Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO)

Location: San Diego, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing & Communications / Creative Services

Date Posted: November 3, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (4+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and execute high-quality visual communications to support NASSCO's business objectives, brand identity, and stakeholder engagement initiatives.

• Create a diverse range of print, digital, photographic, video, and multimedia content for internal and external audiences.

• Ensure brand consistency and visual excellence across all communication channels, including social media and digital platforms.

• Collaborate with Communications, Marketing, HR, and operational departments to deliver creative solutions that enhance company reputation and employee engagement.

• Manage multiple concurrent projects, support corporate events, and serve as a key visual communications resource for the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role of Graphic Designer at a large industrial company like NASSCO, a General Dynamics company, implies a need for strong visual storytelling that can translate complex industrial operations into accessible and engaging content. This role requires not only creative design skills but also an understanding of corporate communications, brand management, and the ability to work within a structured, often regulated, environment. The emphasis on "shipyard operations" and "industrial setting" suggests a need for designers who can adapt their skills to unique and challenging environments, potentially including on-site work in active industrial areas.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and produce a wide array of visual assets, including marketing materials, advertisements, presentations, publications, and digital content, all while adhering to strict brand standards and quality expectations.

• Create, edit, and produce multimedia content, encompassing graphic design, photography, videography, motion graphics, and infographics, specifically tailored for shipyard operations, employee programs, events, community outreach, and special projects.

• Develop, publish, and actively monitor content across various social media and digital communication channels to bolster brand awareness, drive engagement, support recruitment efforts, and achieve organizational objectives.

• Collaborate closely with Communications team members, internal stakeholders, and external partners to conceptualize, design, produce, and distribute creative campaigns, corporate publications, essential employee communications, targeted recruiting materials, event collateral, and broader marketing initiatives.

• Present creative concepts and design recommendations to stakeholders, actively soliciting and integrating feedback to refine and finalize deliverables that meet or exceed expectations.

• Efficiently manage multiple projects simultaneously, effectively prioritizing assignments and demonstrating adaptability to evolving business needs to ensure the timely delivery of high-quality creative assets.

• Maintain an organized and accessible repository of digital assets, photography archives, design files, and multimedia resources, ensuring compliance with departmental standards and best practices for asset management.

• Operate and utilize specialized design, photography, video, and drone equipment, as well as multimedia production tools, to effectively support diverse communication initiatives.

• Provide hands-on production, assembly, installation, and distribution support for communication materials, event collateral, promotional items, and marketing collateral as required by project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The inclusion of "shipyard operations," "employee programs," "community outreach," and "special projects" indicates that the Graphic Designer will be involved in a broad spectrum of communication needs, from internal HR initiatives to external brand building and operational storytelling. The responsibility for operating specialized equipment like drones suggests a dynamic and hands-on role that extends beyond traditional desk-based design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Marketing, Multimedia Design, Fine Arts, Communications, or a closely related field.

• Equivalent combinations of relevant education and professional experience will also be considered. Experience:

• A minimum of 4 years of progressive professional experience in graphic design, visual communications, marketing collateral development, or multimedia content creation. Required Skills:

• Demonstrated advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite, with a strong emphasis on InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop for print and digital design.

• Proven ability to work effectively within established brand guidelines, ensuring visual consistency and brand integrity across all platforms and deliverables.

• Experience developing and producing content specifically for print, digital, social media, and diverse multimedia communication channels.

• Practical experience operating DSLR cameras and applying principles of photography composition, editing, and image enhancement.

• Solid understanding of fundamental graphic design principles, including typography, layout design, branding elements, visual storytelling techniques, and color theory.

• Demonstrated creativity, a keen eye for visual design, and strong problem-solving capabilities to address communication challenges.

• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts and collaborate effectively.

• Strong organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering exceptionally high-quality work.

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to shifting deadlines, and thrive in a fast-paced environment with a high degree of autonomy.

• Experience in developing content for social media platforms, understanding digital marketing principles, and familiarity with analytics.

• Experience with videography and multimedia storytelling, including content production workflows.

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification or the demonstrated ability and willingness to obtain this certification.

• Experience with motion graphics, animation, and video editing software such as Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro, or a strong aptitude and eagerness to learn these tools. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the manufacturing, shipbuilding, or heavy industry sectors.

• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) for digital asset distribution.

