Kinetic Mechanisms Fabricator

Michael Curry Design Inc; Scappoose (OR); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Curry Design Inc. is seeking a Mechanical Fabricator to create mechanical systems for custom puppets, kinetic objects, and scenic elements.

You will build from drawings, develop ideas into practical, buildable solutions, prototype mechanisms, and document results for review and approval. This role emphasizes fabrication know‑how, tolerances, and collaboration with designers and fabricators to ensure safe, lightweight, reliable builds that realize creative intent.

Qualifications

• Strong mechanical design and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience with metals, plastics, composites, machined components, fasteners, bearings, and commercially available mechanical components.
• Proficiency welding, machining, CNC fabrication, and general shop processes.
• Strong understanding of tolerances, fits, fasteners, mechanical interfaces, and moving assemblies.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with both creative and technical team members
• Ability to manage multiple design problems and priorities within project schedules and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Develop mechanical concepts and systems for custom projects from initial idea through fabrication and testing.
• Translate creative and performance requirements into practical mechanical solutions.
• Understand, and be able to build and implement - mechanisms, frames, linkages, pivots, bearings, actuators, control interfaces, and related components.
• Evaluate material selection, tolerances, motion, wear, serviceability, weight, safety, and manufacturability.
• Develop prototypes and proof-of-concept mechanisms to test ideas before final fabrication.
• Work closely with designers and fabricators to ensure designs are efficient and practical to build.
• Propose design revisions in response to fabrication, testing, artistic, client, or operational feedback.
• Develop, and support the development of, bills of materials and assist with material sourcing and component specification.
• Maintain clear and accurate project documentation.
• Participate in design reviews and communicate technical information clearly to project managers, designers, fabricators, and other departments.
• Support troubleshooting, testing, commissioning, and installation as needed.
• Contribute to project estimating and help identify opportunities to reduce complexity, fabrication time, weight, and cost without compromising design intent.

Skills

Mechanical design

Problem solving

Materials & fabrication

Welding & CNC

Tolerances & fits

Collaboration

Project management

Education

Degree in mechanical design

Job description

Michael Curry Design Inc. is seeking a Mechanical Fabricator to create mechanical systems for custom puppets, kinetic objects, and scenic elements.

You will build from drawings, develop ideas into practical, buildable solutions, prototype mechanisms, and document results for review and approval. This role emphasizes fabrication know‑how, tolerances, and collaboration with designers and fabricators to ensure safe, lightweight, reliable builds that realize creative intent.