Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Schnabel Engineering

Location: Chadds Ford, PA, USA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: 2026-06-03

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for enhancing Schnabel Engineering's brand identity and visual communication across all platforms, supporting strategic initiatives through expert design execution.

• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for the end-to-end creation of diverse print and digital collateral, ensuring adherence to and evolution of established brand standards.

• A key aspect of this position involves meticulous management of digital assets, from processing and retouching to organization and archival, ensuring efficient access and consistency.

• The role requires a proactive approach to refining creative processes, collaborating effectively with the Creative Services team and internal stakeholders, and maintaining high standards in design techniques and visual communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Graphic Designer," given the context of an engineering firm, the role likely involves a significant focus on technical illustrations, infographics, proposal graphics, and marketing materials that communicate complex engineering concepts clearly. The "Creative Services team" suggests a centralized function supporting various departments within the company, including marketing, business development, and potentially project teams. The hybrid work arrangement indicates a need for strong self-management and communication skills for remote collaboration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute visually compelling designs for a wide array of print and digital materials, including but not limited to social media graphics, stationery, brochures, presentations, trade show booths, and internal communications, ensuring brand consistency.

• Apply, refine, and evolve Schnabel Engineering's brand guidelines across all design projects, maintaining a cohesive and professional visual identity that strengthens brand recognition and impact.

• Efficiently manage the digital asset library by processing, retouching, organizing, and archiving all media assets, ensuring ease of access for team members and adherence to file management best practices.

• Collaborate closely with the Director of Creative Services, marketing teams, business development, and other internal clients to understand project requirements, gather feedback, and deliver design solutions that meet strategic objectives.

• Own design projects from initial concept through final delivery, including conceptualization, design execution, revisions, and production coordination, ensuring timely completion and high-quality output.

• Create and/or refine supplemental visual assets such as infographics, icons, charts, and maps to effectively communicate technical information, project data, and company achievements in a clear and engaging manner.

• Coordinate and manage photoshoots, including art direction and vendor liaison, to capture high-quality imagery that aligns with brand aesthetics and project needs.

• Work with external vendors (printers, photographers, etc.) to ensure accurate production of design materials and adherence to quality standards and deadlines.

• Prepare and present design concepts and rationale to stakeholders, articulating creative and technical decisions clearly and persuasively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and project management. The emphasis on "applying and evolving brand standards" and "communicating design decisions with clear creative and technical rationale" suggests the need for a designer who can not only create but also strategically think about brand application and articulate the 'why' behind their design choices. The mention of "supplemental visual assets such as infographics, icons, and maps" points to a need for strong data visualization and technical illustration skills, which are particularly valuable in an engineering context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Fine Arts, or a closely related field.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of professional graphic design experience, with a demonstrated track record of successfully delivering high-quality design projects across both print and digital media. A strong, diverse portfolio showcasing a range of design capabilities is essential.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

• Working knowledge of Adobe Express for rapid digital asset creation and adaptation.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) for document integration and presentations.

• Demonstrated excellence in visual craft, including exceptional typography, layout design, color theory, and composition.

• Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to producing polished, error-free work.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet stringent deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts and rationale clearly.

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and internal clients, incorporating feedback constructively.

• Self-starter mentality with a proactive, organized, and accountable approach to work.

• Solid understanding of design principles, production processes, and industry-standard print production techniques and requirements.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects) for motion graphics or short promotional videos.

• Familiarity with web design principles, UI/UX basics, or content management systems (CMS).

• Experience in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, Construction) industry or with technical subject matter.

• Basic understanding of photography principles and art direction for photoshoots.

• Knowledge of project management software or methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "Expert proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Express" is standard for graphic design roles, but the inclusion of "Express" suggests a need for agility in digital content creation. The specific mention of "supplemental visual assets such as infographics, icons, and maps" strongly implies that candidates with experience in data visualization, technical illustration, or infographic design will be highly competitive. The "5 years of professional design experience" coupled with a "strong, diverse portfolio" indicates a mid-level to senior-level role where independence and strong conceptual thinking are expected.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio that clearly demonstrates a strong command of typography, layout, color theory, and visual hierarchy across a variety of print and digital mediums.

• Case studies showcasing the ability to translate complex information or abstract concepts into clear, engaging visual designs, particularly infographics, icons, or technical illustrations.

