Benefits:

Flexible schedule

Installer for Experiential, Fixture, Retail, Millwork, Display

Location: New York / Tri-State Area Job Type: Freelance / Project-Based Schedule: Variable, including nights, early mornings, and occasional daytime work

Company Description

Harlequin is a global retail design agency specializing in the design, production, and installation of award-winning retail environments, window displays, interiors, and pop-up spaces.

With studios and operations in key markets including New York, London, Milan, Shanghai, and Dubai, Harlequin collaborates with leading brands to create impactful, visually engaging customer experiences.

Our team combines creativity, craftsmanship, and technical expertise to deliver projects from concept through fabrication and installation. Joining Harlequin means working in a multidisciplinary, international environment where quality, problem-solving, and attention to detail are essential.

About the Role

Harlequin is looking to expand our network of experienced freelance installers to support retail installations, window displays, pop-ups, store fixtures, millwork, and other custom projects throughout New York and the surrounding area.

This is a freelance, project-based position, with work scheduled as projects require. Installations frequently take place outside normal retail hours, including evenings, overnight, and early mornings. Some daytime work is also available depending on the project.

We are particularly interested in people with backgrounds in finish carpentry, architectural millwork installation, retail fixture installation, scenic installation, exhibit installation, or custom fabrication.

The ideal installer is hands-on, mechanically capable, comfortable reading drawings, and able to figure out practical solutions in the field while maintaining a high standard of finish.

Responsibilities

Install custom millwork, retail fixtures, displays, window elements, and other fabricated components

Assemble and install cabinetry, shelving, panels, structures, furniture, and decorative elements

Read and work from installation drawings, shop drawings, plans, and instructions

Accurately measure, position, level, align, and secure finished components

Perform finish carpentry and field modifications when required

Install hardware, brackets, fasteners, anchors, and other mounting systems

Assist with installation of graphics, acrylic components, lighting, and decorative elements

Make minor field adjustments or modifications to ensure proper fit and finish

Troubleshoot installation challenges and develop practical solutions on site

Protect finished surfaces and work carefully within completed retail environments

Load, unload, unpack, stage, and organize installation materials as required

Coordinate with Harlequin project managers, installation leads, other trades, and client/site representatives

Maintain a clean and organized work area throughout installation

Complete installations safely, efficiently, and to a high visual standard

Experience We’re Looking For

Professional experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred:

Architectural millwork installation

Finish carpentry

Cabinetry installation

Retail fixture installation

Store build-outs

Scenic or theatrical installation

Exhibit and trade show installation

Museum or gallery installation

Custom fabrication

Architectural metal installation

Display and visual merchandising installation

Event or experiential fabrication and installation

Skills & Qualifications

Strong hands-on construction, carpentry, or installation skills

Experience using common hand and power tools

Ability to accurately measure, level, align, and install finished components

Ability to read basic shop drawings and installation drawings

Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving ability

Comfortable making minor field modifications when conditions differ from drawings

Ability to work carefully around high-quality finished surfaces

Reliable, punctual, and able to work effectively as part of an installation team

Comfortable working in fast-paced environments and under tight installation schedules

Ability to safely lift and maneuver installation materials and components

Willingness to work flexible hours depending on project requirements

Additional Skills We Value

We don’t expect every installer to have all of these skills, but experience in several of the following areas is particularly useful:

Advanced finish carpentry

Millwork and cabinetry

LED lighting and low-voltage installation

Basic electrical knowledge

Graphics or vinyl installation

Scenic fabrication

Rigging

Painting and touch-up work

Furniture assembly

Hardware installation

Site surveying and field measurement

Experience working in luxury retail environments

Schedule & Availability

This is not a traditional Monday-through-Friday position. Work is offered on a project-by-project basis depending on our installation schedule.

Retail installations often need to happen while stores are closed, so projects may include:

Evening and overnight shifts

Early morning installations

Daytime installations

Weekday and occasional weekend work

Single-shift installations

Multi-day installation projects

There is no guaranteed number of hours or projects. This role is best suited to experienced freelance installers who are comfortable accepting work based on their availability.

Location & Travel

Most of our installation projects are located in and around New York City, including Manhattan and the surrounding NYC metropolitan area.

Installers will generally travel directly to the project site and should be comfortable working at different locations throughout the NYC area depending on the project.

For installers who are interested and available, there may also be occasional opportunities to travel for projects outside the New York area. Travel is not a requirement for this role, and availability for out-of-town projects can be discussed on a project-by-project basis.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for experienced tradespeople who can do more than simply follow instructions.

Our installations are custom, and site conditions don’t always match what was expected. A strong Harlequin installer can look at a drawing, understand what we’re trying to achieve, identify a problem, and help find a practical solution without compromising the finished appearance.

Because we work with leading retail and luxury brands, quality and attention to detail are extremely important. Installations need to look intentional, clean, level, aligned, and finished, even when the work is being completed overnight under a tight deadline.

We’re particularly interested in building long-term relationships with reliable freelance installers who we can call regularly as projects arise.

Lead Installer opportunities are also available for candidates with appropriate experience managing installation crews and complex on-site projects.