Mid-Level FabricatorÂ
Location: Charlottesville, VA
Company: Gropen Inc.Â
Pay Range: $23-$26 per hour - (Experience Level will determine rate of pay)
At Gropen, we build custom signage, branded environments, exhibits, and specialty projects that are designed to stand out. No two projects are exactly alike, and we’re looking for a Fabricator who enjoys both the craftsmanship and problem-solving that come with custom work.
This role is more than simply cutting parts and assembling pieces. We need someone who can look at a drawing and think through how it becomes a finished product in the real world. Someone who understands materials, build methods, fit and finish, and how fabrication decisions affect the final result. The right person has solid fabrication skills, strong shop instincts, and takes pride in building quality work. You should be comfortable figuring things out, adapting when needed, and working closely with a team to bring creative ideas to life.
What You’ll Do
- Fabricate custom signage, displays, exhibits, and architectural elements using metal, wood, acrylic, composites, and other specialty materialsÂ
- Interpret shop drawings, renderings, and production files and translate them into finished physical productsÂ
- Think through fabrication methods, sequencing, structural integrity, and installation requirements during the build processÂ
- Weld, cut, grind, assemble, finish, and refine components with a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detailÂ
- Collaborate with designers and project teams to solve fabrication challenges and improve build efficiencyÂ
- Identify potential production or installation issues before they become problemsÂ
- Operate fabrication equipment safely and effectively, including saws, welders, CNC equipment, routers, and finishing toolsÂ
- Help maintain quality standards across projects from concept through final assemblyÂ
- Support installations and field adjustments as neededÂ
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized workspaceÂ
 What We’re Looking For
- Experience in metal fabrication, custom fabrication, signage, scenic, exhibit, millwork, or related tradesÂ
- Ability to read shop drawings and understand how concepts translate into physical buildsÂ
- Strong spatial awareness and mechanical intuitionÂ
- Creative problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt when plans evolveÂ
- Pride in craftsmanship and ownership of your workÂ
- Comfort working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where projects vary constantlyÂ
- Ability to balance efficiency with qualityÂ
- Strong communication and teamwork skillsÂ
- Dependable, self-motivated, and willing to learnÂ
Bonus Points For
- MIG/TIG welding experienceÂ
- Experience in architectural signage or experiential fabricationÂ
- CNC operation or programming experienceÂ
- Experience with custom one-off projects versus high-volume productionÂ
- Understanding of installation methods and field conditionsÂ
- Ability to contribute ideas that improve process, quality, or executionÂ
The Perks
- Full-time positionÂ
- Competitive pay based on experience and capabilityÂ
- Paid holidays and PTOÂ
- Affordable health, dental, and vision insuranceÂ
- 401(k) eligibility after one yearÂ
- Monday-Friday schedule
Why Gropen
At Gropen, we build things that people experience in the real world. Our work exists in hospitals, campuses, parks, commercial spaces, and public environments across the country.  We’re a team of makers, problem solvers, designers, and builders who care deeply about quality and collaboration. We value curiosity, initiative, craftsmanship, and people who want to continue growing their skills.  If you enjoy creative fabrication, solving unique challenges, and building work you can genuinely be proud of, you’ll fit in well here.
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