Aquarium Design, Fabrication and Installation Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Reliant Aquarium Design is seeking an experienced Aquarium Design, Fabrication & Installation Specialist to help create some of the most sophisticated custom aquarium systems in Southern California.

This is not a traditional aquarium maintenance position.

We are looking for a builder. A problem solver. A technically minded individual who enjoys designing systems, fabricating components, installing equipment, and bringing ambitious ideas to life.

One week you may be designing a life support system for a luxury residential reef aquarium. The next week you may be programming a CNC router, fabricating custom components, installing a commercial aquarium system, troubleshooting a complex mechanical issue, or working with contractors to integrate a multi-thousand-gallon aquatic display into a custom home or business.

Our projects range from 100-gallon residential aquariums to custom systems exceeding 5,000 gallons. We have designed and installed reef aquariums, jellyfish exhibits, commercial displays, automated feeding systems, and highly customized life support systems for some of the most discerning clients in Southern California.

If you're looking for a position focused primarily on feeding fish, cleaning aquariums, aquascaping, or routine maintenance, this is not the right fit.

If you're excited by plumbing, fabrication, CNC equipment, CAD design, automation, construction, mechanical systems, and solving complex technical challenges, we'd like to talk with you.

About Reliant Aquarium Design

Reliant Aquarium Design is one of the premier custom aquarium design, installation, and maintenance companies in the United States.

Our reputation has been built on technical excellence, craftsmanship, attention to detail, and an obsession with building systems that are as beautiful behind the scenes as they are from the front viewing panel.

We work closely with homeowners, architects, interior designers, builders, and contractors to bring extraordinary aquatic environments to life. Every project is custom. Every project presents unique challenges. Every project requires creativity, technical skill, and craftsmanship.

As our company continues to grow, we are building the foundation of a dedicated Projects Department focused on design, fabrication, installation, and innovation. This position offers significant opportunity for long-term career growth and leadership for the right individual.

What You'll Be Doing

• Design aquarium life support systems and equipment layouts
• Create and modify CAD drawings and project documentation
• Program and operate CNC equipment
• Develop fabrication drawings and material takeoffs
• Fabricate custom PVC, acrylic, wood, and related system components
• Build plumbing assemblies, manifolds, filtration systems, sumps, overflow systems, and equipment installations
• Install aquarium systems in residential and commercial environments
• Coordinate with contractors, architects, designers, and other trades during project execution
• Troubleshoot mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and operational issues
• Perform major aquarium upgrades, renovations, and equipment replacements
• Develop creative solutions to unique installation and engineering challenges
• Assist in the development of new products, fabrication methods, automation systems, and custom equipment solutions
• Support project planning, logistics, quality control, and documentation

Required Qualifications

• Professional aquarium industry experience
• Strong understanding of aquarium life support systems and equipment
• Experience designing, fabricating, installing, or troubleshooting advanced aquarium systems  CAD experience required
• CNC programming and operation experience required
• Strong mechanical aptitude
• Strong understanding of plumbing, electrical systems, fabrication, and construction practices
• Experience with PVC plumbing design and fabrication
• Experience building, assembling, and troubleshooting complex mechanical systems
• Experience operating fabrication equipment and power tools safely
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and construction plans
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record

Preferred Qualifications

• SketchUp experience
• Acrylic fabrication and solvent welding experience
• Cabinetry, millwork, or woodworking experience
• Mechanical engineering or engineering technology background
• Commercial aquarium installation experience
• Forklift certification
• Experience coordinating with architects, contractors, and design professionals
• Experience with automation, controls, 3D printing, or custom product development

Who This Position Is Ideal For

• Experienced aquarium installers
• Aquarium fabrication specialists
• Public aquarium life support system technicians  CAD and CNC professionals with extensive aquarium experience
• Mechanical builders and technical problem-solvers who enjoy creating custom systems
• Individuals who enjoy working with both their hands and their mind

Physical Requirements

This is a hands-on position requiring frequent standing, walking, lifting, bending, kneeling, climbing ladders, working in fabrication environments, operating equipment, and performing installation work at client locations. Candidates should be comfortable lifting equipment and materials, working in both shop and field environments, and spending a significant portion of their day actively building, fabricating, and installing systems.

Career Growth

The successful candidate will work directly with company ownership and play a key role in the continued growth of our custom projects division. As Reliant Aquarium Design continues to expand, this position has the potential to evolve into a leadership role responsible for overseeing fabrication, installation, project execution, and future project team development.

Compensation is dependent upon experience, qualifications, and demonstrated capability.

Pay: $32.00 - $50.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person