• Experience with drone videography and photography for industrial or large-scale project documentation.

• Knowledge of web design principles and UI/UX considerations for digital assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for an FAA Part 107 certification is a significant differentiator, indicating a strong need for aerial photography and videography capabilities, likely for documenting large-scale industrial projects, shipyard operations, or construction progress. This elevates the role beyond a standard graphic designer to a multimedia specialist with an industrial focus. The emphasis on "minimal supervision" and "adapting to changing deadlines" points towards a self-starter who can manage their workload effectively in a dynamic environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects, with a strong emphasis on how visual communication supported specific business objectives or solved communication challenges.

• Case studies demonstrating the ability to translate complex information (e.g., industrial processes, technical data) into clear, engaging visual narratives for various audiences.

• Examples of brand implementation across different mediums, highlighting consistency and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Visuals that showcase proficiency in print design, digital assets (web banners, social media graphics), and multimedia content (infographics, basic animations, video snippets).

• Demonstrations of creative concept development from initial brief to final execution. Process Documentation:

• Ability to document design processes, including concept development, stakeholder feedback integration, and final asset delivery.

• Experience in organizing and maintaining digital asset libraries, demonstrating an understanding of file management and version control relevant to creative assets.

• Familiarity with project management methodologies for tracking design tasks, deadlines, and resource allocation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio should explicitly highlight projects that demonstrate the ability to communicate technical or industrial concepts visually. Examples of successful social media campaigns, internal communications, or event collateral would be highly beneficial. The inclusion of video or motion graphics samples is crucial, given the explicit mention of these skill sets.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,000 - $95,000 USD per year

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical Insurance coverage.

• Dental Insurance coverage.

• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with company contributions/matching.

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care.

• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for high-deductible health plans.

• Life Insurance policies.

• Disability Insurance (Short-term and Long-term).

• Company-paid Holidays.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) for vacation, sick leave, and personal days.

• Wellness Coaching programs to support employee health.

• Onsite Health Services for convenient medical care. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week.

• The "ALL" shift designation suggests flexibility or potential for varied schedules, though typical office hours are probable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a mid-level Graphic Designer role in a major metropolitan area like San Diego, especially within a large, established industrial corporation. The comprehensive benefits package reflects the offerings typical of major employers like General Dynamics NASSCO, providing strong support for employee well-being and financial security. The "ALL" shift designation is unusual for a creative role and might imply the need for coverage across different operational shifts or a general designation for standard business hours.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Shipbuilding and Repair, Defense Contractor (Manufacturing, Engineering, Maritime)

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Thousands of employees, part of General Dynamics)

Founded: General Dynamics NASSCO was founded in 1960.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of the Communications or Marketing department, which typically includes specialists in public relations, internal communications, digital media, and marketing coordination.

• This role may involve direct reporting to a Communications Manager or Director, with potential collaboration across various operational departments (e.g., Engineering, HR, Production, Project Management).

• Cross-functional collaboration is a key aspect, requiring the designer to work with subject matter experts from different divisions to gather information and develop accurate, compelling visual content. Methodology:

• Design projects will likely follow a structured workflow, involving initial brief intake, concept development, stakeholder reviews and approvals, production, and final distribution.

• Emphasis will be placed on data-driven insights where applicable (e.g., social media engagement metrics) and process optimization to ensure efficiency in content creation and asset management.

• A strong focus on adhering to established brand guidelines and corporate messaging frameworks will be paramount.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: NASSCO, as a subsidiary of General Dynamics, operates within a large, established corporate structure. The culture is likely to be professional, safety-conscious, and results-oriented, with a strong emphasis on compliance and quality, especially given its defense contractor status. The integration of visual communications into industrial operations suggests a culture that values clear, effective communication across diverse functions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-level individual contributor role, focusing on specialized creative execution within the broader corporate communications function. It represents a key role in ensuring the visual coherence and impact of NASSCO's external and internal messaging.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer typically reports to a Manager or Director of Communications/Marketing. They will collaborate extensively with colleagues within the communications team and stakeholders across various operational departments.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts NASSCO's brand perception, employee engagement, recruitment success, and the clarity of information conveyed to diverse audiences. High-quality visual communications can enhance brand reputation, improve understanding of complex industrial processes, and contribute to a positive corporate image.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in areas like motion graphics, video production, drone videography, or digital marketing design.

