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Prop Design Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

... blade and prop blade development. We are an AS9100 Rev D certified company offering engineering design, analysis, testing and manufacturing in both composites and aerospace metals. For more ...

CNC Programmer

Newport News, VA · On-site

$40 - $60/hr

... blade and prop blade development. We are an AS9100 Rev D certified company offering engineering design, analysis, testing and manufacturing in both composites and aerospace metals. For more ...

CNC Programmer

Newport News, VA · On-site

$40 - $60/hr

... blade and prop blade development. We are an AS9100 Rev D certified company offering engineering design, analysis, testing and manufacturing in both composites and aerospace metals. For more ...

ENGINEER STRUCTURAL 3

Newport News, VA · On-site

$99K - $122K/yr

E50 PROP AND REAC ENG PLNG YRD Entity: Newport News Shipbuilding US Citizenship Required for this ... The PREPY is a single multidiscipline, cross-platform design agency, which is responsible for the ...

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Prop Design information

See Virginia salary details

$17

$50

$72

How much do prop design jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for prop design in Virginia is $50.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.85 and $61.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is prop design?

Prop design is the process of creating and developing objects that actors interact with on stage, in film, or on television. These objects, known as props, can range from everyday items like books and cups to fantastical creations for imaginative worlds. Prop designers work closely with directors, set designers, and other production staff to ensure props meet the story's needs, are safe for use, and fit the visual style of the production. Their work may involve sketching, building, painting, and sometimes sourcing items. Effective prop design helps bring authenticity and depth to a production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a prop designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Prop Designer, you need strong artistic ability, spatial awareness, and a solid understanding of design principles, often supported by a degree in art, design, or a related field. Familiarity with digital design software (such as Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, or CAD), model-making tools, and sometimes 3D printing technologies is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective collaboration are vital soft skills for bringing concepts to life and working within larger creative teams. These skills ensure the creation of visually compelling, functional props that enhance storytelling and meet production needs.

What are some common challenges faced by prop designers when collaborating with directors and other creative departments?

Prop designers often collaborate closely with directors, set designers, and costume teams to ensure that props align with the overall vision of a production. A common challenge is balancing creative ideas with practical constraints like budget, materials availability, and time. Effective communication is essential, as last-minute script changes or design adjustments may require rapid problem-solving and flexibility. Building strong relationships with other departments helps streamline the process and ensures that props enhance the storytelling while meeting safety and functional requirements.

What is the difference between Prop Design vs Set Design?

AspectProp DesignSet Design
Primary FocusCreating and sourcing individual props used on setDesigning entire physical environments and backgrounds
Required SkillsProp sourcing, craftsmanship, attention to detailSet construction, spatial planning, scenic design
Work EnvironmentWorkshops, on-location, studioStudio, on-location, construction sites
Industry UsageFilm, TV, theater, commercialsFilm, TV, theater, events

Prop Design focuses on creating and sourcing individual objects that enhance storytelling, while Set Design involves designing entire environments. Both roles collaborate closely but serve different aspects of production design.

How do you become a prop designer?

To become a prop designer, develop skills in art, sculpture, and design, often through a degree in fine arts, design, or a related field. Gaining experience with tools like CAD software and building a strong portfolio are essential, along with understanding the production process and collaborating with set designers and directors.

What are popular job titles related to Prop Design jobs in Virginia?

For Prop Design jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Prop Design jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Prop Design job openings:

Infographic showing various Prop Design job openings in Virginia as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $104,531 per year, or $50.3 per hour.

Mechanical Design Engineer

Newport News, VA

Synerfac Technical Staffing
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 51 - 200 employees

$50K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Mechanical Design Engineer
Location: Newport News, VA
Shift: (1st shift) Monday - Friday; 6am - 8am start time ; 3pm - 5pm end time
Type: direct hire
About the Company:
Our Client designs and manufactures state of the art aircraft systems and components for the aerospace industry, with a niche in helicopter rotor system and prop blade development.
Responsibilities and Functions:
Perform mechanical/machine design engineering and integration of mechanical subsystems in support of a multi-disciplined engineering team.
- Follows direction of senior staff and engineering management to conduct mechanical and electro-mechanical hardware design, development, integration/implementation, and analysis in all phases of a design/development program
- Review performance reports and documentation from customers and field engineers and inspect malfunctioning or damaged products to determine problem
- Formulate mathematical models or other methods of computer analysis to develop, evaluate, or modify design according to customer engineering requirements
- Conduct experimental, environmental, operational and stress tests on models and prototypes of aircraft and aerospace systems and equipment
- Draft and position necessary instructions and comments on engineering drawings to facilitate successful manufacturing
- Drafts multiple-view detail, assembly, subassembly, and layout drawings as required for manufacturing and repair
- Design scale or full-size blueprints of components or systems
- Supports flight test operations, some travel may be required
Benefits:
- Medical
- Vision
- Life insurance
- Dental
- 401(K) with employer matching
- Generous PTO program
Disclaimer:
By applying for this job, you agree to receive calls, Al-generated calls, text messages, or emails from Synerfac Technical Staffing and our contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undeliverable messages. You can reply STOP to cancel and HELP for help. You can access our privacy policy at www.synerfac.com/privacy/
- BS in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering
- Minimum 3 years of demonstrated experience in mechanical design & drafting
- Experience with software: SolidWorks, CATIA V5, ProE, KeyCreator, ANSYS and NASTRAN preferred
- Thorough understanding of GD&T
- Knowledge of design/drafting/ CAD
- Knowledge of ASME Y14.5 drawing standard
- Proficiency in SolidWorks, CATIA V5 and Microsoft office software

Synerfac Technical Staffing logo

About Synerfac Technical Staffing

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Since 1987, Synerfac has served three groups, Our Clients, Our Candidates and Our Staff. We treat all three with equal importance because we recognize the synergy of success when one group succeeds, We all succeed. Synerfac is in the business of providing opportunities and adding value. We strive to create extraordinary experiences. For our clients we provide staffing services that enable them to focus on their core competencies which will add value to their businesses. For our employees we provide permanent and temporary assignments that complement their job skills and experience while providing professional and financial rewards. For our staff –we provide careers that are balanced, uplifting and carry the highest rewards by continually improving our business process. Our goal is to enhance the lives and enterprises of all those we touch to make them better off for having known us.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Cherry Hill, NJ, US

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