Are you a skilled metal fabricator who thrives on custom, one-off projects? Nimlok Chicago is currently seeking a motivated, self-starting professional to fill the Metal Fabricator position.

In this role, you will manage and run the day-to-day operations of our metal shop, fabricating customized aluminum and steel parts for our trade show exhibits using manual machining, milling, and welding processes. You will own the shop floor, working independently to keep production flowing on schedule.

Responsibilities

• Manage and run the day-to-day operations of the metal shop, working independently to keep production flowing on schedule.
• Process cut orders and fabricate customized parts from shop drawings, blueprints, and specifications to tight tolerances.
• Operate an end-mill machine, including performing setups, selecting tooling, and dialing in feeds and speeds for optimized, repeatable work.
• Operate the copy router, aluminum and steel saws, drill presses, table saw, band saw, sanders, hand drills, and air tools as required.
• Perform MIG and TIG welding on aluminum and steel; use the plasma cutter for steel cutting and shaping work.
• Read and interpret blueprints and shop drawings; use precision measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, squares) to verify dimensions and meet quality standards.
• Maintain metal shop inventory and proactively notify purchasing when raw materials, hardware, consumables, or tooling needs to be re-ordered.
• Manage time effectively to process orders within deadlines and communicate status to project managers and production teams.
• Assist warehouse staff with their duties as needed, including loading, unloading, and staging materials during peak show seasons.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment, including routine cleaning, preventive maintenance, and consistent adherence to OSHA standards and required PPE.

Requirements

• 5+ years of hands-on experience as a machinist or metal fabricator in a custom fabrication, job shop, or exhibit environment, with a proven ability to run a shop floor independently.
• Proficient operating manual metalworking equipment on aluminum and steel, including end mills, saws, drill presses, and routers.
• Skilled in MIG and TIG welding with clean, structurally sound welds; experienced with plasma cutting.
• Able to read and interpret blueprints, shop drawings, and specifications (including weld symbols and basic GD&T), with strong shop math skills and confident use of precision measuring tools such as calipers, micrometers, and squares.
• Strong attention to detail, time management, and communication skills, with the ability to coordinate effectively across project management, design, production, warehouse, and sales teams.
• Working knowledge of metal shop safety practices, OSHA standards, and required PPE.
• High school diploma or equivalent; vocational, apprenticeship, or NIMS-aligned training a plus.
• Physical ability to stand, bend, and use hands continuously throughout a shift, and to lift up to 50 lbs. regularly and 75 to 100 lbs. occasionally with assistance.

Are you looking to further your career in trade shows and events? Nimlok Chicago is currently seeking a
motivated, self-starting professional to fill the Exhibit Builder position.
Nimlok Chicago is the premier integrated exhibit, event, and environment solutions provider. We
partner with our clients in developing their strategic exhibit and event programs. This includes delivering
award-winning design, fabrication, install and dismantle, and exhibit management – all under one roof.

Responsibilities
• Set up and break down all exhibit components: hardware, graphics, accessories, and AV
• Pack exhibit materials accurately and prepare booths for shipping (removing old labels, affixing
new labels, skidding, etc.)
• Lead I&D crews and other onsite service teams at show locations, serving as the client-facing
point of contact and ensuring client peace of mind
• Perform installation and dismantle at non-union offsite locations
• Mark all shipping forms and product with appropriate job numbers
• Conduct thorough inspections of all materials upon return from show: hardware, booth,
graphics, accessories, computer monitors, and more
• Repair, fix, clean, and maintain exhibit properties as directed
• Keep warehouse racks and aisles clearly marked, organized, and clean
• Perform regular warehouse cleaning and maintenance
• Photograph exhibit properties and upload to Dropbox
• Coordinate closely with Account Managers, Detailers, Build Manager, Warehouse Manager, and
additional personnel to ensure project requirements are met

Requirements
• 1 to 3 years of trade show, exhibit, or live event production experience
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Forklift certification (or willingness to certify within 30 days of hire)
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, with strong interpersonal skills and a
positive attitude
• Ability to multitask in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment and meet hard deadlines
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively
• Clear verbal and written communication for show reports, packing lists, and shipping
documentation
• Availability for travel and weekend or evening work as required by show schedules
• Familiarity with modular exhibit systems (Nimlok, Aluvision, beMatrix, Octanorm, or similar)
• Experience reading setup drawings, CAD renderings, or booth schematics
• Proficiency with hand and power tools (drills, impact drivers, levels, etc.)