Production Design Engineer in Cincinnati, Ohio at CIP Retail

About CIP Retail

CIP Retail is a full-service firm specializing in retail design, engineering, manufacturing, and installation of interior décor, customer communication signage, millwork, and custom fixtures. We partner with major national and international brands to bring complex retail environments to life — from concept through installation.

Our team combines technical problem-solving, practical manufacturing knowledge, and craftsmanship to deliver solutions that work in the real world.

Position Summary

We are seeking a Production Design Engineer to serve as the technical bridge between design intent and real-world fabrication.

This role is responsible for developing production-ready shop drawings and fabrication packages, improving manufacturing workflows, and collaborating with internal teams and outside vendors to ensure projects are accurate, manufacturable, and efficiently produced.

The ideal candidate enjoys translating design concepts into practical, buildable solutions and is comfortable working across design, engineering, fabrication, and vendor coordination.

This is a highly collaborative, hands-on role working with custom millwork, signage, fixtures, metal fabrication, and architectural décor elements.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and review production shop drawings and fabrication packages using AutoCAD
• Translate design concepts into accurate, buildable technical documentation
• Develop detailed production plans and vendor-ready drawing packages for outsourced fabrication partners
• Collaborate with project managers, designers, production teams, and vendors to resolve technical and manufacturability challenges
• Work directly with outside fabrication vendors to review specifications, submittals, materials, and production requirements
• Identify and implement process improvements related to production workflows, fabrication methods, and manufacturing efficiency
• Advise on CNC programming, tool pathing, and machining strategies; recommend software and process improvements where applicable
• Support estimating, procurement, and project planning with technical manufacturing insight
• Help ensure projects are delivered accurately, efficiently, and aligned with design intent

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related technical discipline
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, fabrication, millwork, signage, architectural production, or design/build environments
• Strong AutoCAD proficiency required. Experience with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and Gerber Composer preferred.
• Experience creating shop drawings, fabrication drawings, or production packages
• Working knowledge of manufacturing and fabrication processes including CNC machining, millwork, metal fabrication, or custom production environments
• Ability to read and interpret architectural drawings, specifications, and material callouts
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Comfortable communicating with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Lean manufacturing or process improvement experience is preferred but not required

What We Offer

• Competitive pay with bonus opportunities
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays