Graphic Designer

Ulteig
Full-timeSan José, Costa Rica

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Ulteig

Location: San Pedro, Costa Rica (with potential for Hybrid work arrangement)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: May 11, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

  • This role is pivotal in developing compelling creative assets that enhance Ulteig's brand identity and corporate storytelling, requiring a strong foundation in visual communications and brand management.

  • The Graphic Designer will collaborate closely with Corporate Communications and Brand & Marketing teams to ensure design consistency across all internal and external platforms, supporting the overall GTM strategy through visual content.

  • A key aspect of this role involves translating complex communication objectives into clear, engaging visuals, impacting employee experience, recruitment campaigns, and strategic communication rollouts.

  • Proficiency in leveraging AI tools, specifically Microsoft Copilot, is expected to drive efficiency in design, content development, and cross-functional collaboration, aligning with modern GTM operational efficiencies.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core responsibilities are centered around graphic design, the emphasis on "corporate storytelling," "internal and external communication strategies," and "employee experience campaigns" suggests this role supports broader Go-To-Market (GTM) initiatives by ensuring a cohesive and impactful brand presence. The mention of "shared work direction with the Brand & Marketing team" further solidifies this connection. The "Hybrid" work arrangement implies a need for strong remote collaboration skills and self-management, essential for operations professionals working across distributed teams.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Develop and design a wide range of creative assets for internal and external communications, including presentations, digital signage, newsletters, intranet content, emails, social media graphics, and campaign materials.

  • Create and maintain design layouts, templates, and branded collateral, strictly adhering to Ulteig's brand guidelines and corporate tone to ensure visual consistency across all channels.

  • Collaborate closely with the Brand & Marketing team to uphold visual standards and ensure continuity in design across all platforms, supporting brand integrity.

  • Translate communication objectives from subject matter experts and project managers into clear, engaging visuals that enhance message clarity and impact for diverse audiences.

  • Support design needs for company-wide events, town halls, executive presentations, recognition programs, recruitment campaigns, and culture initiatives, contributing to a positive employee experience.

  • Manage and maintain organized digital asset libraries, ensuring easy access and consistent application of brand assets.

  • Oversee updates to employee photography and related visual materials, ensuring they meet brand and quality standards for professional presentation.

  • Assist with Costa Rica office merchandise needs, including design updates, ordering, and inventory coordination, ensuring brand alignment.

  • Incorporate feedback from stakeholders and revise designs accordingly, demonstrating adaptability and a commitment to iterative improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for strong project management and stakeholder management skills, common in operations roles. The expectation to translate "communication objectives into clear, engaging visuals" and support "strategic communication rollouts" indicates a strategic contribution beyond pure design, influencing how information is disseminated and perceived, which is a key function in GTM operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: 3+ years of professional experience in graphic design, visual communications, or a related field, with a proven track record in creating compelling digital and print assets.

Required Skills:

  • Graphic Design Proficiency: Strong portfolio showcasing digital and print design work across various mediums.

  • Adobe Creative Cloud: Expert proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop for creating sophisticated visual assets.

  • Microsoft Office Suite: High proficiency in MS PowerPoint for developing executive-level presentations and visual aids.

  • Typography & Layout: Deep understanding of typography, layout principles, and visual hierarchy to create aesthetically pleasing and effective designs.

  • Brand Management: Ability to translate complex information into clear, visually appealing designs that align with established brand guidelines and corporate tone.

  • English Communication: Strong English reading, writing, and speaking skills for effective collaboration with U.S.-based teams and remote internal clients.

  • AI Tool Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Copilot and capable of leveraging AI tools to enhance design efficiency, content development, and collaboration.

Preferred Skills:

  • Canva or Similar Tools: Experience with user-friendly design platforms like Canva for quicker asset creation and wider accessibility.

  • Motion Graphics/Video Editing: Familiarity with basic motion graphics or video editing to enhance multimedia content.

  • Digital Asset Management (DAM): Experience managing and organizing digital assets within a structured library.

  • Corporate Communications Experience: Prior experience supporting corporate communications, marketing, or brand teams.

  • Cross-Time Zone Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work effectively across different time zones with remote internal clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Microsoft Copilot and AI tools" is a critical differentiator, indicating a forward-thinking approach to design operations and content creation. This aligns with the broader trend in operations to leverage technology for efficiency and effectiveness. The requirement for strong English skills and comfort with U.S.-based teams points to a role with significant international collaboration, a common characteristic in global GTM operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Showcase a diverse range of projects demonstrating proficiency in digital and print design, including examples of presentations, social media graphics, and branded collateral.

