Brand Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Brand Designer
Company: KLA
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design
Date Posted: January 14, 2026
Experience Level: 2-5 years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in shaping KLA's global brand identity and enhancing its overall brand equity through innovative design solutions.
• The Brand Designer will be responsible for creating a wide array of multi-disciplinary assets, ensuring a consistent and impactful brand experience across all global touchpoints.
• A key aspect of this role involves staying abreast of international design trends and cultural nuances to ensure brand relevance and effective communication across diverse audiences.
• The position requires strong project management skills to handle multiple deadlines and collaborate effectively with global requestors in various time zones, fostering a cohesive global brand strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Brand Designer," the responsibilities clearly indicate a focus on graphic design with a strong emphasis on global brand consistency. The role requires a blend of creative execution and strategic brand management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute a diverse range of multi-disciplinary assets, including digital graphics, environmental graphics for office interiors, advertising campaigns, marketing collateral, infographics, video animations, print materials, branded merchandise, event booth designs, and corporate logo architecture.
• Develop and implement new art direction, while also working within existing brand guidelines to ensure a unified and compelling global brand experience that resonates across all channels.
• Proactively manage multiple project deadlines concurrently, collaborating effectively with a global network of requestors across different regions and time zones to ensure timely and high-quality output.
• Continuously evaluate KLA's brand presence across all touchpoints, identifying opportunities for improvement and innovation to elevate the global brand experience and maintain brand integrity.
• Research and integrate international design trends, cultural insights, and emerging technologies to enhance brand relevance, audience engagement, and the overall effectiveness of brand communications worldwide.

📝 Enhancement Note: The breadth of asset types (digital, environmental, print, video, merchandise, events) suggests this role requires a versatile designer with strong foundational graphic design skills and the ability to adapt to various media and project scopes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• 3–5 years of professional design experience, with a preference for experience within an in-house global or multicultural team.
• Demonstrated experience in managing design projects from concept to completion, ensuring brand consistency and alignment with strategic objectives.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Proficiency: Expert-level skills in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) are essential for creating high-quality visual assets.
• Brand Stewardship: Proven ability to develop and maintain a consistent global brand identity across diverse touchpoints and media.
• Cross-Platform Design Thinking: Understanding of how to create a cohesive and impactful brand experience across digital, print, environmental, and other channels.
• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and effectively prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaboration & Communication: Strong interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with global stakeholders, requestors, and internal teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Art Direction: Experience in setting and guiding artistic vision for brand campaigns and assets.
• Animation & Video: Familiarity with Adobe Premiere or After Effects for creating animated graphics and video content.
• Emerging Technologies: Knowledge of and willingness to apply emerging technologies like AI or AR to enhance brand touchpoints.
• Audience & Cultural Acumen: Ability to understand audience impressions and regional cultural differences to design for maximum impact and relevancy.
• International Brand Experience: Proven experience with global campaigns, localization practices, and designing for multilingual audiences.
• Creative Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools used for managing creative workflows and projects.
• Web Standards for Design: Understanding of design principles relevant to web and digital platforms.
• MS Office & SharePoint: Proficiency in standard office productivity and collaboration tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 3-5 years of experience suggests a mid-level designer who can operate with a degree of autonomy but also collaborate effectively within a team structure. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is a non-negotiable technical skill.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Visual Consistency: Showcase examples demonstrating the ability to maintain brand consistency across a variety of asset types and media, highlighting a deep understanding of brand guidelines.
• Creative Problem-Solving: Present case studies that illustrate how you approached design challenges and developed innovative solutions to meet specific campaign or brand objectives.
• Multi-Disciplinary Execution: Include a diverse range of work examples, such as digital ads, infographics, environmental graphics, print collateral, and animation or video elements, to demonstrate breadth of skill.
• Global & Cultural Awareness: If possible, include projects that demonstrate an understanding of designing for international audiences or adapting designs for cultural relevancy.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Be prepared to discuss your process for taking a design brief from initial concept through to final delivery, including ideation, sketching, digital execution, feedback incorporation, and final asset preparation.
• Collaboration Integration: Demonstrate how you integrate feedback from multiple stakeholders, especially in a global or cross-functional context, and manage revisions effectively.
• Tool Utilization: Be ready to explain how you leverage specific tools within the Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant software to achieve efficient and effective design outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role. Candidates should curate examples that specifically highlight their ability to manage a global brand and create diverse asset types, rather than just a general collection of design work.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,700 - $103,200 Annually

