Technical Director

Upstate Scenic Inc. has an immediate opening for a full-time, year-round Technical Director to work in a fast-paced commercial scene shop. Successful candidates will possess strong scenic carpentry and metal fabrication skills, a thorough understanding of theatrical construction methods, excellent organizational and project management abilities, and the technical expertise necessary to oversee projects from design through fabrication and installation. Candidates should be adaptable, detail-oriented, and able to collaborate professionally with designers, clients, and production staff.RESPONSIBILITIESProduce technical drawings from scenic designer renderings and construction documentsDevelop construction plans and oversee project workflow from concept through completionMaintain project schedules and production timelinesCoordinate delivery logistics and transportation of scenic elementsPlan and oversee load-in and load-out schedulesPrepare files for CNC machining and digital fabricationCoordinate and participate in offsite installations, including rigging, scenery, and practical electricsMaintain a safe and organized work environmentEnsure all work meets company quality standards and client expectationsOperate and oversee CNC machinery, including programming and routine maintenancePerform scenic carpentry, steel and aluminum fabrication, rigging, and scenic electrical installation as requiredAssist other departments and perform additional duties as neededQUALIFICATIONSThorough knowledge of theatrical construction methods and technical production practicesProficiency with Vectorworks or AutoCAD, VCarve, ProNest LT, and the USITT Scenic Design & Technical Production Graphic StandardsExperience with CNC programming, operation, and machine maintenanceStrong scenic carpentry and metal fabrication skillsExperience with welding, rigging, scenic electrics, and standard theatrical construction methodsKnowledge of woodworking and metal fabrication machinery and power toolsForklift operation experience preferredStrong organizational, problem-solving, and project management skillsAbility to communicate effectively with excellent interpersonal skillsAbility to work independently while collaborating within a team environmentMajority of the workday is spent indoors, with occasional offsite installationsMust possess and maintain a valid driver's license with reliable transportationMust be able to perform repeated bending, squatting, lifting, climbing, and prolonged standingMust be able to lift up to 75 poundsMust be comfortable working on ladders and scaffoldingWillingness to work overtime, weekends, and occasional overnight travel as project schedules requireWORK SCHEDULEMonday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.Occasional overnight travel and weekend availability required.COMPENSATIONNegotiable based on experienceFull-time – year-roundHourly pay with time and a half after 40 hours worked in a single week.Benefits include (after a vesting period): Full medical & dental insurance; Company IRA with a 3% employer match; PTO & paid holiday time off policies.ABOUT UPSTATE SCENIC Founded in 2011, Upstate Scenic Inc. is a full-service scenic construction company specializing in creating exceptional, high-quality work for theater, television, and display. Upstate Scenic is dedicated to delivering craftsmanship with creative solutions to make every project a success. Our team is passionate about bringing creative designs to life, offering innovative technical solutions while maintaining the artistry and craftsmanship that make each project unique. Located in the heart of the historic Hudson Valley in Chatham, NY, Upstate Scenic operates out of a 16,000 sq. ft. former paper factory, now fully converted to operate on solar power. Our facilities are equipped to manage every aspect of production—from initial concept through to fabrication and final installation. In addition to our primary workshop, our 10,000 sq. ft. secure storage facility—Upstate Scenic Storage—was created in response to a growing need for safe, long-term storage of theatrical sets, costumes, props, and other production materials. This storage solution ensures the longevity of your scenic elements after the final curtain falls. Our diverse portfolio includes work for clients across the entertainment and cultural sectors, recent projects include the Tony Award winning Broadway hit Oh, Mary!, and Dead Outlaw, select Off-Broadway credits include Drag! – The Musical, Here There Are Blueberries, Grangeville, The Big Gay Jamboree, Three Houses, and Eurydice. Other clients include Frank Gehry, Boston Lyric Opera, Sesame Place Theme Park, Yale Baroque Opera, MTV, New York Philharmonic, Mass MoCA, Disney Plus, HBO, Paul Taylor Dance, Pam Tanowitz Dance, and the Emmy Award-winning Nickelodeon NFL Slimetime.