Brand & Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Brand & Graphic Designer

Company: Cell Labs

Location: Berlin, Germany

Job Type: Permanent employee

Category: Marketing & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-29

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive brand evolution and maintain visual identity consistency across all company touchpoints, from digital platforms to physical collateral.

• Develop and implement comprehensive brand guidelines and reusable templates to ensure cohesive branding across departments.

• Execute digital design initiatives for the company website, investor decks, newsletters, and data rooms, aligning with a defined design system.

• Create compelling visual assets for product launches, marketing campaigns, trade shows, and social media platforms to enhance brand visibility and engagement.

• Provide crucial design support for internal teams including recruiting, engineering, and PR, ensuring professional and impactful communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is central to the external perception and internal cohesion of Cell Labs, a deep-tech robotics startup. The Brand & Graphic Designer will be instrumental in translating complex technology into accessible and compelling visual narratives, requiring a strong understanding of both brand strategy and practical design execution across multiple mediums.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Evolve and meticulously maintain the existing visual identity of Cell Labs, ensuring strict consistency across all platforms including website, marketing materials, presentations, and social media.

• Develop and document comprehensive brand guidelines, including typography, color palettes, logo usage, and imagery standards, to empower internal teams with ready-to-use templates for slides, documents, and social posts.

• Design and execute digital assets for the company website (including an upcoming launch), investor decks, newsletters, data rooms, and other online collateral, leveraging a consistent design system.

• Conceptualize and produce print materials such as brochures, datasheets, business stationery, and office signage, as well as engaging merchandise that reflects company culture.

• Create key visuals, campaign assets, and on-site materials (booths, banners, displays) for product launches and trade shows, coordinating with external vendors (printers, booth builders) and supporting on-site setup when necessary.

• Design platform-specific graphics for social media channels (LinkedIn, Instagram, X, YouTube), including posts, carousels, stories, and thumbnails, to effectively communicate the company's innovations.

• Provide dedicated design support for recruiting and employer branding initiatives, technical documentation for the engineering team, press kits for PR activities, and visual assets for internal culture and team events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The breadth of responsibilities indicates a need for a versatile designer capable of handling diverse design challenges. The emphasis on "robots look just as good in a feed as they do in the workshop" highlights the critical need for translating technical products into appealing visual content for both B2B and B2C audiences.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A degree in Graphic Design, Communication Design, Brand Design, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience demonstrated through a strong portfolio.

Experience: Several years of professional design experience, gained in an agency, studio, in-house team, or as a freelancer, with a proven track record of creating impactful design work.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in Brand Development and maintaining Visual Identity consistency across diverse applications.

• High proficiency in design software, specifically Figma and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).

• Experience in preparing and managing print files, including understanding color proofs, paper choices, and production deadlines, with prior experience working with printers.

• Skill in designing for digital platforms, including websites, presentations (Pitch, Google Slides, PowerPoint, Keynote), and social media graphics.

• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, prioritize tasks effectively, and deliver high-quality work within deadlines.

• Strong understanding of design principles, typography, color theory, and layout.

• Fluent in both German and English, both written and spoken. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with Webflow or Framer for website design and prototyping.

• Experience in designing for hardware, robotics, or deep-tech industries.

• Basic understanding of UI/UX principles for web and digital product interfaces.

• Experience in merchandise design and coordinating production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "what you made" over "where you worked" suggests a portfolio-driven evaluation. The "few years of design work" coupled with the breadth of tasks indicates a mid-level role where the candidate is expected to be largely autonomous but also collaborative.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of design work demonstrating a strong visual system that effectively spans both print and digital mediums.

• Showcase projects that highlight brand development, visual identity evolution, and consistent application across various touchpoints.

• Include examples of digital design for websites, presentations, and social media, demonstrating an understanding of platform-specific best practices.

• Highlight any projects involving print production, merchandise design, or event collateral, with attention to detail in execution. Process Documentation:

• For at least one project, provide a brief explanation of your design process, focusing on how you built the visual system and ensured its cross-medium functionality.

