Project Engineer

Edge of Elsewhere; Needham (MA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO + 12 holidays

Flexible work hours

Medical, vision, dental coverage

Retirement plan with employer match

Job summary

Midnight Mansion in Needham, MA is seeking a Senior Project Engineer to turn ideas into buildable reality. You will produce build-ready drawings and models, design physical systems for interactive exhibits, and work with fabricators, software engineers, and designers to resolve constraints early.

The role emphasizes hands-on fabrication knowledge, CAD proficiency (OnShape, SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Revit), and the ability to design for durability and safety.

Qualifications

• Strong experience creating drawings and models that are buildable
• Comfort designing for fabrication using wood, metal, plastics, fasteners, finishes
• Ability to think structurally and mechanically, even without formal analysis
• Clear communication and willingness to adjust designs based on real constraints
• Preference for simple, robust solutions over fragile ones

Responsibilities

• Producing clear, build-ready drawings and models using CAD
• Designing physical systems, scenic elements, and interactive components for real-world fabrication
• Considering materials, tolerances, mounting, service access, durability and safety
• Collaborating with fabricators, software engineers, and designers to resolve constraints early
• Prototyping and testing designs in-person
• Supporting projects through fabrication, install and initial operation

Skills

CAD modeling

Structural thinking

Hands-on design

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

OnShape

SolidWorks

Fusion 360

Revit

Job description

Midnight Mansion’s mission is to bring more delight into the world. We design, engineer, fabricate, and install immersive, in-person experiences - building anything from special exhibits to interactive pieces that blend creative technology, mechanical systems, lighting and sound, and special effects. From early prototypes to final install, we manage the full build and bring ambitious ideas into the real world. We’re looking for a Senior Project Engineer to turn ideas into buildable reality.

The Role

• Producing clear, build-ready drawings and models using CAD (preference towards Autodesk Fusion 360 and Revit)
• Designing physical systems, scenic elements, and interactive components intended for real-world fabrication and install
• Thinking through materials, tolerances, mounting mechanisms, service access, durability, and safety
• Working closely with fabricators, software engineers, and designers to resolve constraints early
• Prototyping and Testing designs in-person, sometimes quickly and imperfectly
• Supporting projects through fabrication, install, and early operation Who We’re Looking For
• Strong experience creating drawings and models people can actually build from
• Comfort designing for fabrication using wood, metal, plastics, fasteners, and finishes
• Ability to think structurally and mechanically, even without formal analysis
• Clear communication and a willingness to adjust designs based on real constraints
• A preference for simple, robust solutions over clever but fragile ones

Qualifications

• Ability to commute to our studio in Needham, MA
• 3+ years of experience with exhibits, themed entertainment, museum work, or interactive installations
• Deep comfort working in CAD (OnShape, Solidworks, Fusion 360 and/or Revit), with a solid grasp of parametric modeling, constraints, assemblies, and clean, readable models that others can work from
• Familiarity with real-world fabrication processes like CNC routing, laser cutting, welding, machining, bending, fastening, and assembly, and the ability to design parts and systems that respect the realities, tolerances, and limitations of those processes
• Practical knowledge of common fabrication materials such as wood, metal, plastics, and composites, including when to use what, how materials behave, how they fail, and how finish and environment affect long‑term durability
• Ability to design for hands‑on engagement: where people push, grab, lean, and sometimes abuse things, while keeping the interaction satisfying and the hardware robust
• Familiarity working alongside electrical and software teams
• Able to pick up new tools, workflows, and technical skills quickly as projects evolve
• Understanding of how to design physical elements that are maintainable under constant guest interaction, including access for repairs and parts replacement.

Compensation & Benefits

• $55,000 - $80,000 a year commensurate with experience
• Paid Time Off (PTO) plus 12 recognized holidays
• Highly flexible work hours
• Medical, vision, & dental coverage
• Retirement Savings Plan with employer match
• And more!