Entry level Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Entry Level Graphic Designer

Company: Trilon Group

Location: Charlotte, NC, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Marketing & Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-28

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design, format, and produce high-quality proposals, presentations, and marketing collateral to support branding, marketing, business development, and proposal initiatives.

• Create and manage digital and social media content to highlight projects, technical expertise, and company culture.

• Maintain and enforce brand guidelines across all print and digital communications to ensure a consistent visual identity.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, Business Development, and Engineering, to translate complex technical information into clear visual solutions.

• Prepare production-ready files for print and digital distribution, coordinating with vendors and internal stakeholders as needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for an entry-level Graphic Designer supporting a professional aviation engineering firm. The focus is on applying design skills to business development and proposal efforts, requiring a strong understanding of brand stewardship and the ability to visualize technical content. The operations aspect lies in the structured production of marketing and business development materials, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and timely delivery.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Proposal Design & Production: Develop visually compelling layouts, format content, create infographics, charts, resumes, project sheets, and cover graphics for RFQ/RFP and SOQ materials, ensuring adherence to brand standards, client requirements, and strict production deadlines.

• Marketing Collateral Development: Design and produce impactful print and digital marketing materials, including brochures, pitch decks, and advertisements, to support multi-channel campaigns, corporate events, and recruitment efforts.

• Digital & Social Media Content Creation: Design engaging graphics and content for LinkedIn and other approved digital platforms, effectively showcasing company projects, technical expertise, corporate culture, and recruitment initiatives.

• Brand Consistency Enforcement: Diligently apply and maintain established brand guidelines across all print and digital communications, ensuring a unified and professional visual identity for the company.

• Visual Design Execution: Employ strong principles of typography, color theory, imagery, and layout to produce professional graphics suitable for both print and digital channels.

• File Preparation & Quality Control: Prepare accurate, high-quality files for print, digital distribution, presentations, and internal use, meticulously checking for errors and coordinating with vendors or internal stakeholders for production.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Actively partner with internal teams such as Marketing, Business Development, and Engineering to understand complex technical concepts and translate them into clear, accurate, and engaging visual solutions.

• Project & Asset Management: Organize and maintain design files, effectively manage multiple design assignments concurrently, incorporate feedback efficiently, and consistently meet project deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a structured production workflow common in operations, particularly in marketing and business development support. The need to manage multiple projects, maintain brand standards, and prepare files for production highlights an operational focus on efficiency and quality control within the creative process.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Marketing, or a closely related field.

Experience: One to two years of relevant professional design and production experience, which can be gained through internships, freelance work, or full-time employment.

Required Skills:

• Adobe Creative Suite/Cloud Proficiency: Expert-level skills in Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and Acrobat, operating on both Mac and PC platforms.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Strong command of Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, and Excel for document creation, presentation design, and data integration.

• Design Fundamentals: Solid understanding of typography, layout principles, color theory, image resolution, bleeds, and production requirements for both print and digital formats.

• Attention to Detail: Exceptional meticulousness and a commitment to accuracy in all design and production tasks.

• Organizational & File Management: Strong skills in organizing design files, managing project assets, and implementing robust quality control processes.

• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to receive and effectively incorporate direction and feedback from stakeholders.

• Time Management & Independence: Proven ability to work independently, manage time effectively, accept constructive criticism, and consistently meet deadlines in a demanding environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Marketing & Branding Familiarity: Understanding of marketing principles, branding strategies, and social media best practices.

• Digital Content Creation: Experience creating content for blogs, email campaigns, presentations, or other digital marketing initiatives.

• Industry Interest: A genuine interest in aviation, engineering, architecture, or professional services industries.

• Event & CRM Knowledge: Familiarity with event planning, trade shows, or Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems.

• Web Development Basics: Basic knowledge of HTML, CSS, and Content Management Systems (CMS) to support website updates and digital content integration.

• Data Visualization: Experience creating infographics or effectively visualizing complex technical information.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are heavily weighted towards technical proficiency in design software and fundamental design principles, reflecting the core needs of a production-focused graphic design role. Preferred skills indicate areas for growth and potential to contribute more broadly to marketing operations. The "0-2 years" experience level aligns with the entry-level designation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Workflow Demonstration: Showcase a range of projects that illustrate your design process from concept to final production-ready files, highlighting problem-solving approaches.

• Brand Application Examples: Include examples of how you have applied and maintained brand guidelines across different types of collateral, demonstrating consistency and adherence.

• Technical Content Visualization: Present at least one project where you successfully translated complex or technical information into clear, engaging visual elements (e.g., infographics, charts, diagrams).

