Fabrication Project Manager

Founded in 1972, Upstaging, Inc. is an industry leader in production, fabrication, lighting, staging, and touring services for major concerts, corporate events, experiential marketing, trade shows, and custom-build environments. Known for our technical craftsmanship, innovation, and client-first approach, we bring complex creative visions to life through precision fabrication, collaborative engineering, and hands-on production expertise.

Position Overview

Upstaging is seeking a Fabrication Project Manager with hands-on experience in designing, engineering, and managing builds such as stage sets, custom props, trade show booths, kiosks, pop displays, and experiential fabrication projects. This role blends creative technical direction, project management, client coordination, and shop-floor execution. You'll work closely with clients, designers, engineers, and shop teams — guiding builds from initial design through fabrication, installation, and delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Work directly with clients to interpret creative concepts into engineered build solutions.
• Lead projects from design through production, fabrication, install, and delivery.
• Manage multiple active projects, timelines, budgets, and materials simultaneously.
• Coordinate with internal departments (Design, Fabrication, Carpentry, Metal, Paint, Logistics).
• Source materials, evaluate vendors, and manage outside fabrication partners as needed.
• Produce detailed technical build drawings, renderings, and "working shop drawings."
• Prepare and submit CAD files, construction plans, hardware specs, and assembly documents.
• Review shop drawings for accuracy, safety, and build feasibility before fabrication.
• Oversee fabrication shop workflow, quality standards, and build progress.
• Conduct material inspections, ensure proper finishes, rigging safety, and installation readiness.
• Troubleshoot structural, rigging, assembly, and installation challenges during builds.

Preferred Technical Knowledge

• AutoCAD (required); SketchUp, SolidWorks, or Vectorworks a plus
• Understanding of carpentry, scenic fabrication, metalwork, welding, CNC routing, rigging, scenic painting
• Knowledge of lighting integration, AV, networking, and show control is a plus
• Familiarity with trade show specifications, OSHA safety, fire ratings, material standards

Helpful but Not Required

• Budgeting and client quoting experience
• Knowledge of graphic production, branding elements, and finishing processes
• Competency with Excel, Word, Illustrator, Photoshop
• Experience managing outside vendors and material sourcing
• Portfolio of previous fabrication or scenic build work

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years in fabrication, scenic construction, event production, or technical theater
• Strong AutoCAD drafting and shop drawing production skills
• Experience managing build teams or technical shop environments
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with clients and shop personnel
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and leadership skills
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent technical experience preferred

Working Conditions

• Full-time, on-site position — Monday through Friday, with occasional overtime
• Limited travel for site visits, client meetings, or installations
• Competitive salary range: $55k-85k/year; compensation based on experience
• Benefits package included

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55, $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person