Fabricator

Eventlink Group; Northlake (IL); On-site; USD 68,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Eventlink Group in Northlake, IL is seeking a skilled Fabricator to join our fabrication shop and production team. The role focuses on building, assembling, finishing, and preparing custom exhibits, event displays, and branded activations.

You will work closely with Project Managers, Designers, Account Managers, and production staff to translate concepts and drawings into high-quality finished products. Travel up to 30% may be required for on-site installations and dismantles.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; technical training or certification preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in exhibit fabrication, scenic fabrication, woodworking, or related production environment.
• Experience in the trade show, events, experiential marketing, or custom exhibit industry is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate, assemble, modify, repair, and finish custom exhibits, event displays, branded environments, and related production elements.
• Read and interpret shop drawings, technical drawings, renderings, construction plans, and production specifications.
• Determine appropriate fabrication methods, materials, tools, and assembly techniques for assigned projects.
• Operate woodworking equipment, power tools, forklifts, pallet jacks, and other shop and production equipment safely.
• Maintain a high standard of craftsmanship and ensure completed work meets project specifications and company quality standards.
• Coordinate fabrication activities and priorities to meet production schedules and project deadlines.
• Identify potential fabrication challenges and recommend practical solutions, material substitutions, or process improvements.
• Communicate project status, material needs, scheduling concerns, and potential risks to Project Managers and other team members.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe fabrication shop and warehouse.
• Follow OSHA requirements, company safety policies, and established safe operating procedures.
• Inspect tools and equipment and communicate maintenance or repair needs.
• Assist with maintaining appropriate inventory levels of fabrication materials, hardware, and shop supplies.
• Prepare exhibits, event materials, equipment, and other assets for transportation and installation.
• Assist with packing, loading, unloading, shipping, receiving, and material handling as needed.
• Support on-site event installations and dismantles, including occasional overnight travel.
• During fabrication downtime, assist with warehouse organization, inventory accuracy, asset tracking, equipment maintenance, and other production needs.
• Perform other production and warehouse duties as needed to support successful project execution.

Skills

Woodworking

Blueprints reading

CAD renderings

Shop equipment operation

Metal fabrication

Quality craftsmanship

Problem solving

Teamwork

Inventory management

Forklift operation

Driver’s license

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical training or certification

Trade certification

Tools

CAD software

Shop machinery

Forklift operation

Pallet jacks

Finishing techniques

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Chicago Office - Northlake, IL 60164

Position Type: Full-Time/Part-Time

Education Level: High School or Equivalent

Salary Range: $68,000.00 - $72,500.00

SalaryTravel Percentage: Up to 25%

Job Shift: Day

The Fabricator is a hands-on member of our production and warehouse team responsible for building, assembling, finishing, maintaining, and preparing custom exhibits, event displays, and branded activations.

This role works closely with Project Managers, Designers, Account Managers, and other production team members to turn creative concepts and technical drawings into high-quality finished products. The Fabricator also supports warehouse operations, event preparation, shipping and receiving, and occasional on-site installations and dismantles.

The ideal candidate is an experienced, solutions-oriented builder who takes pride in craftsmanship, works safely and efficiently, and can adapt to the fast-moving deadlines of the events and experiential industry.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate, assemble, modify, repair, and finish custom exhibits, event displays, branded environments, and related production elements.
• Read and interpret shop drawings, technical drawings, renderings, construction plans, and production specifications.
• Determine appropriate fabrication methods, materials, tools, and assembly techniques for assigned projects.
• Operate woodworking equipment, power tools, forklifts, pallet jacks, and other shop and production equipment safely.
• Maintain a high standard of craftsmanship and ensure completed work meets project specifications and company quality standards.
• Coordinate fabrication activities and priorities to meet production schedules and project deadlines.
• Identify potential fabrication challenges and recommend practical solutions, material substitutions, or process improvements.
• Communicate project status, material needs, scheduling concerns, and potential risks to Project Managers and other team members.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe fabrication shop and warehouse.
• Follow OSHA requirements, company safety policies, and established safe operating procedures.
• Inspect tools and equipment and communicate maintenance or repair needs.
• Assist with maintaining appropriate inventory levels of fabrication materials, hardware, and shop supplies.
• Prepare exhibits, event materials, equipment, and other assets for transportation and installation.
• Assist with packing, loading, unloading, shipping, receiving, and material handling as needed.
• Support on-site event installations and dismantles, including occasional overnight travel.
• During fabrication downtime, assist with warehouse organization, inventory accuracy, asset tracking, equipment maintenance, and other production needs.
• Perform other production and warehouse duties as needed to support successful project execution.

Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Technical training, trade certification, or equivalent hands-on experience preferred.

Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in exhibit fabrication, scenic fabrication, woodworking, custom millwork, manufacturing, or a related production environment preferred.
• Experience in the trade show, events, experiential marketing, or custom exhibit industry is a plus.

Skills

• Strong hands-on fabrication and construction skills.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, shop drawings, CAD renderings, and technical specifications.
• Working knowledge of woodworking, finishing techniques, hardware, adhesives, and common fabrication materials.
• Metal fabrication experience is a plus.
• Experience safely operating shop equipment, power tools, forklifts, pallet jacks, and production machinery.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality craftsmanship.
• Ability to troubleshoot fabrication challenges and develop practical solutions.
• Ability to prioritize work and perform effectively under changing schedules and tight event deadlines.
• Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Familiarity with warehouse operations and inventory management.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Forklift certification or ability to obtain certification preferred.

Schedule

Work is primarily performed in a fabrication shop and warehouse environment during regular business hours.

Occasional overnight travel is required to support event installations, dismantles, and other project needs. Travel frequency varies throughout the year based on the event schedule and business needs. Expected travel: up to 30%.