Metal Craft & Fabrication Assistant
Full-Time | In-Person | Chicago, IL
Salary: $40,000–$52,000 per year, based on experience and skill level
About ERDEN
ERDEN is an innovative design house and producer of luxury hand-woven rugs, known for our signature use of embedded bronze, brass, and steel details. Founded in 2016 and represented in design markets throughout the U.S. and internationally, we place the highest importance on craft, quality, innovation, and service.
Our rugs combine traditional hand-weaving with unexpected materials and techniques. Many of the decorative metal elements incorporated into our rugs are fabricated by hand in our Chicago studio.
The Position
We are seeking a full-time, in-person Metal Craft & Fabrication Assistant to join our Chicago studio and help create the decorative elements that are embedded into ERDEN rugs.
This is a hands-on, detail-oriented position focused on fine craft and small-scale fabrication rather than traditional machining or heavy manufacturing. The work requires patience, precision, consistency, and a genuine appreciation for making things well. Some of the work is repetitive, with multiple components produced to the same exacting standards, while other projects may involve experimentation, problem-solving, and learning new techniques.
We are looking for someone who enjoys working with their hands, has strong attention to detail, and brings a creative or artistic sensibility to their work. Curiosity and an appetite for learning new crafts are a must.
Fabrication and production of ERDEN's decorative inlay elements will be the primary focus of this position; however, ERDEN is a small, highly collaborative studio. From time to time, this role may also assist with other studio, production, inventory, shipping, installation, or general operational needs. We value people who are flexible, curious, willing to learn, and happy to lend a hand wherever needed.
What You'll Do
- Fabricate decorative inlay components used in ERDEN rugs, currently including bronze, brass, steel, and other materials as our inlay program evolves
- Cut, shape, grind, sand, polish, finish, and otherwise prepare components to precise specifications using a variety of materials and techniques
- Work from drawings, templates, samples, written instructions, and direction from our design and production teams
- Produce multiples of individual components while maintaining consistency in shape, size, and finish
- Assist with the preparation and installation of metal elements into our hand-woven rugs
- Inspect finished pieces for quality and craftsmanship
- Safely operate hand tools and light metalworking equipment
- Assist with prototypes, custom pieces, and the development of new fabrication techniques
- Maintain an organized, clean, and safe Metal Shop
- Assist with inventory and organization of production materials and supplies
- Support other areas of the studio and production operation as needed, particularly during busy periods or special projects
Who We're Looking For
The ideal candidate is someone who takes genuine satisfaction in making things carefully and beautifully and enjoys working with physical materials.
You may have experience in metal fabrication, but we are also interested in candidates coming from other hands-on artisanal, creative, or skilled-trade backgrounds such as metalsmithing, sculpture, woodworking, art fabrication, restoration, ceramics, product design, or other fine crafts.
We're looking for someone who:
- Has excellent attention to detail and a strong eye for quality
- Is patient and comfortable with precise, repetitive work
- Has strong hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills
- Can consistently reproduce pieces to established specifications
- Has an artistic eye and appreciation for proportion, shape, texture, and finish
- Is curious, resourceful, and interested in learning new materials, tools, and techniques
- Is dependable, organized, punctual, and takes ownership of their work
- Works well independently under direction and collaboratively as part of a small team
Requirements & Qualifications
- Self-starter with a strong work ethic and willingness to learn
- Consistently focused on maintaining a clean and safe working environment
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Ability to read and accurately follow written instructions, drawings, templates, and production specifications
- Comfortable with basic shop math and measurements, including reading a tape measure in feet, inches, and fractions; familiarity with the metric system and converting fractions to decimal equivalents
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects and adjust priorities as production needs change
- High school diploma/GED or equivalent experience
- Ability to stand for extended periods and regularly bend, squat, reach, and perform other physical activities associated with hands-on fabrication
- Ability to safely lift and move materials weighing up to 70 pounds
- Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule when production needs occasionally require additional hours
Experience & Preferred Skills
Previous experience in metal fabrication, metal finishing, metalsmithing, sculpture, fine woodworking, model making, art fabrication, restoration, or another hands-on craft or trade is a plus, but not required.
We are willing to train the right person. More important to us is an aptitude for working with your hands, an eye for detail, patience, curiosity, and a genuine interest in craftsmanship.
Preferred shop skills include experience with:
- Angle grinders
- Drill presses
- Band saws
- Other hand tools and light fabrication equipment
Experience with sewing, weaving, felting, knitting, spinning, or other textile crafts is also a plus, but not required.
What Makes This Role Different
This is not a traditional machinist or heavy manufacturing position. Our work is small-scale, detailed, and highly specialized, with metal components becoming integral design elements within our luxury hand-woven rugs.
At the same time, this is a production environment. The right person will appreciate both sides of the work: the creativity and craftsmanship involved in making something beautiful, as well as the discipline and consistency required to make it beautifully again and again.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $40,000–$52,000 annually, with compensation within the range based on relevant experience, demonstrated skills, and qualifications
- Medical insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
- Dental and vision coverage
- Paid time off
- Paid company holidays
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Structured opportunities for advancement based on performance, reliability, and continued development
- Opportunities to learn and develop specialized fabrication skills and techniques within ERDEN's design and production studio
ERDEN is an equal opportunity employer.
Pay: $40,000.00 - $52,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
