Lead Technical Designer

Morsel, Inc.; Lincolnwood (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Ravenswood Studio Inc. is seeking a Lead Technical Designer to guide fabrication drawings for large projects and lead a 1–4 person design team.

You will ensure accuracy, schedule adherence, and successful integration with fabrication operations. The role requires 5+ years in project management or technical design in relevant industries, along with strong communication and a proactive, detail-oriented approach.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in a project management or technical design role within museum exhibit, display, cabinetry/millwork, theater, or related fields.
• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities for a team of 1–4 designers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Create fabrication drawings for large projects, ensuring accuracy and alignment with client needs and budgets.
• Lead a small team of 1–4 technical designers, assigning tasks and managing schedules.
• Coordinate with project managers to keep drawings on schedule and drive shop production.
• Review drawings for quality and compliance before client submittals.
• Participate in kickoff, detailing, internal reviews, and wrap meetings.

Skills

AutoCAD 2D/3D

Team leadership

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant field

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Lead Technical Designer

Reports to: Associate Director of Technical Design

About Ravenswood Studio Inc.

Ravenswood Studio is a nationally recognized custom fabrication company driven by passionate artisans who take pride in every aspect of each and every project we undertake. With our core values of Trust, Ingenuity and Excellence, we build museum and corporate exhibits, specialty millwork, custom themed elements and scenery for theater, opera, and film.

Celebrating 35 years as one of the nation’s most talented builders, we fabricate projects of all scales and complexities. We are creative, detail oriented, deadline sensitive, and budget conscious, making us a perfect match to bring our clients vision into a physical reality. We are as passionate about our projects as our clients are.

Our team of innovators includes Project Managers, Technical Designers, Carpenters, Metalworkers, Scenic Artists, Sculptors, and Electronics Experts who partner and collaborate with Designers, Architects, and Clients. Within our 100,000 sq ft fabrication facility, we use state-of-the-art fabrication technologies, methods and materials to produce award-winning projects that set our clients apart time and time again.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Lead Technical Designer is responsible for creating fabrication drawings on larger projects with a mix of self-performed work as well as leadership of a small team (1-4) of Technical Designers to produce accurate, efficient, project aligned and timely drawings for our fabrication team.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• At the outset of a new project, acquire a thorough understanding of client needs, design intent, budget, schedule, and any red-flag challenges.
• Take ownership of assigned projects and ensure that all project requirements and schedules are met.
• Lead technical design teams (1-4) on larger projects by clearly communicating expectations, including: level of detail, schedule, and job-specific procedures.
• Assign specific tasks to team members
• Collaborate with all key stake holders to develop simple and efficient fabrication methods.
• Attend all project-related meetings, including Kick-Off, Put-To-Detail, internal reviews, and Wrap meetings.
• Review all team technical detail drawings thoroughly prior to client submittal and shop release.
• Coordinate with Project Managers to keep drawings on schedule and proactively communicate staffing or overtime needs to the Associate Director of Technical Design.
• Hold team members accountable for schedule and accuracy.
• Ensure all steps of the drawing development and review process are followed, keeping relevant RSI stakeholders informed of changes.
• Use and promote Ravenswood Studio's Key Predictors of Success.
• Support and contribute to continual incremental improvement initiatives.
• Inspire positivity, demonstrate calm competence, promote trust, and actively listen to team members.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• High proficiency in AutoCAD 2D/3D
• Relevant degree / diploma, professional certification, or equivalent work experience/demonstrated skills.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience as a Project Manager or Technical Designer in one or more of the following industries: museum exhibit, display, cabinetry / millwork, theater, or opera.
• Is proactive, aware, and focused.
• High attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize, problem solve and think analytically.
• Strong understanding of the materials and methods used in a custom fabrication facility.
• Ability to work independently, and collaboratively.
• Is honest, proactive, responsive, anticipatory, and shows empathy for others