  • Highlight projects that illustrate the ability to translate complex information into clear, visually compelling designs, demonstrating strategic communication through visuals.

  • Include case studies or examples that detail your design process, from concept development to final execution, and how you incorporated feedback to achieve desired outcomes.

Process Documentation:

  • Ability to document design processes, including workflow for concept development, asset creation, revisions, and final delivery, to ensure efficient project management.

  • Demonstrate experience in managing and organizing digital assets, with a system for version control and accessibility for various stakeholders.

  • Showcase how you have incorporated feedback and iterated on designs to meet project objectives and stakeholder requirements, highlighting an agile approach.

  • Evidence of using tools like Adobe Creative Cloud and potentially AI tools (like Microsoft Copilot) to streamline design workflows and enhance output quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for design roles, but for an operations-focused enhancement, the emphasis is on demonstrating process and efficiency. The candidate should be prepared to discuss not just the final output, but how they achieved it, how they managed feedback, and how they ensured brand consistency across multiple projects, which are all operational considerations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a Graphic Designer with 3+ years of experience in Costa Rica, and considering the hybrid work arrangement and specific tool requirements (e.g., Microsoft Copilot), a competitive salary range is estimated to be between ₡1,500,000 to ₡2,500,000 per month. This estimate accounts for the cost of living in the San José metropolitan area and the specialized skills required.

Benefits:

  • Flexible Workplace: Ulteig emphasizes flexibility, allowing employees to build a workday that best suits their strengths and maintain a balance between work and personal life.

  • Competitive Pay: The company offers competitive compensation, reflecting the value placed on employee contributions.

  • Comprehensive Benefits Package: A robust benefits package is provided, details of which would be elaborated upon during the interview process.

  • Collaborative Environment: Ulteig fosters a collaborative culture, encouraging teamwork and knowledge sharing, which is beneficial for creative professionals.

  • Innovative Culture: The company promotes an innovative environment, encouraging new ideas and approaches, aligning with the creative demands of the role.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with a focus on flexibility to accommodate work-life balance and potentially differing time zones of remote collaborators. Specific schedules can be discussed to best suit individual needs and team requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research for mid-level graphic designer roles in Costa Rica, adjusted for the specific mention of AI tool proficiency and the hybrid work model, which can command a premium. The benefits listed are directly from the job description and are framed to highlight their relevance to a creative professional seeking a balanced and supportive work environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Ulteig operates in the critical infrastructure sectors, including Power, Renewables, Transportation, and Water. This context suggests a company that values stability, reliability, and long-term impact, influencing its approach to brand messaging and internal communications.

Company Size: Ulteig is a well-established organization with a significant presence, indicated by its 80+ years of operation and its role in engineering North America's essential infrastructure. This implies a structured environment with established processes and a focus on professional development.

Founded: Founded over 80 years ago, Ulteig has a deep history and a proven track record in its industry. This longevity suggests a stable and experienced organization that values heritage while adapting to modern challenges.

Team Structure:

  • The Graphic Designer will report to the Associate Director, Corporate Communications, with shared work direction from the Brand & Marketing team. This indicates a collaborative but structured reporting line.

  • The role is expected to work closely with various subject matter experts, project managers, and communications partners across different departments, highlighting a cross-functional team dynamic.

Methodology:

  • Ulteig's approach is described as "purpose-driven," focusing on creating and solving for a sustainable future, suggesting a mission-oriented culture.

  • The company prioritizes its employees, investing in their growth and well-being, with a focus on flexibility and work-life balance.

  • Their vision to be "the most trusted partners transforming our world’s critical infrastructure" points to a culture of reliability, expertise, and client-centric solutions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Ulteig's industry (critical infrastructure) and long history is vital. This context suggests a need for designs that convey reliability, expertise, and professionalism. The "purpose-driven" aspect means the designer may be tasked with visually communicating sustainability initiatives and the company's positive impact, which can be a motivating factor for candidates.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Graphic Designer, requiring 3+ years of experience. It offers a hands-on design opportunity with exposure to corporate communications and brand strategy, acting as a foundational role within the broader GTM or Marketing operations.

Reporting Structure: The designer reports to the Associate Director, Corporate Communications, and receives direction from the Brand & Marketing team. This dual reporting line suggests a dynamic environment where collaboration and clear communication are paramount for task prioritization and execution.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's impact is significant in shaping the company's visual identity and communication effectiveness. By creating compelling assets, they directly influence brand perception, employee engagement, and the clarity of strategic messages, all of which are critical for successful GTM execution and internal alignment.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas such as motion graphics, video editing, or advanced digital campaign design, potentially leading to specialized roles.

