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Technical Design Manager
role at
Powerhouse Arts . Powerhouse Arts is a not-for-profit organization committed to creative expression and fostering an inclusive workplace. This role translates artistic vision into buildable solutions, developing fabrication strategies and managing the creation of shop drawings, 3D models, and fabrication files for all Public Art department projects. Powerhouse Arts is a safe, inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds and walks of life. We strongly encourage you to apply if you are from a marginalized or underrepresented group. The requirements listed are guidelines; you don’t have to satisfy every requirement or meet every qualification listed. If 80% of what you read fits you, or if you have transferable skills, please apply. Responsibilities
Translate artist sketches, concepts, and design intent into buildable fabrication strategies across diverse materials. Determine material selections, connection approaches, finishes, and assembly methods in collaboration with the Fabrication & Installation Manager and project teams. Develop assembly sequences and determine needed jigs/fixtures for fabrication. Oversee production of shop drawings, plans, elevations, sections, and 3D models, working closely with the Digital Fabrication Specialist to ensure accuracy and buildability. Collaborate with the Fabrication & Installation Manager to solve complex fabrication challenges, balancing artistic intent, structural requirements, budgets, and timelines. Coordinate with Production Manager and Fabrication & Installation Manager to integrate design scopes into project planning, scheduling, and production execution. Ensure fabrication approaches meet structural requirements and can be executed safely by evaluating structural considerations and material properties. Assess buildability to identify potential fabrication challenges and propose solutions in collaboration with the Fabrication & Installation Manager. Identify when structural engineering review is required and coordinate with external consultants, providing design drawings for analysis and ensuring specifications are incorporated. Manage design work for digitally fabricated components using CNC milling, laser cutting, 3D printing, and emerging technologies. Oversee digital fabrication operations, including equipment selection, workflow optimization, and capacity planning. Determine appropriate digital fabrication processes based on design requirements, material properties, and project constraints. Create fabrication‑ready files including tool paths and nesting layouts. Supervise the Digital Fabrication Specialist, delegating shop drawing production and fabrication tasks while maintaining design oversight. Manage equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and coordinate support with vendors. Foster a collaborative, creative, and safety‑focused work environment. Collaborate with the Production Manager on cost estimating for fabrication scopes, informing material quantities, labor hours, and digital fabrication approaches. Monitor design schedules and deliverables across multiple concurrent projects. Work with production teams to develop fabrication plans that maintain design integrity while remaining budget‑conscious and on‑schedule. Support overall departmental and organizational goals as set by the Director of Public Art and leadership. Qualifications
A keen interest and deep commitment to supporting the creative expressions of artists. 4+ years of experience in a design‑fabrication shop, with demonstrated design ability and a portfolio showing complex design work, fabrication strategies, and completed projects. At least 2 years of experience managing others and overseeing design work. Exceptional design and problem‑solving skills with the ability to translate artistic concepts into buildable fabrication approaches. High proficiency with 3D CAD applications (Rhinoceros 3D, Fusion 360, Solidworks, AutoCAD, etc.) for creating models, drawings, and fabrication files. Strong understanding of fabrication processes across multiple disciplines, including metalwork and woodworking. Deep knowledge of digital fabrication processes, including CNC milling, laser cutting, waterjet cutting, 3D printing, and ability to program and operate equipment. Working knowledge of structural principles and material properties sufficient to make informed decisions and collaborate effectively with engineering consultants. Experience creating and reviewing shop drawings, assembly details, connection details, and fabrication‑ready files. Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain design concepts and fabrication approaches to artists, clients, and fabricators. Strong project coordination skills with the ability to manage design work across multiple concurrent projects. Flexibility and comfort working in fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environments with evolving project scopes. Compensation & Benefits
Salary range: $80,000‑$95,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include health insurance, an employer‑sponsored retirement plan, generous paid vacation, and a Citi Bike membership. Powerhouse Arts is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants receive consideration without regard to race, age, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. Powerhouse is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace and recognizes the positive value of diversity.
