Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: U.S. Engineering

Location: Kansas City, Missouri, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Marketing & Communications / Creative Services

Date Posted: May 12, 2026

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for visually translating the U.S. Engineering brand across various platforms, ensuring brand consistency and supporting strategic business objectives through compelling design.

• The Graphic Designer will collaborate closely with the Marketing & Communications team and internal stakeholders to create impactful visual assets for recruiting, business development, and internal communications.

• Responsibilities include the design and production of both digital and print materials, ranging from social media graphics and website assets to proposals and event materials.

• A strong portfolio showcasing creative range and execution, alongside proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and presentation design, is essential for success in this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw job title is "Graphic Designer," the description emphasizes its role within marketing, communications, and employer branding, suggesting a strategic function rather than purely aesthetic design. The focus on supporting business goals, recruiting, and brand consistency positions this role as a key contributor to the company's Go-To-Market (GTM) and internal communication strategies, aligning it with operations-adjacent functions that support business growth and talent acquisition.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a wide array of digital and print assets, including presentations, proposals, social media graphics, email campaigns, event collateral, brochures, and signage, ensuring adherence to brand standards.

• Develop creative visual content specifically for recruiting and employer branding initiatives, such as hiring campaigns, career fair materials, and content that articulates company culture and opportunities to attract talent.

• Partner with HR and recruiting teams to create compelling visual narratives that highlight U.S. Engineering's culture, career paths, benefits, and employee experiences.

• Create and optimize visual assets for web and digital platforms, including website graphics, landing pages, digital advertising campaigns, and other marketing efforts.

• Translate strategic ideas, business goals, and messaging into effective, engaging visual concepts in collaboration with Marketing & Communications team members.

• Support communication needs across the U.S. Engineering network by collaborating with internal stakeholders from departments such as recruiting, business development, operations, and leadership.

• Manage multiple design projects concurrently from conceptualization to final delivery, effectively prioritizing tasks and meeting established deadlines.

• Present design concepts clearly, articulate rationale, and incorporate feedback constructively within a collaborative, solutions-oriented environment.

• Maintain and evolve visual brand consistency across all company materials, contributing to the overall growth and refinement of the brand identity.

• Prepare design files accurately for print, digital publication, and production, ensuring high quality and adherence to technical specifications.

• Coordinate with external vendors, printers, photographers, and freelancers to manage outsourced creative production and ensure project requirements are met.

• Stay abreast of the latest design tools, best practices, and emerging visual communication trends to continuously enhance creative output and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for strategic thinking in visual communication, particularly in employer branding and business development support. This suggests the candidate should not only be skilled in design execution but also in understanding how design can influence business outcomes, a key trait for roles supporting GTM operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years of professional graphic design experience.

• A robust portfolio demonstrating creative versatility and successful project execution is required.

• Experience supporting recruiting marketing, employer branding, talent attraction campaigns, or workforce communications is highly advantageous.

• Prior experience working within an in-house marketing team or an agency environment is preferred.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop, for creating and manipulating visual assets.

• Demonstrated expertise in presentation design, including the ability to create polished and effective PowerPoint presentations.

• Solid understanding of digital design principles and best practices for web, email marketing, and social media platforms.

• Strong attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and high-quality output in all design deliverables.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse internal teams and stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion graphics, photography, or animation for dynamic visual content creation.

• Familiarity with Notion and Figma for collaborative design workflows and project management.

• Experience designing for technical industries like construction, engineering, or manufacturing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a strong portfolio and experience in employer branding/recruiting marketing indicates that candidates should be prepared to showcase how their design skills directly contribute to talent acquisition and brand perception, which are critical operational aspects for companies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is essential, showcasing a range of design projects across digital and print media.

• Include case studies or examples that demonstrate how design solutions addressed specific business challenges or supported strategic goals.

• Highlight projects related to employer branding, talent attraction, or internal communications if available.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase your ability to manage projects from brief to delivery, including workflow management and deadline adherence.

• Demonstrate an understanding of brand guidelines and how to maintain consistency across various applications.

• Provide examples of file preparation for different outputs (print, web, social media) to ensure quality and accuracy.

• Illustrate your collaborative process, including how you receive feedback and iterate on designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, the portfolio is not just a gallery of work but a demonstration of process, strategic thinking, and problem-solving capabilities. Candidates should curate their portfolios to highlight projects that show impact and collaboration, mirroring operational efficiency and cross-functional support.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• $58,000 - $83,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage.

• Dental Insurance: Dental care plans.

