Design Lead

Design Lead

About the Company

Downtown FabWorks is a leader in scenic and architectural fabrication, providing high-quality custom solutions for the entertainment, events, and architectural industries. Our team specializes in bringing creative visions to life with precision craftsmanship and cutting-edge fabrication techniques.

Reports To

Vice President of Operations

About the Role

The Design Lead (DL) is one of three core members of the Downtown FabWorks Project Team, alongside the Project Manager and Project Lead. This role owns the full design execution for each assigned project — from early schematic intent through client submittals and fabrication drawing release. The DL is the primary technical design voice throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring all elements are fully documented, constructability is confirmed, and design deliverables reach the shop on time and to quality.

Primary Responsibilities

- Project Team Membership: Serve as the Design Lead on the Project Team (PM, PL, DL) for each assigned project. Prepare for and attend Pre-Construction and Kickoff Meetings, including development of initial schematic drawings and design coordination notes. Participate in ongoing project touchpoints, flag design risks early, and maintain clear, proactive communication with the PM and PL throughout all project phases.

- Design Package Production: Own the production of complete design packages for each project, including 3D models, submittal drawings, fabrication drawings, cut sheets, and supporting documentation. Follow DFW drawing standards, naming conventions, and sheet set requirements. Ensure all elements in scope are captured and that documentation gives downstream departments clear, actionable production information.

- Drawing Review, RFI & Client Coordination: Manage the structured internal review cycle for all submittal and fabrication drawings using Bluebeam and Asana — assigning project team reviewers, setting review timelines, resolving or escalating comments, and managing revisions per DFW drawing standards before any drawing is released to the client or shop. Oversee the client submittal approval process, including response to Approved As Noted and Resubmit outcomes, and coordinate engineer review of fabrication drawings where required. Lead the development and tracking of RFIs in collaboration with the PM, and coordinate directly with clients and outside vendors to verify and conform to technical requirements throughout the project lifecycle.

- Design-to-Shop Handoff: Execute the departmental handoff from design to CNC and fabrication per DFW's handoff SOP. Ensure all fabrication drawings have cleared the internal Bluebeam review process and carry the DL's release stamp before reaching the shop floor. Coordinate directly with Department Leads to confirm constructability, resolve technical questions prior to production, and ensure all CNC kits — cut sheets, parts lists, and programming files — are complete and accurate before release.

- Site Surveys: Co-lead site surveys with the Project Lead. Review available documentation in advance, develop project-specific field measurement checklists, and ensure all survey findings are accurately captured, reconciled with design, and distributed to the project team.

- Training & Reporting: Produce daily departmental reports with accurate labor allocation and project progress documentation. Contribute to the training and development of Junior Design Leads. Adhere to and reinforce DFW's established drawing standards, workflows, and process documentation.

- Safety & Conduct: Maintain appropriate ergonomic and safety standards within the department. Enforce DFW's anti-harassment policy and promote a safe, equitable, and respectful work environment. Ensure all incidents or injuries are documented and reported per company policy.

Key Attributes

- Project Team Partner: Operates as a full peer on the PM/PL/DL triad — communicates proactively, prepares thoroughly, and keeps the team aligned through every project phase.

- Technical Authority: Owns design methodology, drawing quality, and constructability decisions, and brings the expertise to back them up.

- Problem Solver: Identifies technical and workflow challenges early and resolves them with practical, communicable solutions.

- Detail-Oriented: Understands how design decisions — down to dimension conventions and file naming — affect schedule, quality, and downstream departments.

- Accountable Operator: Takes ownership of design deliverables and escalates issues to the right people at the right time.

Knowledge & Skills

Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent required.

Experience: Minimum 3–7 years of progressive experience in technical design, drafting, or related scenic/architectural production environments, with demonstrated independent project responsibility.

Technical & Software Skills:

- AutoCAD (required); Rhino, Fusion 360, or SketchUp (strongly preferred)

- Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop

- Bluebeam Revu (drawing review and submittal management)

- Asana or equivalent project management software

- Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive)

- Payroll and time-tracking software

Work Schedule & Travel

This is a full-time, salaried-exempt position with a variable schedule based on project needs. Travel is required up to 20% of the time for site surveys and field work. This position is eligible for up to 20% hybrid work , depending on performance and company needs.

Physical Job Requirements

Sitting and standing for extended periods. Occasional lifting of materials or equipment up to 30 lbs. Working in proximity to an active shop environment with required PPE during shop visits.

Compensation: Salary Range: $65,000-75,000

Comprehensive benefits package includes:

- Medical

- Dental

- Vision

- Paid Time Off (PTO)

- Paid Holidays

- Professional Development Opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer

Downtown FabWorks is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.