Exhibit Designer / Production Designer

Exhibit Designer / Production Designer

Join the Gizmo Team

Gizmo Art Production is seeking an experienced Exhibit Designer / Production Designer to join our team in San Francisco.

We create one-of-a-kind museum exhibits, public art installations, sculptures, interactive experiences, and architectural environments. We are looking for a creative and technically skilled designer who can transform concepts into fabrication-ready documentation and collaborate closely with our fabrication teams throughout the production process.

This is an excellent opportunity for a designer who enjoys working in a hands-on fabrication environment and wants to see their designs built at full scale.

See examples of our work at gizmosf.com.

About Gizmo

Since 1996, Gizmo Art Production has provided design, prototyping, fabrication, and installation services to museums, artists, corporations, educational institutions, and collectors throughout the Bay Area and across the United States.

Our team includes designers, engineers, fabricators, carpenters, metalworkers, CNC operators, finishers, and installers who work together to bring ambitious ideas to life.

Position Summary

The Exhibit Designer / Production Designer is responsible for developing concepts, 3D models, fabrication drawings, construction documents, and shop drawings for museum exhibits, public art, sculptures, architectural features, and interactive environments.

This position works closely with project managers, fabricators, artists, architects, and clients to ensure designs are aesthetically successful, technically feasible, and efficiently fabricated.

The ideal candidate combines strong design skills with practical fabrication knowledge and understands how projects move from concept through fabrication and installation.

Responsibilities

• Develop designs for museum exhibits, public art installations, sculptures, interactive experiences, and architectural environments.
• Create detailed 3D models and fabrication-ready drawings using industry-standard CAD software.
• Produce complete construction documents, fabrication drawings, shop drawings, assembly drawings, and installation documentation.
• Generate presentation drawings and visualizations for client review and approval.
• Collaborate with fabrication departments including woodworking, metal fabrication, CNC, finishing, AV/interactives, and installation.
• Create digital fabrication files for CNC routers, laser cutters, waterjets, and other fabrication equipment.
• Review designs for manufacturability, material efficiency, and installation requirements.
• Assist with prototyping and mockups during project development.
• Research and specify materials, hardware, lighting systems, and fabrication methods.
• Coordinate with project managers to support schedules, budgets, and production goals.
• Participate in field measurements, site visits, and installation support as required.
• Assist with quality control throughout fabrication and installation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Architecture, Product Design, Exhibit Design, Studio Art, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of professional design experience in exhibit design, industrial design, architectural design, environmental design, public art fabrication, or related fields.
• Advanced proficiency in Rhino, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or comparable 3D CAD software.
• Required: Ability to create detailed construction documents, fabrication drawings, and shop drawings suitable for fabrication and installation.
• Strong understanding of fabrication methods, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience designing custom furniture, exhibit enclosures, cabinetry, millwork, or architectural elements.
• Experience preparing files for CNC fabrication and digital manufacturing workflows.
• Strong understanding of technical drawing standards and documentation practices.
• Ability to interpret architectural drawings, engineering drawings, and fabrication requirements.
• Strong problem-solving and design-development skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with museum exhibit design and fabrication.
• Experience with public art, sculpture, architectural fabrication, or experiential design projects.
• Knowledge of LED lighting systems, controls, and exhibit lighting design.
• Familiarity with audiovisual and interactive exhibit systems.
• Experience creating CNC-ready production files.
• Hands-on fabrication experience with wood, metal, plastics, or composites.

Compensation

Salary commensurate with experience.

Starting range: $28–$35 per hour. DEO.

Benefits include:

• Health insurance
• Paid holidays
• Paid vacation
• SIMPLE IRA retirement plan

Schedule

Monday–Friday

7:00 AM – 3:30 PM