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage.
  • Life insurance.
  • Wellness benefits, including an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Financial Security & Growth:
  • 401(K) plan with company matching.
  • Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP).
  • Financial planning benefits.
• Professional Development:
  • Development and career growth opportunities and programs.
  • Tuition reimbursement program.
  • Student debt assistance.
• Work-Life Balance:
  • Paid time off.
  • Paid company holidays.
  • Family care and bonding leave.

Working Hours:

• Typically 40 hours per week, consistent with a full-time role. Flexibility may be offered depending on project needs and team collaboration schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range appears to be a standard industry benchmark for a Brand Designer with 2-5 years of experience in a major US metropolitan area. The comprehensive benefits package indicates a commitment to employee well-being and long-term career support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Diversified Electronics for the Semiconductor Manufacturing Ecosystem. KLA is a critical enabler of modern technology, providing essential systems and solutions for producing wafers, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards, and flat panel displays. This industry context means a focus on precision, innovation, and supporting cutting-edge technological advancements.

Company Size: KLA is a global leader, implying a large, established organization with significant resources and a broad international presence. This scale suggests opportunities for impact, interaction with diverse teams, and exposure to complex global operations.

Founded: While the founding date isn't explicitly provided in the raw data, the description emphasizes KLA's long-standing commitment to innovation and R&D investment (15% of sales). This indicates a culture that values scientific inquiry, technological advancement, and solving complex problems.

Team Structure:

• Brand Creative Team: This role sits within the Brand Creative team, suggesting a dedicated group focused on visual communication and brand strategy.
• Global Collaboration: The team operates globally, requiring seamless collaboration with individuals across different regions and time zones.
• Cross-Functional Interaction: Designers will likely collaborate closely with marketing, product development, engineering, and regional teams to ensure brand consistency and effective communication of KLA's technological solutions.

Methodology:

• Innovation-Driven: KLA invests heavily in R&D, fostering a culture that encourages creative thinking, problem-solving, and pushing technological boundaries.
• Data-Informed Design: While not explicitly stated, a company of KLA's caliber likely uses data to inform design decisions, measure campaign effectiveness, and understand audience reception.
• Process Optimization: The nature of semiconductor manufacturing and technology development implies a strong emphasis on efficiency, precision, and continuous improvement in all operational aspects, including brand communication.

Company Website: https://kla.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: KLA operates in a highly technical and innovation-focused sector. The Brand Designer's role is crucial in translating complex technological achievements into understandable and compelling brand narratives for a global audience.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Brand Designer role is positioned as a mid-level contributor. It requires independent execution of design tasks, the ability to manage projects, and collaboration with global teams. It's a step beyond junior roles, demanding a solid portfolio and experience in applying design principles strategically.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into the Brand Creative team. While specific reporting lines aren't detailed, it's common for designers at this level to report to a Creative Director, Brand Manager, or a Senior Designer who oversees a specific function or region. Cross-functional collaboration will be extensive, involving stakeholders from marketing, product, and regional business units.

