Digital Fabrication Specialist

Title : Digital Fabrication Specialist
Location : Minneapolis, MN
Job Type : Contract (2 months)
Compensation : $26.00 - $34.00 per hour (W2)
Industry: Retail

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About the Role
Our firm is seeking a Digital Fabrication Specialist on behalf of a leading national retailer recognized for its innovation, product development, and design-driven customer experiences. This position plays a critical role within a fast-paced fabrication and prototyping environment, supporting the creation of custom products, prototypes, displays, and experiential solutions.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on fabrication expert with deep knowledge of digital manufacturing technologies, including CNC machining, laser cutting, vinyl cutting, and 3D printing. This individual will serve as a subject matter expert, collaborating with design and production teams to transform concepts into high-quality physical deliverables while driving operational excellence, safety, and continuous improvement. Job Description
As a Digital Fabrication Specialist, you will be responsible for the operation, maintenance, and optimization of digital fabrication equipment and workflows. You will partner closely with designers, fabricators, and project stakeholders to evaluate requirements, select appropriate materials, and develop efficient fabrication strategies that meet quality, aesthetic, and project objectives.
Key Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot digital fabrication equipment, including CNC machines, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, and 3D printers.
• Serve as the primary technical resource for digital fabrication processes and equipment capabilities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate concepts, designs, and prototypes into manufactured solutions.
• Evaluate project requirements and recommend fabrication methods, materials, and production workflows.
• Utilize CAD and CAM software to prepare files, toolpaths, and production-ready assets.
• Monitor equipment performance and coordinate repairs, maintenance, and vendor support when necessary.
• Develop and maintain fabrication templates, process documentation, safety procedures, and best practices.
• Train and support team members on the safe and effective use of fabrication technologies.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, quality, and workflow effectiveness.
• Research emerging fabrication technologies and recommend innovative tools, equipment, and techniques.
• Ensure adherence to workplace safety standards and established operational procedures.
• Support multiple concurrent projects while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Design, Manufacturing, Technical Studies, or a related field; OR Associate degree/technical certification with equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years of experience operating or supervising digital fabrication equipment in a fabrication shop, manufacturing environment, prototype lab, or similar setting.
• Experience maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing fabrication equipment performance.
• Strong proficiency with CAD and CAM software, including the ability to quickly learn new platforms. Experience with Autodesk Fusion 360 is highly desirable.
• Experience operating CNC routers/mills, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, and 3D printers.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with design, engineering, and production teams.
• Experience developing process documentation, operating procedures, and safety protocols.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to transform ambiguous concepts into finished products.
• Demonstrated ability to improve manufacturing processes, shop efficiency, and equipment utilization.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and knowledge-sharing skills.
• Ability to manage priorities and deliver results in a deadline-driven environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a prototyping or rapid-development environment supporting custom or one-off fabrication requests.
• Background in design, theater production, art fabrication, experiential marketing, exhibits, or other highly aesthetic industries.
• Machining experience or formal training in machining technologies.
• Experience delivering formal training, instruction, or workshops related to fabrication equipment and processes.
• Hands-on experience with traditional fabrication methods, including:
  • Woodworking
  • Metalworking
  • Finishing and surface treatments
  • Assembly and fabrication techniques
• Familiarity with emerging digital manufacturing technologies and advanced prototyping workflows.

Benefits
Dahl Consulting is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees that will allow you to choose the best coverage to meet your family’s needs. For details, please review the DAHL Benefits Summary:  How to Apply
Take the first step on your new career path!  To submit yourself for consideration for this role, simply click the apply button and complete our mobile-friendly online application. Once we’ve reviewed your application details, a recruiter will reach out to you with next steps! Equal Opportunity Statement
As an equal opportunity employer, Dahl Consulting welcomes candidates of all backgrounds and experiences to apply. If this position sounds like the right opportunity for you, we encourage you to take the next step and connect with us. We look forward to meeting you!

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