• Vision Insurance: Vision care plans.

• Matching Retirement Contributions: Company contributions to retirement savings plans.

• Matching 529 Contributions: Support for education savings accounts.

• Year-end Bonus: Potential for an annual bonus based on company and/or individual performance.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous paid time off for work-life balance.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours, typically 40 hours per week.

• This is a hybrid position, combining remote work with regular in-office collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a good benchmark for mid-level graphic designers in the Kansas City area. The inclusion of a year-end bonus and robust benefits package indicates a competitive total compensation offering, which is standard for companies aiming to attract and retain skilled talent in creative and marketing functions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Mechanical Contracting, Construction, Service, and Maintenance Solutions.

Company Size: U.S. Engineering is a well-established company with a significant presence, likely falling into the mid-to-large size category based on its operations and network of companies. This implies a structured environment with opportunities for professional development.

Founded: The exact founding date is not explicitly provided, but "U.S. Engineering" suggests a long-standing history, likely built on principles of performance and innovation.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Marketing & Communications team, working closely with its members.

• This role requires collaboration across various departments, including Recruiting, HR, Business Development, and Operations, indicating a cross-functional and matrixed team environment.

Methodology:

• U.S. Engineering emphasizes performance, innovation, and client alignment. This translates to a data-informed approach to project delivery and client satisfaction.

• The company culture values skilled and collaborative professionals who can drive projects from inception to completion.

• Design work is expected to be strategic, supporting business goals, and maintaining brand consistency.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "performance and innovation" suggests a results-oriented culture. For a Graphic Designer, this means designs should not only be aesthetically pleasing but also demonstrably effective in achieving their intended business outcomes, such as attracting talent or supporting sales efforts.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is classified as a Mid-Level Graphic Designer role, typically requiring 2-5 years of professional experience. It involves independent work on design projects while also requiring significant collaboration and adherence to brand strategy. It's a step beyond entry-level, demanding a solid understanding of design principles and their application in a business context.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a member of the Marketing & Communications team, likely a Marketing Manager or Director. They will also work closely with HR and Business Development teams, indicating a need for strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Operations Impact: While not a direct "operations" role in the traditional sense, the Graphic Designer's work significantly impacts the company's ability to attract talent (employer branding), win new business (proposal and business development materials), and maintain a cohesive corporate identity. Effective visual communication is a critical component of operational success in these areas.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas like motion graphics, digital campaign design, or employer branding visuals.

• Project Leadership: Potential to lead design aspects for larger marketing campaigns or initiatives.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining deeper understanding of business development, recruiting, and operational needs through close collaboration.

• Brand Evolution: Contributing to the ongoing development and refinement of the U.S. Engineering brand identity.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers growth into more strategic design positions or potentially into marketing management roles, especially for those who can demonstrate a strong understanding of how design supports broader business objectives within operations and GTM functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as Hybrid, meaning it combines remote work with regular in-office presence. This suggests a modern work environment that balances flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Kansas City, Missouri (64111). Specific details about the office layout and amenities are not provided but can be assumed to be professional and conducive to creative work.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid nature allows for focused, independent work remotely, while in-office days facilitate direct collaboration with the Marketing & Communications team and other internal stakeholders.

• Access to necessary design software and potentially company-provided hardware for remote work is expected.

• Opportunities for informal brainstorming and feedback sessions with colleagues will be available during in-office days.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is likely aligned with typical business hours (e.g., 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM), with the flexibility of a hybrid arrangement. Occasional work outside standard hours might be required for critical deadlines or events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a significant factor for candidates balancing work and personal life. For operations roles, this flexibility can improve productivity and reduce commute time, which is increasingly valued.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of applications and portfolios to assess basic qualifications and design aesthetic.

• Portfolio Review & Skills Assessment: A more in-depth discussion about the candidate's portfolio, focusing on specific projects, design process, and problem-solving approaches. This may include a practical design exercise or case study.

• Interviews with Hiring Team: Meetings with Marketing & Communications team members and potentially other stakeholders (e.g., HR, Business Development) to evaluate collaboration skills, cultural fit, and understanding of business needs.

• Final Interview: A concluding discussion with senior leadership to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest and most relevant projects. Prioritize those demonstrating impact, strategic thinking, and versatility (digital, print, employer branding).

• Tell the Story: For each project, be prepared to discuss the brief, your design process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the outcome or impact. Use metrics where possible.

