Project Manager / Systems Designer – Home Automation & AV

NOW HIRING: Project Manager / Systems DesignerLuxury Home Automation | Audio/Video | Lighting Control | Networking & Systems Integration

Company: Tech Guide® Location: 137 Vera Road, Lexington, SC 29072 Job Type: Full-Time | On-Site / Field-Based Salary: $75,000–$95,000 annually, based on experience Additional Compensation: Discretionary performance bonuses Experience: 5–7+ years in project management, systems design, custom electronics, or related technical industries

Design Extraordinary Systems. Lead Exceptional Projects.

Are you a technically skilled professional who enjoys designing sophisticated technology systems, managing complex projects, and bringing innovative solutions to life?

Do you understand both the technical and construction sides of luxury residential projects? Can you coordinate with builders, architects, designers, technicians, and homeowners to turn ambitious ideas into beautifully executed installations?

Tech Guide is seeking an experienced Project Manager / Systems Designer to join our growing team of technology professionals.

For nearly 30 years, Tech Guide has been a leader in luxury home automation, electrical services, and systems integration throughout the Midlands of South Carolina.

We partner with premier custom home builders, architects, interior designers, and discerning homeowners to design, install, and support advanced technology systems in some of the region's finest residences.

Our projects integrate home automation, distributed audio/video, home theaters, intelligent lighting, motorized shading, enterprise-grade networking, security, surveillance, access control, electrical infrastructure, and connected-home technology.

We're looking for someone who can see the big picture, understand the technical details, and take ownership of delivering exceptional projects from design through completion.

If you're passionate about technology, construction, organization, and delivering outstanding client experiences, we want to meet you.

What You'll Do

• As a Project Manager / Systems Designer, you'll play a central role in the planning, design, coordination, and execution of luxury residential technology projects.
• This hybrid position combines technical systems design with hands-on project management.
• You'll collaborate with our sales team, engineers, programmers, electricians, low-voltage technicians, builders, architects, designers, and clients to ensure every system is thoughtfully designed, properly documented, and professionally executed.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management & Leadership

• Manage residential technology projects from sales handoff through installation, commissioning, client training, and final completion.
• Coordinate project schedules, labor resources, equipment procurement, deliveries, and installation milestones.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for builders, architects, interior designers, homeowners, vendors, and internal teams.
• Manage multiple active projects while maintaining clear priorities, documentation, and communication.
• Conduct site visits, project walkthroughs, construction meetings, and installation reviews.
• Identify potential project conflicts, construction delays, material shortages, or technical challenges before they impact project delivery.
• Track project progress, labor utilization, budgets, material availability, and change orders.
• Coordinate field technicians, electricians, programmers, subcontractors, and other project resources.
• Maintain exceptional standards for workmanship, professionalism, jobsite cleanliness, and client satisfaction.
• Oversee project punch lists, system testing, commissioning, documentation, and closeout.

Technology Systems

Design & Engineering

• Develop technical designs for sophisticated home automation and systems integration projects.
• Translate project proposals and client requirements into comprehensive installation plans and system documentation.
• Design distributed audio/video systems, home theaters, networking infrastructure, surveillance systems, access control, lighting control, motorized shading, and automation systems.
• Develop equipment layouts, rack elevations, system diagrams, wiring schedules, and infrastructure requirements.
• Review architectural drawings, electrical plans, reflected ceiling plans, lighting schedules, cabinetry drawings, and construction documents.
• Coordinate device locations, equipment requirements, conduit pathways, structured wiring, and electrical infrastructure with builders and other trades.
• Evaluate system compatibility, equipment specifications, network requirements, and installation methods.
• Assist with product selection, technical specifications, material lists, equipment substitutions, and change orders.
• Support the design and integration of Control4-based automation systems and other connected-home platforms.
• Collaborate with programmers and installation technicians to ensure systems are practical, reliable, serviceable, and properly documented.

