Technical Designer

Ravenswood Studio; Lincolnwood (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Ravenswood Studio in Lincolnwood, IL, seeks a Technical Designer. The ideal candidate will have over 3 years of experience in drafting for museums, theaters, or themed environments, and proficiency in AutoCAD, particularly in 3D. Responsibilities include creating detailed shop drawings and producing CNC production files. We're looking for someone who can communicate design intent clearly and work effectively with project managers and fabricators. A passion for solving complex fabrication challenges is essential.

Qualifications

• 3+ years drafting experience in relevant industries.
• Ability to prioritize and problem-solve as deadlines shift.
• Solid understanding of materials used in custom fabrication.

Responsibilities

• Create detailed shop drawings for custom fabrication projects.
• Communicate design intent clearly across drawings.
• Produce CNC production files for internal machines.
• Maintain clear communication with the Associate Director of Technical Design.

Skills

Proficiency in AutoCAD (especially 3D)

Microsoft and Google Suites

Hands-on fabrication experience

Attention to detail

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Problem-solving ability

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Ravenswood Studio — Chicago, IL

Technical Designer

For nearly 40 years, Ravenswood Studio has been turning ambitious ideas into physical reality — building museum and corporate exhibits, specialty millwork, theatrical scenery, and custom themed environments for clients across the country. Inside our 100,000 sq ft fabrication facility, a team of carpenters, metalworkers, scenic artists, sculptors, and electronics experts brings award‑winning projects to life using state‑of‑the‑art methods and materials. We are as passionate about our work as our clients are.

The opportunity

We're looking for a Technical Designer who finds satisfaction in solving complex fabrication challenges on paper before they reach the shop floor. You'll translate creative vision into precise, buildable documentation — working closely with project managers, fabricators, and job leads to find the simplest, most elegant solution every time. Your drawings don't just describe the work. They are the work.

Primary tool

AutoCAD (2D + 3D)

Environment

100K sq ft fabrication facility

Experience

3+ years drafting

Industries

Museums, theater, millwork & more

What you’ll do

• Create detailed shop drawings for a wide variety of custom fabrication projects
• Communicate design intent and fabrication techniques clearly across drawings
• Produce CNC production files for our internal machines
• Draw design‑specific parts for supplier ordering
• Collaborate closely with project managers, fabricators, and job leads
• Maintain clear, consistent communication with the Associate Director of Technical Design

What you bring

• Proficiency in AutoCAD — especially 3D — plus Microsoft and Google Suites
• 3+ years of drafting experience in museums, exhibits, millwork, theater, or themed environments
• Hands‑on fabrication experience is a strong plus
• Ability to prioritize and problem‑solve as deadlines and project needs shift
• High attention to detail with a drive to see every task through to completion
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Solid understanding of materials and methods used in custom fabrication