• Showcase Brand Understanding: Highlight projects where you successfully adhered to or evolved brand guidelines.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize any work related to employer branding, recruiting, or corporate communications.

• Digital Format: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible online (e.g., personal website, Behance, PDF).

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for a design challenge that might involve creating a social media graphic, a presentation slide, or a concept for a recruiting campaign based on a provided brief.

• Focus on demonstrating your ability to quickly grasp requirements, apply brand standards, and produce a professional output within a given timeframe.

• Prepare to articulate your design choices and rationale clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential design challenge means candidates must be prepared to actively demonstrate their skills and thought process, not just list them. This is common in creative roles and increasingly seen in operations to assess practical application.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop for all core design tasks.

• Presentation Software: Strong skills in PowerPoint for creating polished business presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Collaboration & Project Management:

• Notion: Familiarity is helpful for project tracking, documentation, and team collaboration.

• Figma: Experience is a plus, indicating adaptability to modern collaborative design tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is a non-negotiable requirement. Experience with Notion and Figma indicates a candidate is adaptable and potentially familiar with more agile or collaborative design workflows, which are increasingly common in GTM and marketing operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Performance & Innovation: U.S. Engineering values driving results and finding creative solutions. This applies to design by creating visuals that perform well and are innovative.

• Collaboration: The company emphasizes a team-oriented approach. Designers are expected to work effectively with diverse internal teams.

• Client Alignment: Designs should support client goals and company objectives, ensuring visual communication is strategic.

• Quality & Accuracy: A commitment to high-quality work and attention to detail is paramount in all deliverables.

• Continuous Improvement: Staying current with design trends and tools reflects a commitment to evolving and improving creative output.

Collaboration Style:

• The role involves close collaboration with the Marketing & Communications team, as well as cross-functional partnerships with HR, Recruiting, and Business Development.

• Expect a solutions-focused approach where feedback is exchanged constructively to achieve the best visual outcomes.

• This includes presenting concepts and incorporating feedback thoughtfully to refine designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values of performance, innovation, and collaboration are key for any role, particularly in a GTM or marketing context where success is often team-dependent and requires continuous adaptation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Priorities: Managing numerous design projects with competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Translating Complex Ideas: Effectively visualizing technical information or abstract business concepts for diverse audiences.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring a unified brand look and feel across a wide range of materials and stakeholders.

• Adapting to Evolving Trends: Keeping design skills and tool knowledge current with rapid changes in digital media and design technology.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to learn and apply new skills in areas like motion graphics, animation, or advanced digital design.

• Industry Exposure: Working within the construction and engineering sector provides exposure to a unique industry and its visual communication needs.

• Strategic Design Input: Growing to provide more strategic input on branding and visual communication strategies.

• Cross-functional Expertise: Developing a deeper understanding of marketing, recruiting, and business development functions through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for strong project management and adaptability, which are critical operational skills. Growth opportunities point towards career progression into more senior or specialized design roles, or even into broader marketing strategy positions.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a project where you had to translate a complex or technical concept into a visually understandable design. What was your process?" (Focus on problem-solving, audience awareness, and clarity.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across various media and for different stakeholders?" (Highlight your understanding of brand guidelines and governance.)

• "Walk me through a challenging recruiting marketing campaign you designed. What were the objectives, your approach, and the results?" (Prepare a case study demonstrating impact on talent acquisition.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about U.S. Engineering's brand and our industry?" (Research the company website, recent news, and the construction/engineering sector.)

• "How do you see your design skills supporting our employer branding and recruiting efforts?" (Connect your portfolio and experience to the specific needs outlined in the job description.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating a range of skills. Start with your strongest, most relevant pieces.

• Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the objective, your role, the process, any challenges, the solution, and the impact (quantify if possible).

• Visuals: Ensure your presentation is visually appealing, clean, and easy to navigate. Use high-quality images of your work.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present key projects within a specified timeframe, focusing on the most impactful aspects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skill but also strategic thinking, business acumen, and strong collaboration abilities, all essential for success in roles supporting GTM and operational objectives.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Visit the U.S. Engineering careers page at https://www.usengineering.com/careers/job-postings/ to submit your application.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight relevant projects, especially those related to employer branding, corporate communications, or business development materials. Quantify results where possible.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, presentation design, and any experience in technical industries or employer branding. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on your design process, problem-solving skills, and the business impact of your work. Prepare to discuss your experience with hybrid work environments.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research U.S. Engineering, its industry, recent projects, and its stated values to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment. Understand their brand identity.

⚠️ 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.