• Demonstrate your approach to iterating on designs, showing how you moved from an initial draft to a refined, shippable product.

• Illustrate your ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, showcasing organizational skills and workflow management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application instructions explicitly request a portfolio with a project detailing a visual system across print and digital, along with a note on process. This indicates a strong focus on the designer's methodology and ability to create cohesive brand experiences.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a mid-level Brand & Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Berlin, Germany, the estimated salary range is €45,000 - €60,000 per year. This range accounts for the specific skill set required, the company's startup environment, and the cost of living in Berlin.

Benefits:

• Personalized benefits package allowing employees to select coverage for mobility, health, food, or fitness.

• Paid learning time with a dedicated budget for courses and design conferences.

• Access to necessary tools for professional development and experimentation.

• One extra paid day off per year for volunteering or personal projects.

• Opportunity to create "real portfolio pieces" as the company gains recognition.

Working Hours: The role is structured around a standard 40-hour work week, with the expectation of on-site presence in Berlin. While the core hours are standard, the culture emphasizes efficiency and shipping quality work, suggesting a results-oriented environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on general market data for design roles in Berlin. The benefits package is highly customizable, offering flexibility that is attractive to modern professionals. The "paid learning time" and "portfolio pieces" aspect are significant professional development perks.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Robotics, Deep Tech, Hardware, AI/Intelligent Systems. Cell Labs is a VC-backed startup focused on developing tangible, humanoid robots and the intelligent systems that power them, differentiating itself from software-only or simulation-based companies.

Company Size: Startup (specific number not provided, but implied to be growing, VC-backed). This size typically means a dynamic, fast-paced environment with high impact potential for individuals.

Founded: Recently founded (VC-backed startup). This implies a company in its growth phase, building foundational processes and scaling its operations and product.

Team Structure:

• The design team is likely small but integral, working closely with engineering and operations.

• Collaboration is emphasized with engineers ("engineer is just a short walk away") and potentially marketing/sales for campaign assets.

• The structure is flat and agile, typical of startups, encouraging direct communication and rapid iteration. Methodology:

• Focus on "deep tech meets execution": translating complex ideas into physical reality quickly and efficiently.

• Emphasis on rapid iteration: "getting a first draft out quickly and improving from there."

• Data-informed decisions are implied, especially with the need for consistent brand application across investor decks and marketing.

• Cross-functional collaboration is key, with design supporting various departments.

Company Website: cell-labs.ai

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as fast-paced, execution-oriented, and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on tangible product development. The "everything under one roof" aspect in Kreuzberg fosters close-knit team interactions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Brand & Graphic Designer. It requires a solid foundation in design principles and software, coupled with the ability to take ownership of brand execution and contribute to significant company milestones like product launches. The designer is expected to be largely autonomous in their day-to-day tasks but collaborative in strategic brand discussions.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly stated, the designer likely reports to a Marketing Lead, Head of Brand, or potentially a Founder in a startup environment. Close collaboration with engineering and other departments is a given.

Operations Impact: The Brand & Graphic Designer's work has a direct and significant impact on Cell Labs' external perception, investor relations, customer engagement, and employer branding. Their designs will shape how the company is viewed in the competitive robotics and deep-tech market, influencing investor confidence and talent acquisition.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like motion graphics, web design (Webflow/Framer), or product visualization.

• Brand Leadership: Grow into a Brand Manager or Senior Designer role, taking more strategic ownership of the brand's direction and leading future design initiatives.

• Industry Expertise: Develop a niche in designing for complex hardware, robotics, or AI industries, becoming a sought-after specialist.

• Portfolio Development: Consistently produce high-impact work that serves as strong additions to the designer's professional portfolio, enhancing future career prospects.

• Learning & Development: Utilize the provided learning budget and time to attend conferences, take courses, and acquire new skills relevant to the evolving design and tech landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "room to grow" section explicitly mentions paid learning time, conferences, and the creation of "real portfolio pieces." This indicates a commitment to employee development and the understanding that the designer's growth is tied to the company's success and visibility.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company operates from a combined office, workshop, and test rig facility located in Kreuzberg, Berlin. This integrated environment facilitates direct interaction with engineers and the physical product.

