Scenic Designer/Fabrication Designer (Henrico)

Lead Finish Carpenter / Scenic Fabricator

Also known as Prop Master, Technical Director, Scenic Designer, Display Designer & Fabricator

Custom Fabrication • Scenic Construction • Displays • Installations

Richmond, VA | Full-Time | Benefits
Salary: $55,000-$75,000/year

Build Extraordinary Experiences
For nearly 30 years, Ampa Events has designed, fabricated, and produced unforgettable experiences across corporate events, themed environments, exhibits, brand activations, galas, and special events.
We're looking for a skilled Lead Finish Carpenter / Scenic Fabricator who takes pride in craftsmanship and enjoys transforming ideas into physical reality. This role combines custom fabrication, finish carpentry, scenic construction, installation leadership, and creative problem-solving.
Whether your background comes from scenic fabrication, custom millwork, exhibit construction, themed entertainment, museum exhibits, trade show fabrication, architecture, sign fabrication, or another skilled trade, we're interested in builders who can create polished, client-facing work and lead projects from concept through installation.
This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys building, leading crews, solving challenges, and producing work that exceeds expectations.

What You'll Do

Fabrication & Construction

Fabricate custom scenic elements, marketing displays, environments, props, and specialty pieces
Execute high-quality finish carpentry, scenic finishing, painting, detailing, and assembly work
Work with a wide range of materials including wood, foam, acrylic, metal, plastics, fabrics, laminates, scenic materials, and specialty finishes
Interpret renderings, sketches, drawings, and fabrication plans to produce finished work
Develop practical fabrication solutions that balance design intent, durability, logistics, and budget
Assist in maintaining and expanding Ampa's specialty inventory and fabrication capabilities
Project Leadership

Lead fabrication efforts on assigned projects
Supervise installation crews and ensure quality execution onsite
Coordinate with designers, project managers, vendors, and production teams
Monitor schedules, budgets, and production timelines
Maintain a safe, organized, and efficient work environment
Installation & Field Work

Lead installation and strike activities for events and projects
Travel to project sites as required
Troubleshoot field conditions and implement creative solutions onsite
Participate in occasional evening and weekend installations as project schedules require
Design & Creative Support

Contribute fabrication expertise during design development
Create or modify shop drawings and fabrication details using CAD software when needed
Assist with renderings, sketches, prototypes, and mockups as appropriate
Help translate creative concepts into buildable, cost-effective solutions

Show Us Your Work

We care more about what you've built than where you learned to build it.
Applicants should provide examples of relevant work, which may include:
Professional portfolios
Project photography
Fabrication work
Custom carpentry projects
Exhibits and displays
Scenic environments
Props and specialty builds
Trade show installations
Museum projects
Personal projects
Website galleries
Social media galleries
If you're proud of what you've made, we want to see it.

Required Qualifications

Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in finish carpentry, scenic fabrication, custom construction, exhibit fabrication, event production, millwork, themed entertainment, museum exhibits, sign fabrication, or a related field
Strong finish carpentry skills with the ability to produce polished, client-facing work
Strong scenic finishing, painting, detailing, and assembly skills
Experience working with a variety of materials including wood, foam, acrylic, metal, plastics, fabrics, and specialty finishes
Ability to interpret drawings, renderings, sketches, and fabrication plans
Familiarity with CAD software and technical drawing workflows
Strong understanding of construction techniques, fabrication methods, and material applications
Experience managing schedules, budgets, and project execution
Ability to lead crews and supervise installations
Strong communication and problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds safely
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with sculpture, prop fabrication, mold making, casting, or specialty fabrication techniques
Experience with CNC equipment, laser cutting, 3D printing, or other digital fabrication methods
Experience with SketchUp, Vectorworks, Rhino, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar software
Experience driving box trucks, trailers, or operating equipment related to event production
Experience in experiential marketing, trade shows, museums, live events, themed entertainment, or immersive environments
Rendering, illustration, or visualization skills

What Makes This Role Unique

This isn't a production-line fabrication job.
You'll help create one-of-a-kind environments, displays, and experiences that people remember. One week you might be fabricating a custom activation, the next building scenic elements for a gala, corporate event, exhibit, or immersive environment.
You'll work alongside designers, fabricators, artists, and event professionals who believe exceptional experiences are built through creativity, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.

Benefits

Competitive compensation
Health insurance
401(k) with company matching
Paid time off
Professional growth opportunities
Collaborative and creative work environment

To Apply

Please submit:
Resume
Photos, portfolio, website, social media gallery, or examples of your work
Any additional information that helps us understand your experience and craftsmanship
Traditional and non-traditional career paths are welcome. We value skill, craftsmanship, initiative, and a strong work ethic as much as formal education.