Love what you do.
We DESIGN. We MAKE. We INSTALL.
We make it happen together.
Join Our Team!
Our success and industry recognition is the result of our team’s amazing work ethic, customer service, and relentless curiosity that drives innovation. Our work is fast-paced and our standards are high. We are many parts that work and learn together, creating forward-thinking solutions for our customers. We cultivate a work environment that is welcoming, fulfilling, personal growth-oriented, safe … and we’ve been known to have a few spontaneous BBQ’s!
Our mission is to use creativity, craftsmanship and exceptional service in every partnership to promote success for our customers, our people and our community.
Please browse our open positions below to find what is right for you. If you are looking for your next career move we want to hear from you!
Contract & Freelance Opportunities
We are proactive about building a network of trusted and reliable contract designers.
Our network is comprised of professionals with interior design, architecture and graphic design backgrounds. Qualified candidates possess the required CAD skill set, demonstrate high-level communication and respect deadlines.
Work Type
- Roll-out Contractor Bid Sets and Décor Drawings (CAD elevations & plans)
- Interior Design – interior finish selection, lighting, millwork detailing
- Environmental / Graphic Design
Compatible software
- Software knowledge required includes AutoCAD and/or Revit
- Graphics software (such as CorelDraw or Adobe Illustrator) and 3D (such as SketchUp)
- (contract employees must have own professional software licenses)
Signage Lighting & Technology Engineer
Job Type: Full-Time
Days/Hours: M-F; Standard Business Hours
Location: Madison Heights, MI
About the Company
D|Fab is a MI-based design, décor manufacturing and installation company in operation since 1973. We are an industry leader in branded environments and expressions. Our purpose is to facilitate extraordinary customer experiences using creativity and innovative solutions. Our success and industry recognition are the result of our team’s amazing work ethic, customer service, and relentless curiosity that drives innovation. Our work is fast-paced, and our standards are high. We are many parts that work and learn together, creating forward-thinking solutions for our customers. We work hard, and yes, we put in a bit of overtime, especially between May and November, but we also cultivate a work environment that is welcoming, fulfilling, and personal growth oriented.
Areas of Expertise
Signage Lighting & Technology Engineering, Décor & Millwork Engineering Drawings, Prototype Builds, Project Management & Installation.
Essential Functions of The Job
- Assume primary oversight of signage lighting & technology-integrated-décor engineering.
- This position is responsible for working closely with the design and shop teams to achieve successful prototype builds for experiential, illuminated and technology integrated décor (motion, sound, visual LED effects)
- Develop and suggest product improvements and modifications based on customer requirements.
- Work with senior design staff and leadership to develop innovative product solutions that reflect the client’s goals, brand, and culture.
- Problem solve and innovate to bring new experiences to products, spaces, and experiences.
- Maintain working knowledge of all lighting properties, designs, and programs for optimal production effect.
- Creative and resourceful problem solving for client projects and produce R&D.
- Design of custom edge-lit, back-lit and LED lighting solutions.
- Safely make electrical connections and rewiring signage and lighting as needed.
- Engineering and detailing of LED lit, technology integrated décor and product displays.
- Troubleshoot and problem-solve prototype projects from manufacturing through installation.
- Communicating with production team through project kick-off meetings.
- Offer collaborative and creative problem solving.
- Work on power and lighting design for new décor and signage structures.
- Facilitate and participate in communication and collaboration in project team meetings to support project goals and schedules.
- Work with the team to maintain project schedules and installation deadlines.
- Other duties as assigned by a manager.
- Responsible for following all company policies as stated in the D|Fab employee handbook.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Proven experience with prototype builds for experiential, illuminated and technology integrated décor (motion, sound, visual LED effects)
- Experience with integrating flat screens, make whirligigs and windmills move, etc.
- 3+ years of demonstrated experience in electrical signage, LED lighting and customized CAN lettering and backlit LED lighting
- 2-4 years’ work experience or familiarity of skilled trades and/or fabrication production environments.
- Ability to read, understand, and follow written directions and basic shop drawings/blueprints.
- Previous experience in lighting and LED lighting and retrofitting.
- Familiarity with electrical and mechanical engineering.
- Strong knowledge of fabrication, technologies, materials, building techniques and production methods.
- Understanding and working knowledge of basic to more complex electrical and LED concepts.
- Have a strong understanding of signage and graphics materials, substrates, and manufacturing processes.