• Examples of brand application and evolution, illustrating how you've maintained or enhanced brand consistency across different deliverables and platforms.

• Projects that highlight your process from concept development to final execution, including any research, sketching, or iterative design phases.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate your design process, from initial brief and concept generation through to production and final delivery, emphasizing problem-solving and creative decision-making.

• Examples of how you manage project workflows, prioritize tasks, and ensure timely delivery of high-quality design assets, especially when juggling multiple projects.

• Documentation or presentation of how you approach brand system implementation and maintain visual consistency across diverse project types.

• Evidence of how you collaborate with clients or stakeholders to gather requirements, present design options, and incorporate feedback effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Graphic Designer role in an engineering firm, the portfolio should emphasize clarity, technical accuracy, and the ability to simplify complex information. Case studies demonstrating the creation of infographics, technical illustrations, and proposal graphics will be particularly valuable. The emphasis on "process" suggests an expectation for candidates to not only show the final product but also explain their thinking, problem-solving approach, and how they manage projects efficiently.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $27.00 - $33.00 per hour.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: This hourly range for a Graphic Designer with 5+ years of experience in the Chadds Ford, PA area is competitive, reflecting a mid-level to senior position. For illustration purposes, this translates to an annual salary range of approximately $56,160 to $68,640, assuming a standard 40-hour work week. Salary offers may vary based on the candidate's specific experience, skill set, and the nuances of their qualifications relative to the role's demands. Regional cost of living and industry benchmarks were considered in this estimation.

Benefits:

• Medical insurance

• Dental insurance

• Flexible spending accounts

• Employee life & ADD insurance (100% company-paid)

• Short-term disability (100% company-paid)

• Long-term disability

• Supplemental life insurance

• 401(k) and profit-sharing plan

• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)

• Bonus program

• Paid time off (PTO)

• 9 Paid Holidays

• Wellness program

• Professional development and tuition reimbursement

• Maternity leave

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement permitting partial remote work.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model allows for flexibility, but candidates should be prepared to be in the Chadds Ford office as needed for collaboration, client meetings, and project work, likely requiring a consistent presence for certain days of the week or specific events. The standard 40-hour work week indicates a typical full-time commitment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering & Consulting (Geotechnical, Geostructural, Tunnel, and Dam Engineering). Schnabel Engineering is a specialized firm focused on solving earth and environment-related problems.

Company Size: 700+ employees across 32 offices nationwide. This indicates a medium-to-large sized firm with a significant national presence.

Founded: Information not explicitly stated, but the company's growth and established presence suggest a history of stable operations.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Creative Services team, reporting to the Director of Creative Services, implying a dedicated internal design function.

• This team likely collaborates closely with marketing, business development, and project management departments to support their visual communication needs.

Methodology:

• Schnabel emphasizes high standards for quality, business ethics, and community concern, suggesting a culture that values professionalism, integrity, and social responsibility.

• The firm's focus on problem-solving in earth and environmental engineering requires a methodical, analytical, and detail-oriented approach, which likely extends to its internal operations and creative processes.

• The "Creative Services team" likely uses a project-based workflow, prioritizing clear briefs, iterative design, and stakeholder feedback to ensure deliverables meet specific project and brand objectives.

Company Website: schnabel-eng.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Schnabel's identity as an employee-owned engineering firm suggests a culture that values expertise, collaboration, and long-term commitment. The "Creative Services" department likely plays a vital role in translating complex engineering services into accessible and persuasive marketing materials, proposals, and brand communications. The hybrid work arrangement for this role indicates a modern approach to work-life balance within a traditional industry.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level to senior Graphic Designer, requiring significant professional experience and a strong portfolio. It offers the opportunity to take ownership of projects and contribute to brand strategy.

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Creative Services, indicating a clear line of management within a specialized creative department. This structure allows for mentorship and guidance from a senior creative leader.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts Schnabel Engineering's brand perception, client engagement, and business development efforts. High-quality visuals are crucial for proposal success, marketing campaigns, and overall brand credibility in the competitive engineering sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas such as technical illustration, data visualization, motion graphics, or advanced branding strategies.

