At a Glance
- Tasks: Create memorable public artworks and bespoke commissions from concept to installation.
- Company: Join a creative team at Studio Vertigo and Full Blown in Gateshead.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, travel opportunities, and profit-related bonuses.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with direct influence on project development.
- Why this job: Be part of innovative projects that make a real impact in public spaces.
- Qualifications: Experience in CAD design, fabrication, and a passion for hands-on work.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 38000 £ per year.
Create work that people remember.
Design, fabrication and installation of large-scale public artworks and bespoke commissions
- £30,000–£38,000 per year, depending on experience
- Full-time · Workshop-based · Gateshead, UK
Studio Vertigo and Full Blown are sister companies sharing one creative team in Gateshead, where art, design, engineering and fabrication come together under one roof.
Together, we create internationally touring public artworks and immersive light installations, alongside inflated stainless-steel sculpture and bespoke commissions for architectural, cultural and luxury retail settings.
We are looking for an experienced Technical Designer & Maker, typically with four to five years or more of relevant professional experience, who is ready to take responsibility for substantial parts of a project and help turn ambitious ideas into practical, buildable designs.
This is not a desk-only position.
You will work directly with the founders and fabrication team, contributing to projects from initial development and CAD drawings through prototyping, fabrication, testing, packing and installation.
No two weeks are the same.
You might develop a new touring artwork, produce detailed CAD drawings, build and test a prototype in the workshop or travel with the team to install work in a city centre or public space.
We are looking for someone who is genuinely enthusiastic about the work itself - someone who enjoys making, solving unfamiliar problems and helping ambitious ideas become finished artworks and installations.
The role
You will
- Develop creative concepts into practical, buildable solutions.
- Produce and interpret clear CAD drawings and fabrication information.
- Create prototypes, test ideas and refine designs.
- Work hands-on with the fabrication team to build and assemble projects.
- Consider fabrication, modular assembly, transport, installation, maintenance and repeated touring from the outset.
- Prepare projects for transport and help install and dismantle work throughout the UK and occasionally overseas.
- Help improve how our projects are designed, fabricated, assembled and transported.
- What we’re looking for
You will bring
- Confidence producing CAD drawings.
- A practical understanding of materials, fabrication and assembly.
- Hands-on making skills and the ability to move comfortably between design work and the workshop.
- An organised and dependable approach to solving unfamiliar problems.
- Excellent attention to detail, clear communication and pride in the quality of the finished work.
- The ability to work independently, take responsibility and collaborate within a small team.
- A full UK driving licence.
- Willingness to travel and stay away when projects require it.
Relevant backgrounds might include technical, product or industrial design, exhibition production, scenic construction or architectural fabrication.
Your ability, experience and work matter more than the precise route you took.
Why join us?
The opportunity here is not simply to work on unusual projects. It is to become closely involved in how they are developed, solved, made and brought into the world.
You will join a small, supportive and collaborative team with no layers of management between the idea and the people making it.
Good ideas and practical judgement are taken seriously, giving you genuine influence over how projects are designed, made and installed.
You will see your contribution become finished work experienced by audiences and clients around the world.
What we offer
- Exceptionally varied work across public art, light installations, sculpture, architecture, luxury retail and bespoke commissions.
- Direct involvement throughout the life of a project, from the drawing board and workshop through to final installation.
- Flexible start and finish times, coordinated around workshop activity, project deadlines, installations and the needs of the team.
- Overtime paid or taken back as time off in lieu, by agreement.
- Required travel and installation time treated as working time, with time outside contracted hours managed as overtime or time off in lieu.
- Eligibility for a discretionary annual profit-related bonus after 12 months’ service.
- Opportunities to travel throughout the UK and occasionally overseas.
This is an on-site role at our Gateshead workshop. We welcome applications from candidates willing to relocate to the North East.
How to apply
Please apply with
- Your CV.
- A portfolio or relevant project examples that make your own contribution clear.
- A brief note explaining why you would like to join the team.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so early applications are encouraged. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the application process.
Technical Designer & Maker employer: Studio Vertigo
At Studio Vertigo and Full Blown, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters creativity and collaboration in our Gateshead workshop. Our supportive team environment allows you to take ownership of projects, from concept to installation, while enjoying flexible working hours and opportunities for travel. Join us to make a tangible impact in the world of public art and design, where your skills and ideas will be valued and celebrated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Designer & Maker
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Studio Vertigo, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Designer & Maker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Studio Vertigo specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Studio Vertigo
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Studio Vertigo, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Studio Vertigo value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
