Exhibit Designer I

About the Role
Be part of a talented team of experienced developers, graphic designers, production artists and fabricators that create the experiences that ignite our community’s passion for nature and science. With inclusive and innovative design, aesthetic appeal, and durability in mind, you will work to design features and exhibits that inspire curiosity and learning.

Your real-world experience designing interactive and passive exhibit pieces will work to enhance the Museum’s guest experiences. You bring experience as a 3 Dimensional designer from a museum, cultural (or similar) and offer a keen eye for the small details up to the brontosaurus sized details. You’ll work at the intersection of design and production, creating 3D models, CNC‑ready files, and more. This position works collaboratively on several simultaneous projects to design, refine, and enhance permanent and temporary exhibits and features. You will be responsible for leading internal 3D design projects and working closely, regularly with our in-house fabrication team, project managers, and visual design and production teams.

This role balances technical execution with creative problem‑solving, ensuring designs are safe, engaging, buildable, durable, and aligned with the Museum’s mission and guest experience.

This position requires a creative mind and big heart, contributing innovative solutions, fun ideas, and passion for collaborating and building engaging environments.

Job Class:

Full Time
Hiring Range:

$63,000 to $68,000
Work Schedule:

Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm
Direct Reports:

0

Essential Duties

Lead the design and development of 3D exhibit experiences for permanent and temporary exhibitions, guiding projects from initial concept through detailed design documentation, working with fabricators and project owners through creation and installation while ensuring alignment with learning goals, visitor experience, and overall museum standards.

Collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams, including Experience Developers, Graphic Design, and Production teams, Exhibit Technology, Fabricators and external partners to ideate, iterate design changes, integrate research & feedback from stakeholders at all levels, and refine design solutions that balance safety, functionality, durability, accessibility, aesthetics and visitor flow.

Produce comprehensive design deliverables for both static and interactive elements, drawing on prior experience and an understanding of fabrication. This includes 3D models, floor plans, elevations, and construction‑ready documentation. Translate design concepts into CNC‑ready files and programs using tools such as Rhino and AutoCAD to support efficient fabrication.

Manage design execution and drive project momentum within constraints by developing timelines, contributing to budget estimates, sourcing materials and fabrication methods, and ensuring all work meets quality, safety, ADA accessibility, and Universal Design standards.

Support and facilitate the installation, and deinstallation processes, both hands‑on and in coordination with internal teams and external vendors, to ensure accurate implementation of design intent and smooth transitions between project phases.

Minimum Qualifications/Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in exhibit, industrial, mechanical, or architectural design (or equivalent experience)

2+ years of experience designing and documenting exhibits or comparable environments

1 year experience as a CNC designer, or similar role, with a strong portfolio of successfully executed CNC programs and designs.

Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD, Rhino/3D modeling software, and Adobe Creative Suite

Working Conditions

Office: Moderate noise (open business office with computers, printers, traffic, conversations, laughter, meetings); work in fabrication shop, exhibit galleries and public spaces.

Equipment: Computer, presses, laminators, printers, and other production equipment, general office equipment, fabrication/installation tools and materials, ladders, high lift.

Machinery use: High lift, scissor lift, forklift, ladders, power tools, moving and installation equipment.

Museum collections: handling, packing/unpacking, preparation, cleaning, repair, maintenance of collection items and displays.

Lifting requirements: Moves items weighing up to 50 pounds in workshop, galleries, and public spaces.

Stand or sit: Must be able to remain in a stationary position 30% of time.

Accessibility & Accommodations
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Why Join Us

Collaborate on meaningful, high‑impact exhibit work seen by millions of visitors

Work across disciplines—from concept design through fabrication and installation

Contribute to inclusive, accessible, and engaging museum experiences

Be part of a supportive, creative, and mission‑driven team

#J-18808-Ljbffr