• Career Progression: Potential to advance to Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, or Creative Services Manager roles within the company as the department or firm grows.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Exposure to various engineering disciplines and project types can broaden understanding and inform design solutions, potentially leading to specialization in AEC industry design.

• Professional Development: Access to tuition reimbursement and professional development programs can support learning new software, design techniques, or industry-specific knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a solid foundation for a graphic designer looking to specialize in a technical industry. Growth potential is tied to demonstrating impact, taking on more complex projects, and potentially developing leadership capabilities within the Creative Services team. The ESOP structure also provides a unique long-term financial growth opportunity.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in the Chadds Ford, PA office, which is part of a larger national network of 32 offices. The environment is likely professional and collaborative, typical of an engineering consulting firm.

Office Location(s): Chadds Ford, PA (19317). This location likely serves as a hub for regional operations and client interactions.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment operates within a Mac environment, indicating the standard creative tools and operating systems used.

• The hybrid work arrangement suggests a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility, requiring a well-equipped home workspace for remote days.

• Opportunities for collaboration with the Creative Services team and cross-functional departments are central to the role, facilitating idea exchange and project success.

• Access to standard office amenities and design resources for in-office workdays.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility offered through the hybrid arrangement. The nature of design projects may sometimes require working outside standard hours to meet critical deadlines, especially during proposal periods or campaign launches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model suggests a modern workplace that balances in-person interaction for team cohesion and spontaneous collaboration with the flexibility of remote work. Candidates should be comfortable with both modes of working and possess the self-discipline to be productive remotely. The Mac environment is a key technical detail for designers.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or hiring manager reviews submitted resumes, cover letters, and portfolios. Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible and clearly showcases relevant work.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: A deeper dive into your portfolio with the Director of Creative Services or other design leads. Expect questions about your design process, software proficiency, and how you approach specific design challenges (e.g., creating infographics, maintaining brand consistency). Be prepared to discuss your creative rationale for selected projects.

• Cross-functional Interview: Meeting with potential internal clients (e.g., marketing, business development) to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and understanding of business needs.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss overall fit, long-term goals, and company culture alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate your portfolio to highlight work most relevant to Schnabel Engineering's industry and the role's responsibilities. Prioritize examples of infographics, technical illustrations, proposal graphics, and branding projects.

• For each project, clearly articulate the objective, your role, the process followed, the tools used, and the outcome or impact. Use concise descriptions and strong visuals.

• Ensure easy navigation and a professional presentation. A link to an online portfolio is standard.

• Be ready to discuss your design choices, problem-solving approaches, and how you handle feedback or revisions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design challenge or exercise, which might involve creating a concept for a social media graphic, an infographic based on provided data, or a mock-up for a proposal cover.

• Practice articulating your design process and rationale under time constraints.

• Understand Schnabel's brand and industry to tailor any hypothetical design work effectively.

• Prepare questions about the team, projects, design tools, and company culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a cover letter, resume, and portfolio is explicit. Candidates should tailor their cover letter to express specific interest in Schnabel Engineering and highlight how their design skills align with the engineering sector. The portfolio is paramount; it should be polished, relevant, and easily navigable, demonstrating not just aesthetic skill but also strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency required in Adobe InDesign (layout and print production), Adobe Photoshop (image editing and manipulation), and Adobe Illustrator (vector graphics, logos, icons).

• Adobe Express: Working knowledge needed for efficient digital asset creation and adaptation.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook for document integration and presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Experience with any client relationship management (CRM) systems or marketing automation platforms is not listed as a primary requirement but could be an advantage if the designer needs to integrate assets into marketing campaigns or proposal management systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is a strong command of the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, which are industry-standard for graphic design. The inclusion of Adobe Express points to a need for efficiency in digital content creation. Familiarity with MS Office is also essential for integration with business documents and presentations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Excellence: Schnabel emphasizes high standards, suggesting a value placed on meticulous work, attention to detail, and delivering top-tier design solutions.

• Integrity & Ethics: Strong business ethics are highlighted, indicating a culture of honesty, professionalism, and reliability in all dealings.

• Collaboration: As an employee-owned firm and with a team structure involving cross-functional collaboration, teamwork and open communication are likely highly valued.

• Problem-Solving: The core business is solving complex earth and environment problems, implying a culture that encourages analytical thinking, creativity, and innovative solutions.