• Proposal/Presentation Design: Feature examples of proposals, pitch decks, or presentations you have designed, emphasizing layout, formatting, and persuasive visual communication.

• Digital & Print Integration: Demonstrate experience with both print and digital design outputs, showcasing an understanding of their unique requirements and production workflows.

Process Documentation:

• Project Brief Interpretation: Provide examples or descriptions of how you interpret project briefs and translate them into actionable design plans, including initial concepts and revisions.

• File Management & Organization: Briefly describe your system for organizing design files and assets to ensure easy retrieval and version control, crucial for team collaboration.

• Feedback Incorporation: Illustrate how you receive, interpret, and implement feedback from stakeholders to refine designs, demonstrating a collaborative and iterative process.

• Production File Preparation: Detail your process for preparing final files for print or digital distribution, including pre-flight checks and understanding vendor specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level graphic design role supporting a firm, the portfolio should emphasize foundational design skills, adherence to brand standards, and the ability to handle production-level tasks. The focus on process documentation should highlight organizational skills and the ability to work within defined workflows, which are critical operational aspects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $19.71 - $23.08 per hour.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health & Wellness: Competitive health and dental insurance premiums, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending Account (FSA).

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) Plan with a company match, providing financial security for the future.

• Time Off & Recognition: Outstanding holiday and paid-time-off programs to ensure work-life balance.

• Professional Development: Career Path Development Program (offering Management & Technical Career Tracks), Mentorship Program, and Tuition Reimbursement to support continuous learning and growth.

• Financial Security: Company-furnished life insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability coverage.

• Additional Perks: A variety of voluntary benefit options and "more" benefits, indicating a comprehensive package.

Working Hours: Full-time employment, typically corresponding to a standard 40-hour work week, with the expectation of on-site presence in Charlotte, NC.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly pay rate is clearly defined. The benefits package is extensive, covering health, retirement, professional development, and financial security, which are key considerations for operations professionals seeking stability and growth. The mention of "Career Path Development Program" and "Mentorship Program" is particularly relevant for entry-level roles aiming for long-term career progression.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Professional Aviation Engineering Services. Trilon Group (operating as Talbert, Bright & Ellington, Inc. - TBE) specializes in the planning, design, and construction management for airports. This industry requires precision, technical expertise, and a strong commitment to project delivery. The marketing and design function supports this core business by enhancing the company's professional image and facilitating business development efforts.

Company Size: Over 90 professionals. This indicates a mid-sized firm where individuals can have a significant impact and work closely with colleagues across departments. For operations roles, this often means exposure to a broader range of tasks and a more direct line of sight to how their work contributes to company goals.

Founded: Over 28 years ago. This long history suggests stability, established processes, and a deep understanding of the aviation engineering sector. It implies a company that values experience and long-term relationships.

Team Structure:

• Marketing Department: The Graphic Designer reports to the Director of Marketing and Branding, indicating a dedicated marketing function.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role requires close partnership with Business Development, Engineering, and Leadership teams, highlighting a collaborative operational environment where design is integrated into broader business objectives.

• Proposal Focus: A significant portion of the work involves supporting proposal initiatives, suggesting a strong link between marketing operations and business development/sales enablement.

Methodology:

• Brand-Centric Approach: Emphasis on creating and maintaining high-quality materials that align with established brand standards.

• Data-Driven Visuals: The role involves translating complex technical information into clear visuals, suggesting a need for analytical thinking and effective data representation.

• Deadline-Driven Production: The fast-paced environment and focus on proposals imply a structured production methodology focused on efficiency and timely delivery.

Company Website: https://www.trilongroup.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be professional, technically focused, and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on brand consistency and supporting business development through high-quality marketing materials. The mid-size structure and long tenure suggest an environment conducive to learning and growth within a specialized industry.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry Level (0-2 years experience). This role is designed for individuals beginning their careers in graphic design, focusing on foundational skills and production execution within a professional services context.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Director of Marketing and Branding. This provides clear guidance and mentorship opportunities from a senior marketing leader.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the company's professional image, brand perception, and success in business development by creating compelling proposals, presentations, and marketing collateral. High-quality visuals are critical for winning bids and communicating the firm's technical capabilities effectively.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and develop advanced skills in areas like data visualization, digital content creation, and proposal design.

• Industry Knowledge: Gain valuable insights into the aviation engineering industry, understanding its unique visual communication needs and technical documentation standards.

• Career Path Development: The company offers a formal "Career Path Development Program" with both Management and Technical Career Tracks, providing structured pathways for advancement from an entry-level role.