Office Location(s): Ullsteinstraße 140, 12109 Berlin, Germany. This location is specified, and the "everything under one roof" description implies a single, central hub.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Proximity to engineers and other team members encourages spontaneous collaboration and easier access to product information and feedback.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma, Adobe Creative Suite) and presentation tools is expected. The company also supports the acquisition of necessary tools for professional development.

• Hands-on Interaction: The ability to easily consult with engineers and see the robots in action provides a unique and valuable context for design work, especially for technical documentation and product visualization.

Work Schedule: The role is on-site in Berlin, with a standard 40-hour work week. The emphasis on "getting a first draft out quickly and improving from there" suggests a dynamic workflow that balances structured work with agile execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The physical proximity of the office, workshop, and test rigs is a significant differentiator, offering a unique hands-on design experience for a role involving hardware. This integration is crucial for a designer working with tangible products.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Intro Call: An initial screening call to gauge general fit and interest.

• Portfolio Deep-Dive: A more in-depth discussion focused on reviewing the candidate's portfolio, understanding their design process, and assessing their experience with specific projects.

• Half-day On-site Visit: This stage includes a small design exercise to evaluate practical skills and problem-solving abilities in a timed setting, likely mimicking real-world tasks. It also serves as an opportunity for the candidate to experience the office environment and team dynamics.

• Offer: Final decision and extension of an employment offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Visual System Focus: Ensure your portfolio prominently features a project that showcases the creation and application of a comprehensive visual system across both print and digital media.

• Process Narrative: Accompany this key project with a concise written or verbal explanation of your design process, highlighting how you approached the challenge, made decisions, and achieved the final outcome.

• Tool Proficiency: Clearly demonstrate your command of Figma and Adobe Creative Suite. If you have experience with Webflow or Framer, highlight it.

• Impact & Iteration: Showcase how your designs have had an impact, and illustrate your ability to iterate and refine work based on feedback or evolving project needs.

• Conciseness: Adhere to the request for "a short note on your process" – be impactful and to the point.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: Expect a focused design task that likely involves a common brand or marketing challenge relevant to a robotics startup. Practice creating concepts quickly under time constraints.

• Problem-Solving: Be prepared to articulate your thought process for the design exercise, explaining your rationale for design choices, color selection, typography, and layout.

• Company Context: Research Cell Labs' current branding, website, and market position to better understand their needs and tailor your approach to the design exercise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process is structured to evaluate not just design output but also process, problem-solving, and cultural fit. The emphasis on a "small design exercise" during the on-site visit indicates a practical skills assessment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI/UX design, prototyping, and collaborative design workflows.

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • InDesign: For layout design of brochures, datasheets, and print collateral.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.

• Presentation Software: Pitch (preferred), Google Slides, PowerPoint, Keynote for creating investor decks and internal presentations.

Analytics & Reporting: While not a direct requirement, an understanding of how design impacts website analytics (e.g., conversion rates for website elements) or social media engagement metrics would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to the designer's core tools, but awareness of how marketing automation platforms or CRMs might use design assets would be a plus.

Web Design Tools (Preferred):

• Webflow / Framer: Experience with these platforms is a plus for website design and development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma and Adobe Creative Suite, along with presentation tools, forms the core technology stack. Webflow/Framer are highlighted as advantageous additions, suggesting potential for future website development involvement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Execution & Tangibility: A strong emphasis on bringing complex ideas into the physical world, moving beyond prototypes to reality.

• Speed & Efficiency: The ability to work fast, deliver quickly, and iterate effectively ("getting a first draft out quickly," "know when something is good enough to ship").

• Ownership: Encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their work and its impact.

• Collaboration: Working side-by-side across disciplines (engineers, designers, operators) to achieve common goals.

• Innovation: Pushing boundaries and redefining what's possible in robotics and intelligent systems.

• Inclusivity: Welcoming diverse applications and building a team that reflects the broader population.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to work closely with engineers, and potentially marketing, recruiting, and PR teams, requiring strong communication and the ability to translate technical concepts visually.

• Agile & Iterative: The culture supports rapid prototyping and feedback loops, meaning designers should be comfortable with a dynamic and iterative design process.

• Direct Communication: Given the startup environment and integrated workspace, direct and open communication is likely encouraged.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values are deeply rooted in its identity as a deep-tech robotics startup. The emphasis on "building what others only talk about" and turning "prototypes into reality" highlights a culture of action and tangible results.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complexity: Effectively visualizing and communicating complex robotics and AI concepts to diverse audiences (investors, customers, general public).

• Brand Consistency at Scale: Maintaining a cohesive visual identity as the company grows, launches new products, and expands its marketing efforts across multiple channels.

• Startup Pace: Adapting to a fast-paced startup environment with potentially shifting priorities and tight deadlines.

• Balancing Design & Production: Managing the end-to-end design process, from concept to final production-ready assets, including coordination with external vendors.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Skills: Deepen expertise in areas like advanced UI/UX for hardware interfaces, motion graphics for product demos, or data visualization for technical reports.

• Brand Strategy: Gain experience in shaping and evolving a brand's visual identity from its early stages, contributing to strategic brand decisions.

• Industry Knowledge: Develop a strong understanding of the robotics, AI, and deep-tech sectors, which can lead to specialized design career paths.

• Professional Development Budget: Utilize the allocated budget for courses, workshops, and conferences to stay current with design trends and technologies.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Work on high-visibility projects (website launch, product launch) that will significantly strengthen the designer's professional portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge lies in bridging the gap between highly technical product development and accessible, compelling visual communication. The growth opportunities are tied to developing specialized design skills within a cutting-edge industry and leveraging high-impact projects for career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you developed a visual system that worked effectively across both print and digital mediums. What was your process?" (Focus on your portfolio project here).

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across different platforms and for different teams within an organization?" (Highlight your experience with brand guidelines and template creation).

• "Imagine we're launching a new feature for our robots. What would be your approach to designing the announcement graphics for social media and our website?" (Demonstrate your understanding of platform-specific design and product communication).

• "How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple design projects with competing deadlines?" (Showcase your organizational and time management skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about Cell Labs and our work in robotics?" (Research the company's mission, technology, and recent news).

• "How do you see your design skills contributing to a deep-tech startup like ours?" (Connect your experience to the company's goals and challenges).

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you collaborate with engineers and other non-designers." (Emphasize your ability to work cross-functionally and understand technical constraints).

• "What are your thoughts on our current website and brand presence?" (Be constructive and offer insights based on your research). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For your chosen portfolio project, narrate the problem, your approach, the solutions you implemented, and the results. Focus on the "why" behind your design decisions.

• Highlight Process: Clearly articulate your design process, emphasizing how you built the visual system and ensured its cross-medium application. Use visuals to support your explanation.

• Showcase Tools: Briefly mention the tools you used (Figma, Adobe Suite) and why they were appropriate for the project.

• Focus on Impact: If possible, quantify the impact of your design (e.g., increased engagement, improved clarity, successful launch).

• Be Prepared for a Design Exercise: Anticipate a short, practical design task during the on-site visit and be ready to think aloud and present your concept.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a practical demonstration of skills and a deep dive into the candidate's portfolio and process. Preparing specific examples that align with the job description, especially regarding visual systems and cross-medium application, will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Brand & Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Cell Labs careers page.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 1-2 key projects that best showcase your ability to build and apply a visual system across both print and digital mediums. Ensure one project explicitly details your design process.

• Optimize Your Resume: Highlight experience with Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, brand development, and cross-functional collaboration. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio Presentation: Practice walking through your selected project, focusing on your process, design decisions, and the effectiveness of the visual system. Be ready to discuss it in detail during the portfolio deep-dive.

• Research Cell Labs: Understand their mission, technology, target audience, and current brand presence. This will help you tailor your application and perform well in interviews and any design exercises.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Cell Labs before making application decisions.