Millwork Carpenter / Shop Lead
We are seeking an experienced Millwork Carpenter / Shop Lead to join our fabrication team. This position is ideal for a well-rounded carpenter who can take a project from shop drawings through fabrication, finishing, and installation while helping manage the crew and production schedule.
Our work includes custom millwork, event fabrication, displays, scenic elements, cabinetry, and specialty builds. We are looking for someone who is hands-on, organized, and capable of solving problems in a fast-paced shop environment.
Responsibilities
- Create and/or assist with developing shop drawings and fabrication plans
- Read, interpret, and work from shop drawings and architectural drawings
- Operate CNC routers and prepare jobs for CNC production
- Fabricate high-quality custom millwork and specialty projects
- Manage and coordinate a small fabrication crew
- Oversee projects from initial drawings through fabrication and completion
- Develop material lists and source lumber, sheet goods, hardware, finishes, and specialty materials
- Maintain project schedules and communicate production requirements
- Perform high-quality staining, painting, spraying, and finish preparation
- Apply Formica, laminates, veneers, and edge banding
- Perform vinyl application, including basic graphic installation on fabricated surfaces
- Work with plywood, MDF, hardwood, laminates, plastics, and other fabrication materials
- Perform basic metal fabrication and understand common metalworking techniques
- Have a basic understanding of electrical components used in fabricated displays and installations
- Troubleshoot fabrication issues and develop practical solutions
- Maintain quality-control standards throughout production
- Help organize workflow, materials, equipment, and personnel in the shop
- Assist with on-site installations when required
Required Skills & Experience
- Strong professional carpentry and millwork experience
- Ability to independently read and understand shop drawings
- CNC router operation experience
- Strong knowledge of woodworking machinery and fabrication techniques
- Experience managing or directing a fabrication crew
- Project management and production-planning experience
- Material estimating and sourcing experience
- High-quality staining and paint-finishing skills
- Experience with edge banding and Formica/laminate application
- Experience with vinyl application and graphic installation
- Basic metalworking knowledge
- Basic electrical knowledge
- Strong attention to detail and finish quality
- Ability to accurately measure, layout, fabricate, and assemble custom projects
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Strong problem-solving and organizational skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in event fabrication, scenic fabrication, exhibits, retail displays, or custom architectural millwork
- Experience with CAD/CAM or CNC programming software
- Experience coordinating projects between design, production, and installation teams
- Experience leading installations in the field
- Familiarity with specialty materials including acrylic, PVC, Sintra, laminates, veneers, aluminum, and vinyl graphics
What We're Looking For
This is not strictly a bench-carpenter position. We are looking for someone who can build, plan, manage, and lead. The right candidate should be equally comfortable reviewing a drawing, operating machinery, sourcing materials, directing a crew, applying finishes and graphics, and working hands-on to make sure a project is completed correctly and on schedule.