- Strong engineering professional skilled in electrical power, LED/lighting and low voltage
- Strong leadership abilities: capable of leading team members to complete projects within strict time and budget constraints
- Ability to conduct final wiring and assembly of LED sign components.
- Knowledge of 3D printing/additive manufacturing is highly preferred.
Do you have clearance to work?
- Authorization to work in the United States
Estimator
Overall position description with general areas of responsibility:
The primary functions of a Décor and Signage Estimator are to support Sales, Purchasing & Architectural Design Project Managers by creating cost estimates consisting of materials, sub-contractors, purchased materials, labor, and other construction-related activities.
Essential functions of a Décor and Signage Estimator:
- Utilizes plans, specifications, and knowledge of controls/construction industry to analyze project needs and compiles detailed cost estimates.
- Analyze and make independent recommendations regarding solutions to problems with varying complexity in accordance with organization and/or project objectives and guidelines
- Responsible for the take-off and pricing of materials to ensure accuracy of quantity, size, configuration, options, etc.
- Responsible for identifying possible cost saving opportunities and/or risk items that will occur on various projects.
- Develops the scope of work for sub-contractors.
- Optimizes job costs by negotiating prices with vendors/sub-contractors through quotations for materials/services.
- Responsible for holding job pre-bid meeting with Account Managers to review scope, strategy, etc.
- Maintains competitive advantage by staying current with industry standards.
- Computes costs by analyzing labor, material, and time requirements.
- Creation & analyzation of cost and profit margins as it relates to means & methods of item creation for single and rollout pricing.
- Understanding the project/program and its requirements
- Determining key variables for cost and other estimates
- Perform risk analysis reconciliation of completed projects.
Skills and Experience:
Use software for data analysis, forecasting and budgeting
- Proven experience as estimator or similar position
- Familiarity with financial and project management principles
- In depth knowledge of research and data analysis methods and estimation formulas
- Exquisite math and IT ability with an analytical mindset
- Resourcefulness and ability to track down information quickly and accurately
- Ability to learn quickly and prepare estimates in the proprietary format
- Excellent organizational and communication skills, with ability to lead meetings
- Maintains high level of professionalism at all levels
- Commitment to detail and strong sense of urgency
- Outstanding customer service skills
- Must be well organized and possess problem solving skills
- Able to read architectural plans and develop cost estimates
- Positive attitude and a good sense of humor
- Negotiation experience
- Ability to work in a high energy, fast paced team environment
- Must be able to work with minimal supervision
- Outstanding communication and negotiation abilities
- Thoroughness and reliability
- Proficient using the Microsoft Office Suite software (excel, word)
- BSc/BA in engineering, construction science or relevant discipline would be an asset
- Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) will be an asset
- 3+ years’ experience in construction/ millwork/ exhibit or signage estimating
Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:
- Excellent client verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to project manage and be detailed-oriented
- Ability to demonstrate a high-level of organization
- Ability to demonstrate prioritization and problem-solving skills
- Practical knowledge of retail design and architecture, and construction skill set regarding directional signage, graphics and themed interiors
- Ability to read and understand architectural drawings
- A keen mind that pays strong attention to detail and has the ability to design for manufacturing across a diverse set of projects
- A compelling interest in manufacturing processes and continuous improvement.
- Familiarity with precision metal fabrication, extrusions, composites, and woodworking, and acrylics.
- Knowledge of signage, exhibits, décor and millwork manufacturing and fabrication techniques, tools and materials Recommended
- Knowledge of graphics production processes Required
- Possible site visits on local projects during construction to address problem issues as they arise
Working conditions
- This position may require some evening and weekend hours.
- Safety glasses must be worn at all times when working with team members on the shop floor.
Direct reports
- None
General Application
Please send us/upload your resume for consideration for future openings.
Summer Design Internship
Do you have experience creating multi-material products? Do you want to learn? You would learn about and assist in creating design and decor products out of a variety of materials including, MDF, plywood, acrylic, solid surface, sheet metal, aluminum extrusions, laminate panels and much more.
Overall position description with general areas of responsibility:
The primary functions of a Design Interns are to support Design Project Managers & Leads in executing CAD drawings and project tasks. To participate in creating shop drawings, material write-ups and to develop knowledge of retail interior design, manufacturing, and materials.
