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OPEN POSITIONS

Fabrication Designer

Full-Time

Houston, TX

Location: In Office (Houston, TX)

Job Type: Full-Time, Salary Exempt

Pay: $50,000 - $70,000 per year, based on experience

Rootlab is a multidisciplinary design and fabrication firm specializing in large-scale, custom projects for museums, cultural institutions, and immersive attractions. Our work involves a high degree of complexity, creative problem-solving, and cross-disciplinary coordination.

We are currently seeking a full-time Fabrication Designer to help bring creative concepts to life through precise 3D modeling and technical development. This role sits at the core of our design-to-fabrication pipeline, translating early concepts into highly detailed models, drawings, and production-ready files.

The ideal candidate will have advanced Rhino 3D skills, a deep understanding of materials and fabrication methods, and experience developing custom designs for physical production. You should be fluent in navigating ambiguity, comfortable with rapid iteration, and excited by the challenge of engineering one-of-a-kind builds.

This position reports to the Director of Production and collaborates closely with our Project Managemnt, Design, and Production teams.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop conceptual designs into detailed technical models and documentation
  • Collaborate with production teams to determine optimal build strategies and fabrication details
  • Output clean, accurate 2D technical drawings from 3D models created by our in-house modeling team
  • Create both client-facing shop drawings and internal fabrication drawings with a high degree of clarity
  • Create highly detailed 3D models for use in CAM workflows, CNC output, robotic paths, and shop drawings
  • Generate comprehensive construction documentation, including parts lists, exploded diagrams, and fabrication specs
  • Outline material, dimensional, and hardware requirements across multiple departments
  • Coordinate with the Director of Production and Project Managers to develop order-of-operations strategies for fabrication and installation
  • Output CAM-ready 3dm files for CNC, robotic arm, 3D printer, and other digital fabrication tools
  • Contribute to a collaborative team culture where problem-solving and knowledge-sharing are valued

Required Qualifications

  • Advanced proficiency in Rhino 3D
  • Strong working knowledge of fabrication materials, techniques, and how they interact in physical builds
  • Experience creating detailed construction drawings and models suitable for architectural millwork fabrication
  • Experience in architectural millwork design and/or fabrication
  • Familiarity with digital fabrication tools such as CNC routers, robotic arms, and 3D printers
  • Strong organizational and creative problem-solving skills
  • Ability to stay calm under pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
  • Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with parametric design using Grasshopper or similar tools
  • Experience with organic modeling and complex geometry
  • Familiarity with Creaform 3D scanning systems and reverse engineering workflows
  • Experience with fabrication software such as SprutCAM, RhinoCAM, or Vectric Aspire
  • Self-motivated, dependable, and professional in demeanor
  • Enthusiasm for building, making, and working through complex design challenges

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

This is a chance to play a vital role in building unforgettable spaces and experiences—from giant sculptural installations to intricately detailed exhibits. If you're passionate about making the improbable possible through design and precision modeling, we’d love to hear from you.

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.

Estimator

Full-Time

Houston, TX

Location: In Office (Houston, TX)

Job Type: Full-Time, Salary Exempt

Pay: $55,000 - $75,000 per year, based on experience

Rootlab is a multidisciplinary design and fabrication firm specializing in large-scale, custom projects for museums, cultural institutions, and immersive attractions. Our projects demand precise coordination between design intent, fabrication feasibility, and financial accuracy.

We are seeking an Estimator to lead the development of project pricing, cost projections, and scope assessments across Rootlab’s diverse portfolio. The ideal candidate combines analytical rigor with creative insight—balancing detailed takeoffs and vendor coordination with an understanding of Rootlab’s design-build process and creative objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Project Estimating & Cost Development

  • Develop accurate cost estimates for custom design-build and fabrication projects from concept through construction documentation.
  • Review drawings, models, and specifications to understand scope, materials, and production methods.
  • Collaborate closely with Project Managers, Engineers, and Designers to assess feasibility, identify cost drivers, and propose value-engineering opportunities.
  • Build, maintain, and refine standardized estimating templates, rate sheets, and cost databases.
  • Solicit, track, and evaluate subcontractor and vendor bids, ensuring completeness and accuracy.
  • Develop detailed scope of work documents for vendor pricing and internal handoff.
  • Participate in project handoff meetings to ensure smooth transitions from estimating to project management.

