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Prop Master/Scenic Designer

Ampa Events · Virginia, MN, USA ·

Pay:
60.000 - 80.000
Job type:
Full Time

Also known as, Technical Director, Design Fabricator, & Display Designer

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

Lead fabrication efforts on assigned projects

Supervise installation crews and ensure quality execution on‑site

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

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:

Project photography

Custom carpentry projects

Exhibits and displays

Scenic environments

Props and specialty builds

Trade show installations

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.

Competitive compensation

Health insurance

401(k) with company matching

Paid time off

Professional growth opportunitiesCollaborative and creative work environment

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