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IF YOU LIKE HARD WORK, SOLVING WEIRD PROBLEMS, AND A FUN SELF-MOTIVATED ENVIRONMENT, YOU’RE OUR KIND OF PERSON.

OPEN POSITIONS

Paint/Finish Lead Fabricator

Full-Time

Houston, TX

Location: In Shop (Houston, TX)

Job Type: Full-Time, Hourly Non-exempt

Pay: $25 - $35/hour, based on experience

Rootlab is a multidisciplinary design and fabrication firm specializing in large-scale, custom projects for museums, cultural institutions, and immersive attractions. We are seeking a detail-oriented, organized, and proactive Paint/Finish Lead Fabricator to support our finishing department. In this role, you will support paint/finishing needs as well as oversee paint and finish operations, ensuring projects meet Rootlab’s high-quality standards while maintaining schedules, coordinating materials, and supporting the team in a fast-paced creative environment. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong leadership skills who thrives under deadlines and enjoys collaborating across teams.

Key Responsibilities

  • Oversee paint and finish quality, consulting with Specialist Fabricators and securing approval from the Production Supervisor.
  • Uphold and monitor Quality Control (QC) expectations as defined by the Director of Production.
  • Anticipate workflow needs and sequence tasks to maximize department throughput.
  • Translate finish procedures into clear production plans and schedules that align with PMO and Production Supervisor expectations.
  • Assign tasks and manage paint & finish workflows across assigned Work Orders; coordinate labor needs with the Production Supervisor.
  • Conduct ongoing checks of fabricators' work to ensure alignment with quality, design intent, and fabrication standards.
  • Support the team with hands-on prep and finish work.
  • Identify and implement workflow efficiencies and process improvements in planning, workflow, and order of operations.
  • Maintain inventory and stock materials, coordinating with Purchaser to ensure necessary materials are available in line with Production schedules for each project.
  • Archive finish instructions and material documentation in Rootlab’s project archive
  • Provide daily end of day progress reports to the Production Supervisor, including updates on status, delays, deadlines, and resource needs.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and well-stocked paint and finish workspace.
  • Identify and report tool damage or maintenance needs to the Facilities Manager.
  • Demonstrates a high level of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and commitment to producing work that meets or exceeds project expectations.

Required Qualifications

  • Advanced familiarity with high end finish materials, techniques, and quality control in a fabrication or production environment.
  • Proven ability to plan and sequence workflows to maximize daily productivity, ensuring tasks are staged, timed, and executed efficiently with minimal downtime.
  • Ability to maintain an even temperament under tight deadlines and stressful conditions.
  • Strong collaboration skills with the ability to foster a positive team environment.
  • Reliable, detail-oriented, and self-motivated.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Familiarity with the Matthew's Paint System
  • Previous experience managing paint/finish operations or supervising a finishing team.
  • Cooperative, professional, and able to adapt quickly to shifting priorities.

Work Environment

  • Ability to remain standing approximately 80% of the time on certain days.
  • Occasional bending, stooping, squatting, and reaching.
  • Work areas are not always climate controlled.
  • Willingness to work overtime, nights, or weekends when required to meet project deadlines.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance with 50% company contribution.
  • Paid time off and 8 paid holidays.
  • 401k match after 1 year of employment.
  • Yearly PPE allowance.

To apply, send your resume and relevant work samples to hiring@rootlab.com.

Rootlab is an equal opportunity employer. We believe diverse perspectives make better work.

Temporary Exhibit Craftsperson

Full-Time

Houston, TX

Location: In Shop (Houston, TX)

Job Type: Temporary Full-Time, Hourly Non-Exempt

Pay: $20 - $25/hour, based on experience

Rootlab is a multidisciplinary design and fabrication firm specializing in large-scale, custom projects for museums, cultural institutions, and immersive attractions. We are seeking to hire a Temporary Full-Time Exhibit Craftsperson for a 90 day period. This role is responsible for the hands-on assembly, build and occasional installation of custom scenic, architectural, and display elements across a range of materials and processes. This role requires technical expertise, precision craftsmanship, and clear communication to execute projects in alignment with work orders, drawings, and production goals. The Exhibit Craftsperson collaborates closely with Leads and fellow team members to ensure safe, organized, and high-quality output. This position reports directly to the Production Supervisor.

Potential for permananet employment based on performance and company needs.

