Exhibits Senior Technical Designer

Oregon Museum of Science & Industry; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 39,000 - 55,000; Part time

Job summary

OMSI in Portland, OR seeks an Exhibits Senior Technical Designer to bridge Exhibits Design, Fabrication, and Exhibit Leadership, translating concepts into precise technical specs and feasible builds.

You will generate CAD files and detailed assembly drawings for interactive experiences, ensure CAD/CNC quality, and advise on material and buildability while supporting equitable, inclusive design through cross‑disciplinary collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Design, Engineering, Architecture, or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Portfolio demonstrating CAD work with a minimum of 3 years as CAD Detailer/Production Detailer or similar technical drafting role.
• Examples of CAD/design software use from concept to manufacturing and ensuring brand consistency.
• Ability to translate design intent into detailed technical requirements and coordinate across teams.

Responsibilities

• Translate design intent drawings into detailed technical requirements and CAD files.
• Generate assembly drawings for interactive experiences and exhibit components.
• Assure quality control of CAD and CNC outputs and advise on buildability, cost, and safety.

Skills

CAD detailing

3D design

Project coordination

Communication skills

Equity & inclusion awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design/Engineering/Architecture

Tools

Fusion 360

AutoCAD

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

The Oregon Museum of Science & Industry (OMSI) is currently seeking a ExhibitsSenior Technical Designer, who serves as a liaison between the Exhibits Design, Fabrication, and Exhibit Leadership teams. Through exhibition design phases, the Exhibits Senior Technical Designer provides feedback to ensure that designs are feasible, on budget, and optimized for production before they move into fabrication. This position is responsible for translating design intent drawings into detailed technical requirements, identifying potential fabrication hurdles, and suggesting material or structural alternatives that maintain aesthetic integrity while improving buildability.

This role is responsible for generating computer-aided design (CAD) files, detailed assembly drawing sets of interactive experiences, exhibit components, and products, and assuring quality control of all CAD and CNC products produced by OMSI.

This is a regular, part-time position working 20 hours per week.

For a comprehensive list of essential duties, please see the full job description in our job listing.

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Design, Engineering, Architecture, or equivalent combination of experience and education;
• Portfolio demonstrating skills and talents – including a minimum of 3 years experience as a CAD Detailer, Production Detailer, or similar technical drafting role - with an emphasis on the following:
  • Examples of projects using CAD and design software, from design to manufacturing;
  • Examples of implementing equity, inclusion, and accessibility into client designs e.g. supporting wayfinding, engagement, and targeting of new audiences;
  • Examples of co-designing with diverse teams and stakeholders on complex and multi-stage projects while maintaining brand consistency and quality of work;
  • Examples of effective project management and/or coordination.

Business Practices:

• Ability to write and communicate complex and technical information to both public and professional audiences;
• Effective project management skills, with an emphasis on managing and tracking multiple projects-often with overlapping and time-sensitive deadlines;
• Demonstrated ability to effectively pivot between individual and team-based work on multiple, simultaneous, and diverse tasks;
• Ability to interface well with paid and unpaid staff, participants, and partners in professional, education, research, and evaluation settings;
• Ability to work under pressure and explore new design challenges, with an emphasis on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion through a racial equity lens;
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Ability to adhere to high standards of confidentiality, protocol, and community agreements;
• Exercises sound judgment while upholding high integrity and ethical standards.

Design and Manufacturing Knowledge and Abilities:

• Developed proficiency with CAD (3D Design) workflow from design through manufacturing;
• Developed proficiency at taking concepts from sketch to reality with prototype fabrication;
• Ability to think and design in three dimensions to predict and address potential concerns around efficacy, safety, and efficiency (both build and cost) of created designs and environments;
• Ability to manage vendor relations with printers and other design-centric contractors;
• Demonstrated understanding of technical and aesthetic experiences with an emphasis on layouts, wayfinding, and signage.

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Knowledge:

• Knowledge of current equity, diversity, inclusion and social justice theories and practical applications, including critical theories of systemic oppression, unconscious bias, and personal identity and intersectionality matters.

PREFERENCES:

• Advanced experience in Fusion 360 and AutoCAD;
• Experience working with Adobe Creative Suite;
• Strong understanding of fabrication methods, construction techniques, and production materials;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in a non-English priority language in Oregon.

Pre-employment checks, such as criminal background checks and reference checks are required for this position.