Interactive Exhibit Designer

The Work Is Real.

At Heartland Scenic Studio, we do awesome! We build the kinds of environments people walk into and say, “Whoa.” Museums. Immersive exhibits. Theatrical spaces. Experiential installations.

Designers dream it up. Fabricators bring it to life. And right in the middle sits the Design Engineer — the person who makes sure what we build actually works.

This is not a desk-only drafting job. This is engineering that shows up in the physical world.

You will take creative concepts and translate them into buildable shop documentation. You will solve fabrication challenges before they hit the floor. You will create clean drawings, smart assemblies, and realistic structural solutions that protect budget, timeline, and craftsmanship.

You will collaborate directly with carpenters, welders, project managers, and designers. You will hear what works. You will refine what doesn’t. You will see your work installed.

We are looking for someone who thinks like a builder and drafts like an engineer.

If you’ve ever looked at a beautiful concept and thought, “That’s great — here’s how we actually make it,” you’ll feel at home here.

Why Heartland?

We are a nationally recognized scenic and exhibit fabrication studio based in Omaha, Nebraska.

We believe:

• Structure creates freedom.
• Clarity reduces chaos.
• Collaboration beats ego.
• Creativity and precision belong in the same room.

Our values guide our work every day:

Collaborative. Creative. Passionate. Innovative. Curious.

We move fast. We care about quality. We hold each other accountable. And we build work we’re proud to stand behind. If you want to engineer projects you can physically walk through, not just send to production, this is your opportunity.

Position Summary

The Interactive Exhibit Designer develops creative, compelling, and technically sound exhibit concepts and designs that align with client goals, educational objectives, and fabrication feasibility. This role blends research, visual storytelling, spatial planning, and technical design to produce experiential environments that engage audiences across museums, themed spaces, and experiential venues.

You will collaborate with internal stakeholders including design, engineering, production, and project management teams, as well as external partners, to ensure exhibit designs are conceptually strong, fabrication-ready, and aligned to project schedules and budgets.

Essential Functions

Research, Conceptualization & Spatial Planning – 50%

• Conduct project research to develop historical, cultural, educational and inspirational content that informs design intent.
• Create spatial layouts and plan exhibit environments using CAD and design software.
• Produce conceptual drawings that express thematic direction, audience experience, and narrative goals.
• Develop detailed plans, 3D models, and renderings that account for fabrication and construction methods.

Client Collaboration & Communication – 20%

• Meet with clients and stakeholders to workshop ideas, solicit feedback, and align on design direction.
• Present research findings, conceptual drawings, and design development materials in a clear and constructive manner.

Industry Research & Design Standards – 15%

• Stay informed on exhibit design trends, best practices, accessibility standards, and emerging technologies that enhance visitor engagement.
• Research existing exhibits and technologies to inform creative direction and innovation.
• Contribute to cataloging and development of standard units or reusable components.

Technical Documentation & Project Coordination – 10%

• Produce accurate design documentation that supports fabrication, engineering review, and production execution.
• Coordinate with internal teams to resolve design challenges and integrate technical feedback.
• Participate in design reviews and technical discussions that refine and improve exhibit outcomes.

Project Execution Support – 5%

• Support installation planning, site evaluation, and fabricator communication as needed during execution phases.
• Assist in problem-solving design implementation issues in the field.

Core Competencies

1. Conceptual Design & Storytelling

2. Spatial Planning & Technical Integration

3. Client Communication & Presentation

4. Collaboration & Cross-Functional Partnership

5. Documentation & Process Discipline

6. Innovation & Continuous Improvement

7. Time & Project Management

Performance Measures

Success in this role is measured by:

• Achievement of role-specific performance goals, including design quality, documentation accuracy, and timeliness.
• Effective collaboration across internal teams and with external clients to support successful project outcomes.
• Adherence to safety, compliance, and operational standards applicable to the role.
• Demonstrated alignment with company values: Collaborative, Creative, Passionate, Innovative, and Curious, and accountability to these values in daily work.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree in Exhibit Design, Architecture, Interior Design, Industrial Design, or related field (or equivalent experience).

2. Strong conceptual and spatial design skills.

3. Experience with rendering or visualization software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, SketchUp, Fusion).

4. Demonstrated ability to produce CAD layouts, 3D models, and visual renderings.

5. Experience presenting design ideas to clients and internal stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in museum exhibit design, themed environments, or similar experiential design fields.
• Knowledge of fabrication, engineering interfacing, or production processes.
• Familiarity with interactive media or emerging exhibit technologies.

Work Environment & Schedule

• Full-time, salaried, exempt.
• Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Occasional overtime based on deadlines.
• Office-based with regular collaboration in fabrication areas.
• No travel required.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401(k) with match
• Flexible Spending Account
• Paid Time Off
• 6 Paid Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Supplemental insurance options

Pay: $70,000.00 - $70,001.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person