Technical Design Manager

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 facilities house fabrication services, production services, production spaces, and member workshops for artisans. In 2025, PHA welcomed thousands of patrons as the building became a center for art and performance.

As the organization continues to grow and expand its impact, PHA 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.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to :

Design Management

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

Structural Analysis & Engineering Coordination

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

Digital Fabrication Production & Team Management

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

Project Collaboration & Coordination

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

Powerhouse Arts is a safe, inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds and walks of life. We strongly encourage you to apply if you are from a marginalized or underrepresented group. The requirements listed are guidelines, you don't have to satisfy every requirement or meet every qualification listed. If 80% of what you read fits you, or if you have skills that are transferable, please apply.

Qualifications

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

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