Design Engineer (Indiana Based)

About the Company

We create powerful emotions and memories through immersive attractions. As a full-service theme creator, prop builder, and attractions provider, we serve theme parks, museums, family entertainment centers, restaurants, tourist attractions, and other venues. Since 1997, we have brought ideas to life with a talented team of designers, sculptors, craftsmen, and artisans, delivering the WOW Effect to destinations across the globe. We’ve been named one of INC 5000's fastest-growing companies in America three times and are in the top 60 here in Indiana. We’ve also been named one of The Best Places To Work In Indiana twice. Our culture fosters professional and personal growth, with creative people passionate about their work and new challenges every day.

About the Role

The Design Engineer transforms creative ideas into reliable, manufacturable products for immersive attractions and interactive experiences. Working alongside designers, fabricators, and technical teams, you'll develop innovative mechanical solutions that bring one-of-a-kind concepts to life. No two projects are the same—one week you might design a hidden passage or animated prop, and the next, a custom mechanism for an interactive exhibit. We value curiosity, mechanical aptitude, and a willingness to learn, whether you're a recent graduate, self-taught, or experienced.

Responsibilities

• Design custom mechanical systems, assemblies, and mechanisms using SolidWorks.
• Create production-ready manufacturing drawings, assemblies, and bills of materials within our ERP system.
• Develop engineering solutions balancing creativity, functionality, manufacturability, reliability, and cost.
• Collaborate with Design, Concept, Technical, and Fabrication teams throughout the product development process.
• Design custom props, interactive elements, structural assemblies, and motion systems.
• Select appropriate materials, hardware, actuators, bearings, and purchased components.
• Prototype, test, troubleshoot, and refine designs to improve performance and reliability.
• Support fabrication, assembly, installation, and field troubleshooting as needed.
• Continuously improve designs, processes, and standard practices while managing multiple projects.
• Maintain engineering documentation and ensure designs meet project requirements and production schedules.

Keys to Success

• Take ownership of projects from concept through installation.
• Design with manufacturing, assembly, serviceability, and reliability in mind.
• Communicate effectively and collaborate with designers, fabricators, technicians, and project managers.
• Adapt to changing priorities and evolving project requirements.
• Be curious, ask questions, and seek better ways to solve problems.
• Enjoy learning new technologies, materials, and manufacturing methods.
• Prototype, test, and work alongside the fabrication team.
• Thrive in a collaborative environment built on accountability, creativity, and mutual respect.

Requirements

• Proficient in SolidWorks, including part modeling, assemblies, and manufacturing drawings.
• Education in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Industrial Design, CAD Technology, or a related field is preferred, but equivalent hands-on experience is equally valued.
• A portfolio, school projects, personal projects, or professional work demonstrating design and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and a desire to learn.
• Ability to communicate ideas and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Experience with Blender or other 3D modeling/rendering software is a plus.
• Hands-on experience with fabrication, machining, welding, woodworking, 3D printing, robotics, or other personal build projects is a plus.
• Experience with ERP, PDM, or manufacturing software is a plus.

Don’t meet every qualification? Apply anyway. We’re looking for curious, motivated people who enjoy building things and solving problems.

Why You'll Love Working Here

At Creative Works, you won’t spend years designing the same product. Every project is different, every challenge is new, and you’ll see your ideas transformed into immersive attractions enjoyed by people worldwide. If you’re looking for a place where creativity, engineering, and hands-on problem-solving come together, you’ll fit right in.

Pay

Salary: $50,000 - $60,000 per year based on experience.

Schedule

Full-Time, Non-Exempt
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM, Monday - Friday
This is an onsite position located at our facility on the southwest side of Indianapolis, IN near I-465 & Sam Jones Expressway.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, ancillary, and pet insurance coverage opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• 401K opportunities with a Standard Safe Harbor Match.
• Employee Discount Program.
• Generous PTO Plan.
• Parental time for the birth or adoption of a child.
• Several paid holidays.
• Paid Volunteer Time Off to serve at a 501(c)3 charitable organization.
• Onsite fitness facility.
• Weekly pay.