  • Brand Strategy Involvement: Potential to gain more strategic input into brand development and campaign conceptualization, moving beyond execution to contribute to design strategy.

  • Cross-Functional Leadership: As experience grows, there may be opportunities to mentor junior designers or lead design aspects of larger cross-functional projects, developing leadership capabilities.

  • AI Integration Expertise: Developing advanced skills in leveraging AI tools like Microsoft Copilot for design can position the candidate for future roles focused on creative technology and workflow automation within operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are framed within the context of operations and GTM. The potential to move from execution to strategy, coupled with the increasing importance of AI in creative operations, provides a clear career trajectory for an ambitious designer.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in San Pedro, Costa Rica, and is described as a "Hybrid Workplace." This indicates a mix of on-site and remote work, offering flexibility while maintaining opportunities for in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is San Pedro, Costa Rica. Specific details regarding office amenities and accessibility would be provided during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Environment: Ulteig fosters collaboration, suggesting opportunities for designers to interact with colleagues, share ideas, and work on team-based projects, even within a hybrid model.

  • Operations Tools and Technology: The role requires proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and MS PowerPoint, and familiarity with Canva. The explicit mention of Microsoft Copilot indicates access to and expectation of using advanced AI tools for creative and operational tasks.

  • Team Interaction: The hybrid nature means interaction will occur both in person and virtually, requiring strong digital communication skills and the ability to engage effectively with remote internal clients and U.S.-based teams.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are around 40 hours per week, with an emphasis on flexibility. This allows for a degree of autonomy in managing one's schedule, a common feature in modern operational roles that prioritize output and efficiency over strict time-bound presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key aspect for operations professionals. It implies a need for robust remote work infrastructure, strong digital communication skills, and the ability to manage time effectively across different work settings. The emphasis on flexibility suggests a results-oriented environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements. Resumes must be submitted in English.

  • Skills Assessment/Case Study: Potential for a design challenge or case study to evaluate your creative process, problem-solving skills, and ability to translate concepts into visual assets under specific constraints. This might involve creating a sample asset based on a hypothetical brief.

  • Interviews with Hiring Team: Meetings with the Associate Director, Corporate Communications, and potentially members of the Brand & Marketing team to discuss your experience, approach to design, collaboration style, and cultural fit.

  • Final Discussion: A final interview to discuss the role in detail, answer any remaining questions, and confirm mutual fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select your strongest 5-7 projects that best showcase the required skills (digital/print design, brand adherence, AI tool integration, translating complex info).

  • Highlight Process: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your design process, the tools used (especially Adobe CC and any AI tools), challenges faced, and the final outcome/impact. Use storytelling to make your process engaging.

  • Showcase AI Integration: If possible, include a project where you leveraged AI tools (like Microsoft Copilot) to enhance efficiency or creativity, and be prepared to discuss how you used them.

  • Demonstrate Brand Consistency: Include examples where you successfully applied brand guidelines or developed new branded materials that maintained a cohesive visual identity.

  • Prepare a Walkthrough: Be ready to verbally walk through your portfolio, explaining your design choices and how they align with the project's objectives.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Understand Ulteig's Brand: Research Ulteig's current branding, mission, and values. Familiarize yourself with their existing visual assets and communication style.

  • Practice with AI Tools: Become more comfortable using Microsoft Copilot or similar AI tools for design ideation, content generation, or workflow optimization to be ready to demonstrate proficiency.

  • Focus on Communication: Prepare to clearly articulate your design rationale, problem-solving approach, and how your designs support communication goals, especially for complex or technical subject matter.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is critical. Candidates should emphasize projects that demonstrate not just aesthetic skill but also strategic thinking, problem-solving, and efficiency—key operational competencies. Explicitly preparing to discuss AI tool usage in projects is crucial given the job description's emphasis.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential proficiency in Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop for professional graphic design tasks, including vector graphics, page layout, and image manipulation.

  • MS PowerPoint: High-level proficiency required for creating sophisticated presentations, integrating graphics, and developing visual content for executive communications.

  • Microsoft Copilot: Expected proficiency in leveraging this AI tool for design ideation, content generation, workflow optimization, and enhanced collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

  • No direct CRM or automation tools are specified for this design role, but understanding how design assets integrate into marketing automation platforms or CRM systems (e.g., email templates, campaign landing pages) is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Microsoft Copilot is a significant differentiator. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience and potential use cases for AI in graphic design workflows, demonstrating an understanding of how technology can drive operational efficiency in creative roles.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Purpose-Driven: Ulteig is driven by a mission to create and solve for a sustainable future, expecting employees to align with and visually communicate this purpose.

