Carpenter Construction - Installation

The Carpenter – Scenic Fabrication & Installation builds, assembles, and installs custom exhibit components and interactive environments for museums, themed spaces, and performance venues. This role fabricates structural and finish elements in shop and supports on‑site installation to ensure projects are executed safely, accurately, and to the highest craftsmanship standards.

This position requires strong carpentry fundamentals combined with adaptability in a creative, design‑driven environment. The Carpenter directly impacts production timelines, structural integrity, finish quality, and client experience.

Scenic Fabrication & Assembly – 40%

Fabricate, assemble, finish, and repair scenic elements and exhibit components from shop drawings and fabrication plans.

Locate CNC‑cut parts and produce non‑CNC components using appropriate tools and techniques.

Construct assemblies using commonly utilized materials including hardwoods, plywood, MDF, Sintra, HDPE, metal, hardware, laminate, acrylic, and specialty materials.

Preassemble and reassemble components before and after finishing, ensuring all hardware, blocking, hinges, locks, and installation components are included.

Level III: Performs fabrication with guidance and team support.

Level II: Performs full project scope with some oversight and reads drawings independently.

Level I: Performs all aspects of builds with minimal oversight and anticipates fabrication challenges.

Lead: Oversees complex builds, mentors carpenters, and leads work groups to completion.

Finish Work, Integration & Technical Installation – 20%

Execute detailed finish carpentry including laminate application, cabinetry fabrication, surface preparation, and refinement to design intent.

Install pre‑made electrical components, LED lighting, and mechanical interactive components as required.

Troubleshoot and refine assemblies to ensure fit, function, and alignment with engineering and design specifications.

Level I: Installs electrical/mechanical components and resolves integration issues proactively.

Lead: Guides integration strategy and supports complex interactive installation challenges.

Installation & Field Execution – 20%

Support on‑site installation of fabricated scenic and exhibit components (5–15% travel required).

Load, unload, package, and prepare fabricated products for transport and installation.

Coordinate with installation teams to ensure safe, accurate, and timely execution.

Evaluate site conditions and adjust installation approach as needed within scope.

Level III: Participates in installation under supervision.

Level II: Executes installation tasks independently.

Level I: Identifies site risks and proposes solutions & directs on‑site installation teams and oversees complex deployments.

Shop Discipline, Equipment & Workflow Management – 10%

Safely operate shop equipment including hand tools, power tools, forklifts, and lifts (as trained and certified).

Follow established shop procedures and production workflows.

Seek out next tasks and maintain steady production pace.

Level III: Learns equipment and shop workflow.

Level II: Operates equipment confidently and manages personal productivity.

Level I: Maintains production pace and mentors others in workflow efficiency & oversees workflow coordination within assigned teams.

Communicate clearly regarding production status, material needs, and potential issues.

Level I: Mentors others and models craftsmanship and safety discipline & sets tone for safety, quality, mentorship, and team performance.

General Production Support – 5%

Assist Shop Foreman, Production Manager, or Lead Carpenter as assigned.

Support production flow, deadline adherence, and packaging readiness.

Creative Problem Solving

Produce high‑quality work that meets project requirements.

Maintain productivity to support project schedules.

Contribute positively to team performance and culture.

Performance Metrics

Budget (%) – Actual fabrication labor hours compared to budgeted labor hours.

HSS Quality Standard – As defined by Gates.

Achievement of role‑specific performance goals, including craftsmanship quality, timeliness, and production reliability.

Collaborative, Creative, Passionate, Innovative, and Curious, and holds self‑accountable to these standards in daily work and decision‑making.

Production Shop hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Central Time, with possible overtime.

High school diploma or equivalent.

Minimum 3 years of carpentry or fabrication experience.

Knowledgeable in proper use of wood shop tools and fabrication equipment.

Experience in scenic fabrication, exhibit construction, theatrical production, or custom build environments.

Experience working in creative, design‑driven production settings.

Experience working with CNC‑cut components or specialty materials.

The Fabrication Lead has direct oversight of Level I, II, and III Fabricator…