Project Engineer, Mechanical Engineer

Midnight Mansion is a small, nimble company. We build things that excite us, make decisions with imperfect information, and learn from the real world. At the same time, we encourage each other to pause, reflect, and adjust course when needed.

We hire for mindset. Across software, art, engineering, and fabrication, we care about your ability to learn, collaborate, and problem solve all the way to the finish line. We build for the long term, and we believe the best work comes from taking care of the humans doing it.

If you're an artist looking for a place to showcase your work, we're also looking for collaborators! Check out our Artist Opportunities Page to learn more.

Midnight Mansion’s mission is to bring more delight into the world. We design, engineer, fabricate, and install immersive, in-person experiences - building anything from special exhibits to interactive pieces that blend creative technology, mechanical systems, lighting and sound, and special effects. From early prototypes to final install, we manage the full build and bring ambitious ideas into the real world.

We’re looking for a Project Engineer to turn ideas into buildable reality.

This is a full-time, in-person role in Needham, MA.

Responsibilities include:

Producing clear, build-ready drawings and models using CAD (preference towards Autodesk Fusion 360 and Revit)

Designing physical systems, scenic elements, and interactive components intended for real-world fabrication and install

Thinking through materials, tolerances, mounting mechanisms, service access, durability, and safety

Working closely with fabricators, software engineers, and designers to resolve constraints early

Prototyping and Testing designs in-person, sometimes quickly and imperfectly

Supporting projects through fabrication, install, and early operation

Strong experience creating drawings and models people can actually build from

Comfort designing for fabrication using wood, metal, plastics, fasteners, and finishes

Ability to think structurally and mechanically, even without formal analysis

Clear communication and a willingness to adjust designs based on real constraints

A preference for simple, robust solutions over clever but fragile ones

Must Haves

Ability to commute to our studio in Needham, MA

2+ years of experience with exhibits, themed entertainment, museum work, or interactive installations

Deep comfort working in CAD (OnShape, Solidworks, Fusion 360 and/or Revit), with a solid grasp of parametric modeling, constraints, assemblies, and clean, readable models that others can work from

Familiarity with real-world fabrication processes like CNC routing, laser cutting, welding, machining, bending, fastening, and assembly, and the ability to design parts and systems that respect the realities, tolerances, and limitations of those processes

Practical knowledge of common fabrication materials such as wood, metal, plastics, and composites, including when to use what, how materials behave, how they fail, and how finish and environment affect long-term durability

Ability to design for hands-on engagement: where people push, grab, lean, and sometimes abuse things, while keeping the interaction satisfying and the hardware robust

Familiarity working alongside electrical and software teams

Able to pick up new tools, workflows, and technical skills quickly as projects evolve

Understanding of how to design physical elements that are maintainable under constant guest interaction, including access for repairs and parts replacement.

$55,000 - $80,000 a year commensurate with experience

Highly flexible work hours

Retirement Savings Plan with employer match

And more!

Send an email to  with the subject Project Engineer Application . Attach your résumé, access to your portfolio/any relevant works, as well as a sentence or two describing what you are passionate about.