Animatronic Welder / Fabricator

LF Studios; Hazelwood (OH); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

LF Studios designs and fabricates animatronic figures, scenic elements, and interactive experiences. We seek a Creative Welder/Metal Fabricator to build one-of-a-kind projects and solve unusual fabrication challenges, interpreting drawings and collaborating with designers, engineers, sculptors, and technicians.

Ideal candidates are skilled welders and fabricators who can develop practical solutions, work independently, and adapt to changing projects while maintaining high-quality work standards.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional welding, metal fabrication, or related hands-on experience.
• Strong MIG and TIG welding skills, including mild steel and stainless steel.
• Proficiency with common shop equipment (drill presses, saws, grinders, torches, hand tools).
• Strong fitting, layout, measuring, assembly, and shop math skills.
• Ability to read fabrication drawings and interpret dimensions and tolerances.
• Basic understanding of mechanical systems and moving assemblies.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate custom steel and stainless-steel components, armatures, frames, mechanisms, and assemblies.
• Perform accurate layout, cutting, fitting, alignment, tack welding, and MIG/TIG welding.
• Build mechanical assemblies with bearings, shafts, pivots, pneumatic cylinders, motors, and other components.
• Interpret drawings, sketches, CAD references, and design intent.
• Develop jigs, fixtures, templates, and fabrication solutions for unusual designs.
• Inspect dimensions, alignment, fit, movement, and overall quality.
• Troubleshoot and refine assemblies during testing and integration.
• Safely operate metalworking equipment, power tools, and hand tools.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Adapt to changing projects and production priorities.

Skills

MIG welding

TIG welding

Fabrication

Reading drawings

Fitting/layout/measurement

Shop math

Problem solving

Independent work

Team collaboration

Driver's license

Tools

Drill presses

Saws

Grinders

Torches

MIG/TIG equipment

Job description

About the Role:

LF Studios designs and fabricates animatronic figures, specialty scenic elements, exhibits, and interactive experiences for leading theme parks, museums, attractions, and branded environments.

We are seeking a Creative Welder / Metal Fabricator who enjoys building one-of-a-kind projects and solving unusual fabrication challenges. This is not a repetitive production welding position. Our team creates internal armatures, animatronic mechanisms, custom frames, structural assemblies, scenic elements, and prototypes.

The ideal candidate is a skilled welder and fabricator who can interpret drawings, develop practical solutions, and collaborate with designers, engineers, sculptors, mechanical technicians, and other craftspeople.

Responsibilities:

• Fabricate custom steel and stainless-steel components, armatures, frames, mechanisms, and assemblies.
• Perform accurate layout, cutting, fitting, alignment, tack welding, and MIG/TIG welding.
• Build mechanical assemblies incorporating bearings, shafts, pivots, pneumatic cylinders, motors, and other components.
• Interpret engineering drawings, sketches, CAD references, and design intent.
• Develop jigs, fixtures, templates, and fabrication solutions for unusual designs.
• Inspect dimensions, alignment, fit, movement, and overall quality.
• Troubleshoot and refine assemblies during testing and integration.
• Safely operate metalworking equipment, power tools, and hand tools.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Adapt to changing projects and production priorities.

Qualifications:

• At least 3 years of professional welding, metal fabrication, mechanical fabrication, or related hands-on experience.
• Strong MIG and TIG welding skills, including experience with mild steel and stainless steel.
• Proficiency with common shop equipment such as drill presses, saws, grinders, torches, and hand tools.
• Strong fitting, layout, measuring, assembly, and shop math skills.
• Ability to read fabrication drawings and interpret dimensions and tolerances.
• Basic understanding of mechanical systems and moving assemblies.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team.
• Valid driver’s license.

Experience with machining, prototyping, custom vehicles, robotics, animatronics, theatrical fabrication, specialty fabrication, or similar work is a plus.

Candidates must pass LF Studios welding certification tests for applicable mild steel and stainless-steel processes. LF Studios will provide the required certifications.

About LF Studios:

LF Studios, formerly LifeFormations, is a design and specialty fabrication studio creating animatronics, realistic and stylized figures, scenic elements, exhibits, and interactive experiences. Our multidisciplinary team brings together artists, designers, engineers, fabricators, and technicians to turn ambitious ideas into memorable physical experiences.

If you enjoy building unusual things, solving fabrication problems, and taking pride in high-quality work, we would like to hear from you.

For more information, visit www.lfstudios.com.