Proposal & Business Development Support

  • Collaborate with the Business Development team to prepare preliminary budgets and conceptual estimates for RFPs, proposals, and speculative bids.
  • Work with the PMO to align project pricing with Rootlab’s production capabilities and risk tolerance.
  • Support proposal narratives and cost breakdowns that communicate value and scope clearly to clients.
  • Track hit rates, pricing trends, and historical performance to continuously improve bid accuracy.

Process & Systems Management

  • Maintain estimating data and historical project cost records within the Innergy ERP system.
  • Support development of pricing standards and internal process documentation for consistent estimating practices.
  • Coordinate with accounting and project management teams to reconcile estimated vs. actual costs for future calibration.

Required Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience in estimating, cost engineering, or project management in a fabrication, construction, or design-build environment.
  • Strong understanding of materials, processes, and labor typical to exhibit fabrication, architectural millwork, or themed environments.
  • Proficiency with estimating tools and software; familiarity with ERP systems (Innergy preferred) and Smartsheet.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to convey scope and assumptions clearly.
  • Detail-oriented with exceptional organizational and analytical skills.
  • Comfortable managing multiple concurrent bids and deadlines in a fast-paced creative environment.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Background in exhibit fabrication, architectural design, or specialty construction.
  • Working knowledge of Rhino, CAD, or 3D modeling software for quantification and visualization.
  • Familiarity with fabrication workflows across metal, wood, plastics, and composites.
  • Proactive and collaborative attitude with a problem-solving mindset.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, or a related field.

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

This position offers an opportunity to help shape Rootlab’s creative and technical success from the ground up—ensuring that bold ideas are not only possible, but profitable. If you thrive on bridging the gap between creativity and cost, we’d love to meet you.

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.

Driver/Warehouse Worker

Full-Time

Houston, TX

Location: Houston, TX

Job Type: Full-time, Hourly

Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per 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. Our work involves a high degree of complexity, creative problem-solving, and cross-disciplinary coordination.

We are seeking a Driver/Warehouse Worker who desires working in a creative environment, supporting the fabrication and installation teams, and learning about our multifaceted construction processes.

Key Responsibilities

  • Safely and efficiently transport a variety of items to/from locations across the Greater Houston area using company vehicles, including sprinter vans, pick-up trucks, flatbed trucks, and box trucks
  • Wrap, pack, load, and unload items
  • Accurately communicate critical information between employees and vendors/subcontractors
  • Receive incoming shipments at shop using a forklift, pallet jack, or by hand
  • Maintain an organized, clean, and inventoried work area for all departments 
  • Perform general construction tasks as well as minor tool maintenance and repair  
  • Assisting other department leads and team members as needed

Knowledge and Skill

  • Strong familiarity with and experience navigating the streets and freeways of Greater Houston 
  • Knowledge of construction materials, tools, warehouse principle, inventory management, and safety
  • Demonstrate multitasking and organizational skills
  • Ability to safely operate a forklift, company vehicles, and equipment
  • Ability to show initiative, work independently, and fit into a team environment
  • Strong mechanical aptitude
  • Good understanding of basic math
  • Previous formal workplace safety training (OSHA, etc.) preferred, but not required

Required Qualifications

  • Must be at least 26 years of age
  • Must have a valid driver's license
  • Must have a clean driving record
  • 1-3 years of warehousing, construction, or general laborer experience
  • Commercial driving experience preferred, but not required
  • When necessary, a willingness to work overtime, nights, and weekends to meet project deadline

Work Environment

  • Must be comfortable spending most of the workday driving alone
  • On certain days, must be able to remain standing approximately 80% of the time
  • Ability to lift 50+ pounds
  • Occasional bending, stooping, squatting, reaching
  • Must follow company safety policies
  • Work areas are not always climate controlled

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance available with 50% company contribution
  • Paid time off and 8 paid holidays
  • 401k Match after 1 year of employment
  • Yearly safety shoe allowance

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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