Senior Industrial Designer

Company Overview

Our client is a creative design and fabrication company specializing in the development and production of custom environments, experiential marketing activations, exhibits, retail displays, live events, and branded installations. Operating from a collaborative, fast-paced fabrication facility, the company brings concepts to life by combining innovative design, engineering, and craftsmanship. Team members work closely across departments to transform creative ideas into high-quality finished products for a diverse range of clients.

Position Summary

The Senior Industrial Designer is responsible for transforming creative concepts into detailed production-ready shop drawings and fabrication packages. This role serves as the bridge between creative design and manufacturing by ensuring projects are accurately documented, engineered, budgeted, and prepared for production.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on designer with experience in fabrication, event production, custom millwork, or scenic construction who enjoys collaborating with project managers, engineers, fabricators, and clients throughout the entire project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

Design & Production

• Translate creative concepts into detailed shop drawings for fabrication.
• Produce layouts, elevations, sections, fabrication details, and assembly drawings.
• Develop production-ready CAD drawings and fabrication documentation.
• Prepare sketches, renderings, blueprints, and technical illustrations.
• Modify and refine designs based on customer requirements, manufacturing constraints, and budget.
• Build prototypes and mock-ups as needed.
• Coordinate design intent throughout the fabrication process.

Project Collaboration

• Partner closely with Project Managers throughout all phases of production.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, sales, and fabrication teams.
• Participate in design reviews and client presentations.
• Conduct site surveys and project walkthroughs.
• Coordinate installation activities when required.
• Provide on-site support during installations and events.

Production & Operations

• Assist with production planning and scheduling.
• Recommend improvements to fabrication methods and production workflows.
• Help monitor quality control throughout production.
• Prepare production status reports.
• Coordinate facility maintenance needs with Operations.
• Ensure projects remain on schedule and within budget.

Vendor & Material Management

• Source materials appropriate for each project.
• Develop relationships with vendors and negotiate pricing.
• Research materials, manufacturing methods, and production costs.
• Assist with procurement and purchasing activities.
• Prepare cost estimates and production requirements.

Budget & Inventory

• Assist with estimating project costs.
• Support job costing activities.
• Monitor production budgets.
• Help maintain inventory systems and track company assets.
• Submit purchasing requests according to company procedures.

Leadership & Communication

• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Communicate project updates effectively.
• Maintain organized project documentation.
• Help resolve production issues quickly and efficiently.
• Foster a positive, professional, and team-oriented work environment.

Required Skills

Technical Skills

• Strong CAD drafting and shop drawing experience.
• Ability to translate conceptual designs into fabrication-ready documentation.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and production methods.
• Understanding of construction materials and fabrication techniques.
• Experience evaluating product quality and manufacturing feasibility.
• Ability to research production specifications and manufacturing methods.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

Professional Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects simultaneously.
• High attention to detail.
• Strong critical thinking and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with multiple departments.

Computer Skills

Experience using:

• CAD software
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Outlook
• Google Workspace
• ERP and inventory management software
• Presentation software

Experience with event production software is a plus.

Preferred Experience

• 4 years of Industrial Design or related design experience.
• 5 years working within fabrication, experiential marketing, exhibits, scenic fabrication, custom millwork, retail displays, or event production.
• Experience creating production/shop drawings.
• Experience working directly with fabrication teams.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field is preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, or sit for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Ability to frequently use hands and arms while performing design and production tasks.
• Ability to regularly lift up to 50 pounds and occasionally participate in team lifts up to 100 pounds.
• Comfortable climbing, crouching, crawling, and working in an active fabrication environment.
• Ability to work around machinery, dust, noise, heat, and changing weather conditions.
• Willingness to travel up to 50% as required for project installations and site visits.
• Occasional evening, weekend, and overtime work may be required based on project schedules.

Ideal Background

Candidates with experience in any of the following industries are highly encouraged to apply:

• Experiential Marketing
• Trade Shows & Exhibits
• Event Production
• Scenic Fabrication
• Retail Displays
• Museum Exhibits
• Custom Millwork
• Architectural Fabrication
• Themed Entertainment
• Commercial Interiors
• Custom Manufacturing

This is an excellent opportunity for a creative, technically skilled Industrial Designer who enjoys seeing ideas evolve from concept through fabrication and final installation in a collaborative, hands-on environment.

CitiStaff Solutions, Inc.