3D Designer / Fabrication Specialist

Position Summary

The 3D Designer/Fabricator is a hybrid position combining CAD modeling, mechanical

problem solving, prototyping, and hands-on fabrication. This person is equally

comfortable developing an idea digitally and taking that idea into the shop to determine

how it should be built.

The position supports projects from concept development through fabrication, assembly,

testing, and installation. It is particularly suited to someone who thinks through making -

using CAD as a design and communication tool while maintaining strong hands-on

fabrication skills.

Primary Responsibilities

• Create 3D CAD models of custom parts, assemblies, frames, mechanisms, and

fabrication systems.

• Translate sketches, concepts, reference geometry, and creative direction into

buildable digital models.

• Develop fabrication-ready drawings, cut files, templates, and other shop

documentation.

• Work independently on fabrication tasks using drawings, models, and project

requirements.

• Fabricate and assemble custom mechanical components and structures.

• Move between digital design and physical prototyping to solve design and

fabrication problems.

• Identify potential fabrication, assembly, clearance, tolerance, access, and

serviceability issues during the design process.

• Modify CAD models based on discoveries made during fabrication and testing.

• Develop prototypes, mockups, jigs, fixtures, and proof-of-concept assemblies.

• Collaborate with mechanics, designers, project managers, craftspeople, and

other departments.

• Document completed work clearly so that parts and assemblies can be

reproduced, repaired, or modified.

• Assist with material selection, component sourcing, and bills of materials.

• Support assembly, testing, troubleshooting, packing, installation, and

refurbishment as needed.

• Help improve workflows between digital design and shop fabrication.

Required Skills & Experience

• Advanced proficiency with 3D CAD and parametric modeling, including

assemblies, drawings, and fabrication documentation.

• Ability to develop complex assemblies and produce fabrication-ready drawings

and documentation.

• Perform design calculations and apply appropriate mechanical and structural

principles to design decisions.

• Strong spatial reasoning and ability to understand complex three-dimensional

assemblies.

• Hands-on fabrication experience.

• Working knowledge of common fabrication materials, hardware, and mechanical

components.

• Ability to design with fabrication, assembly, maintenance, and field use in mind.

• Ability to read and create fabrication drawings.

• Experience with measuring, layout, drilling, grinding, cutting, fastening, and

assembly.

• Familiarity with welding, machining, CNC processes, or other advanced

fabrication techniques.

• Strong mechanical intuition and practical problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work independently while recognizing when collaboration or additional

technical input is needed.

• Strong documentation and communication skills.

• Ability to balance design quality with schedule, budget, and fabrication efficiency.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced CAD experience, particularly with complex assemblies and fabrication -

driven modeling. Preference for Inventor, Rhino, Solidworks, and Fusion 360.

• Welding, machining, CNC, composites, electronics, or other specialty fabrication

skills.

• Experience designing kinetic systems, animatronics, puppetry, robotics, theatrical

mechanisms, custom machinery, or other non-standard mechanical systems.

• Experience developing digital models specifically for CNC, machining, sheet

fabrication, welding, or other production processes.

• Experience leading small fabrication efforts or directing less-experienced team

members.

• Experience leading technical design efforts or mentoring less experienced

designers and mechanics.

•

Success in This Role

A successful 3D Designer / Fabricator can be handed a concept - “We need to build

this unusual object, and we haven’t built one before” - and help determine both

what it should look like in CAD and how it should actually go together in the shop.

The strongest person in this role doesn’t see CAD and fabrication as separate activities.

Modeling informs making, making informs modeling, and the result is a better, more

efficient build.

Pay: $25.00 - $35.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25 - $35