Technical Designer II

Job Description

Job Description

About us

Gropen, Inc., is a full-service, custom fabrication, architectural signage, and graphics firm in Charlottesville, VA.

For over 40 years we have developed a reputation for quality products and superior results. Our clients, both locally and nationally, include architects, landscape architects, real estate developers, park administrators, hospitals, and universities, for whom we provide smart, innovative, and effective solutions. We strive to maintain a friendly, supportive culture for people who want to work, learn, and enjoy what they do. This position offers opportunities for involvement in diverse project types and professional advancement in a team-oriented, dynamic culture.

Gropen is looking for a Mid-Level Technical Designer (Technical Designer II) to turn approved design intent into accurate, organized, and buildable technical documentation. You'll develop drawing packages, construction and mounting details, and installation documentation that Production and Installation can rely on — while flagging constructability concerns before they become downstream problems.

This role is a great fit for someone with a solid technical-drafting foundation who's ready to work independently, sharpen their fabrication knowledge, and grow toward more advanced technical-design work.

What You'll Do

• Develop complete technical drawing packages from approved design concepts and available project information.

• Create fabrication, mounting, construction, and installation documentation that clearly communicates how work is to be built and installed.

• Review project information and design intent to identify constructability concerns, missing information, or technical conflicts early in the process.

• Coordinate with Project Managers, Production, and Installation to answer technical questions and resolve issues affecting fabrication or field execution.

• Interpret architectural drawings and incorporate site, construction, and project conditions into technical documentation.

• Maintain drawing accuracy, organization, revision control, and consistency throughout the project lifecycle.

• Apply company drafting standards, file practices, and technical-design best practices to assigned work.

• Participate in project kickoffs and design reviews to understand requirements and identify technical needs.

• Communicate clearly with internal partners on drawing status, open technical questions, and information needed to complete work.

• Contribute to reusable details, standards, and technical documentation practices as you build experience — with support and mentorship from senior Technical Designers on more complex or unusual challenges.

What You'll Bring

• Associate degree in design, drafting, architecture, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.

• 3+ years of technical drafting, technical design, signage, or related experience.

• Experience developing technical drawings and documentation that support fabrication, production, or installation.

• Strong Adobe Creative Cloud proficiency and working technical-design software skills.

• Ability to read and interpret architectural drawings and translate design intent into technical documentation.

• Understanding of fabrication, construction, mounting, and installation methods.

• Hands-on experience in a fabrication, construction, or mechanical trade (e.g., general construction, auto repair, woodworking, or similar) is strongly preferred — this kind of experience helps translate design intent into buildable, real-world solutions.

• Understanding of design principles — typography, color theory, spatial relationships, and materiality — in the context of environmental design.

• Knowledge of ADA requirements is a plus.

• Strong attention to detail, organization, and revision control.

• Practical problem-solving skills and the ability to identify constructability concerns.

• Effective communication and teamwork across Project Management, Production, Installation, and Design.

• Experience with Adobe and Microsoft Office.

The Perks!

• Full-time salaried position

• Competitive salary compensation based on experience

• Paid holidays and PTO

• Affordable health, dental, and vision insurance

• 401k plan

• Career growth opportunities

• Monday-Friday, no weekends

Why Gropen

You'll play a hands-on role in making sure Gropen's designs actually get built the way they're intended — with direct impact on Production and Installation every day. You'll also have room to grow: as you build fabrication knowledge and technical judgment, there's a clear path toward more advanced, senior-level technical-design work.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and relevant work samples to [application email/link]. We review applications on a rolling basis.

How you’ll make a difference

Participate in all project phases, including conceptual designs, presentations, schematic design, design development, construction documents, and production. Collaborate with design team, clients, consultants, contractors, fabricators, regulatory agencies, and other vendors to meet overall project objectives. Resolve complex design issues with innovative and practical solutions. Produce graphic presentations, 3D renderings, and construction drawings. Assist in managing client expectations, team communication, and consultant coordination.

ACCOUNTABLE  |  PERSONABLE  |  RESOURCEFUL  |  CONSISTENT  |  TEAM PLAYER