Custom Sign & Lighting Fabricator

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY 

We are seeking a skilled and resourceful Custom Sign & Lighting Fabricator to join our fabrication team. This role is responsible for transforming creative concepts, technical drawings, and production requirements into high-quality, installation-ready illuminated and non-illuminated custom signage.

The position combines hands-on fabrication with technical expertise in signage construction, lighting, low-voltage electrical systems, materials, mounting methods, and digital fabrication. The successful candidate will be comfortable working with a wide range of materials and tools and will take pride in producing work that is accurate, durable, visually polished, and built to perform in demanding event and experiential environments.

In addition to custom signage, this role may support lighting integration and fabrication for custom props, scenic elements, furniture, architectural features, and other specialty installations.

This is a creative, fast-paced production environment where craftsmanship, technical problem-solving, adaptability, organization, safety, and teamwork are essential.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Custom Signage Fabrication

• Fabricate illuminated and non-illuminated custom signage using acrylic, PVC, plastics, wood, foam, metal, aluminum composite material, and other specialty materials.
• Interpret technical drawings, shop drawings, sketches, renderings, templates, and production files to accurately execute approved designs.
• Select appropriate materials, adhesives, fasteners, finishes, and mounting methods based on appearance, durability, safety, and installation requirements.
• Construct and assemble single- and multi-layer signage using precise alignment, adhesives, mechanical fasteners, and other appropriate fabrication techniques.
• Apply paint, vinyl, coatings, and specialty finishes to achieve the desired appearance and durability.
• Package completed signage to protect finished work during transportation and installation.
• Collaborate with Fabrication, Creative, Project Management, Logistics, and project leadership to understand project requirements, deadlines, and installation conditions.

Lighting & Electrical Integration

• Fabricate illuminated signage using safe and reliable low-voltage wiring, cable-management, and power-distribution practices.
• Integrate LED tape, LED modules, flex neon, backlighting, edge lighting, pixel matrices, RGB systems, addressable LEDs, and other specialty lighting products.
• Select and integrate compatible power supplies, controllers, connectors, cabling, and related components.
• Apply appropriate waterproofing and electrical-protection methods based on the application and environment.
• Test and troubleshoot lighting, wiring, power, and control systems during fabrication and installation.
• Integrate lighting into custom props, scenic elements, furniture, architectural elements, and other fabricated pieces as required.
• Support programmable lighting systems such as DMX, pixel mapping, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and similar technologies.

Installation & Field Support

• Determine appropriate mounting and installation methods based on design, substrate, location, weight, access, and application.
• Work with standoffs, threaded rods, templates, French cleats, mechanical fasteners, adhesives, and other mounting systems.
• Plan and execute in-house and on-site installation of signage and lighting components.
• Ensure installed elements are stable, properly aligned, safe, functional, and visually polished.
• Troubleshoot fabrication, assembly, mounting, lighting, and electrical issues encountered during installation.
• Assist with event installations, field work, repairs, and adjustments when required.

Technical Production & Quality Control

• Safely and efficiently operate hand tools, power tools, and applicable shop equipment.
• Maintain familiarity with CNC cutting, laser cutting, and other digital fabrication processes.
• Identify potential production challenges before fabrication and recommend practical solutions.
• Inspect work throughout production and upon completion for dimensional accuracy, visual quality, structural integrity, electrical function, and adherence to project specifications.
• Test illuminated signage before packaging and installation.
• Identify and correct defects, inconsistencies, fit issues, or functionality concerns before work advances to the next production stage.
• Maintain a consistently high standard of craftsmanship while minimizing rework, material waste, and field corrections.

Materials, Inventory & Equipment

• Monitor inventory of commonly used signage, lighting, electrical, mounting, and fabrication materials.
• Maintain adequate supplies of LEDs, cables, connectors, controllers, power supplies, mounting hardware, adhesives, and related components.
• Communicate material shortages and anticipated needs before they impact production.
• Assist with sourcing and ordering materials while considering quality, compatibility, availability, and cost.
• Properly maintain, organize, and store tools, equipment, materials, templates, and completed work.
• Report damaged or malfunctioning equipment and assist with maintaining shop and equipment readiness.
• Assist with local material pickups, deliveries, and supplier runs when needed.