Technical Troubleshooting & Quality Control

• Provide technical guidance to installation teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Troubleshoot system design conflicts, equipment compatibility issues, networking problems, and installation challenges.
• Review completed installations for compliance with system designs, manufacturer requirements, and Tech Guide's quality standards.
• Coordinate system testing and commissioning with programmers and technical teams.
• Maintain accurate project documentation, installation records, equipment information, and system changes.
• Ensure completed systems meet performance expectations and deliver an intuitive client experience.

Client & Trade

Partner Coordination

• Communicate professionally with luxury homeowners, builders, architects, designers, and other construction professionals.
• Participate in project planning meetings, construction coordination meetings, and client consultations.
• Help clients understand the capabilities and functionality of their technology systems.
• Coordinate design changes, equipment selections, installation requirements, and project expectations.
• Maintain strong relationships with builders, architects, designers, vendors, and clients.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking a technically inclined professional who combines strong organizational abilities with a deep understanding of technology systems and construction processes.

You should be comfortable moving between the office, design environment, and active construction sites.

Required Qualifications

• 5–7+ years of experience in project management, systems design, custom electronics, AV integration, low-voltage, automation, electrical construction, IT, security, or a related technical field.
• Strong understanding of residential and/or commercial construction practices.
• Experience coordinating installation teams, vendors, subcontractors, or other project resources.
• Strong technical understanding of home automation, audio/video, networking, security, surveillance, lighting control, or related systems.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural drawings, construction documents, technical specifications, and wiring diagrams.
• Experience creating or reviewing technical documentation, system diagrams, equipment lists, and scopes of work.
• Excellent computer skills and ability to learn new software platforms quickly.
• Strong organizational, scheduling, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, budgets, and competing priorities.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and technical aptitude.
• Professional communication skills and the ability to interact confidently with luxury homeowners and construction professionals.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• Ability to travel to project locations within a 90-mile radius of Columbia, South Carolina.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with any of the following technologies, platforms, and manufacturers is highly desirable.

Home Automation & Control

• Control4 — our primary automation platform
• Lutron
• Josh.ai
• Integrated lighting, shading, AV, security, and automation systems

Audio/Video & Home Theater

• Sonos
• Sony
• Samsung
• Distributed audio/video systems
• Dedicated home theaters and surround sound systems
• AV receivers, amplifiers, matrix switching, and equipment racks

Networking & IT

• Araknis
• Eero
• Ubiquiti
• Managed switches and wireless access points
• VLANs, DHCP, DNS, and IP network design
• Network infrastructure planning and troubleshooting

Security & Surveillance

• Alarm.com
• Ring
• IC Realtime
• Luma
• IP surveillance cameras and NVR systems
• Access control and security integration

Lighting, Shading & Power Management

• Lutron lighting and shading
• Control4 lighting integration
• WattBox power management
• Motorized shading systems
• Architectural lighting and lighting control infrastructure
• Generac and Enphase system coordination

Software &

Design Platforms

• D-Tools Cloud — proposals, product specifications, labor budgeting, and system design
• CRM — project management, scheduling, task management, and team coordination
• Microsoft Visio — system diagrams, rack elevations, and technical documentation
• Microsoft Office Suite — project documentation, reporting, and communication
• QuickBooks — project financial information and job-cost coordination

Experience with AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam, Procore, Buildertrend, or similar design and project management platforms is also valuable.

Relevant industry certifications from CEDIA, AVIXA, Control4, Lutron, networking manufacturers, or other technical organizations are a plus.

You do not need experience with every technology listed. We value strong technical fundamentals, construction knowledge, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to learn new systems.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal Project Manager / Systems Designer understands the relationship between design, engineering, construction, technology integration, and project execution.

You can review architectural plans and identify where technology systems need to be incorporated.

You understand how a sophisticated home automation system should be designed, documented, installed, and commissioned.

You can coordinate with builders and designers while providing clear technical direction to installation teams.

You recognize potential problems early and take ownership of finding solutions.

You're comfortable managing schedules, materials, budgets, technical documentation, and multiple active projects.

You take pride in craftsmanship, communication, organization, and delivering systems that perform as intended.

Most importantly, you understand that successful technology integration requires both excellent system design and exceptional project execution.

Why Join Tech Guide? Work on Extraordinary Projects

Our team designs and installs sophisticated technology systems in luxury custom homes where architectural design, advanced technology, and exceptional craftsmanship come together.

You'll have the opportunity to contribute to projects that go far beyond conventional AV or low-voltage installations.

Combine Technology with Leadership

This position offers a unique opportunity to apply both technical design knowledge and project management expertise.

You'll help shape how systems are designed, how projects are executed, and how our clients experience technology.

Expand Your Technical Expertise

Work with advanced home automation, intelligent lighting, enterprise-grade networking, distributed audio/video, home theaters, security, surveillance, motorized shading, and emerging residential technologies.

Be Part of an Established, Growing Company

Tech Guide combines nearly 30 years of industry experience with an innovative approach to technology integration.

We're experiencing significant growth and are investing in our people, operational systems, and technical capabilities.

Work with Experienced Professionals

Collaborate with automation specialists, engineers, programmers, electricians, technicians, and project managers who share a commitment to exceptional results.

Our culture emphasizes professionalism, accountability, innovation, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement.

Compensation & Benefits

Annual Salary: $75,000–$95,000

Compensation is based on experience, technical expertise, project management capabilities, design experience, and demonstrated performance.

Our employment package includes:

• Competitive salary.
• Discretionary performance bonuses.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• 10 paid vacation days.
• 5 paid sick days.
• Paid holidays.
• Company-sponsored continuing education and technical certifications.
• Tool allowance where applicable.
• Company uniforms where applicable.
• Phone allowance where applicable.
• Company vehicle and gas card considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Opportunities for professional advancement and leadership development.

Relocation assistance may be considered for the right candidate.

Career Advancement Opportunities

We're building a company where talented professionals can develop into increasingly responsible technical and leadership positions.

Potential career paths include

Project Manager / Systems Designer → Senior Project Manager → Director of Engineering / Project Delivery → Operations Leadership

Additional opportunities may exist in technical design, systems engineering, sales engineering, or executive management depending on individual strengths and career interests.

We support continuing education, technical training, and relevant industry certifications.

Work Location & Schedule

Office Location: Tech Guide 137 Vera Road Lexington, SC 29072

Service Area: Projects are generally located within a 90-mile radius of Columbia, South Carolina.

Employment

Full-Time | On-Site / Field-Based

This position combines office-based project planning and systems design with regular visits to active construction sites, completed residences, and client locations throughout our service area.

Ready to Design, Lead, and Deliver Exceptional Technology Projects?

We're looking for professionals who want more than a traditional project management position.

If you're passionate about technology, enjoy solving complex challenges, understand construction, and take pride in delivering outstanding results, Tech Guide wants to hear from you.

This is your opportunity to help design and manage some of the region's most sophisticated residential technology systems while advancing your career with an established, growing company.

How to Apply

Submit your resume through this job posting.

We encourage candidates to include a brief introduction explaining their experience with project management, systems design, construction coordination, and technology integration.

Examples of previous projects, system drawings, rack elevations, technical documentation, project portfolios, certifications, or completed installations are encouraged. Please exclude confidential client information unless authorized to share it.

Final candidates will be subject to background and driving record checks and a work-related personality assessment.

Immediate Opening — Qualified Candidates Encouraged to Apply

Tech Guide® | Making Connections.

137 Vera Road | Lexington, SC

www.techguide.net

Tech Guide is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate applicants based on qualifications, experience, and ability to perform the responsibilities of the position.

Pay: $75,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person