Key Responsibilities

Project Build and Installation
  • Fabricates project components according to work order instructions, fabrication drawings, and 3D models using a wide range of materials including wood, metal, plastics, and composites.
  • Utilizes craft processes such as assembly, milling, machining, casting, and finishing.
  • Operates woodworking machines and hand tools safely and effectively, maintaining comprehensive knowledge of their correct use and maintenance needs.
  • Participates in on-site installation of produced elements, particularly on projects where the Exhibit Craftsperson had a significant role in the project's build.
  • Follows Quality Control (QC) expectations as defined by the Director of Production and overseen by the Production Supervisor.
  • Adheres to all shop safety procedures, including consistent use of PPE, and encourages compliance within the team.
  • Maintains clean and organized personal and shared workspaces to support a safe and efficient shop environment.
Collaboration & Communication
  • Receives direction from assigned Leads when working on work orders under a designated lead.
  • Checks in daily with the Production Supervisor to report progress and troubleshoot any production-related issues.
  • Informs the Production Supervisor of any changes in as-built conditions that may impact the fabrication process, and collaborates on developing effective solutions.
  • Identifies and reports tool damage or maintenance needs to the Production Supervisor.
  • Collaborates with the Production Supervisor and Leads to propose and implement workflow efficiencies and process improvements.
  • Communicates material needs for assigned work orders in a timely and proactive manner.
Professionalism & Accountability
  • Accurately tracks time on assigned work orders using Innergy or other tracking systems.
  • Brings innovative thinking and creative problem-solving to fabrication challenges.
  • Demonstrates a high level of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and commitment to producing work that meets or exceeds project expectations.

Required Qualifications

  • 2+ years of experience in scenic and custom millwork, metalwork, carpentry, or similar trade environments.
  • Proficient in the safe operation of tools, machines, and shop equipment.
  • Ability to interpret fabrication drawings, 3D models, and written instructions from Work Orders.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability to evolving project needs.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced production environment.
  • Must be able to lift 50 lbs and stand for extended periods.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Basic Rhino 3D navigation skills.
  • Familiarity with digital fabrication (CNC, laser, 3D printing) and shop software tools is a plus.
  • Reliable, energetic and self-motivated.
  • Cooperative and professional.

To apply, send your resume and relevant work samples to hiring@rootlab.com.

Rootlab is an equal opportunity employer. We believe diverse perspectives make better work.

Facilities Technician

Full-Time

Houston, TX

Location: Houston, TX

Job Type: Full-time, Hourly Non-exempt

Pay: $16 - $18/hour, based on experience

Rootlab is a multidisciplinary design and fabrication firm specializing in large-scale, custom projects for museums, cultural institutions, and immersive attractions. We are seeking a highly motivated, energetic, and self-sufficient Facilities Technician to join our team. In this pivotal role, you will be a vital support for our fabrication and installation teams, helping with our construction processes in a creative and fast-paced environment. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a strong work ethic who is eager to learn and grow with a great company.

No formal experience is required; we will train the right person.

Key Responsibilities

  • Receive incoming shipments at the shop, utilizing a forklift, pallet jack, or manual handling as needed.
  • Wrap, pack, load, and unload finished pieces with care and precision.
  • Maintain an organized, clean, and inventoried work area for all departments, ensuring operational efficiency.
  • Perform general construction support tasks and assist with minor tool maintenance and repair.
  • Support other department leads and team members as needed, demonstrating a collaborative spirit.

Required Qualifications

  • A positive attitude and a strong willingness to learn.
  • Someone who is reliable, a team player, and can work independently.
  • Comfortable with physical work, including lifting and moving materials by hand.
  • An interest in construction, tools, and creative projects.
  • Willingness to work overtime, nights, and weekends when necessary to meet project deadlines.
  • No formal experience is necessary. We value enthusiasm and a strong work ethic above all else.

Preferred Qualifications

  • 1-3 years of warehousing, construction, or general laborer experience.
  • Previous formal workplace safety training (OSHA, etc.) is preferred, but not required.

Work Environment

  • Ability to remain standing approximately 80% of the time on certain days.
  • Capable of lifting 50+ pounds regularly.
  • Occasional bending, stooping, squatting, and reaching.
  • Strict adherence to company safety policies.
  • Work areas are not always climate controlled.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance with 50% company contribution
  • Paid time off, plus 8 paid holidays per year
  • 401(k) with company match after 1 year
  • Annual PPE and gear allowance
  • Opportunities for advancement in a creative, fast-moving company

Rootlab is an equal opportunity employer. We believe diverse perspectives make better work.

Interested in working at rootlab but don't see an open position that's right for you? We're always accepting resumes.

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