Collaboration & Production Support

• Work effectively with fabrication team members to complete assignments according to production schedules and deadlines.
• Communicate progress, material needs, technical concerns, production risks, and potential delays clearly and proactively.
• Manage multiple active assignments while maintaining quality, organization, and responsiveness to changing priorities.
• Balance creative intent with fabrication feasibility, durability, safety, efficiency, transportation, and installation requirements.
• Maintain organized project files, notes, templates, wiring information, and other documentation needed for future reference or troubleshooting.
• Contribute ideas and recommendations that improve signage, lighting, fabrication methods, workflow, quality, and efficiency.
• Support general fabrication of props, sets, scenic elements, and other custom builds when production needs require.

Safety & Organization

• Follow all company safety policies, electrical practices, tool procedures, and installation requirements.
• Properly use required personal protective equipment.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe fabrication and signage work area.
• Properly store tools, materials, electrical components, equipment, and completed products.
• Follow established procedures for material handling, chemical use, and waste disposal.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong hands-on fabrication and craftsmanship skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and visual quality.
• Working knowledge of signage construction and finishing techniques.
• Practical understanding of low-voltage electrical systems and LED technology.
• Ability to safely use hand tools, power tools, and shop equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, sketches, templates, renderings, and diagrams.
• Strong measuring, alignment, assembly, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to select appropriate materials, hardware, adhesives, and construction methods.
• Ability to troubleshoot fabrication, lighting, electrical, and installation issues.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong organization and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage changing priorities and production deadlines.
• Commitment to safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, position, and install fabricated components.
• Resourcefulness and a willingness to learn new materials, technologies, tools, and fabrication techniques.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• 1–2 years of experience in signage fabrication and installation, custom fabrication, scenic fabrication, or a closely related production environment.
• Direct signage fabrication experience is strongly preferred.
• Experience using hand tools, power tools, and common fabrication equipment.
• Experience working with materials such as acrylic, PVC, plastics, wood, foam, metal, vinyl, adhesives, paints, coatings, and mounting hardware.
• Working knowledge of low-voltage wiring, LED lighting, power supplies, connectors, cable management, and basic electrical troubleshooting.
• Ability to accurately measure, fabricate, assemble, and inspect finished work.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, shop drawings, sketches, templates, and technical diagrams.

Preferred

• Experience in event production, experiential fabrication, scenic fabrication, exhibits, custom manufacturing, or related industries.
• Experience with CNC cutting, laser cutting, and digital fabrication workflows.
• Experience with RGB systems, addressable LEDs, pixel mapping, DMX controls, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, or similar programmable lighting technologies.
• Experience with on-site event installation and field troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with signage mounting systems and specialty installation hardware.
• Valid driver's license.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is primarily performed in a fabrication shop and production environment and may also occur at event venues and installation sites.
• Regular exposure to machinery, power tools, noise, dust, paint, adhesives, electrical components, and other materials associated with signage and fabrication.
• Must be able to stand, walk, bend, reach, kneel, climb, and work at fabrication tables or installation locations for extended periods.
• Must be able to safely lift, carry, push, pull, and position materials and fabricated components weighing up to 50 pounds, with assistance or appropriate equipment when necessary.
• Requires frequent use of hands and arms to operate tools, equipment, computers, controls, and measuring devices.
• Requires the visual ability and attention to detail necessary to review files, read measurements, distinguish colors, inspect finishes, and identify fabrication, lighting, or installation issues.
• Must be comfortable working around moving machinery and at varying installation heights while following established safety procedures and using required personal protective equipment.
• May require working indoors or outdoors and in areas with varying temperatures and environmental conditions.
• Work schedules may occasionally include early mornings, evenings, weekends, or overtime based on production schedules, event deadlines, and installation requirements.
• Must be able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment where priorities and production requirements may change quickly.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance