Creative Technical Designer
Location: Black Forest, CO
Position Type: Part-Time
About Poetic Kinetics
Poetic Kinetics is an internationally renowned creative arts studio specializing in large-scale, kinetic, and interactive art installations. Our work is a symphony of art, science, and nature, designed to create immersive, thought-provoking, and unforgettable public experiences. From the iconic animatronic sculptures at Coachella and Burning Man to breathtaking installations in cities across the globe, our team of passionate artists, designers, and fabricators thrives on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. We are a collaborative and adventurous group, dedicated to transforming public spaces into gathering places of wonder and connection.
(www.PoeticK------------)
Job Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled and imaginative Creative Technical Designer to join our innovative team. The Creative Technical Designer will be a crucial link between artistic vision and physical reality, translating our large-scale, often complex, creative concepts into detailed and actionable technical designs. This role is ideal for a designer who is not only proficient in CAD software but also possesses a strong creative sensibility and a passion for bringing artistic ideas to life. You will be instrumental in the design and engineering of our unique kinetic sculptures and installations that captivate millions worldwide.
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate closely with the creative director, producer, operations manager, and fabrication director to translate initial artistic concepts and sketches into detailed 2D and 3D models.
- Develop comprehensive and precise CAD models and drawings for all components and assemblies of our large-scale kinetic sculptures and installations.
- Create detailed fabrication and assembly drawings for our in-house fabrication team and external vendors, ensuring clarity and accuracy.
- Work with a variety of materials and structural systems, including lightweight fabrics, tensioned cables, custom hardware, and complex mechanical assemblies.
- Conduct feasibility analysis of designs, considering structural integrity, material properties, and fabrication methods.
- Participate in brainstorming sessions, offering creative and technical solutions to complex design challenges.
- Refine and iterate on designs based on feedback from the creative and fabrication teams.
- Assist in the research and sourcing of new materials and technologies that can be incorporated into our projects.
- Maintain an organized and efficient library of CAD files and project documentation.
- Occasionally assist with hands-on prototyping and fabrication in the studio.
Qualifications and Skills
- Required:
- Proven experience as a Technical Designer, preferably in a creative or custom fabrication environment.
- High proficiency in Rhino 3D & Grasshopper
- Proficiency in Cinema 4D and Redshift for rendering or similar programs (i.e. Blender).
- Strong rendering capabilities to sell thorough artistic concepts
- Strong understanding of mechanical design, materials, and fabrication processes.
- Experience creating detailed drawing packages for fabrication and assembly.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think creatively to overcome design hurdles.
- A strong portfolio showcasing detailed design work for complex or artistic projects.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic, and creative studio environment.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to articulate technical concepts to a non-technical audience.
- Desired:
- Proximity to our studio near Colorado Springs (Black Forest, CO) is highly desirable to facilitate in-person collaboration.
- Experience with large-scale structures, tensile structures, or kinetic art.
- A background or strong interest in art, sculpture, or industrial design.
- Familiarity with the design of moving or interactive installations.
- Hands-on fabrication or prototyping experience.
- A passion for the work of Poetic Kinetics and a desire to contribute to our unique projects.
To Apply
Please submit your resume, a cover letter expressing your interest in this role and Poetic Kinetics, and a portfolio of your work to R------------.