Riggdesigner

Riggdesigner is a term used to describe a professional who designs rigging systems for lifting, suspending, or stabilizing equipment or structures. The word is a portmanteau of rig and designer, and it appears mostly in informal or industry-specific discourse rather than as a formal job title with universal definition. In practice, a riggdesigner may work in theatre and live events, film and television production, sailing and marine industries, or industrial installations.

Core duties include assessing load requirements, selecting appropriate hardware (cable, rope, chain, turnbuckles, shackles, PPE), determining rig geometry, calculating loads and safe working angles, producing working drawings, and compiling installation and maintenance instructions. They coordinate with riggers, engineers, production designers, and safety officers, and may be responsible for permit-to-work documentation and risk assessments.

Training and credentials typically involve a background in mechanical or naval engineering, theatre production technology, or professional rigging certification programs. Standards and regulations vary by sector and jurisdiction; in entertainment, professionals may pursue certifications from unions or safety bodies, while maritime or industrial contexts rely on applicable national and international rules and classifications.

Notes on usage: The more common terminology in many industries is rigging designer or rigging engineer. Riggdesigner is a less widespread form, often encountered in internal documents, vendor catalogs, or informal references rather than as a formal or universally recognized job title.