Creative Specialist (Engineering Focus)

About the role

Creative Specialists exist to support TEG’s ongoing component needs at the highest level. They work closely with the Store Support and Product Design team to understand component requests, recommend creative solutions, and deliver quality components in a timely manner. On top of working through an ongoing production and development queue, Creative Specialists should look to maximize efficiency in their process by suggesting and testing new strategies for bulk production while still maintaining the expected level of quality.

Creative Specialists should have a true love for fabrication and design, the ability to successfully perform many facets of the fabrication process (carpentry, scenic painting, scenic casting, assembly, metal, automated machines), and a true desire to continue the learning process to increase their skills.

Responsibilities

• Component Design
  • Understand the specific end-product goals of the individual project(s) you are working on.
  • Streamline the process of “idea to product” by asking the right questions, iterating and prototyping through means of minimal effort, and produce full scale renderings when all aspect of creative vision, functionality, and maintenance access are fully aligned across stakeholders.
  • Create one-off, or custom component drawings with minimal turn-around time.
  • Assess the need for drawing and documentation complexity based on longevity of the product, ability/need to be duplicated, and expected completion deadlines.
  • Produce comprehensive drawings of approved components including all steps of standard production.
  • Work with other team members to gather and compile information and documentation not in your immediate purview.
  • Produce undocumented, new component designs for R&D purposes at the store and new content level.
• Automated Production
  • Operate our automated machines for everyday production tasks: CNC Laser, 3D Printer, DTP, Large Format Printing, Vinyl Plotter.
• Fabrication & Assembly
  • Mid-level carpentry: use the majority of the shop tools and be a collaborative builder with the Creative Specialists.
  • Expert assembly: put together and take apart any simple or complex systems our team supports or designs.
• Prototyping
  • Work with content requestors (Product Design and Store Support) to fully understand the needs and design of what is being requested.
  • Approach prototyping collaboratively and with a service mindset; striving to ultimately serve the eventual guest with the highest quality outcome.
  • Work to bridge the gap between real world problems, theoretical solutions, and actual applicable solutions that can be executed within our existing Store Support and installation framework.
• Documentation
  • Assist in the creation of build and install docs to help create a full gameplan and comprehensive understanding of how our components go from an idea to being installed in a new store.
  • Assist with drawing modifications when needed (Redlines, Drawing Modifications).
  • Potential to grow into drawing new components from the ground up.
• Communication
  • Ability to work collaboratively with the Store Support and Product Design teams and come up with creative solutions for unique issues.
  • Ability to identify common issues within production requests and proactively come with solutions.
  • Ability to discuss issues with workflow and resources with your direct supervisor in the pursuit of collaborative growth.
  • Ability to coordinate with local stores about schedule, access, and issues when on-site for traveling repairs.
• Professional Development
  • A desire to always be deepening your knowledge and skill in the fabrication process; dedication to craftsmanship.
  • A desire to learn new aspects of the fabrication process through on the job training (e.g., metal work, finish work, mold making/sculpting).
  • A desire to succeed and continue growing; whether in quality, efficiency, or a combination of the two.
  • Be a reliable wealth of knowledge about TEG’s historic and current product standards.
• Uphold Safety Standards
  • Advise on safe practices for tool usage to the Product Care team and guide some local store training standards.
  • Adhere to TEG shop safety standards and protocol and complete all required training.
  • Align with TEG shop attire standards as they relate to safety and professionalism.
  • Always wear required PPE and clothing.
  • Follow safety protocol at the local store when traveling and ensure that any aiding team members are also in alignment.

Requirements

• Fabrication
  • General understanding of the fabrication process.
  • Mid-level carpentry skills, full understanding of all major shop tools (table saw, lathe, planer, joiner, miter saw, etc.), and all hand held power tools operating procedures, general maintenance procedures, and safety procedures.
  • Ability to create “bench-built” product and work with limited documentation.
  • Ability to perform entry-level paint/finishing tasks: staining and sealing wood, basic rattle can spray painting, sanding down and prepping components for re-finishing.
  • Ability to perform assembly type tasks such as installing hasps, hinges, drawer glides, and a collection of various sensors and tech devices.
• Communication
  • Ability to work collaboratively with the Product Care team and come up with creative solutions for unique issues.
  • Ability to identify common issues within production requests and proactively come with solutions.
  • Ability to discuss issues with workflow and resources with your direct supervisor in the pursuit of collaborative growth.
  • Ability to coordinate with local stores about schedule, access, and issues when on-site for traveling repairs.
• Professional Development
  • A desire to always be deepening your knowledge and skill in the fabrication process; dedication to craftsmanship.
  • A desire to learn new aspects of the fabrication process through on the job training (e.g., metal work, finish work, mold making/sculpting).
  • A desire to succeed and continue growing; whether in quality, efficiency, or a combination of the two.
• General & Culture
  • Be a reliable wealth of knowledge about TEG’s historic and current product standards.
  • A love for escape rooms and interactive media.
  • Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
  • Has strong communication skills—written, on the phone, in-person.
  • Excels at maintaining an organized schedule.
  • Contagiously positive, can-do attitude.
  • Tireless dedication to winning.
  • Ability to lift/carry up to 50 pounds individually.
  • Able to stand, walk, climb ladders, and navigate tight spaces for extended periods of time.

Pay

Starting Pay: $22–$30 per hour (based on experience). Eligible for TEG Full Time Benefits and Bonus as outlined in the benefits package.

Schedule

• Location: HQ – Middle Tennessee; non-remote.
• Expected Weekly Hours: 40–45 hours.
• Any hours worked above 40 hours in a given week will be paid in accordance with state and federal laws.

Travel & On-Call

• Travel Expectations: As needed. While most work will be performed in the production warehouse, there will be instances when travel is required to custom fabricate something on-site, assist with the installation of a larger component, or assist on a larger project in an operating store.
• On-Call: Emergency only.