Lead Technical Designer

Ravenswood Studio•Lincolnwood, IL

11h

About The Position

The Lead Technical Designer creates fabrication drawings for larger projects, combining hands-on drawing work with leadership of a small team of 1–4 Technical Designers. The role ensures drawings are accurate, efficient, aligned with project needs, and delivered on time to support the fabrication team. At project outset, the Lead Technical Designer develops a thorough understanding of client needs, design intent, budget, schedule, and potential challenges. The role takes ownership of assigned projects, coordinates with project stakeholders, and leads drawing development and review through client submission and shop release. The Lead Technical Designer also helps develop efficient fabrication methods, communicates schedule and staffing needs, supports continuous improvement, and fosters a positive, collaborative team environment. Ravenswood Studio Inc. is a custom fabrication company producing museum and corporate exhibits, specialty millwork, themed elements, and scenery for theater, opera, and film. Its team collaborates with designers, architects, and clients, working in a 100,000-square-foot fabrication facility using modern fabrication technologies, methods, and materials.

Requirements

High proficiency in AutoCAD 2D/3D.
Relevant degree, diploma, professional certification, or equivalent work experience/demonstrated skills.
At least 5 years of experience as a Project Manager or Technical Designer in one or more of these industries: museum exhibit, display, cabinetry/millwork, theater, or opera.
Proactive, aware, and focused approach.
High attention to detail.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to prioritize, problem solve, and think analytically.
Strong understanding of materials and methods used in a custom fabrication facility.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Honest, proactive, responsive, anticipatory, and empathetic conduct.

Responsibilities

Understand client needs, design intent, budget, schedule, and potential challenges at the start of each project.
Take ownership of assigned projects and ensure project requirements and schedules are met.
Lead technical design teams of 1–4 on larger projects, clearly communicating expectations for detail, schedules, and project-specific procedures.
Assign specific tasks to team members.
Collaborate with key stakeholders to develop simple and efficient fabrication methods.
Attend project-related meetings, including Kick-Off, Put-To-Detail, internal reviews, and Wrap meetings.
Thoroughly review team technical detail drawings before client submission and shop release.
Coordinate with Project Managers to keep drawings on schedule and proactively communicate staffing or overtime needs to the Associate Director of Technical Design.
Hold team members accountable for schedule and accuracy.
Ensure drawing development and review processes are followed and keep relevant Ravenswood Studio stakeholders informed of changes.
Use and promote Ravenswood Studio’s Key Predictors of Success.
Support and contribute to continual incremental improvement initiatives.
Promote positivity and trust, demonstrate calm competence, and actively listen to team members.
Perform other duties as assigned.