Exhibits Specialist (Fabrication) IS-1010-11

Smithsonian; Landover (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithsonian Exhibits in Landover, MD seeks an Exhibits Specialist (Fabrication) to support the production and installation of complex museum exhibits. The role reports to the Head of Production and involves detailing, fabrication, mounting, and the use of CAD/CAM tools to realize exhibit components.

The position is a full-time, trust fund appointment with open to all qualified applicants and a salary range of $85,447–$111,087 per year plus benefits.

Job description

Exhibits Specialist (Fabrication) IS-1010-11

Application Deadline: 23 October 2026

Department: Smithsonian Institution Exhibits

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Landover, MD

Reporting To: Head of Production

Compensation: $85,447 - $111,087 / year

Description

OPEN DATE: October 19, 2026

CLOSING DATE: October 23, 2026

POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund

APPOINTMENT TYPE: Indefinite

SCHEDULE: Full Time

DUTY LOCATION: Landover, MD

Position sensitivity and risk: Non-Sensitive/Low Risk

Open to all qualified applicants

What are Trust Fund Positions?

Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).

Conditions of Employment

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
• Complete a Probationary Period.
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

OVERVIEW

This position is located in Smithsonian Exhibits (SIE), Smithsonian Institution, in Landover, Maryland. The incumbent reports to the Head of Production, SIE.

Smithsonian Exhibits is the Smithsonian-wide resource for exhibit planning, design, and production. SIE provides expertise and support to all public-facing exhibit functions within Smithsonian museums, research centers, and offices. SIE supports the Smithsonian's mission to connect the American and international audiences with the richness of Smithsonian content and collections by:

• Providing the highest quality exhibit design, interpretive writing, project management, graphic production, model and mount-making, fabrication, and installation.
• Partnering with Smithsonian museums and offices to augment in-house capabilities.
• Serving as a professional resource for Smithsonian and outside museum colleagues.

The Production Shop is comprised of two groups: Fabrication and 3D Studio and is responsible for the creation, fabrication and installation of three-dimensional exhibit components such dioramas, models, mounts, interactives, and structures including platforms, cases, and pedestals using a variety of materials and methods to accomplish the work. Work includes detailing, prototyping, woodworking, welding and metalworking, acrylic fabrication, 3D scanning/printing, mount making, finishing, and installing. The work includes significant use of CAD/CAM technology in the production of parts and components.

The purpose of this position is to perform a full range of production and related tasks in the preparation and installation of museum exhibitions of complex nature, each with unique challenges including specialized techniques and unique materials.

The position requires an incumbent with dedication to occupational safety, excellent communication and facilitation skills, a