Lead Carpenter (Experiential and Scenic Fabrication)

About The Lab Fabrication The Lab Fabrication is a scenic fabrication shop specializing in experiential activations, pop-ups, branded environments, retail moments, touring builds, and custom one-off projects for agencies and brands. We built our name in Los Angeles through quality work, strong relationships, and consistent execution without shortcuts. Now we are opening our second location in New Jersey to support NYC and the greater East Coast market. We are not a corporate production shop. We are creative builders, problem-solvers, and collaborators. We move fast, work hard, and care deeply about what leaves the shop. We are looking for people who take pride in craftsmanship, communicate clearly, lead with confidence, and know how to get the best out of a team. The Role The Lead Carpenter is one of the most important positions in the shop. This person will lead carpentry builds from kickoff through install, helping translate drawings, sketches, and concepts into real-world fabrication plans. You will be responsible for maintaining quality, keeping projects moving, supporting junior crew members, and making smart decisions in the shop when timelines get tight. You should be equally comfortable building with your own hands, leading a small crew, reviewing plans, problem-solving in the field, and communicating directly with company leadership when challenges come up. This role reports directly to the Fabrication Manager and will play a major part in helping establish standards, workflow, and culture for The Lab East. What You'll Be Responsible For Lead day-to-day carpentry execution for scenic builds, environments, displays, and all types of custom fabrication projects. Interpret shop drawings, field dimensions, sketches, and 3D models into successful and efficient fabrication plans. Build scenic structures using plywood, MDF, dimensional lumber, steel and aluminum, acrylic, laminate, and various specialty materials. Work closely with leadership and department heads to determine build approach, labor plans, sequencing, and material needs. Lead and supervise shop carpenters, freelancers, and fabrication assistants as needed in shop and onsite. Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area at all times. Ensure projects are built accurately, efficiently, and with strong attention to detail. Identify potential issues before they become problems and escalate when needed. Support CNC assembly workflows and coordinate with Design on part labeling, tolerances, and revisions. Participate in and lead shop load-ins, installs, strikes, and field modifications. Assist with inventory management, material handling, hardware tracking, and shop organization. Help establish shop standards, best practices, and training processes for new team members. Support project reconciliations by tracking labor, materials, and field changes. What We're Looking For 5+ years of scenic carpentry, fabrication, millwork, or custom build experience. Strong understanding of scenic construction methods and temporary build environments. Ability to read construction drawings, shop drawings, and build packets. Strong knowledge of fabrication techniques, hardware, adhesives, finishes, and common scenic materials. Experience leading projects and small crews in a fast-paced shop environment and onsite. Comfortable using standard woodworking equipment and power tools safely and ability to train others. Comfortable using digital communication tools like chat and hangout. Ability to navigate and organize files in Google Drive. Ability to lift heavy materials and work on your feet for extended periods. Willingness to work overtime, weekends, and travel for installs when required. Valid driver's license and reliable transportation. Strong communication skills and a positive, team-first attitude.

Preferred:

Experience with CNC assembly workflows, metal fabrication teams and integrated builds, forklift certification, OSHA certification, and experience in retail, fashion, experiential, touring, or event fabrication. How We Work At The Lab, we care about people who show up, solve problems, and take ownership. We are young, but not green. We work hard, move quickly, and figure things out without losing sight of quality. We are not interested in ego, excuses, or people who need to be micromanaged. The right person for this role is someone who can lead from the front, stay calm under pressure, communicate clearly, and help keep the crew motivated when the timeline gets real. We want builders who care about the details, care about the team around them, and care about delivering work they are proud of. Why The Lab Opportunity to help build the East Coast shop from the ground up with high visibility and real ownership within the department. Diverse project work across experiential, retail, fashion, touring, and branded environments. Tight-knit team with strong culture and high standards. Long-term growth opportunity as the East Coast operation expands with the chance to help shape shop systems, standards, and workflow from day one. Compensation & Benefits Benefits & Rate

• $35-$45/hr
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off

Pay:

$35.00 - $45.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Experience:

Lead carpentry for experiential fabrication: 5 years (Required) Leading shop projects and other workers: 5 years (Required) Ability to

Commute:

Carlstadt, NJ 07072 (Required)

Work Location:

In person