History

We at O’Brien Metal miss the days when the history of humankind was defined by the metalwork of each era. However, the history of O’Brien Metal has always been defined by relationships.

The relationship between design and function. Between shape and finish. Most importantly, between us and our partners: the architects, designers, and landscape architects with whom we collaborate to realize our dreams. Since 2007, we’ve been crafting beautiful interiors and striking exteriors throughout Chicago and New York. As we've expanded our service offerings—both internally, through the growth of our team, and externally, by partnering with the most skilled specialty vendors—that expansion has been founded on relationships.

We’ll continue to let the beauty of our work display our quality. We measure our success by the strength of our partnerships.

Looking for Work?

We're calling all Metal Sherpas: great people who share a passion for creating cool stuff. Our shop is about more than metalworking—it's about devising interesting and unique solutions, and bringing to life the visions of architects, landscape architects, and designers.

Like metals themselves, Metal Sherpas come in all different varieties, each with different strengths. O'Brien Metal boasts a diverse group of Fabricators, Artists, Metal Technicians, TIG Welders, Craftspeople, and Forging and Casting professionals.

Metal Sherpas must be smart, driven, detail-orientated, and professional. They must know how to read blueprints and documents, and how to work with specialty metals including bronze, brass, copper, stainless steel, and aluminum. All candidates must possess excellent teamwork and collaboration skills to fit in with a culture of work that transcends the merely ordinary.

If this is you, please send a resume and cover letter to careers@obrienmetal.com.

  • Architectural Detailers

    Architects and Engineers – Are you tired of the same old grind? Looking for a new challenge, or to learn a new industry?

    We are looking for highly thoughtful and detail-orientated individuals to provide architectural detailing services with a focus on interior and exterior architectural metal solutions. Individuals will work closely with architects/designers and in-house fabrication teams to form the link between the architect’s concept and the completed solution.

    Our architectural detailers bridge the gap between idea generation and design formulation, refining the details that achieve the goals of functionality, constructability, and aesthetics. They also ensure that the best and most efficient design processes are used and the right materials are selected. They monitor quality assurance, costs, and deadlines throughout the project.

  • Masters of Finishes

    Specialty metal finishers provide the finishing touch to all our projects—the final details that make all the difference. We are looking for experts in patinas, plating, and brush finishes. Technicians who understand how to finish and restore bronze, brass, copper, stainless steel, aluminum, and other specialty metals. Finishers ensure that the best and most efficient finish processes are employed, and that the right materials and vendors are selected. Their skill is critical to our work restoring and conserving historic objects. They monitor quality assurance, costs, and deadlines throughout the project.

  • Part-time Bookkeeper/Accountant

    We are looking for a part-time bookkeeper or accountant to assist with data input and reconciliation, Quick Books reporting and time-keeping, invoicing, and collections. Flexible hours.

  • Incentives & Benefits

    We're not your typical blue collar metal working shop. O'Brien Metal offers benefits including health insurance, paid time off, holidays, and other perks. Incentive compensation and bonuses are also available for senior personnel. We're not afraid to enjoy a Friday happy hour, either—just like fine metals, good employees need plenty of restoration to stay shiny and buffed.