  • People-Centric: A strong focus on both clients and employees, valuing individual contributions and well-being. This translates to a supportive and respectful work environment.

  • Reliability & Trust: As a critical infrastructure partner, trust and reliability are foundational. Designs should convey professionalism, accuracy, and dependability.

  • Innovation & Adaptability: While established, Ulteig embraces innovation, encouraging creative thinking and adaptation to new technologies and approaches, such as AI integration.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with Corporate Communications, Brand & Marketing, subject matter experts, and project managers, emphasizing seamless integration across teams.

  • Feedback-Rich Environment: Ulteig values feedback as a means for growth and improvement, expecting designers to be receptive to constructive criticism and iterate on their work.

  • Global Teamwork: Working effectively with U.S.-based teams and remote internal clients necessitates a proactive, communicative, and inclusive collaboration style, bridging geographical and time zone differences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values highlight a company that is both mission-oriented and employee-focused. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how their design work contributes to the company's purpose and how they foster positive collaboration, especially in a hybrid and global setting.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring strict adherence to brand guidelines across a wide array of assets and collaborating with diverse stakeholders who may have varying design interpretations.

  • Balancing Creative Vision with Client Needs: Translating corporate objectives and stakeholder feedback into visually compelling designs that meet both strategic goals and practical requirements.

  • Adapting to New Technologies: Staying current with design trends and integrating new tools like AI (Microsoft Copilot) effectively into workflows to enhance productivity and output.

  • Cross-Time Zone Collaboration: Effectively communicating and collaborating with teams in different time zones, managing feedback loops and project timelines across geographical distances.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Advanced AI in Design: Opportunity to become a leader in leveraging AI tools for creative operations, developing specialized skills in prompt engineering and AI-assisted design workflows.

  • Strategic Design Contribution: Potential to evolve from purely executing designs to contributing more strategically to brand messaging and campaign conceptualization.

  • Industry Exposure: Gaining experience in the critical infrastructure sectors (Power, Renewables, Transportation, Water) can provide unique insights and specialized design knowledge.

  • Professional Development: Ulteig's commitment to investing in employees suggests opportunities for training, workshops, or participation in industry events to enhance design skills and professional growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: Highlighting these challenges and growth opportunities helps candidates understand the role's demands and potential career path. The emphasis on AI and strategic involvement points to a role that is forward-looking and offers significant development potential within the operations and creative fields.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you had to translate complex technical information into a clear and engaging visual asset. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and impact.)

  • "How would you maintain brand consistency across multiple projects and stakeholders, especially when working remotely?" (Focus on operational processes for brand management and collaboration.)

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about Ulteig's mission in critical infrastructure and sustainability?" (Research Ulteig's impact and tailor your response.)

  • "How do you approach collaboration within a hybrid work environment and with remote international teams?" (Prepare examples of successful cross-functional and cross-cultural collaboration.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Narrative Flow: Structure your portfolio presentation with a clear beginning (brief), middle (process, challenges, tools used), and end (solution, impact).

  • Highlight AI Usage: Specifically point out projects where AI tools were used, explaining the benefits gained (e.g., speed, new ideas, enhanced output).

  • Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics or qualitative feedback to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, improved clarity, positive stakeholder feedback).

  • Showcase Brand Acumen: Emphasize projects where you successfully applied brand guidelines or created assets that strongly represented the client's identity.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design talent but also operational efficiency, strategic thinking, and adaptability, particularly concerning AI tools and global collaboration.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on the Ulteig careers portal.

  • Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, MS PowerPoint, and any experience with AI design tools. Showcase a range of digital and print assets relevant to corporate communications.

  • Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 3+ years of experience, mentions your Bachelor's degree, and strategically incorporates keywords like "Graphic Design," "Visual Communications," "Adobe Creative Cloud," "Microsoft Copilot," and "Brand Management."

  • Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving skills, and how you leverage technology (especially AI) to enhance efficiency and creativity. Be ready to discuss your experience working in hybrid and global team environments.

  • Company Research: Thoroughly research Ulteig's mission, values, and recent projects. Understand their role in critical infrastructure and sustainability to better align your responses with their company culture and objectives.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or a related field and at least 3 years of professional experience. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and MS PowerPoint is essential, along with strong English communication skills.