Technical Designer

Job Title: Technical Designer

Location: Charlottesville, VA
Employment Type: Full-time, On-site
Experience Level: 2–4 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

• 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 plus

Responsibilities

• 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 practices

How 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 environments

Key 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 outputs

Benefits

• 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