Product Prep Technician at Hinkley Lighting Inc – Avon Lake, Ohio

Hinkley is a fourth-generation, family-owned company with over 100 years of experience in creating stylish, innovative lighting. Our mission — Life Aglow — is centered on delivering meaningful experiences through exceptional design and lasting relationships.

We are seeking a Product Prep Technician to support the Product Photographer by preparing products, equipment, and studio environments for high-quality imagery. This hybrid role involves unpacking, assembling, staging, and maintaining Hinkley fixtures for studio and on-location photo shoots, as well as assisting with showroom setup and product presentation at internal and external locations.

The ideal candidate will have mechanical aptitude, strong attention to detail, and adaptability, including the ability to creatively refine product presentation to ensure fixtures are photo-ready and aligned with design intent. This role requires working both independently and collaboratively in a deadline-driven environment, partnering closely with Photography, Marketing, Engineering, and Product Development teams.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Unpack and assemble a variety of Hinkley fixtures in accordance with product instructions, ensuring products are represented accurately and at the highest quality standard.
• Stage and install fixtures according to photo shoot plans to ensure optimal functionality, lighting, and presentation.
• Disassemble, repack, and prepare fixtures for transport, storage, or return.
• Troubleshoot product assembly or setup challenges and implement creative adjustments to ensure fixtures are photo-ready and function as intended for photography or video.
• Provide hands-on support during photo shoots by adjusting products, props, and lighting as directed by the Product Photographer.
• Collaborate with the Product Development team to coordinate sample scheduling, availability, and readiness for photography.
• Identify, document, and report fixture assembly, functionality, or quality issues to Engineering and Product Development teams.
• Maintain organization and cleanliness of the photo studio and related work areas.
• Travel to Hinkley showrooms as part of the setup team to assemble and hang products, update pricing tags, move fixtures, and support showroom refreshes.
• Support additional photography, showroom, marketing and/or Product Development related projects as needed.

Special Requirements

• Estimated travel (on-location photo shoots, trade show set up, etc.), up to 10%.

Level and Type of Education Required

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required.

Related Work Experience Required

• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude with the ability to assemble, construct, or build items accurately.
• Experience with basic product styling, set building, or hands-on assembly preferred.
• Prior experience assisting with studio or on-location photo shoots is a plus.
• Experience handling delicate or intricate components with care.
• Prior experience with material handling, warehouse, or product movement activities preferred; forklift certification or experience operating material handling equipment is a plus but not required.

Necessary Specialized Training, Knowledge, Skill and Abilities

• Strong visual and aesthetic judgment with the ability to identify imperfections or inconsistencies that detract from high-end decorative products.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude, manual dexterity, and care in handling, assembling, and maintaining fixtures or product setups.
• Resourceful, solutions-oriented, and adaptable, with the ability to troubleshoot issues, shift priorities, and problem-solve in dynamic studio and production environments.
• Proven ability to follow instructions accurately and consistently, with the ability and willingness to anticipate and support operational needs of the Product Photographer.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally with photographers and project partners.
• Positive, collaborative attitude with openness to feedback and a willingness to support evolving project needs.

Work Environment and Physical RequirementsThe following descriptions are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Works in showroom, photo studio or other non-office area when processing sample products or setting up for photo shoots.
• Ability to work at heights, including using ladders to hang or install products.
• Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to stand, bend, climb, carry and lift as needed for product assembly, installation and photography.
• Ability to lift and carry equipment or product components weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to verbally communicate (hear, speak).

We are committed to providing a total reward package including a market-competitive salary, an annual performance bonus for every position in the company, a comprehensive benefits program, community service volunteer program and much more! Our benefits package includes: 401(k) plan with company match, comprehensive health insurance coverage, paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays, life insurance, short-term disability, wellness programs, voluntary benefits including dental, vision & more, flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care and generous employee product purchase discounts.

Hinkley is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity, all qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran’s status or any other protected characteristic.

Candidates must possess authorization to work in the United States, as it is not our practice to sponsor individuals for work visas.