Essential functions of a Design Intern:
- Assist Design Staff w/ tasks
- Formalize the Interpretation of client’s established décor package(s) on a store-by-store basis and make design decisions that stay within the recognized guidelines
- Assist designers with conceptual drawings, finish boards, specifications, etc. as needed for presentation to client
- Develop complete site drawing sets to include:
- Cover sheets with décor materials list and color key
- Interior elevations with décor, finish notes and details as required
- Develop plans for overhead décor, flooring, lighting and soffits
- Building & décor section cuts as required
- Generate take-off quantities and lineal feet of product required
- Color boards and presentation materials
- Assist designers with color matching
- Assist designers with copies, distribution of production drawings, and errands as required
- Coordinate product/material request forms, and send them to clients
Computer Skill Development
- Increase knowledge of drafting, graphic and office software suites
- 3D design (Corel or Adobe Illustrator)
- Adobe Creative Cloud/Creative Suite
- AutoCAD
- Adjustment of redlined drawings
- Develop knowledge of Manufacturing Processes & Materials
- Learn to use D|FAB drawing standards and processes
- Develop décor write-up for estimating projects
- Expand shop drawings or generate new as necessary for manufacturing on a store-by-store basis
- Prepare master shop drawings for roll-out programs
- Learn to handle roll out programs to assist sales staff with processing orders.
Introduction to Design
- Development of concept presentations and quote write-ups for signage and small retail spaces, including elevations.
- Communicate w/ sales staff to execute design and presentation.
- Maintain Design Library
- Organize and file Design Library samples; communicate with vendors to ensure samples are current.
- Field survey local existing spaces, gather reference photos, critical dimensions, etc.
- Possible site visits on local projects during construction to address problem issues as they arise
- Evaluation of local space after Décor is installed, including final walkthrough for punch list items, finish photos, etc.
Working conditions
- Safety glasses must be worn at all times when working with team members on the shop floor.
Summer Fabrication Internship
Please apply/upload your resume if you are looking for a summer decor and signage fabrication internship:
- If you are a design student (industrial/product/interior/industrial design) or
- Have custom fabrication experience (use of hand/power tools, various materials)
Machine Operator (CNC)
Monday-Thursday 2:30pm-1:00am and Friday 2:30pm-8:30pm (OT required) or
Monday – Friday 6am-2:30pm OT required
Essential Functions of The Job
- Measure cut and clean raw materials for the construction of retail signage and décor items (wood, acrylic, foam board, print graphics)
- Operate CNC multi-cam router table at production quotas.
- Maintain a clean, safe work area clear of debris.
- Perform all job duties using standard dfab safety practices.
- Use time wisely and remain productive.
- Other duties as assigned by a manager or supervisor.
- Responsible for following all company policies as stated in the dfab employee handbook.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Basic knowledge of computer operations and machinery; CNC experience helpful.
- Basic knowledge of measuring tools such as tape measure, ruler, and meter gauges.
- Mechanical aptitude.
- Machine operator experience.
- Ability to read and follow written directions and basic shop drawings.
- Have a general understanding of signage and graphics materials, substrates, and manufacturing processes.
- Willingness to work flexible and overtime hours is required. Some Saturdays are required and OT in excess of 50 hours during months of March-November is required.
- Great attention to detail with a goal-driven attitude.
- Strong comprehension and analytical abilities.
- Good computer and mathematical skills preferred.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift 50+ pounds of material on a regular basis.
- The CNC Operator is responsible for safely loading and unloading raw materials and digital printed materials
- Some sheets of material are 4’ x 8’ and others are 5’ x 10’. They are not stiff but floppy. Must be able to manage carrying and lifting onto CNC table.
- Use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
- Stand for long periods of time.
- Repetitive movements.
- Safety glasses must be worn at all times while in the shop.
Do you have clearance to work?
- Authorization to work in the United States
Assembler
Essential Functions of The Job
Days/Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm. OT is required and some Saturdays will be required during busy months of March/April through Nov./ Dec. OR
Monday-Thursday, 2:30pm – 1am with OT as required
- Employee is responsible for reviewing orders and fabricating required décor items in time to meet scheduled ship dates.
- Employee will proactively inventory components needed and coordinate with other departments for parts and materials to ensure he/she has all components to fulfill each order, on time.
- Employee will notify purchasing and management if inventory of raw stock and other components are running low.
- Employee will keep work areas clean and organized.
- If workload dictates, employee will also communicate needs to direct supervisor and/or management for assistance to ensure deadlines are met.
- Employee is required to work overtime hours when business dictates.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Ability to use power drill, power nailer, staplers and tape gun.
- Ability to read and follow written and oral instructions as well as shop drawings.
- Ability to read and understand tape measure.
Décor items employee is responsible for:
- Assembling various décor/signage items from start to finish (NOT assembly line type automotive work)
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift 50+ pounds of material on a regular basis.