• Senior Designer/Art Director: Progress to leading design projects, mentoring junior designers, and taking on more strategic creative direction.

• Cross-Functional Roles: Transition into roles within marketing management, digital content strategy, or corporate branding, leveraging their visual communication expertise.

• Skill Development: Opportunities for training in new design software, emerging visual media technologies, and industry best practices through internal resources or external professional development programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a solid foundation for a career in corporate communications and design within a large, stable industry. Growth potential is tied to demonstrating consistent high-quality output, expanding skill sets in emerging media, and effectively managing complex projects and stakeholder relationships. The unique aspects like drone certification offer a niche specialization path.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role will involve a hybrid work environment, with significant time spent in a professional office setting and potentially on-site within industrial and production areas of the shipyard.

Office Location(s): San Diego, California, with specific office locations likely within or adjacent to NASSCO's shipyard facilities.

Workspace Context:

• The primary workspace will be a professional office environment equipped with standard design tools and technology.

• This role necessitates regular visits to active industrial areas, production floors, and ships, requiring adherence to strict safety protocols and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Opportunities for collaboration will exist within the communications team and with employees across various departments, fostering a dynamic and interactive work environment. Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours are expected, likely Monday through Friday.

• The "ALL" shift designation might imply some flexibility or the need to occasionally support events or projects outside of typical 9-to-5 hours, though this is less common for a creative role unless specified.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement to work in both office and industrial settings is a critical aspect of this role. Candidates must be comfortable and capable of navigating potentially challenging physical environments while maintaining focus on creative tasks and adhering to safety regulations. The ability to adapt to different work settings is essential.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will review applications and resumes, screening for minimum qualifications and relevant experience.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be asked to submit a digital portfolio. This is a critical step where the quality, diversity, and relevance of design work will be assessed.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager (likely the Communications Manager/Director) focusing on creative approach, problem-solving skills, project management experience, and cultural fit.

• Skills Assessment/Challenge: Potentially a small design challenge or case study related to NASSCO's business to evaluate practical skills, creative thinking, and ability to work under constraints.

• Team/Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with other members of the communications team or key stakeholders from other departments to assess collaboration skills and ability to integrate into the team.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest and most relevant work. Prioritize projects that demonstrate versatility (print, digital, video, motion graphics) and problem-solving.

• Highlight Impact: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the process, and the outcome. Quantify results where possible (e.g., increased engagement, successful campaign).

• Showcase NASSCO Relevance: Include examples that align with corporate communications, brand building, industrial themes, or employee engagement if possible. If not, explain how your transferable skills apply.

• Organize Clearly: Ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate, with clear labeling and descriptions for each piece. A professional website or well-organized PDF is recommended.

• Prepare to Discuss: Be ready to articulate your design choices, creative process, and how you handled feedback and challenges for each project.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand NASSCO: Research the company's mission, values, products (ships), and recent news. Understand the industrial context.

• Brand Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with corporate branding principles. If possible, find examples of NASSCO's existing branding.

• Problem-Solving: Be prepared to tackle a hypothetical design problem related to communicating industrial processes, safety information, or recruitment messages.

• Time Management: If given a timed challenge, practice working efficiently and delivering a polished output within the allotted time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the specific requirements for video, motion graphics, and potentially drone use, the portfolio review will likely place significant emphasis on these multimedia capabilities. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate proficiency or strong potential in these areas. The ability to translate technical or industrial concepts into visually appealing content will be a key evaluation criterion.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud:

  • Adobe InDesign: For layout and print design (brochures, publications, presentations).
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.

• Adobe After Effects: For motion graphics and animation.

• Adobe Premiere Pro: For video editing and production.

• DSLR Cameras & Related Equipment: For photography and videography.

• Drone Operation Equipment: (FAA Part 107 certified) for aerial capture.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Basic understanding of social media analytics platforms (e.g., Facebook Insights, LinkedIn Analytics) to monitor content performance.

• Potentially familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) if digital assets are for web deployment. CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how marketing assets are used within CRM or marketing automation platforms (e.g., for email campaigns, landing pages) could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. The specific mention of After Effects, Premiere Pro, and drone operation indicates a need for advanced multimedia skills beyond traditional graphic design. Familiarity with asset management systems would also be advantageous for organizing the large volume of creative content produced.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to producing high-quality, professional work that meets or exceeds standards.

