Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Chalmers Ford Inc

Location: 5601 Balloon Fiesta Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Manufacturing / Marketing

Date Posted: 2026-06-09T21:29:04

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for the visual branding and customer-facing design elements of custom vehicle graphics and wraps.

• Requires a strong understanding of large-format design principles and print production workflows within a manufacturing context.

• Involves direct customer interaction for design concept development and collaborative work with the production team.

• Focuses on creating high-quality, brand-aligned graphics that meet diverse customer specifications and project requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the description and responsibilities strongly indicate a specialization in large-format graphics, vehicle wraps, and production art, aligning it with manufacturing and marketing operations rather than general graphic design. The emphasis on "print ready files" and "brand identity" within a "high paced production art environment" positions this role within a GTM support function for physical product branding.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design high-impact large-format graphics for automotive applications, interiors, and other visual displays.

• Create precise, print-ready files that adhere to established brand identities and internal production standards.

• Collaborate directly with clients to understand their vision, develop design concepts, and present renderings.

• Support the pre-production and production teams by ensuring design files are optimized for manufacturing processes.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks to meet aggressive production deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Ensure all designs are technically accurate for large-format printing and installation, considering material constraints and application methods.

• Maintain consistent communication with sales, production, and customer service teams to ensure project alignment and customer satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design and technical production art, emphasizing the need for meticulous file preparation and understanding of large-format printing workflows, which is crucial for effective Go-To-Market execution of physical branding materials.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating relevant skills and experience is paramount. Degrees in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field are beneficial.

Experience: 2-5 years of professional experience in graphic design, with a significant focus on large-format graphics, print production, and/or vehicle wrap design.

Required Skills:

• Adobe Creative Suite Expertise: Mastery of Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop is non-negotiable for creating and manipulating graphics.

• Print Production Knowledge: Expert understanding of vector and raster files, CMYK vs. RGB color spaces, and the creation of production-ready files for large-format printing.

• Attention to Detail: Exceptional accuracy and meticulousness required for a high-volume production art environment.

• Time Management & Prioritization: Proven ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and meet strict deadlines.

• Customer Service & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective client interaction and internal collaboration.

• Professionalism: Demonstrated ability to present oneself professionally with customers, both in person and over the phone.

• Work Ethic: Strong commitment to tasks, a proactive attitude, and a willingness to contribute to team success.

Preferred Skills:

• Vehicle Wrap Design: Direct experience and a portfolio showcasing vehicle wrap designs.

• Large Format Graphic Creation: Proven experience designing for various large-format applications beyond vehicles.

• Onyx Thrive RIP Software: Familiarity or experience with this specific large-format print workflow software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific software (Adobe Suite, Onyx Thrive) and technical knowledge (vector/raster, CMYK/RGB) points to a need for candidates who can not only design but also execute technically complex production-ready artwork, directly impacting the quality and efficiency of the company's visual product offerings.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Versatility: Showcase a range of projects demonstrating proficiency in different graphic styles and applications, particularly large-format and automotive graphics.

• Technical Execution: Include examples of print-ready files, highlighting attention to detail in layout, typography, color management, and file preparation for production.

• Concept Development: Present case studies or examples of how you translated client needs into compelling visual concepts.

• Problem-Solving: Showcase projects where you overcame design or production challenges, demonstrating adaptability and technical understanding.

• Brand Integration: Demonstrate an ability to design within brand guidelines and maintain brand consistency across various applications.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a requirement for submission, candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal design workflow, from initial concept to final file delivery. This includes how they:

  • Plan and conceptualize designs based on client briefs.

  • Utilize software tools for efficient creation and iteration.

  • Manage file versions and ensure accuracy for production.

  • Collaborate with production or technical teams to ensure successful output.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a production-focused graphic design role, the portfolio is paramount. It serves as the primary evidence of technical skill, creative capability, and understanding of the specific demands of large-format graphic production, which is a critical component of the company's Go-To-Market strategy for its physical products.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Albuquerque, NM, the estimated salary range is typically between $50,000 and $65,000 annually. This range can vary based on the specific skills, portfolio strength, and the company's compensation structure.

