Project Engineer Job at Midnight Mansion (Needham)

Job Description

Midnight Mansion’s mission is to bring more delight into the world. We design, engineer, fabricate, and install immersive, in-person experiences - building anything from special exhibits to interactive pieces that blend creative technology, mechanical systems, lighting and sound, and special effects. From early prototypes to final install, we manage the full build and bring ambitious ideas into the real world. We’re looking for a Project Engineer to turn ideas into buildable reality.

Job Responsibility

Producing clear, build-ready drawings and models using CAD (preference towards Autodesk Fusion 360 and Revit)
Designing physical systems, scenic elements, and interactive components intended for real-world fabrication and install
Thinking through materials, tolerances, mounting mechanisms, service access, durability, and safety
Working closely with fabricators, software engineers, and designers to resolve constraints early
Prototyping and Testing designs in-person, sometimes quickly and imperfectly
Supporting projects through fabrication, install, and early operation

Requirements

Ability to commute to our studio in Needham, MA
2+ years of experience with exhibits, themed entertainment, museum work, or interactive installations
Deep comfort working in CAD (OnShape, Solidworks, Fusion 360 and/or Revit), with a solid grasp of parametric modeling, constraints, assemblies, and clean, readable models that others can work from
Familiarity with real-world fabrication processes like CNC routing, laser cutting, welding, machining, bending, fastening, and assembly, and the ability to design parts and systems that respect the realities, tolerances, and limitations of those processes
Practical knowledge of common fabrication materials such as wood, metal, plastics, and composites, including when to use what, how materials behave, how they fail, and how finish and environment affect long-term durability
Ability to design for hands-on engagement: where people push, grab, lean, and sometimes abuse things, while keeping the interaction satisfying and the hardware robust
Familiarity working alongside electrical and software teams
Able to pick up new tools, workflows, and technical skills quickly as projects evolve
Understanding of how to design physical elements that are maintainable under constant guest interaction, including access for repairs and parts replacement.

Nice to have

Strong experience creating drawings and models people can actually build from
Comfort designing for fabrication using wood, metal, plastics, fasteners, and finishes
Ability to think structurally and mechanically, even without formal analysis
Clear communication and a willingness to adjust designs based on real constraints
A preference for simple, robust solutions over clever but fragile ones