Operations Impact: The Brand Designer's impact is directly tied to enhancing KLA's global brand equity, which in turn influences:

• Brand Recognition & Perception: Ensuring KLA is perceived as an innovative leader in its field.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Attracting top talent, investors, and customers through compelling visual communication.
• Market Differentiation: Helping KLA stand out in a competitive technological landscape.
• Internal Cohesion: Fostering a sense of shared identity and purpose across a global workforce.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in specific design areas like environmental graphics, animation, or digital brand strategy.
• Leadership: Progress to Senior Brand Designer, Art Director, or Creative Lead roles, potentially managing small teams or key projects.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Transition into broader marketing or communications roles, leveraging design expertise to inform campaign strategy.
• Global Exposure: Gain extensive experience working with diverse international markets and cultures, a valuable asset in a global company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on global brand experience and emerging technologies suggests a growth path that aligns with KLA's forward-thinking industry. Designers who can adapt and innovate will find significant opportunities here.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Ann Arbor, MI, and is described as "On-site." This suggests a traditional office environment where collaboration and in-person interaction are valued. KLA's global presence might also mean that the Ann Arbor office serves as a hub for certain functions or regions.

Office Location(s): Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States. This location likely offers a blend of corporate office amenities and access to the professional opportunities within the region's tech and research sectors.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The on-site nature implies a workspace designed for team interaction, brainstorming, and spontaneous creative exchanges, crucial for a design team.
• Technology-Rich Environment: As a leader in technology manufacturing, KLA likely provides its employees with modern design tools, software, and hardware to support creative output.
• Global Connectivity: While on-site, the role requires constant interaction with global teams, meaning the workspace will be equipped for virtual collaboration (e.g., video conferencing, shared digital platforms).

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 per week) are expected. While on-site, there might be some flexibility for project-specific needs or adjusted hours to accommodate global team interactions, but the core expectation is consistent presence in the office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" requirement for a Brand Designer suggests KLA values in-person collaboration for creative ideation and team synergy, which is common in design-focused roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess foundational skills, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements.
• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, their design process, challenges faced, and the impact of their work. Be prepared to articulate your creative thinking and problem-solving approach.
• Technical/Skills Assessment: This might involve a design challenge or a discussion about specific software proficiency and design methodologies relevant to KLA's brand and industry.
• Team & Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential team members and cross-functional stakeholders (e.g., marketing managers, product leads) to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit.
• Final Interview: Typically with a hiring manager or senior leader to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest projects that best represent the skills required for this role (global brand experience, multi-disciplinary assets, art direction, digital, environmental, etc.).
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the brief, your role, the creative process, challenges, solutions, and measurable results or impact.
• Highlight Global/Cultural Aspects: If you have examples of designing for international audiences or considering cultural nuances, emphasize these.
• Showcase Versatility: Include a mix of asset types to demonstrate your range, from digital ads to environmental graphics or animation.
• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate (e.g., PDF, personal website).

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand KLA's Brand: Research KLA's current branding, marketing materials, and overall market position. Identify areas where their brand might be strengthened or innovated.
• Practice Articulation: Be ready to clearly explain your design decisions, defend your creative choices, and discuss how your work aligns with business objectives.
• Brainstorm Solutions: Think about potential design challenges KLA might face and how you would approach them. For instance, how to visually represent complex technology or unify a global brand identity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential design challenge highlights the practical, execution-oriented nature of this role. Candidates should focus on showcasing their design craft and strategic thinking applied to real-world projects.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:
  • Photoshop: Essential for image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Illustrator: Critical for vector graphics, logos, infographics, and illustrations.
  • InDesign: Key for layout and production of print collateral, presentations, and reports.
• Animation/Video (Preferred):
  • Premiere Pro / After Effects: For creating motion graphics, animations, and video content.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly listed as a requirement for the designer, understanding how to interpret analytics from digital campaigns (e.g., engagement rates, click-through rates) can inform design decisions and demonstrate impact. Familiarity with reporting dashboards might be beneficial for understanding campaign performance.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the designer's core function, but understanding how design assets integrate into marketing automation platforms or CRM systems (e.g., email templates, landing page visuals) is valuable.

