Job Description

Scenic Finisher / Artist -- Where Art Meets Engineering

Based in South Lanarkshire | Full-time (Mon-Thu)

28,000-32,000 DOE + pension + stocked kitchen perks

Apply by: 29th July 2025

Who We Are

Welcome to

JRDF

-- a creative powerhouse at the crossroads of art, technology, and engineering. We're a small, family-run fabrication studio with a reputation for making the impossible real. Whether we're building full-scale sci-fi ships, autonomous race cars, or immersive installations, we love pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

Here's a flavour of what we're working on:

Cloud Imperium Games

- For over eight years (and counting), we've been building full-scale replicas of in-game environments (think sci-fi ship interiors and models), plus detailed scale models for merchandise.

AIPEX Autonomous Racing

- As the first privately owned autonomous race team, AIPEX trusts us to fabricate their race cars and manage international testing.

...And many more weird and wonderful projects that blend imagination, storytelling, and serious technical skill.

What You'll Do

We're on the lookout for a

Scenic Finisher / Artist

who can bring bold visions to life. Tired of just painting flat panels in the same dull colours? This role is perfect for someone who thrives on variety, values craftsmanship, and loves seeing a project through from sketch to show-stopper.

You'll be transforming raw builds into jaw-dropping final pieces -- think metallic sheens, rusted patinas, alien textures, chrome finishes, and lived-in sets. Some projects are intricate, others are larger than life. You'll work closely with our designers, carpenter, and sprayer to deliver both hyper-realistic and stylised finishes across a wild variety of surfaces.

Whether you're a seasoned finisher, an artist with a flair for scenic painting, or someone who gets a kick out of complex surfaces and creative challenges -- we want to hear from you.

Your Key Missions

Surface Prep & Workshop Magic

Sand, clean, mask, prime -- the pre-finish prep is your stage Work both independently and with our finishing/spray team to deliver high-quality results Keep an eye out for imperfections -- smooth, sharp, slick is the name of the game

Scenic Finishing & Spray Work

Apply realistic and stylised finishes using HVLP and acrylic paint Paint, texture, distress, and detail timber, metal, plastics, and fibreglass Work from concept sketches, references, or briefs to interpret design intent Mix paints to spec or visual reference -- from metallics and mattes to aged or hyper-real effects Shape and apply fillers to achieve seamless flat or curved surfaces Master polyurethane, solvent- and water-based coatings for durability and WOW factor Develop unique textures and finishes that elevate the final product

Events & Installations

Make sure everything travels and installs like a dream -- safe, solid, and exactly as envisioned Install props, scenic builds, and immersive environments Be a team player on location -- able to pivot, problem-solve, and lend a hand where needed

3D Printing & Model Prep

Prepare and optimise files for

Formlabs SLA 3D printers

, including orientation and supports Post-process prints (washing, curing, light sanding, minor finishing) ready for integration Collaborate with the design and finishing team to incorporate printed components seamlessly Maintain printer hardware and materials to ensure quality and workflow

Quality & Maintenance

Carry out regular quality checks and tool maintenance Follow safety procedures to the letter, especially with chemicals or working at height

What You'll Need

Experience

2-3+ years in scenic finishing, scenic art, prop fabrication, theatre sets or similar Spray booth and HVLP/air-assisted spraying experience Experience finishing large-scale scenic pieces is ideal Experience working with

SLA 3D printing

, ideally using Formlabs printers Familiarity with prepping 3D files for printing, including supports, and post-processing

A portfolio is required

-- show us your best textures, surfaces, scenic work or 3D model finishes!

Skills & Attributes

Able to spray & finish various materials (timber, fibreglass, plastics, metals) Good with fillers, primers, and problem-solving Artistic eye with technical know-how Detail-obsessed but able to hit deadlines Driving licence and access to a car (we're in the countryside -- no regular buses!) Happy to muck in, help out, and travel for installations when needed Comfortable working flexible hours if projects demand it (occasional evenings/weekends)

Bonus Points For

Background in film, theatre, museums, or luxury retail Cross-disciplinary skills (carpentry, metalwork, fabrication, digital design) Experience with

miniature painting

or fine detail model work

Perks & Practical Bits

Salary:28,000-32,000 (DOE) Hours:Full-time, 4-day workweek (Mon-Thu, 8am-6pm) Holiday:28 days including bank holidays Pension:Company + employee contributions DIY Breakfast & Lunch:Stocked kitchen with snacks, breads, protein, cereals, and hot drinks

How to Apply

To join our close-knit team of curious makers and creative minds, please email us at

recruitment@jrdf.co.uk

with:

Your CV A short cover letter telling us why this role excites you A

portfolio

showcasing your scenic, spray, finishing or 3D printing work (PDF, link, or website - we're not fussy)

Deadline: 29th July 2025

Psst... we review applications as they come in -- so don't wait around. If this sounds like your jam, get in touch sooner rather than later!

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 28,000.00-32,000.00 per year

Additional pay:

Bonus scheme Performance bonus
Benefits:

Casual dress Company pension Discounted or free food Free parking On-site parking Sick pay
Schedule:

10 hour shift Monday to Friday Weekend availability
Ability to commute/relocate:

Elvanfoot, ML12 6TF: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):

Have you provided a portfolio AND brief covering letter
Experience:

Scenic Art/Finishing: 2 years (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 29/07/2025