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Technical Design Manager
role at
Powerhouse Arts . Powerhouse Arts is a not-for-profit organization committed to creative expression and fostering an inclusive workplace. This role translates artistic vision into buildable solutions, developing fabrication strategies and managing the creation of shop drawings, 3D models, and fabrication files for all Public Art department projects. Powerhouse Arts is a safe, inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds and walks of life. We strongly encourage you to apply if you are from a marginalized or underrepresented group. The requirements listed are guidelines; you don’t have to satisfy every requirement or meet every qualification listed. If 80% of what you read fits you, or if you have transferable skills, please apply. Responsibilities
Translate artist sketches, concepts, and design intent into buildable fabrication strategies across diverse materials. Determine material selections, connection approaches, finishes, and assembly methods in collaboration with the Fabrication & Installation Manager and project teams. Develop assembly sequences and determine needed jigs/fixtures for fabrication. Oversee production of shop drawings, plans, elevations, sections, and 3D models, working closely with the Digital Fabrication Specialist to ensure accuracy and buildability. Collaborate with the Fabrication & Installation Manager to solve complex fabrication challenges, balancing artistic intent, structural requirements, budgets, and timelines. Coordinate with Production Manager and Fabrication & Installation Manager to integrate design scopes into project planning, scheduling, and production execution. Ensure fabrication approaches meet structural requirements and can be executed safely by evaluating structural considerations and material properties. Assess buildability to identify potential fabrication challenges and propose solutions in collaboration with the Fabrication & Installation Manager. Identify when structural engineering review is required and coordinate with external consultants, providing design drawings for analysis and ensuring specifications are incorporated. Manage design work for digitally fabricated components using CNC milling, laser cutting, 3D printing, and emerging technologies. Oversee digital fabrication operations, including equipment selection, workflow optimization, and capacity planning. Determine appropriate digital fabrication processes based on design requirements, material properties, and project constraints. Create fabrication‑ready files including tool paths and nesting layouts. Supervise the Digital Fabrication Specialist, delegating shop drawing production and fabrication tasks while maintaining design oversight. Manage equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and coordinate support with vendors. Foster a collaborative, creative, and safety‑focused work environment. Collaborate with the Production Manager on cost estimating for fabrication scopes, informing material quantities, labor hours, and digital fabrication approaches. Monitor design schedules and deliverables across multiple concurrent projects. Work with production teams to develop fabrication plans that maintain design integrity while remaining budget‑conscious and on‑schedule. Support overall departmental and organizational goals as set by the Director of Public Art and leadership. Qualifications
A keen interest and deep commitment to supporting the creative expressions of artists. 4+ years of experience in a design‑fabrication shop, with demonstrated design ability and a portfolio showing complex design work, fabrication strategies, and completed projects. At least 2 years of experience managing others and overseeing design work. Exceptional design and problem‑solving skills with the ability to translate artistic concepts into buildable fabrication approaches. High proficiency with 3D CAD applications (Rhinoceros 3D, Fusion 360, Solidworks, AutoCAD, etc.) for creating models, drawings, and fabrication files. Strong understanding of fabrication processes across multiple disciplines, including metalwork and woodworking. Deep knowledge of digital fabrication processes, including CNC milling, laser cutting, waterjet cutting, 3D printing, and ability to program and operate equipment. Working knowledge of structural principles and material properties sufficient to make informed decisions and collaborate effectively with engineering consultants. Experience creating and reviewing shop drawings, assembly details, connection details, and fabrication‑ready files. Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain design concepts and fabrication approaches to artists, clients, and fabricators. Strong project coordination skills with the ability to manage design work across multiple concurrent projects. Flexibility and comfort working in fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environments with evolving project scopes. Compensation & Benefits
Salary range: $80,000‑$95,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include health insurance, an employer‑sponsored retirement plan, generous paid vacation, and a Citi Bike membership. Powerhouse Arts is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants receive consideration without regard to race, age, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. Powerhouse is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace and recognizes the positive value of diversity.
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