Production Designer (Project-Based Role)

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Meow Wolf opens portals of possibility. Come as you are! 

We are individuals who inspire creativity in people's lives through art and exploration, so that our combined imaginations can transform the world we live in. We create immersive and interactive experiences that transport audiences into fantastic realms of story and exploration.  Our Vision is to be the world’s leading creative company, reimagining the paradigm of art and storytelling, to make a positive difference in the world.  

We share a strong commitment to Belonging through our values of: 

• Collaborative Creativity: We believe the act of creating together amplifies possibilities.

• Provocative Playfulness:  We celebrate the unexpected because it is the doorway to discovery.

• Outsiders Welcome: We are all outsiders at heart, and we create space for everyone to feel like they belong.

• Authentic Compassion: We are “kind punks” - supportive to each other and standing up for what we believe in.

• Audacious Courage: We have the courage to radically reinvent ourselves to push the boundaries of art.

If this all sounds like YOU, read on….

Job Description:

Project-based Role: This role is a project-based role, with an anticipated duration of 2+ years. 

Location:  New York Metro Area

Compensation: The salary range for this position is $102,036 to $114,790.  Compensation is based on location and experience.  

Job Summary:

The Production Designer is responsible for the oversight of the design and execution efforts of all exhibit related elements as a key member of Show Leadership. Innovative and creative, the Production Designer is an organized thinker who is able to ideate multiple technical and creative approaches and solutions to meet design criteria, such as, guest experience, capacity, spacing, etc., while understanding and adhering to the local building codes. Directed by the Creative Director and Creative Producer, PD ensures that the project’s creative vision and design is accurately integrated and documented in models, drawing packages, and executed through production. Utilizes various drafting techniques and tools to review and navigate dimensional and scale drawings/models that detail construction methods and the integration of various exhibition elements with each other and the facility.  The Production Designer is a partner to creative disciplines, supporting Artists’ intent and ensuring that the creative vision is upheld and executed. 

Coordinates with all project personnel, departments, and disciplines through the ideation, concept, fabrication, and installation phases. Responsible for designing construct-able projects to stay on track with creative intent, schedule, and stay within budget requirements. 

Job Responsibilities:

• Oversees and leads the development of the Show Design packages with internal and external resources to achieve these priorities:

  • Creative Vision

  • Physical/Functional Feasibility

  • Successful Integration with the facility and other trades

  • Guiding Budget & Schedule Feasibility - Managed by Show Producer and Show Management

• Coordinate and manage all Show Elements in the Element drawing reviews, fabrication reviews and installation approvals.

• Coordinate and manage the Element list.

• During early development, the Show PD is responsible for identifying and developing code and safety requirements for Show Elements. This is accomplished with the assistance of other team and project partners in various fields of expertise. This is done in conjunction with the Show TD.

• The PD is responsible for informing and developing the RFP and work breakdown in conjunction with other Project Partners for Show Elements. Design and other members of the team contribute to its development, but the PD is responsible for delivering the finished RFP to Show Management.

• For Show Elements, the PD is responsible for developing, updating and executing fabrication and installation strategies that respect the facility constraints, construction order of operations, and critical path strategies as defined with Project Management, in support of the Creative Vision.

• Coordinates with all Team disciplines and Partners to achieve the responsibilities listed above.

• The Show PD is responsible for leading the internal Material compliance discussions and participating in the internal Engineering compliance discussions with the Technical Director.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Theatre, Fine Arts or a related field experience required.

• Must have 5+ years in immersive art, theater, or themed entertainment production and installation, (other relevant experience will be considered).

• Must have strong technical ability in various design techniques/tools such as show set design and drafting, 3D modeling and architectural design.

• Must have experience in all phases of a project, from Design, through Fabrication and on-site Installation.

• Must have fabrication experience, or have experience reviewing and overseeing vendor fabrication efforts with a wide array of materials and processes.

• Must be familiar with Office or GSuite applications to support project development.

• Strong communication/collaboration skills and ability to work and thrive in a team environment.

• Problem solve and ideate quickly with a host of project partners with varying levels of expertise.

• Must be steadfast and strategic within Meow Wolf’s highly ambitious, collaborative model

• Proficiency with one or more of the following programs SketchUp, Rhino, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Revit, NavisWorks, Photoshop, InDesign or other similar programs strongly preferred.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed must be representative of the knowledge, skills, minimum education, training, licensure, experience, and/or ability required. 

Work Environment: This role may be based in Santa Fe, NM. This job operates in a professional office environment. This job also frequently operates at off-site locations.

Physical Demands: 

• Frequently remain in a stationary position for long periods of time

• Communicate clearly with and to others

• Recognize details of objects that are less than a few feet away

• Recognize details of objects that are more than a few feet away

• Place, move, or assemble very small objects

The employee will comply with company and OSHA standard workplace safety protocols.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

Work Schedule

This is a full-time position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Supervisor Responsibilities

 This position does not require supervisory responsibility 

Travel

Travel is required for this position and varies by phase. This may include business trips and temporary assignments as necessary. During the design phases, this position will require some business travel (10%-25%). During the production and installation phases, this position will require extensive travel (30%+).

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

IMPACT: Meow Wolf is committed to our DIY roots and grassroots community support principles. To document that commitment, we converted our legal designation into a Delaware Public Benefit Corporation and have certified as a B Corporation. As a B Corp, we have a triple bottom line of supporting financial, social and environmental wellbeing in our community.

INCLUSION:  Meow Wolf is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to ensuring all employees enjoy and thrive in a work environment where differences make us the vibrant, wonderful community we are! All employment decisions at Meow Wolf are based on business need, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, veteran status, service in the military or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

BENEFITS:

The choices we make concerning our benefits during enrollment periods are among the most important we select for ourselves and our families. As part of the total compensation package for full-time employees, Meow Wolf offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes various options to meet individual healthcare and financial needs along with many perks.  

• Medical Insurance options: PPO & HSA

• Dental & Vision Insurance

• 401k Retirement Plan

• Company Paid Life Insurance Policy & Long-Term Disability Coverage

• Voluntary Short-term Disability & Critical Illness Policies

• Company Paid Employee Assistance Program

• Paid Parental Leave for 12 weeks

• Discount off Meow Wolf Gift Shop Merch

• Admission to Meow Wolf attractions for employees and guests

Please visit www.meowwolf.com/careers for more information.