Technical Design Manager

Powerhouse Arts•New York, NY

39d•$80,000 - $95,000

About The Position

Powerhouse Arts is a not-for-profit organization committed to creative expression. Housed in a purpose-built-facility in Brooklyn, the organization hosts an extended network of art and fabrication professionals and educators who work together to co-create and share artistic practices vital to the well-being of artists and the communities to which they serve. Our new facilities house fabrication services, production services, production spaces, and member workshops for artisans. In 2025, PHA expects to welcome in thousands of patrons as the building becomes a center for art and performance. Over the next few years, PHA will see growth and expansion in all areas of business and an increased focus on revenue generation. Powerhouse is seeking a Technical Design Manager who translates artistic vision into buildable solutions by developing fabrication strategies and managing the creation of shop drawings, 3D models, and fabrication files for all Public Art department projects. This role informs material selections, connection approaches, and assembly sequences while collaborating closely with the Fabrication & Installation Manager on buildability and fabrication execution. Reporting to the Director of Public Art, the Technical Design Manager oversees digital fabrication operations and equipment and supervises the Digital Fabrication Specialist. The ideal candidate for the role will have exceptional design skills, a deep understanding of diverse fabrication processes, strong structural knowledge, and the ability to create comprehensive drawings and models for ambitious installations in public spaces, galleries, museums, and cultural institutions.

Requirements

A keen interest and deep commitment to supporting the creative expressions of artists
4+ years of experience in a design-fabrication shop, with demonstrated design ability and portfolio showing complex design work, fabrication strategies, and completed projects
At least 2 years of experience in managing others and overseeing design work
Exceptional design and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate artistic concepts into buildable fabrication approaches
High proficiency with 3D CAD applications (Rhinoceros 3D, Fusion 360, Solidworks, AutoCAD, etc.) for creating models, drawings, and fabrication files
Strong understanding of fabrication processes across multiple disciplines, including metalwork and woodworking
Deep knowledge of digital fabrication processes, including CNC milling, laser cutting, waterjet cutting, 3D printing, and ability to program and operate equipment
Working knowledge of structural principles and material properties sufficient to make informed decisions and collaborate effectively with engineering consultants
Experience creating and reviewing shop drawings, assembly details, connection details, and fabrication-ready files
Excellent communication skills with ability to explain design concepts and fabrication approaches to artists, clients, and fabricators
Strong project coordination skills with ability to manage design work across multiple concurrent projects
Flexibility and comfort working in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments with evolving project scopes

Responsibilities

Translate artist sketches, concepts, and design intent into buildable fabrication strategies across diverse materials, including metal, wood, textiles, acrylic, and novel materials
Determine material selections, connection approaches, finishes, and assembly methods in collaboration with the Fabrication & Installation Manager and project teams
Develop assembly sequences and determine jigs/fixtures needed for fabrication
Oversee production of shop drawings, plans, elevations, sections, and 3D models, while working closely with the Digital Fabrication Specialist to ensure accuracy, buildability, and alignment with design intent
Collaborate with the Fabrication & Installation Manager to solve complex fabrication challenges, identifying solutions that balance artistic intent, structural requirements, budgets, and timeline
Coordinate with Production Manager and Fabrication & Installation Manager to integrate design scopes into project planning, scheduling, and production execution
Ensure fabrication approaches meet structural requirements and can be executed safely and efficiently by evaluating structural considerations and material properties to inform design decisions
Assess buildability to identify potential fabrication challenges and propose solutions in collaboration with Fabrication & Installation Manager Identify when structural engineering review is required and coordinate with external consultants, provide design drawings for analysis, and ensure their specifications are incorporated in fabrication drawings
Manage design work for digitally fabricated components using CNC milling, laser cutting, 3D printing, and emerging technologies Oversee digital fabrication operations, including equipment selection, workflow optimization, and capacity planning
Determine appropriate digital fabrication processes based on design requirements, material properties, and project constraints
Create fabrication-ready files including tool paths and nesting layouts
Supervise the Digital Fabrication Specialist, delegating shop drawing production and fabrication tasks while maintaining design oversight
Manage equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and coordinate support with vendors
Foster a collaborative, creative, and safety-focused work environment
Collaborate with the Production Manager on cost estimating for fabrication scopes, informing material quantities, labor hours, and digital fabrication approaches
Monitor design schedules and deliverables across multiple concurrent projects
Work with Production Manager and Fabrication & Installation Manager to develop fabrication plans that maintain design integrity while remaining budget-conscious and on-schedule
Support overall departmental and organizational goals as set by the Director of Public Art and leadership