CAD Designer (Project-Based Role)

Meow Wolf, Inc.; Santa Fe (NM); On-site; USD 55,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental & Vision

HSA/FSA Options

401k Retirement

Life Insurance

Parental Leave

Meow Wolf Discounts

Career Resources

Job summary

Meow Wolf in Santa Fe, NM is seeking a CAD Designer to join the Artistic Development & Production team. You will help create and lead artworks and installations, developing shop drawings and 3D models for fabrication, assembly, and onsite installation.

The role emphasizes collaboration, craftsmanship, and problem solving in a fast-paced, creative environment. Applicants should have 3+ years in a design-focused production field and experience with permanent exhibition design.

Qualifications

• A CAD Designer collaborates with multidisciplinary creators on Meow Wolf production projects.
• Lead small teams and assist others on projects while maintaining high craftsmanship.
• Proficiency with a range of fabrication techniques and art materials.

Responsibilities

• Create shop drawings and finalize 3D models for fabrication and installation.
• Model in Rhino 3D, SolidWorks, Inventor, and/or Fusion 360 as needed.
• Use Illustrator and AutoCAD; MasterCAM and RhinoCAM are preferred tools.
• Understand machining tolerances, materials, and fastener selection.
• Design for 3D printing, CNC operations, laser cutting; read welding prints.
• Assist with production planning, materials estimates, and sourcing.
• Collaborate with Project Managers and stakeholders to ensure timely delivery.

Skills

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Self-starter

Adaptability

Team collaboration

Mathematics

Mechanical aptitude

Safety awareness

Google Suite

Materials research

Education

OSHA 10 Certification

Tools

Rhino 3D

SolidWorks

Autodesk Inventor

Fusion 360

Adobe Illustrator

AutoCAD

MasterCAM

RhinoCAM

3D Printing

CNC Machining

Job description

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.

Job Description

Job Disclosures:

• Project-Based Role: This is a project-based role with an anticipated duration of 4 months.
• Location: (On-Site) Santa Fe, NM
• Compensation: This is an exempt position. The starting annual rate pay for this position is $60,637 ($2,332.19 bi-weekly). “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.

CAD Designer Job Summary

As a member of the Artistic Development & Production team, a CAD Designer is an integral member of and a creative collaborator in artistic productions. A CAD Designer is expected to assist and occasionally lead teams of multidisciplinary creators on Meow Wolf production projects. This role includes, but is not limited to, creating artistic and structural components for exhibitions, standalone installations, and experiences created by Meow Wolf Inc. A CAD Designer will have experience working in a collaborative environment and will demonstrate proficiency working with a variety of art materials and fabrication techniques. They will display willingness and potential to both lead small teams and assist others on projects. CAD Designers will display a notable attention to detail and a high level of craftsmanship in their finished work. CAD Designers will receive day-to-day direction from Production Managers and collaborate closely with Project stakeholders and partnering departments. They will strive to bring out the best in others, both creatively and culturally as a considerate and reliable team member. Project tasks may include concept ideation, materials estimates, production planning, gathering supplies, material preparation, research, design development, production of artistic and structural elements, onsite installation, and keeping a tidy work area.

Key Responsibilities

• Able to create shop drawings and finalized 3D models for fabrication, assembly, and installation
• Experience with modeling in Rhino 3D, Solidworks, Inventor, and/or Fusion 360
• Experience with drawing software - Adobe Illustrator and AutoCAD required, Stryker as a plus.
• Experience with CAM software - MasterCAM and RhinoCAM preferred
• Strong understanding of machining and assembly tolerances, material properties, and fastener selection required
• Experience with permanent exhibition design, fabrication, and installation process is required
• Experience designing for 3D printing, CNC operations, laser cutting, as well as reading and creating welding prints is required
• Experience running 3D load simulations on parts and assemblies is highly preferred
• Hands‑on experience working with wood, metal, plastics, and general assembly strongly preferred
• Possesses a sense of how structures and assemblies should be accessed for maintenance and cleaning once installed in a permanent exhibition
• Makes good use of recycled/reused materials in finished works of art
• Able to problem solve when issues arise, and effectively formulate new plans
• Willingness to take initiative on projects or tasks
• Willingness to explain methods and occasionally teach others to share knowledge
• Work closely with Project and Team Managers to ensure efficient project development
• Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and professionalism in all interactions

Required Qualifications

• Excellent time management skills, ability to multitask and prioritize items within a fast paced environment
• Demonstrates safe work practices at all times
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a sense of humor
• Self starter with the ability to suggest new projects, identify shop needs, propose new methods of production, and seek ongoing personal training in the areas of design and fabrication
• Adaptable to changing needs and possesses the ability to take on new tasks
• Ability to function well on team efforts as well as solo projects
• Advanced mathematics skills and mechanical aptitude
• Knowledge of industry safety practices and regulations
• Google Suite proficient
• Material research and purchasing skills required
• 3+ years experience working in a design-focused production field (preferred)
• 3+ years experience with permanent exhibition design, artistic production, and installation (preferred)
• OSHA 10 certification (preferred)

Work Environment & 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: This job operates in a professional industrial and office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers and filing cabinets and may include industrial tools such as laser cutters, CNC routers, welders, metal shop equipment, spray booth equipment, wood shop equipment and heavy machinery. Physical Demands: The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 80 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee will comply with company and OSHA standard workplace safety protocols. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Schedule

This is a full-time position averaging 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm MT or 10am to 6pm MST – occasionally requiring flexibility to work during evenings or weekends based on business needs, as well as travel to off-site locations.

Supervisor Responsibilities

This position does not require supervisory responsibility.

Travel

This position may 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.

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.

INCLUSION

Meow Wolf is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to ensuring all employees enjoy and thrive in a work environment where differences make us the vibrant, wonderful community we are! All employment decisions at Meow Wolf are based on business need, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, veteran status, service in the military or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

BENEFITS

• Medical Insurance options: PPO & HDHP*
• Dental and Vision Insurance*
• HSA, HRA, and FSA options*
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Company paid Life Insurance Policy and Disability Coverage(s)*
• Voluntary Critical Illness and Life Insurance Policies*
• Company Paid Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Parental Leave for 12 weeks
• Discount off Meow Wolf Gift Shop Merch and Cafes Admission to Meow Wolf attractions for employees and guests
• *Regular or Project Based Full-time positions
• Please visit www.meowwolf.com/careers for more information.

Meow Wolf is an arts and entertainment company based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. We create immersive and interactive experiences that transport audiences of all ages into fantastic realms of story and exploration.