to the appropriate team members.
• Re-test corrected items and verify completion.
• Ensure systems are stable, reliable, intuitive, and ready for client use before final turnover.

Troubleshooting & Technical Support

• Diagnose complex AV, control, networking, and integration issues.
• Troubleshoot problems systematically rather than relying on assumptions or temporary fixes.
• Determine whether an issue is related to programming, configuration, networking, equipment, wiring, installation, or design.
• Support field technicians with advanced troubleshooting and technical direction.
• Assist the service department with escalated technical issues when necessary.
• Work with manufacturers and technical support teams when additional troubleshooting is required.
• Document problems, findings, solutions, and lessons learned for future reference.

Project Preparation & Coordination

• Review project drawings, scope of work, equipment lists, programming requirements, and technical documentation before programming or commissioning begins.
• Identify missing information or potential technical conflicts before arriving at the final commissioning stage.
• Coordinate with project managers, engineers, designers, installers, and service personnel.
• Communicate technical requirements clearly and proactively.
• Prepare programming and configuration work in advance whenever possible to minimize unnecessary field time.
• Manage programming and commissioning responsibilities across multiple active projects.
• Prioritize work based on project schedules, deadlines, client commitments, and company priorities.

Documentation & Project Closeout

• Maintain accurate programming files, configuration files, backups, passwords, device information, and system documentation.
• Ensure final programming and configuration files are properly saved and accessible to the company.
• Document IP addresses, equipment configuration, firmware versions, and other relevant system information.
• Update project documentation when field conditions or configurations change.
• Assist with creation and completion of final commissioning and closeout documentation.
• Ensure technical information required for future service and support is properly recorded.
• Support final client demonstrations, training, and system handoff when required.

Requirements

What We Are Looking For

The technical skills are important, but how you work is equally important to us.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Detail-oriented — notices small issues and understands that small details can affect the entire system.
• Focused — able to work through complicated technical problems methodically without losing sight of the objective.
• Self-motivated — does not require constant supervision or follow-up to complete responsibilities.
• A self-starter — identifies what needs to be done and takes appropriate action.
• Organized — keeps programming, documentation, project information, and priorities under control.
• A strong multitasker — able to manage several projects, service issues, and deadlines without losing accountability.
• Accountable — takes ownership of assignments through completion rather than simply handing problems to someone else.
• Proactive — raises questions and identifies potential problems before they become larger field or client issues.
• A problem solver — interested in understanding why something is not working and finding the correct solution.
• Team-oriented — works effectively with project managers, installers, engineers, sales, service, and other departments.
• Professional — understands that punctuality, preparation, communication, and follow-through directly affect the client experience.

Preferred Technical Experience

Experience with several of the following is strongly preferred:

• Crestron / Crestron Home
• Control4
• Lutron lighting and shade control
• Commercial and residential AV systems
• Video distribution and matrix systems
• DSP configuration and audio commissioning
• Conferencing and presentation systems
• TCP/IP networking
• QSC/BiAmp and audio setup, configuration
• Dante or other AV-over-IP technologies
• Surveillance, access control, and related integrated systems
• Remote monitoring and system support platforms

Manufacturer certifications are highly valued but practical field experience, troubleshooting ability, and demonstrated technical competency are equally important.

Qualifications

• Previous experience programming, commissioning, troubleshooting, or supporting professional AV/control systems.
• Strong understanding of integrated AV systems and signal flow.
• Working knowledge of TCP/IP networking and network-connected devices.
• Ability to read system drawings, wiring diagrams, schematics, and project documentation.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and changing priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to document technical work clearly and accurately.
• Comfortable working independently as well as collaboratively with a team.
• Willingness to work both in the office and at project sites.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project locations as required.

What Success Looks Like

Success in this position means that when a system reaches the final stage of a project:

It works. It is tested. It is documented. The team understands it. The client can use it. And ForTech can support it after we leave.

We are looking for someone who takes personal pride in reaching that standard.

Our Culture

At ForTech, technical ability matters, but so do accountability, teamwork, communication, continuous improvement, and professionalism.

We believe that delivering an elevated customer experience starts internally—with employees who prepare, communicate, take ownership, help one another, and follow through on their commitments.

If you enjoy solving complex technical problems, working with advanced technology, continuously learning, and seeing a project through from programming to successful client turnover, we would like to hear from you.