Senior Technical Designer

Job Title: Senior Technical Designer

Location: Charlottesville, VA
Employment Type: Full-time, On-site
Experience Level: 5+ years

About Us

Gropen, Inc. is a full-service, custom fabrication, architectural signage, and graphics firm based in Charlottesville, VA. For over 40 years, we've partnered with architects, developers, park administrators, hospitals, universities, and other institutions to bring clarity, identity, and storytelling to physical spaces through environmental graphics and signage. Our multidisciplinary team of designers, fabricators, and installers is committed to delivering high-quality work while fostering a positive, growth-oriented culture.

We value curiosity, ownership, and collaboration-and offer opportunities to work on diverse, impactful projects with room for personal and professional development.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking a seasoned and highly skilled Senior Technical Designer to contribute in the development of technical documentation for signage and experiential design projects. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, a clear communicator, and a problem solver with hands-on experience in technical design and fabrication.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce fabrication-ready drawing packages from concept through production, including shop drawings, 3D renderings, and digital files
• Collaborate with project managers, designers, fabricators, and installers to align technical output with project goals
• Assess materials, site conditions, and fabrication methods to ensure design feasibility
• Hands-on experience building in a construction environment or fabrication shop is preferred
• Provide feedback and guidance to team members and contribute to knowledge-sharing
• Uphold and refine internal drawing standards and documentation best practices
• Develop practical and constructible solutions for complex design problems
• Communicate technical design intent to clients and internal teams
• Ensure drawing sets meet compliance, accessibility, and fabrication requirements (ADA where applicable)

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in technical design for environmental graphics, industrial design, or signage fabrication
• Experience producing fabrication-ready documentation
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign)
• Advanced skills using 3D modeling software (Rhino, Fusion 360, or equivalent)
• Strong understanding of materials, fabrication processes, and installation methods
• Ability to interpret and integrate architectural and engineering drawings
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• Strong problem-solving mindset and flexibility to pivot under pressure
• Knowledge of ADA requirements and regulatory standards a plus
• Growth mindset and drive to stay current with evolving tools and technologies

How You'll Make a Difference

• Lead the technical execution of complex signage and experiential design projects
• Ensure precision, constructability, and clear communication throughout project phases
• Act as a resource and mentor within the design team
• Uphold high standards of craftsmanship, accuracy, and innovation

Key Performance Indicators

• Quality and clarity of technical documentation
• On-time delivery of drawing packages
• Leadership in solving complex design challenges
• Effective collaboration across departments
• Client satisfaction with technical accuracy and responsiveness
• Contributions to documentation standards and internal knowledge base

Benefits

• Full-time salaried position
• Competitive compensation based on experience
• Paid holidays and PTO
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan
• Monday-Friday schedule (no weekends)
• Career growth opportunities in a dynamic, collaborative environment