CAD Designer (Project-Based Role)

meowwolf; Santa Fe (NM); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Meow Wolf in Santa Fe, NM is seeking a CAD Designer to join the Artistic Development & Production team for a 12‑month project-based role. You will help create artistic and structural components for immersive installations and experiences.

The candidate should have hands-on fabrication experience and proficiency in Rhino 3D, SolidWorks, Inventor, Fusion 360, AutoCAD, and Adobe Illustrator, with CAM tools like MasterCAM or RhinoCAM preferred. Collaboration with cross‑functional teams is essential.

Qualifications

• Excellent time management, multitasking in 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 propose new projects, identify shop needs, and contribute to prop fabrication.

Responsibilities

• Create shop drawings and finalized 3D models for fabrication, assembly and installation.
• Lead or assist multidisciplinary teams on production projects.
• Collaborate with Project Managers and stakeholders to ensure efficient development.

Skills

Rhino 3D

SolidWorks

Inventor

Fusion 360

AutoCAD

3D Printing

CNC Machining

Laser Cutting

Welding Prints

Woodworking

Metalworking

Material Properties

Tolerances

Team Collaboration

Problem Solving

Tools

MasterCAM

RhinoCAM

Adobe Illustrator

AutoCAD

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.

If this all sounds like YOU, read on....

Job Description

Job Disclosures:

Project-Based Role: This is a project-based role with an anticipated duration of 12 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


• Posesesses 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, prop