Benefits:

• Medical Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Disability Insurance

• 401(K) retirement plan

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, likely 40 hours per week. Given the production environment, some flexibility might be required during peak periods, but the role is primarily on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on national averages for graphic designers with mid-level experience, adjusted for the cost of living and market rates in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Benefits are listed as provided by the company.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Aftermarket Services / Manufacturing / Marketing & Advertising

Company Size: Chalmers Ford Inc is part of a larger automotive group, suggesting a stable, established business with potential for growth and structured operations. MHQ West operates as a premier provider of custom vehicle graphics and wraps, indicating a specialization within a niche but growing market.

Founded: Information not directly provided, but the association with Chalmers Ford suggests a history rooted in automotive services.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Design Team is likely a key component of MHQ West's operations, working closely with sales and production departments.

• Designers will collaborate with sales to understand client needs and with production to ensure designs are feasible and optimized for manufacturing.

• There may be a lead designer or design manager overseeing the team and ensuring quality control and brand consistency. Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Design: Emphasis on working with customers to develop concepts tailored to their specifications.

• Production-Focused Execution: Prioritizing the creation of print-ready files that meet strict technical requirements for large-format printing and application.

• Quality Assurance: Using in-house standards and leading-edge techniques to ensure accuracy and high quality in design and installation.

Company Website: [Chalmers Ford official website - URL not provided in input, but can be found via search]

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be driven by providing high-quality custom products and excellent customer service, with a strong operational focus on production efficiency and technical execution in the large-format graphics space.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Graphic Designer, requiring 2-5 years of experience. It's a hands-on contributor role focused on executing design and production tasks.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a Creative Director, Design Manager, or Operations Manager within MHQ West, depending on the internal structure. They will also collaborate extensively with sales and production teams.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer directly impacts the company's ability to deliver visually appealing and brand-consistent products. Their work is crucial for customer acquisition and satisfaction in the custom graphics market, directly contributing to revenue through high-quality visual output that attracts and retains clients.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Graphic Designer: With more experience and demonstrated leadership, potential to move into a senior role, taking on more complex projects or mentoring junior designers.

• Design Team Lead/Manager: Opportunity to manage the design team, oversee project workflows, and contribute to strategic design decisions.

• Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in vehicle wraps, large-format graphics, or specific design software, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Cross-Functional Roles: Potential to transition into roles within production management, project management, or client relations, leveraging design understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path emphasizes deepening technical and creative skills within the large-format graphics domain, with potential leadership opportunities or a move into related operational management roles where design expertise is an asset.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in an office setting, likely integrated with production facilities given the nature of the work. This suggests a dynamic environment where creative work meets manufacturing realities.

Office Location(s): 5601 Balloon Fiesta Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113. This is an on-site role.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect to work closely with sales and production teams, requiring strong communication and teamwork.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Suite) and potentially specialized large-format printing software (Onyx Thrive).

• Production Integration: The workspace will likely be close to or within the production area, facilitating seamless handoffs and problem-solving for design implementation.

Work Schedule: Full-time, on-site. While standard hours apply, occasional demands for meeting project deadlines might arise, typical in a production-driven environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and likely integration with production facilities mean the designer must be comfortable in a manufacturing-adjacent environment, understanding the practicalities of turning digital designs into physical products.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and creative/technical fit.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will be required to present a portfolio of past work, discussing their design process, technical execution, and client collaboration.

• Technical Assessment: Potential for a practical design test or a discussion about specific technical challenges related to large-format graphics and print production.

• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: Discussion with hiring manager and team members to assess work ethic, communication skills, and cultural alignment with the company's values.

• Final Interview: May involve a senior leader to discuss overall fit and career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-8 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize large-format graphics, vehicle wraps, and projects demonstrating technical print-ready file creation.

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the client's brief, your design process, the challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and the final outcome.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Clearly articulate your proficiency with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, and your understanding of print production requirements (color modes, file formats, resolution).

• Showcase Customer Interaction: If possible, include examples or discuss your experience working directly with clients to develop concepts.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, software proficiency, and how you handle tight deadlines or difficult client feedback.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss your approach to designing for specific substrates (vinyl, static cling) and installation considerations.

• Familiarize yourself with common large-format printing terms and processes.

• Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio presentation and potential technical assessment indicates that demonstrating practical skills and understanding of the production workflow is as critical as creative talent for this role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Essential for vector-based design, logo creation, and creating scalable graphics for large-format output.

• Adobe Photoshop: Crucial for raster image editing, photo manipulation, and preparing files for print, especially for complex textures or photographic elements.

Analytics & Reporting: Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how design impacts brand perception and sales could be a plus.

CRM & Automation: Not directly involved, but understanding how design requests originate from sales or CRM systems could be beneficial for workflow.

Specialized Software:

• Onyx Thrive RIP Software (Preferred): Familiarity with this or similar Raster Image Processor (RIP) software used in large-format printing is a significant advantage, as it directly interfaces with print production.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop is mandatory. Experience with RIP software like Onyx Thrive is highly desirable as it bridges the gap between design and the actual printing process, indicating a need for candidates who understand the end-to-end workflow.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Precision: A commitment to delivering high-quality, accurate designs that meet stringent production standards.

• Customer Focus: Dedication to understanding and fulfilling customer needs through effective design solutions.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: Ability to manage workload effectively to meet deadlines in a production-driven environment.

• Collaboration: Willingness to work harmoniously with sales, production, and other team members.

• Professionalism: Maintaining a high standard of conduct in all interactions, especially with clients.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers will work closely with sales to receive project briefs and with production to ensure design feasibility and file handoff.

• Feedback Exchange: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to improve designs and processes.

• Problem-Solving Together: Collaborating with production to troubleshoot any design-related issues that arise during manufacturing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely values a blend of creative excellence and operational discipline, where individual contributions are valued but must align with team goals for efficient and high-quality product delivery.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Production Constraints: Designing visually appealing graphics that are also technically feasible and cost-effective for large-format printing and installation.

• Managing High Volume & Tight Deadlines: Juggling multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced production environment.

• Client Expectations Management: Effectively translating diverse client visions into tangible designs while managing expectations regarding technical limitations or timelines.

• Staying Current with Technology: Keeping up with advancements in design software, large-format printing technology, and material science.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to hone skills in specialized areas like vehicle wrap design, architectural graphics, or specific material applications.

• Software Proficiency: Deepening expertise in Adobe Suite and potentially learning new design or production-related software.

• Industry Best Practices: Learning about the latest trends in large-format printing, installation techniques, and material innovations.

• Client Interaction Skills: Developing stronger communication and presentation skills for client-facing roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers growth by deepening technical expertise in a specialized design niche, improving project management skills, and potentially moving into leadership or client-facing roles within the graphics production industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a vehicle wrap from initial client brief to final production-ready file." (Focus on workflow, software, client interaction, technical considerations).

• "How do you ensure your designs are technically accurate for large-format printing and application?" (Highlight knowledge of file types, color modes, bleed, resolution, material properties).

• "Walk us through a challenging design project from your portfolio. What was the challenge, your approach, and the outcome?" (Emphasize problem-solving, technical execution, and results). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about designing for automotive graphics and large-format applications specifically?" (Show genuine interest in the niche).

• "How do you handle feedback from clients or colleagues on your designs?" (Demonstrate professionalism and adaptability).

• "Describe a time you had to meet a tight deadline. How did you manage your workload?" (Highlight time management and prioritization skills). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Be Concise and Focused: Stick to the most impactful projects.

• Highlight Technical Aspects: For each project, specifically mention the software used, file preparation steps, and any print-specific considerations.

• Emphasize Collaboration: Discuss how you worked with clients or internal teams (sales, production) to achieve the best results.

• Quantify Success (if possible): If a design led to positive client feedback or successful product application, mention it.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily focus on practical design execution, technical knowledge of large-format production, and the ability to collaborate effectively in a production-oriented environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the recruiting platform.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, large-format design, print production, and customer service. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your online or PDF portfolio is up-to-date, showcases relevant projects (especially vehicle wraps and large-format graphics), and clearly demonstrates your technical skills and design process. Be ready to present it.

• Research MHQ West & Chalmers Ford: Understand their services, client base, and the types of graphics they produce. This will help you tailor your application and interview responses.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse discussing your portfolio projects, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and highlighting your technical expertise and problem-solving abilities for large-format production.

⚠️ 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.

---