The Director of Technical Design – Scenic is responsible for leading and overseeing the Technical Design department for PRG Scenic Technologies. This role provides direct leadership to Technical Designers while ensuring the successful development of scenic fabrication projects from concept through installation.

Working closely with Sales, the Quote Team, Project Management, Engineering, Operations, and Production, this position is responsible for establishing and enforcing technical design standards, workflows, documentation practices, and design processes that support efficient fabrication, project execution, and client satisfaction.

The Director of Technical Design oversees the development of technical concepts, design packages, engineering coordination, bills of materials, fabrication drawings, and installation documentation while ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on schedule, and within budget.

This position plays a key leadership role in supporting innovation, continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and the successful execution of scenic fabrication projects while fostering a collaborative, solutions-oriented culture.

It is the policy of PRG to provide excellent customer service both internally and externally. Employees are expected to perform all duties and responsibilities in alignment with this standard at all times. Additional related duties may be assigned as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Direct management and oversight of the Technical Design team, currently consisting of two Technical Designers.
• Train, mentor, and develop Technical Design staff to support professional growth and technical excellence
• Establish, implement, and enforce department standards, workflows, and design best practices
• Manage departmental workload, staffing assignments, priorities, and PTO approvals
• Conduct performance evaluations and support employee development initiatives
• Partner with Human Resources on hiring, employee relations, performance management, and staff separations
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and solutions-oriented team culture

Essential Functions

• Lead the Technical Design department in the development of scenic designs from concept through fabrication and installation
• Collaborate with Sales, the Quote Team, Project Management, Engineering, Operations, and Production to develop practical, profitable, and creative technical solutions
• Oversee concept development, technical layouts, fabrication drawings, assembly drawings, and installation documentation
• Ensure technical designs meet client expectations, project requirements, safety standards, applicable codes, and company quality standards
• Review and approve technical design packages prior to release for fabrication
• Oversee the development of accurate bills of materials, statements of probable cost, and procurement documentation
• Identify long-lead materials and coordinate with Project Management and Procurement to minimize schedule impacts
• Ensure design assumptions, life safety considerations, engineering requirements, and fabrication methods are clearly defined throughout the project lifecycle
• Support Project Managers during project planning, budgeting, scheduling, and execution
• Participate in client meetings, design reviews, site surveys, and project strategy discussions as required
• Support fabrication teams by resolving design questions and troubleshooting field conditions throughout production and installation
• Promote standardization of design practices, reusable inventory, and continuous process improvements
• Identify opportunities for additional project scope and communicate potential changes to Project Management and Sales
• Lead regular department meetings to review workload, priorities, operational updates, and process improvements
• Work on-site or travel to project locations as necessary to support project success

• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD and Inventor with experience in 3D modeling software
• Strong knowledge of scenic fabrication, theatrical construction, entertainment technology, engineering coordination, and live event production
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, engineering documents, ground plans, sections, and technical layouts
• Strong understanding of fabrication methods, materials, structural systems, scenic automation, rigging, and installation practices
• Experience developing bills of materials, fabrication documentation, and technical drawing packages
• Excellent organizational, planning, and project management skills
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Creative problem-solving abilities with exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced production environment
• Experience collaborating across multiple departments to deliver successful projects

Physical Demands

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position approximately 50% of the time
• Must be able to bend, climb stairs, and continuously stand or walk for extended periods as required
• Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Must be able to communicate effectively in both written and verbal forms
• Hearing and vision within normal ranges are required for reviewing drawings, inspecting work, and communicating with clients and team members

Other Duties

• Understanding of and compliance with company policies
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the Technical Design department
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Travel Required

• Some travel required depending on project needs
• Must have a valid passport
• Must have a valid driver's license

Required Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Technical Theater, Engineering, Architecture, Industrial Design, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience
• 7+ years of scenic fabrication, entertainment production, or technical design experience
• Experience leading and developing Technical Design teams
• Strong understanding of scenic fabrication, engineering coordination, production workflows, and installation practices
• Experience developing technical concepts from initial design through fabrication and installation
• Experience working in entertainment, touring, sports, corporate events, museums, themed entertainment, or scenic fabrication environments