Taylor Studios is an exhibit design and fabrication firm producing exhibits and experiences for museums, nature centers, libraries, visitor centers, universities, zoos, aquariums, and other destinations across the country. We teach content through interpretation and storytelling and strive to inspire others through our designs.
We are seeking an experienced Metal Fabricator / Welder to join our creative, artistic, and hard-working fabrication team. This is not repetitive production welding. You will build one-of-a-kind exhibit structures, frames, mounts, supports, scenic metalwork, and custom components that vary from project to project. The ideal candidate combines strong MIG and TIG welding ability with precision metalworking, craftsmanship, problem-solving, and a willingness to collaborate with designers, project leaders, and other fabricators.
Duties Include but Are Not Limited To
· Fabricate and assemble custom metal structures, frames, mounts, supports, and exhibit components from construction drawings, blueprints, sketches, and technical plans.
· Perform high-quality MIG and TIG welding on carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and other metals as project needs require.
· Lay out, fit, tack, weld, and finish complex weldments while maintaining dimensional accuracy, alignment, structural integrity, and design intent.
· Cut, drill, grind, sand, polish, bend, and shape metal using hand tools and fabrication machinery, including saws, shears, brakes, drill presses, grinders, and the CNC plasma table.
· Prepare fabricated components for painting, patina, or powder coating and ensure finished metalwork is clean, defect-free, and ready for the next production step.
· Read and interpret construction drawings, fabrication details, dimensions, tolerances, and weld symbols to plan efficient fabrication methods and setups.
· Work within established time goals, project schedules, and budgets while consistently producing high-quality work that meets client and Taylor Studios standards.
· Collaborate with the Director of Production, Production Supervisors, Project Managers, Art Director, designers, and other fabricators to resolve build challenges and develop practical fabrication solutions.
· Communicate proactively about material needs, project progress, schedule risks, quality concerns, and challenges before they affect production.
· Inspect your own welds and assemblies for accuracy, fit, alignment, durability, and finish quality before project delivery.
· Safely set up, operate, inspect, and perform routine maintenance on welding and fabrication equipment, including welders, grinders, brakes, saws, and CNC plasma equipment.
· Maintain organized, labeled, and safe material, tool, and equipment storage areas.
· Assist with packing, loading, unloading, and installation of exhibit components as needed, including occasional travel to project sites within the United States.
· Support other fabrication areas and team members when needed to help complete projects safely, efficiently, and on schedule.
· Follow all company processes, safety requirements, PPE practices, fire-prevention procedures, and applicable OSHA standards.
· Continuously improve welding, fabrication, finishing, layout, and problem-solving skills and contribute ideas that improve quality, consistency, and production efficiency.
Schedule
· Full time
· Day shift; overtime, nights, and weekends as needed
Required Qualifications
· High school diploma or equivalent.
· Welding certification or documented formal welding training in MIG and TIG processes.
· Demonstrated proficiency in MIG and TIG welding, supported by certification, work history, portfolio, or weld test.
· Experience operating press brakes, band saws, drill presses, and related fabrication machinery.
· Experience welding carbon steel; experience with stainless steel and aluminum is strongly preferred.
· Professional experience in custom metal fabrication, welding, or a related trade environment.
· Ability to read and build from construction drawings, fabrication details, dimensions, and technical plans.
· Proficiency with common metal fabrication tools and equipment, including welders, grinders, saws, drills, and measuring/layout tools.
· Ability to accurately measure, lay out, fit, and fabricate parts and assemblies to project requirements and reasonable shop tolerances.
· Ability to identify weld and fabrication defects and correct them before work moves to the next production stage.
· Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure in a fast-paced, changing project environment.
· Effective verbal and written communication skills, dependable attendance, and a collaborative approach to work.
· Ability to work independently, take ownership of assigned work, and proactively communicate questions, risks, and needs.
· Ability to lift and carry at least 50 pounds and regularly stand, walk, kneel, crouch, reach, and use arms, hands, and fingers throughout the workday.
· Ability to safely work around welding fumes, sparks, dust, paints, coatings, epoxies, adhesives, and other shop materials while using required PPE.
· Willingness to work overtime, nights, or weekends when needed to meet project deadlines.
· Willingness to travel by car or plane to installation sites and occasionally work on location for up to two weeks.
Preferred Certifications and Experience
· Current or previously held AWS welding certification, especially AWS D1.1 Structural Steel.
· Additional process or material qualifications for GMAW/MIG, GTAW/TIG, carbon steel, stainless steel, or aluminum.
· OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.
· Forklift certification or willingness to become certified.
· Experience operating CNC plasma equipment.
· Experience with custom, architectural, scenic, museum, theatrical, prototype, or one-off fabrication.
· Experience developing jigs, fixtures, and repeatable fabrication setups.
· Experience with woodworking, plastics, electronics, scenic fabrication, rigging, or other mixed-material construction.
· Experience safely moving, loading, and installing large or heavy fabricated assemblies.
What Success Looks Like
· You consistently produce accurate, durable, cleanly finished work within the time goals and deadlines provided.
· You ask questions early, communicate clearly, and take ownership of understanding the work assigned to you.
· You anticipate material, equipment, and workflow needs instead of waiting to be reminded.
· You contribute practical ideas that improve fabrication methods, safety, quality, and efficiency.
· You support teammates and represent Taylor Studios professionally with coworkers, clients, vendors, and subcontractors.
Perks and Benefits
· Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
· Competitive hourly wages based on experience and skill level
· 401(k) with company match
· Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
· Flexible spending account and health savings account options
· Opportunities to build unique, nationally installed projects rather than repetitive production parts
How to Apply
For consideration, send a cover letter, resume, photos or examples of your welding and fabrication work, copies of applicable welding certifications, and a completed application (available at www.taylorstudios.com) to:
Taylor Studios, Inc.
1320 Harmon Drive
Rantoul, IL 61866
[email protected]
Taylor Studios, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Pay: $25.00 - $35.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
