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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Exhibit Fabricator

💰 $45,000 - $75,000

Skilled TradesManufacturingDesignCreative Production

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a highly skilled and detail-oriented Exhibit Fabricator to join our dynamic production team. In this hands-on role, you will be the artisan responsible for transforming creative designs into tangible, high-quality, and durable exhibits. You will work with a diverse range of materials—including wood, metal, plastics, and laminates—to build, finish, and assemble custom components for museums, trade shows, corporate interiors, and special events. The ideal candidate is a master craftsperson with a passion for problem-solving and a deep understanding of fabrication techniques, capable of working both independently and collaboratively to deliver stunning results on schedule and within budget.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Cabinet Maker or Custom Woodworker
  • Carpenter (especially Finish or Scenic)
  • Welder/Metal Fabricator
  • Industrial Design or Fine Arts Graduate

Advancement To:

  • Lead Fabricator / Shop Lead
  • Fabrication Shop Foreman or Manager
  • Project Manager
  • Production Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Scenic Carpenter (Theater/Film)
  • Custom Furniture Maker
  • Architectural Millworker
  • Prototyper / R&D Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Interpret and execute complex fabrication from technical drawings, blueprints, CAD models, and other design specifications to ensure accuracy and quality.
  • Perform high-quality custom woodworking and cabinetry, including cutting, shaping, joining, and assembling wood components for structural and aesthetic elements.
  • Execute precision metal fabrication tasks such as welding (MIG, TIG), grinding, cutting, and finishing various metals like steel and aluminum.
  • Apply a variety of finishes with expert precision, including painting (spray and brush), staining, clear coating, and applying laminates and veneers.
  • Operate a full range of fabrication-shop machinery and tools safely and effectively, including table saws, panel saws, CNC routers, welders, and sanders.
  • Construct and assemble large-scale exhibit structures and multi-component displays, ensuring structural integrity, proper fit, and seamless finish.
  • Integrate various technologies into exhibits, including mounting monitors, installing interactive touchscreens, and running basic low-voltage electrical wiring for lighting (LEDs).
  • Troubleshoot and resolve fabrication challenges by proposing creative solutions and alternative construction methods while maintaining design intent.
  • Ensure all fabricated components meet stringent quality control standards, checking for defects, proper dimensions, and finished appearance before shipping.
  • Prepare, crate, and pack finished exhibit components securely and logically for safe transportation to installation sites, often building custom crates.
  • Travel to national and international locations to lead or assist with the professional installation and dismantling of exhibits, ensuring a flawless client-facing presentation.
  • Perform on-site modifications and repairs as needed during installation, demonstrating adaptability and excellent problem-solving skills under pressure.
  • Manage materials and resources efficiently, tracking inventory usage and minimizing waste to stay within project budgets.
  • Uphold and enforce strict safety protocols and a clean work environment within the fabrication shop to prevent accidents and injuries.
  • Collaborate closely with project managers, designers, and other fabricators to review plans, discuss challenges, and ensure a cohesive workflow from concept to completion.
  • Read and understand floor plans and installation instructions to correctly place and assemble exhibits on the show floor or in a permanent venue.
  • Work with a variety of plastics and acrylics, including cutting, bending, and polishing, to create custom display cases, signage, and other elements.
  • Accurately track and log hours and materials used for specific jobs to ensure correct project billing and future budget forecasting.
  • Conduct routine maintenance and calibration of shop tools and equipment to ensure they remain in safe and optimal working condition.
  • Provide expert feedback to the design team on the feasibility of fabrication concepts and suggest material or construction improvements for durability and cost-effectiveness.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in maintaining shop organization, including managing material stock, organizing tool storage, and contributing to a clean and efficient workspace.
  • Mentor and provide guidance to junior fabricators or apprentices, sharing knowledge of techniques, tools, and safety standards.
  • Participate in post-project review meetings to provide feedback on fabrication processes, installation experiences, and potential improvements for future projects.
  • Support the logistics team with loading and unloading trucks and managing the staging of exhibit components for shipping and receiving.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Expert Woodworking & Cabinetry: Mastery of building custom cabinets, joinery, and structures from raw wood and sheet goods.
  • Metal Fabrication & Welding: Proficiency in MIG and TIG welding of steel and aluminum, along with cutting, grinding, and finishing metals.
  • Blueprint & CAD Drawing Interpretation: Ability to read, understand, and build from complex technical drawings and 2D/3D models.
  • Finishing Expertise: Skilled in applying high-quality finishes, including spray painting (lacquers, enamels), laminating (HPL), and veneer application.
  • CNC Router Operation: Experience setting up, operating, and troubleshooting CNC machinery for precise cutting of various materials.
  • Exhibit Installation & Dismantling: Proven ability to assemble and take down complex structures safely and efficiently on-site.
  • Low-Voltage Electrical: Basic knowledge of wiring and installing LED lighting, monitors, and other simple electronic components.
  • Material Knowledge: Deep understanding of the properties and applications of woods, metals, plastics, laminates, and adhesives.

Soft Skills

  • Problem-Solving: Ingenuity to troubleshoot unforeseen construction challenges and devise effective solutions on the fly.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous and precise in all aspects of work, from measuring and cutting to finishing and assembly.
  • Time Management: Ability to manage personal workflow, prioritize tasks, and meet tight project deadlines without sacrificing quality.
  • Collaboration & Communication: Excellent ability to work effectively with designers, project managers, and fellow shop personnel.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to handle last-minute design changes, on-site modifications, and a fast-paced, project-driven environment.
  • Strong Work Ethic: A reliable, self-motivated individual who takes pride in their craftsmanship and ownership of their work.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

  • Certificate or Associate's Degree from a trade school or technical college.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Woodworking / Cabinet Making
  • Welding Technology
  • Industrial Design
  • Fine Arts (Sculpture)
  • Theater Arts (Technical/Scenic Design)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of professional experience in a related custom fabrication environment.

Preferred:

  • Direct experience in an exhibit, architectural millwork, or scenic fabrication shop.
  • A strong portfolio of past projects demonstrating a wide range of fabrication skills and high-quality craftsmanship.
  • Experience with both shop fabrication and on-site installation of projects.
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