• Community Focus: Concern for communities is mentioned, suggesting a corporate social responsibility aspect and an appreciation for the impact of their work.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The Graphic Designer will work closely with various departments, requiring strong interpersonal skills and the ability to understand diverse needs and translate them into visual strategies.

• Feedback Loop: A collaborative environment likely involves constructive feedback sessions to refine designs and ensure alignment with project goals and brand standards.

• Knowledge Sharing: Within the Creative Services team and across departments, sharing best practices, design trends, and project learnings would foster continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be built around professionalism, expertise, and a shared sense of ownership and purpose. For a designer, this means being a team player, respecting deadlines and quality standards, and contributing to a positive and productive work environment. The "employee-owned" aspect can foster a strong sense of loyalty and shared commitment to the company's success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Technical Concepts: A primary challenge will be visually communicating complex engineering information in an accessible and engaging way for diverse audiences.

• Brand Evolution: Balancing the need to adhere to established brand standards with opportunities to creatively evolve and refresh visual assets.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Effectively collaborating with and managing design requests from various internal departments, each with potentially different priorities and aesthetic preferences.

• Remote Collaboration: Adapting to a hybrid work model and ensuring seamless communication and project execution with team members and stakeholders both in-office and remotely.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Specialization: Gaining in-depth knowledge of the civil engineering and environmental consulting sectors, which can inform more targeted and effective design solutions.

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to learn and apply new design software features, advanced illustration techniques, or data visualization methods.

• Brand Strategy: Developing a deeper understanding of brand management and how design contributes to overall business objectives and market positioning.

• Professional Certifications/Courses: Utilizing tuition reimbursement for courses in graphic design, project management, or industry-specific software to enhance skills and career prospects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common for designers in specialized industries but also offer significant opportunities for skill development and professional growth. The ability to visually represent technical information is a key differentiator and a valuable skill to hone.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating an infographic or technical illustration from raw data or complex information. How do you ensure accuracy and clarity?" (Focus on your methodical approach, research, data interpretation, and visual communication strategy.)

• "How do you approach applying and evolving brand guidelines across a variety of design projects? Can you provide an example?" (Highlight your understanding of brand consistency, ability to interpret guidelines, and creative problem-solving within constraints.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about working for an engineering firm like Schnabel, and how do you see your design skills contributing to our specific industry?" (Research Schnabel's projects, values, and mission. Connect your skills to their business needs.)

• "How do you stay current with design trends and best practices, especially in a hybrid work environment?" (Showcase your commitment to continuous learning and adaptability.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type (e.g., branding, digital, print, infographics) or by case study. Ensure each project has a clear title, brief description, your role, and key deliverables.

• Storytelling: For 2-3 key projects, prepare a brief narrative that explains the client's challenge, your design process, the solutions you implemented, and the impact of your work. This is especially important for infographic or technical illustration examples.

• Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the specific software and techniques you used. For example, "I used InDesign for the layout, Photoshop for image retouching, and Illustrator to create these custom icons."

• Relevance: Highlight projects that demonstrate your ability to work with technical content, create clear visuals, and maintain brand consistency. If you have experience in the AEC industry, make sure those projects are prominent.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design talent but also strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively within a professional services environment. The portfolio is the primary tool; prepare to "sell" your work by explaining the "why" behind your design decisions.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on recruiting.ultipro.com.

• Customize your resume to emphasize your 5+ years of experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), and any experience relevant to technical illustration, infographics, or branding in professional services industries. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare a compelling cover letter that specifically addresses your interest in Schnabel Engineering and highlights how your design skills align with their mission and the requirements of this role. Mention your understanding of the engineering industry.

• Curate and polish your online portfolio to prominently feature your strongest, most relevant work, particularly projects demonstrating expertise in typography, layout, brand consistency, and the creation of visual assets like infographics, icons, or technical illustrations. Ensure it is easily accessible via a direct link.

• Practice articulating your design process and the rationale behind your portfolio pieces. Be ready to discuss how you approach projects from concept to completion, manage deadlines, and collaborate with stakeholders.

• Research Schnabel Engineering thoroughly, understanding their services, company culture, and recent projects to better tailor your application and prepare for interview questions.

⚠️ 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.