Technical Designer

Job Description

Job Title: Technical Designer

Location: Charlottesville, VA

Employment Type: Full-time, On-site

Experience Level: 2–4 yearsAbout 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

2–4 years of industrial design and technical drawing experience with a portfolio showcasing signage, wayfinding, branding, or experiential graphics

Proficiency in CAD software, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), and experience with 3D software

High-level understanding of geometry, building practices, and materiality in environmental design

Hands-on experience building in a construction environment or fabrication shop is preferred

Ability to read and interpret architectural and engineering plans

Strong communication, presentation, and collaboration skills across teams

Growth mindset with initiative to continuously improve and adapt

Ability to lead by example, pivot effectively, and solve complex problems

Knowledge of ADA requirements is a plusResponsibilities

Translate conceptual design into technical drawings suitable for fabrication and installation

Produce digital drawing sets, renderings, and shop drawings to communicate design intent and meet production standards

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure feasibility, accuracy, and alignment across phases

Conduct material research, develop prototypes, and assist in design detailing

Own projects from ideation through implementation while balancing design vision and constructability

Contribute to technical issue resolution, integrating stakeholder feedback to produce practical, visually compelling solutions

Participate in all project phases, from concept through construction documentation

Maintain drawing standards and proactively improve internal documentation practicesHow You’ll Make a Difference

Develop design solutions that align with client objectives and meet regulatory and fabrication requirements

Participate in conceptual design, presentations, schematic design, construction documents, and production

Consult and collaborate with design team members, consultants, contractors, and fabricators

Take a proactive, solution-focused approach to technical and creative challenges

Work well within ambiguity and contribute meaningfully in high-pressure environmentsKey Performance Indicators

Accuracy and clarity of technical documentation with minimal revision cycles

Responsiveness to internal and client feedback

Collaboration quality across project teams and departments

Contribution to documentation and process improvements

Client satisfaction with design outputsBenefits

Full-time salaried position

Competitive salary based on experience

Paid holidays and PTO

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan

Monday–Friday schedule (no weekends)

Career growth opportunities within a collaborative team

Full-time