Designer Fabricator (Project-Based Role)

About the role

Privacy Notice for California Applicants and Employees Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time. Meow Wolf opens portals of possibility. Come as you are!

We are individuals who inspire creativity in people's lives through art and exploration, so that our combined imaginations can transform the world we live in. We create immersive and interactive experiences that transport audiences into fantastic realms of story and exploration. Our Vision is to be the world's leading creative company, reimagining the paradigm of art and storytelling, to make a positive difference in the world.

We share a strong commitment to Belonging through our values of: Collaborative Creativity: We believe the act of creating together amplifies possibilities. Provocative Playfulness: We celebrate the unexpected because it is the doorway to discovery. Outsiders Welcome: We are all outsiders at heart, and we create space for everyone to feel like they belong.

Authentic Compassion: We are "kind punks" - supportive to each other and standing up for what we believe in. Audacious Courage: We have the courage to radically reinvent ourselves to push the boundaries of art. If this all sounds like YOU, read on….

About the role

Designer Fabricator Job Disclosures: Project-Based Position: This is a project-based position with an anticipated duration of 4 months. Location: On-site, Santa Fe, NM

Compensation

The bi-weekly salary for this position is $2,332.19 Compensation is based on location and experience. "Off-scale salaries" and other components of pay, i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated position grade, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions.

Job Summary

As a member of the Artistic Development & Production (AD&P) team, the Designer Fabricator is a hands-on creative contributor who designs and builds artistic and structural components for exhibitions, installations, and experiences. Working both independently and within multidisciplinary teams, this role translates concepts and shop drawings into high-quality, durable, and safe fabricated elements and supports on-site installation.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to concept ideation, materials estimates, production planning, procurement, and material prep.
• Produce artistic and structural elements to spec, with a high level of craftsmanship and finish quality.
• Create, interpret, and redline shop drawings; collaborate with PMs and stakeholders to align scope.
• Perform on-site installation, including layout, fit-up, adjustments, and punch-list fixes.

• Maintain a tidy, organized work area and uphold shop safety protocols.
• Document work as needed (photos, notes, redlines) to aid review and future maintenance.
• Mentor/partner with junior fabricators as appropriate; share methods and best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Proficiency working with wood, metal, plastics, and general assembly.
• Ability to create/interpret/redline shop drawings.
• Proficiency in at least one 2D platform (Adobe Illustrator, AutoCAD, and/or Striker).
• Proficiency in 3D modeling (Rhino, SolidWorks, and/or Fusion 360 preferred).
• Experience with 3D printing, CNC operations, laser and/or waterjet cutting, and welding.

• Strong grasp of machining/assembly tolerances, material properties, and fastener selection.
• Basic understanding of designing/fabricating moving mechanisms.
• Demonstrated problem-solving, initiative, reliability, punctuality, and professionalism.
• Google Workspace proficiency, material research, and purchasing skills.
• Knowledge of industry safety practices and regulations; consistent safe work habits.

• AWS welding certification preferred.
• 3+ years' experience in an artistic and/or fabrication field; permanent exhibition design/fabrication/installation experience preferred.
• OSHA-10 certification preferred.
• Self-starter who identifies shop needs, proposes new production methods, and seeks ongoing training preferred.

Work Environment and Physical Demands To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed must be representative of the knowledge, skills, minimum education, training, licensure, experience, and/or ability required.

Work Environment: Professional studio and office environment with routine use of standard office equipment, powered and non-powered tools, and various art-making materials. Respirators may be used in the presence of dusts, fogs, fumes, mists, gases, smokes, sprays, or vapors. Physical Demands: Occasionally sit, climb, or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Frequently lift/move up to 10 lbs and occasionally up to 40 lbs.

Medium-work demands; specific vision abilities include close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment. The employee will comply with company and OSHA standard workplace safety protocols. Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, typically Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. or 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.; occasional evenings and weekends as project needs demand.

May require travel to off-site locations for installation. Supervisor

Pay and benefits

This position does not require supervisory responsibility. Travel This position will require minimal travel (<10%). Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

This position is represented by the Meow Wolf Workers Collective/ Communications Workers of America. IMPACT: Meow Wolf is committed to our DIY roots and grassroots community support principles. To document that commitment, we converted our legal designation into a Delaware Public Benefit Corporation and have certified as a B Corporation.

As a B Corp, we have a triple bottom line of supporting financial, social and environmental wellbeing in our community. We are committed to ensuring all employees enjoy and thrive in a work environment where differences make us the vibrant, wonderful community we are! BENEFITS: The choices we make concerning our benefits during enrollment periods are among the most important we select for ourselves and our families.

As part of the total compensation package for full-time employees, Meow Wolf offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes various options to meet individual healthcare and financial needs along with many perks.