• Mentorship: Participation in a Mentorship Program offers direct guidance and support from experienced professionals, fostering career development.

• Broad Exposure: The need to collaborate with various departments provides exposure to different facets of the business, potentially opening doors to related roles in marketing operations or business development support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth potential is framed around developing specialized design skills, gaining industry-specific knowledge, and leveraging formal development programs. The explicit mention of "Technical Career Tracks" is particularly relevant for a design role, suggesting opportunities to become a subject matter expert in design production and strategy without necessarily moving into management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Charlotte, NC, and is described as "On-site." This suggests a traditional office environment where in-person collaboration and access to company resources are expected.

Office Location(s): Headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. This location serves as the primary hub for operations and business development.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close partnership with various internal teams, implying a workspace designed to facilitate communication and teamwork.

• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and hardware (Mac/PC platforms) is essential for performing design tasks.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to interact with marketing, business development, and engineering professionals, providing exposure to different disciplines and fostering a dynamic work environment.

Work Schedule: Full-time (typically 40 hours/week) on-site. While not explicitly stated as flexible, the emphasis on deadlines and project completion within a professional services firm typically requires a structured work schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and headquarters location in Charlotte indicate a traditional office setup. The collaborative nature of the role suggests an open or semi-open office plan designed to encourage interaction between departments, which is common in professional services firms.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process: While not explicitly detailed, a typical process for an entry-level design role would likely include:

• Application Submission: Initial screening based on resume and portfolio.

• Portfolio Review: Evaluation of design skills, creativity, technical proficiency, and adherence to brand standards.

• Skills Assessment/Test: A practical design exercise to assess proficiency in required software and ability to meet specific design challenges under time constraints.

• Interviews:

  • Hiring Manager Interview: To assess fit with the marketing team, understand design approach, and discuss experience.
  • Cross-functional Interviews: Potentially with members of Business Development or Engineering to gauge collaboration skills and ability to translate technical concepts.
  • Final Interview: With Director of Marketing and Branding or other senior leadership to discuss career aspirations and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your skills relevant to this role (proposal design, marketing collateral, technical visualization).

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your design process, challenges faced, and how you arrived at the final solution. Highlight your role if it was a team project.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly shows mastery of Adobe Creative Suite tools (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) and an understanding of print/digital production requirements.

• Highlight Brand Adherence: Include an example of how you've worked within or applied brand guidelines, demonstrating your ability to maintain a consistent visual identity.

• Prepare for Presentation: Be ready to walk through your portfolio and articulate your design choices and reasoning clearly and concisely.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Industry: Research Trilon Group, TBE, and the aviation engineering sector. Understand their services, clients, and the importance of professional branding in this field.

• Review Brand Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with general principles of brand stewardship and be prepared to discuss how you would apply them.

• Practice Technical Visualization: Think about how to visually represent technical data or complex processes. Consider examples from engineering or science fields.

• Prepare for Collaboration Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would work with engineers or business development professionals to gather information and refine designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis for an entry-level role's application process is on demonstrating foundational design skills, technical proficiency, and the ability to follow direction and collaborate. The portfolio is key, and candidates should tailor it to highlight relevant project types and skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Software:

• Adobe Creative Suite/Cloud: Expert proficiency required in Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and Acrobat. These are the core tools for creating proposals, marketing collateral, and digital assets.

• Mac and PC Platforms: Experience working across both operating systems is necessary.

Productivity & Collaboration Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Strong skills in PowerPoint (for presentations), Word (for document formatting and proposal text integration), and Excel (for data visualization and charts).

• Other Potential Tools (Implied):

  • Project Management Software: Likely used for task tracking and deadline management (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or internal systems).
  • File Sharing/Cloud Storage: For asset management and collaboration (e.g., SharePoint, Google Drive, Dropbox).

Analytics & Reporting (Indirectly Related):

• Digital Platforms: Familiarity with creating content for social media (e.g., LinkedIn) implies an understanding of basic digital content best practices and potentially analytics associated with engagement.

• CRM/CMS (Preferred): Familiarity with CRM systems (for understanding marketing/sales data) and CMS platforms (for web content integration) is preferred, indicating potential for broader marketing operations involvement.

Integration:

• Print Production Workflow: Understanding of preparing files for commercial printing.

• Digital Distribution: Knowledge of formats and specifications for online distribution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on the Adobe Creative Suite, which is standard for graphic design roles. The inclusion of Microsoft Office and preferred knowledge of CRM/CMS suggests a role that bridges creative production with broader marketing operations and business development support.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Professionalism & Precision: As a professional engineering firm, there's an implicit value placed on accuracy, attention to detail, and delivering high-quality work, which extends to the marketing and design function.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: The role requires close partnership with various departments, indicating a culture that values cross-functional cooperation and shared success.

