Design Engineer (Indiana Based)

Creative Works, Inc.; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Life insurance

401K with company match

Generous PTO

Onsite fitness facility

Volunteer time off

Weekly pay

Paid public holidays

Job summary

Creative Works, Inc. is seeking a Design Engineer to transform creative ideas into reliable, manufacturable products for immersive attractions. You’ll collaborate with designers, fabricators, and technical teams to develop mechanical solutions that bring one-of-a-kind concepts to life.

We value curiosity, a hands-on attitude, and the ability to learn quickly. This onsite role offers exciting challenges across diverse projects, with a culture that supports growth and practical problem-solving.

Qualifications

• Portfolio or projects demonstrating design and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficient in SolidWorks with part modeling and manufacturing drawings.
• Hands-on fabrication or prototyping experience is a plus.
• Experience with ERP, PDM, or manufacturing software is a plus.
• Strong communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Design custom mechanical systems and assemblies using SolidWorks.
• Create manufacturing drawings, BOMs, and ERP-integrated documentation.
• Develop solutions balancing creativity, function, manufacturability, and cost.
• Collaborate with Design, Concept, Technical, and Fabrication teams.
• Prototype, test, and refine designs for reliability.
• Support fabrication, assembly, installation, and field troubleshooting.
• Maintain engineering documentation and ensure project schedules.
• Continuously improve designs and standard practices.
• Design prop elements and motion systems as needed.

Skills

Strong mechanical aptitude

Curiosity

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering Technology

Industrial Design

CAD Technology

Tools

SolidWorks

Blender

ERP software

PDM

Job description

We create powerful emotions and memories through immersive attractions. We are a full-service theme creator, prop builder, and attractions provider to theme parks, museums, family entertainment centers, restaurants, tourist attractions, and other venues. Since 1997, we have brought ideas to life with a talented team of designers, sculptors, craftsmen, and artisans, and we are proud to have delivered the WOW Effect to a wide variety of destinations across the globe.

We’ve been named as one of INC 5000's fastest-growing companies in America three times in a row and are in the top 60 here in Indiana. We’ve also been named one of The Best Places To Work In Indiana twice in a row. Inside our walls, you'll find lots of creative people who are passionate about what they do and make. Every day is different with new challenges. We pride ourselves on creating an amazing culture where our employees can grow professionally and personally. Every company says this, but we can actually prove it!

Job Description

The Design Engineer transforms creative ideas into reliable, manufacturable products for immersive attractions and interactive experiences. Working alongside designers, fabricators, and technical teams, you'll develop innovative mechanical solutions that bring one-of-a-kind concepts to life.

No two projects are the same. One week you might be designing a hidden passage or animated prop, the next you could be developing a custom mechanism for an interactive exhibit or themed environment. If you enjoy solving unique problems, learning new skills, and seeing your ideas become real, you'll feel at home here.

We're not looking for someone who knows everything—we're looking for someone who loves figuring things out. Whether you're a recent graduate, self-taught, or have years of hands-on experience, what matters most is your curiosity, mechanical aptitude, and willingness to learn. We value people who ask questions, enjoy building things, and take pride in solving real-world problems. If you're excited to create experiences that have never been built before, we'd love to see what you can do.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Design custom mechanical systems, assemblies, and mechanisms using SolidWorks.
• Create production-ready manufacturing drawings, assemblies, and bills of materials within our ERP system.
• Develop engineering solutions that balance creativity, functionality, manufacturability, reliability, and cost.
• Collaborate with Design, Concept, Technical, and Fabrication teams throughout the product development process.
• Design custom props, interactive elements, structural assemblies, and motion systems.
• Select appropriate materials, hardware, actuators, bearings, and purchased components.
• Prototype, test, troubleshoot, and refine designs to improve performance and reliability.
• Support fabrication, assembly, installation, and field troubleshooting as needed.
• Continuously improve designs, processes, and standard practices while managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Maintain engineering documentation and ensure designs meet project requirements and production schedules.

Keys to success:

• Take ownership of your projects from concept through installation.
• Think like a builder—design with manufacturing, assembly, serviceability, and reliability in mind.
• Communicate effectively and collaborate with designers, fabricators, technicians, and project managers.
• Adapt to changing priorities and evolving project requirements.
• Be curious, ask questions, and continuously look for better ways to solve problems.
• Enjoy learning new technologies, materials, and manufacturing methods.
• Be willing to step away from the computer to prototype, test, and work alongside the fabrication team.
• Thrive in collaborative environment built on accountability, creativity, and mutual respect.

Qualification Requirements:

We're more interested in your ability to solve problems than the path you took to get here. Whether you're a recent graduate, self-taught, or have years of hands-on experience, we'd love to see what you've built.

• Proficient in SolidWorks, including part modeling, assemblies, and manufacturing drawings.
• Education in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Industrial Design, CAD Technology, or a related field is preferred, but equivalent hands-on experience is equally valued.
• A portfolio, school projects, personal projects, or professional work that demonstrates your design and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and a desire to learn.
• Ability to communicate ideas and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Experience with Blender or other 3D modeling/rendering software is a plus.
• Hands-on experience with fabrication, machining, welding, woodworking, 3D printing, robotics, or other personal build projects is a plus.
• Experience with ERP, PDM, or manufacturing software is a plus.

Why You'll Love Working Here

At Creative Works, you won't spend years designing the same product. Every project is different, every challenge is new, and you'll have the opportunity to see your ideas transformed into immersive attractions and experiences enjoyed by people around the world. If you're looking for a place where creativity, engineering, and hands-on problem solving come together, you'll fit right in.

Pay and Benefits:

• Full-Time, Non-Exempt
• 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM, Monday - Friday
• Medical, dental, vision, life, ancillary, & pet insurance coverage opportunities available
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401K opportunities available (Standard Safe Harbor Match)
• Employee Discount Program
• Generous PTO Plan
• Parental time for the birth or adoption of a child
• Several paid holidays
• Paid Volunteer Time Off to serve at a 501(c)3 charitable organization on behalf of the company
• Onsite fitness facility
• Salary: $50,000 - $60,000 per year based on experience
• Weekly pay

*This is an onsite position located at our facility on the southwest side of Indianapolis, IN near I-465 & Sam Jones Expressway.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Creative Works is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Does this sound like a good fit for you?