Senior/Master Glass Blower and Shop Tech - Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting

Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting is a Made in America lighting company that is passionately devoted to introducing our artistic lighting and studio glass to the new generation of designers, junior designers, architects and industry leaders in the commercial segment. Since the 1940’s, Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting has led the way in innovative and creative light artistry. We specialize in the design, development, and manufacturing of creative lighting with over 1000 pieces in our product line, while offering the option of exciting and challenging custom designs for our clients. Fine Art Lamps is based in 50 states and 70 countries around the world as a leader in “Made in America” quality that exceeds expectations.

Job Type: Full-time

Job Description:

This is a hybrid Glass Blowing/ Shop Tech position. We are looking for a senior/master Glassblower with experience running a glass studio and has 10 years of production glass blowing experience. A list of suggested skills is as follows.

Senior/Master Glass Blower and Shop Tech

Key Responsibilities Glass Blowing:Estimated to 70% of his/her time.

• Expert Glassblowing: Demonstrating exceptional skill in all aspects of glassblowing, mold blowing, shaping, forming and finishing work. 
• Design Support: Support the creation of innovative designs, often pushing the boundaries of glassblowing techniques.
• Mentorship: Guiding apprentices and journeymen, sharing their knowledge and expertise.
• Project Management: Overseeing complex glassblowing projects as directed, ensuring that they meet deadlines and quality standards.
• Quality Control: Ensuring that all glass pieces produced meet the highest standards of craftsmanship.
• Technical Proficiency: A deep understanding of glass properties, techniques, and equipment. Equivalent to 10 years of production experience
• Creativity: The ability to design and create unique and innovative glass pieces.
• Coldworking: Has basic coldworking skills
• Problem-Solving: The capacity to overcome challenges and find solutions to technical issues.
• Leadership: The ability to guide and mentor others in glassblowing.
• Independent or Collaborative: May work independently or as part of a team, depending on the nature of the project.
• Physical Demands: Glassblowing can be physically demanding, requiring strength, dexterity, and the ability to stand for long periods in hot weather. The studio location is in Miami Florida which has very hot summer months. The workspace has a tremendous exhaust system, but the day temperatures will typically run into the 90’s.

Master glassblowers are highly respected for their skills and expertise. For Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting the candidate will work on prestigious projects, create one-of-a-kind pieces, and will contribute to the growth in the tradition of glassmaking for FAHL.

Key responsibilities of the shop tech: Estimated to be 30% of his/her time.

The following is a list of duties and required knowledge that are specific to the operation of the Glass Department. The position will be the point person and will work closely with the facilities supervisor to resolve any issues that will hinder the output of the department.  

• Furnace Operation: The operation, repair and maintenance of the Falorni furnaces. This requires a basic knowledge of combustion systems and the ability to read a electrical schematic. Understanding the tuning of the furnaces and preventative maintenance required.

• Kiln Maintenance: Replacing components and servicing electrical annealers and kilns. An understanding of kiln operation and repair which includes replacing elements and breakers. Basic understanding of electrical systems. Preventative maintenance includes the physical operation of doors, insulation, etc.

• Watlow controllers: Full operation and programing of Watlow controllers. Installation of controllers and understanding of the control box.

• Gas Devices: Repair and maintenance of all gas devices such as gloryholes and pipe warmers.

• Basic shop Maintenance: The ongoing maintenance of the hot shop studio equipment and all of its varied shop equipment.

• Repair of wood molds. The rebuilding to maintain the operation of the wood molds.

Benefits Offered:

• Health
• Dental
• Vision
• 401K
• Life Insurance
• Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• Accident Insurance
• Cancer Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Hospital Insurance