• Brand Stewardship: A strong emphasis on maintaining a consistent and professional brand identity across all communications.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: In a deadline-driven environment supporting proposals and business development, efficiency and meeting deadlines are critical operational values.

• Continuous Improvement: The existence of development programs and mentorship suggests a value placed on learning and evolving skills.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The Graphic Designer will work closely with engineers, business development professionals, and marketing leadership, requiring clear communication and the ability to translate technical information into accessible visuals.

• Feedback-Driven Process: The role involves incorporating feedback, suggesting an open communication style where constructive criticism is welcomed and used to refine designs.

• Shared Goal Orientation: Collaboration likely centers around achieving common business objectives, such as winning proposals or enhancing brand visibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture values technical excellence, a professional demeanor, and collaborative problem-solving. The design function is integrated into the broader business goals, emphasizing its role in supporting sales enablement and corporate branding.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Technical Concepts: A primary challenge will be effectively visualizing complex aviation engineering concepts and data for non-technical or semi-technical audiences.

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Creativity: Maintaining strict brand guidelines while still producing fresh, engaging designs can be a creative challenge.

• Managing Multiple Deadlines: Juggling requests from different departments and prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced environment requires strong organizational skills.

• Adapting to Industry Nuances: Understanding the specific visual language and requirements of the aviation engineering sector, including proposal standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Skills: Deepen expertise in areas like infographic design, data visualization, proposal layout, and digital content creation for professional services.

• Industry Acumen: Gain a strong understanding of the aviation engineering industry, its terminology, and its marketing/business development cycles.

• Software Proficiency: Master advanced features of Adobe Creative Suite and potentially explore new design or productivity tools.

• Career Path Programs: Utilize the company's formal Career Path Development Program and Mentorship Program to chart a course for advancement, whether in technical design expertise or management.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Learn about the business development and engineering processes by working closely with these teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to translating technical information visually and managing production workflows. The growth opportunities are strong for an entry-level role, with clear pathways for skill development and career progression within a specialized industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Process & Problem Solving: "Describe your process for creating a complex infographic from raw data. What steps do you take to ensure accuracy and clarity?" (Focus on demonstrating your systematic approach and attention to detail).

• Collaboration & Communication: "How would you work with an engineer who has provided complex technical specifications for a proposal graphic? How would you ensure you understand their needs and translate them visually?" (Highlight your communication skills and ability to interpret technical input).

• Brand Stewardship: "Imagine you're asked to create a marketing brochure that slightly deviates from our brand guidelines. How would you approach this situation?" (Show your understanding of brand importance and professional handling of requests).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Industry Interest: "Why are you interested in graphic design for an aviation engineering firm, specifically TBE/Trilon Group?" (Demonstrate research into the company and industry).

• Teamwork & Feedback: "Describe a time you received constructive criticism on a design project. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?" (Show your openness to feedback and collaborative spirit).

• Work Style: "How do you prioritize tasks when you have multiple design requests with competing deadlines?" (Assess your organizational and time management skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the objective, your role, the challenges, your design solution, and the outcome or impact.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Be ready to discuss your specific use of Adobe Creative Suite tools and any production considerations.

• Emphasize Relevance: Point out projects that best align with proposal design, marketing collateral creation, and visualization of technical information.

• Showcase Process: Briefly walk through your workflow for 1-2 key projects, demonstrating your organizational and problem-solving approach.

• Prepare for a Design Test: Be ready for a practical design exercise that assesses your skills in core software and your ability to meet specific design requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating technical proficiency, understanding of the design process, ability to collaborate, and a genuine interest in the company's industry. The portfolio is a critical component, and candidates should be prepared to discuss it in detail, including their process and rationale.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this entry-level Graphic Designer position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete the online application form through the provided link, ensuring all fields are accurately filled.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight relevant experience, skills (especially Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office), and any internships or freelance work that demonstrate your design capabilities and adherence to deadlines. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest design projects that align with the responsibilities outlined. Focus on proposal design, marketing collateral, and technical visualization. Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible online (e.g., personal website, Behance, PDF link).

• Prepare Your Portfolio Walkthrough: Practice presenting your selected projects, articulating your design process, rationale, and how you addressed project objectives and challenges. Be ready to discuss your use of design software.

• Research Trilon Group/TBE: Understand the company's services, clients, and its position in the aviation engineering industry. Familiarize yourself with their existing branding and marketing materials to demonstrate your interest and understanding.

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