• Safety First: A paramount value in an industrial setting, requiring constant awareness and adherence to safety protocols in all work, including visual documentation.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders to achieve common goals.

• Innovation: Bringing creative ideas and new approaches to visual communication challenges.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding ethical standards and representing the company professionally in all interactions and outputs.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with subject matter experts from various departments to ensure accuracy and relevance of visual content.

• Feedback-Driven: Open to constructive criticism and able to iterate on designs based on stakeholder input.

• Proactive Communication: Keeping stakeholders informed about project status, potential challenges, and timelines.

• Solution-Oriented: Focusing on finding creative solutions to communication needs rather than just executing tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: In an industrial and defense-focused environment like NASSCO, a strong emphasis on safety, compliance, and precision is expected. The design team's culture will likely reflect these values, demanding accuracy and reliability in all visual communications, especially those related to operations and safety.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Industrial Complexity: Effectively communicating complex shipbuilding processes, technical details, and safety information visually to diverse audiences.

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Project Needs: Maintaining strict brand guidelines while creating unique and engaging content for various initiatives.

• Adapting to Industrial Environments: Working safely and effectively in dynamic, potentially hazardous industrial settings for photography and videography.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Coordinating feedback and approvals from various departments with potentially competing priorities.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Staying current with design software, multimedia tools, and digital communication trends.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Multimedia Training: Opportunities to deepen skills in video editing, motion graphics, animation, and potentially 3D visualization.

• Industry-Specific Knowledge: Gaining a better understanding of shipbuilding, naval architecture, and defense industry operations to inform design work.

• Drone Piloting & Cinematography: Formal training and certification for advanced drone usage in industrial settings.

• Project Management Skills: Development in managing complex creative projects from inception to completion.

• Exposure to Large-Scale Campaigns: Involvement in significant corporate branding, recruitment, or event-related design initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be bridging the gap between the highly technical and industrial nature of NASSCO's operations and the need for visually appealing, easily understandable communications. Developing a unique visual language for the company that resonates across different audiences will be key.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to create visual content for a highly technical or complex subject. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, research, and simplification).

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across a wide range of media and projects, especially when working with different stakeholders?" (Highlight adherence to guidelines, asset management).

• "Walk us through your process for creating a short promotional video or motion graphic piece, from concept to final delivery." (Emphasize workflow, software proficiency, storytelling).

• "Imagine you need to capture compelling visuals of shipyard operations for a recruitment campaign. What safety considerations would you prioritize, and what shots would you aim for?" (Demonstrate safety awareness and creative vision for industrial settings). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for NASSCO, a leader in shipbuilding and defense?" (Show research into the company, its mission, and industry).

• "How do you handle receiving constructive criticism or significant revisions on your design work?" (Focus on adaptability, professionalism, and seeing feedback as an opportunity for improvement).

• "Describe your experience working in a corporate environment with established brand guidelines." (Emphasize understanding of brand integrity and compliance). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling Approach: For each portfolio piece, tell a concise story: the problem, your creative solution, the tools used, and the impact.

• Highlight Multimedia: Specifically point out your video, motion graphics, and any drone-related work. Be ready to discuss your role and technical execution.

• Demonstrate Process: Briefly explain your workflow for key projects, showing how you move from concept to final product, including any stakeholder interaction.

• Quantify Results: If possible, present metrics that show the success of your designs (e.g., engagement rates on social media, positive feedback on publications).

• Tailor to NASSCO: Frame your experience in a way that clearly shows how your skills and past work are directly applicable to NASSCO's needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with Adobe Creative Cloud in detail, particularly InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects, and Premiere Pro. The ability to articulate their process for creating multimedia content, including video and motion graphics, will be crucial. Emphasis should be placed on safety awareness when discussing on-site work.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete the online application form through the NASSCO careers portal.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare a digital portfolio that highlights your strongest graphic design, multimedia, and photography/videography work. Ensure it is easily accessible and showcases relevance to corporate communications and industrial contexts.

• Tailor Your Resume: Update your resume to emphasize experience with Adobe Creative Suite, video editing, motion graphics, photography, and any experience in industrial or corporate environments. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Be ready to articulate your design process, creative problem-solving skills, and how your contributions have driven business objectives in previous roles during interviews.

• Research NASSCO: Thoroughly research General Dynamics NASSCO, its mission, products, and recent achievements to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding of the company's context.

⚠️ 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.