- Stand for long periods of time.
- Repetitive movements.
- Wears safety glasses at all times while in shop and respirator as required for certain tasks.
Do you have clearance to work?
- Authorization to work in the United States.
Welder (Laser)
Laser Welder / Custom Fabricator
Job Type: Full-Time
Days/Hours: 1st Shift Monday-Friday 6am-2:30pm and 6am-noon on Saturday: OT is required during the months of March – November.
Location: Madison Heights, MI
About the Company
D|Fab is a MI-based design, decor manufacturing and installation company in operation since 1973. We are an industry leader in branded environments and expressions. Our purpose is to facilitate extraordinary customer experiences using creativity and innovative solutions. Our success and industry recognition are the result of our team’s amazing work ethic, customer service, and relentless curiosity that drives innovation. Our work is fast-paced, and our standards are high. We are many parts that work and learn together, creating forward-thinking solutions for our customers. We cultivate a work environment that is welcoming, fulfilling, personal growth-oriented and safe.
Areas of Expertise
Environmental Design & Décor Engineering, Décor, Signage & Architectural Alternatives, Technology & Craftsmanship-based Manufacturing, Project Management & Installation.
Essential functions of a Welder:
A Welder / Custom Fabricator manufactures product according to drawings and specifications provided to assure timely delivery and quality product for our customers.
- Engineer, cut, weld and inspect custom retail signage and décor interior components
- Weld flat, vertical and overhead
- Maintains a safe, organized and clean working environment
- Perform Quality Control checks and determine proper fabrication requirements
- Instruct others in the metal department and communicate stages and completion of metal product with other departments
- Work with team members, operation manager and purchasing to meet deadlines, determine stock requirements and inventory needs
- Other duties assigned on an as-required basis
- Perform all job duties using standard D|Fab safety practices
- Use time wisely and remain productive
- Responsible for following all company policies as stated in the D|Fab employee handbook
Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:
- 1-3 years laser welder experience a must AND
- 1-3 years of experience fabricating custom aluminum and steel components with MIG and TIG welders
- Ability to read and follow shop drawings and specifications
- Ability to follow written and oral instructions
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift up to 80 lbs. pounds of material on a regular basis.
- Safety glasses must be worn at all times while in the shop.
Direct reports
- None
Do you have clearance to work?
- Authorization to work in the United States .
Welder (MIG and TIG)
MIG/TIG Welder / Custom Fabricator
Job Type: Full-Time
Days/Hours: 1st Shift Monday-Friday 6am-2:30pm and 6am-noon on Saturday: OT is required during the months of March – November.
Location: Madison Heights, MI
About the Company
D|Fab is a MI-based design, decor manufacturing and installation company in operation since 1973. We are an industry leader in branded environments and expressions. Our purpose is to facilitate extraordinary customer experiences using creativity and innovative solutions. Our success and industry recognition are the result of our team’s amazing work ethic, customer service, and relentless curiosity that drives innovation. Our work is fast-paced, and our standards are high. We are many parts that work and learn together, creating forward-thinking solutions for our customers. We cultivate a work environment that is welcoming, fulfilling, personal growth-oriented and safe.
Areas of Expertise
Environmental Design & Décor Engineering, Décor, Signage & Architectural Alternatives, Technology & Craftsmanship-based Manufacturing, Project Management & Installation.
Essential functions of a Welder:
A Welder / Custom Fabricator manufactures product according to drawings and specifications provided to assure timely delivery and quality product for our customers.
- Engineer, cut, weld and inspect custom retail signage and décor interior components
- Weld flat, vertical and overhead
- Maintains a safe, organized and clean working environment
- Perform Quality Control checks and determine proper fabrication requirements
- Instruct others in the metal department and communicate stages and completion of metal product with other departments
- Work with team members, operation manager and purchasing to meet deadlines, determine stock requirements and inventory needs
- Other duties assigned on an as-required basis
- Perform all job duties using standard D|Fab safety practices
- Use time wisely and remain productive
- Responsible for following all company policies as stated in the D|Fab employee handbook
Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:
- 1-3 years of experience fabricating custom aluminum and steel components with MIG AND TIG welders
- Ability to read and follow shop drawings and specifications
- Ability to follow written and oral instructions
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift up to 80 lbs. pounds of material on a regular basis.
- Safety glasses must be worn at all times while in the shop.
Direct reports
- None
Do you have clearance to work?
- Authorization to work in the United States .