Other Relevant Tools:

• MS Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint): For creating presentations and internal documentation.
• SharePoint: For document management and collaboration.
• Web Standards for Design: Understanding of how designs translate to web and digital platforms.
• Creative Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or similar for managing workflows.
• Image Asset Libraries: Experience using stock photo sites or internal asset management systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the core Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. Familiarity with animation/video tools and project management software will significantly enhance a candidate's profile.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Excellence: KLA's core business revolves around technological innovation. This value translates into a culture that seeks creative solutions, pushes boundaries, and strives for excellence in all endeavors, including brand communication.
• Collaboration: Given the global nature of KLA and the complexity of its products, collaboration is paramount. This means valuing open communication, teamwork, and the ability to work effectively across diverse teams and geographies.
• Integrity & Quality: Operating in a highly regulated and critical industry requires a strong commitment to integrity, precision, and high-quality output in all aspects of work.
• Customer Focus: KLA's success is tied to supporting its customers in manufacturing advanced electronics. The brand team likely shares a focus on understanding customer needs and ensuring the brand effectively communicates KLA's value proposition.
• Global Mindset: Embracing diversity and understanding regional nuances is crucial for a global brand. This value encourages an open-minded approach to design and communication.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect to work closely with marketing, product management, R&D, and regional teams. Communication needs to be clear, concise, and adaptable to different functional perspectives.
• Feedback-Driven Process: The role involves receiving and incorporating feedback from multiple stakeholders. A constructive approach to feedback, both giving and receiving, is essential.
• Knowledge Sharing: In a company focused on innovation, sharing insights, best practices, and design trends within the team and with broader stakeholders is likely encouraged.
• Agile & Adaptive: The fast-paced nature of technology and global markets requires adaptability. The team likely embraces agile methodologies to respond quickly to changing needs and opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: KLA's culture is likely a blend of high-tech innovation and robust corporate structure. The Brand Designer needs to be comfortable with both creative expression and adhering to established brand governance, especially in a global context.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Technical Complexity: Effectively visualizing and communicating KLA's highly technical products and innovations in a way that is accessible and compelling to a broad audience.
• Maintaining Global Brand Consistency: Ensuring a unified brand experience across diverse regions, cultures, and marketing channels, while also allowing for local relevance.
• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with emerging technologies and design trends, and integrating them effectively into KLA's brand identity and communications.
• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Balancing the creative vision with the varied requirements and expectations of global requestors from different departments and regions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like motion graphics, environmental design, or digital interactive experiences.
• Global Brand Strategy: Gain a deeper understanding of international marketing, localization, and global brand management principles.
• Emerging Technology Integration: Hands-on experience exploring and applying new technologies (AI, AR) to brand communications.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Learning about KLA's diverse product lines and the broader semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem.
• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from senior designers or creative leaders within KLA's global network.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and creative branding. The primary challenge is making complex innovation visually accessible, while growth lies in mastering global brand strategy and emerging design applications.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Brand Vision: "How would you approach developing a visual strategy to represent KLA's commitment to innovation and its role in enabling future technologies?" (Prepare to discuss your process, key visual elements, and how you'd ensure global consistency).
• Global Design Adaptation: "Describe a time you had to design for a global audience or adapt a campaign for different cultural contexts. What were the challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on your research, sensitivity to cultural differences, and adaptation strategies).
• Technical Communication: "How would you visually communicate the complexity of semiconductor manufacturing equipment to a non-technical audience?" (Think about your approach to infographics, simplified diagrams, or metaphorical visual themes).

Company & Culture Questions:

• KLA's Brand Perception: "What is your impression of KLA's current brand, and where do you see opportunities for enhancement through design?" (Show you've researched their website and marketing materials).
• Collaboration Style: "How do you handle receiving feedback from multiple stakeholders, especially when there are conflicting opinions?" (Emphasize your communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills).
• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your design work, beyond just aesthetic appeal?" (Discuss metrics like engagement, brand recall, consistency, or contribution to campaign goals).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your presentation logically, guiding the interviewer through each project's journey from brief to final execution.
• Highlight Process: Clearly articulate your thought process, design decisions, and problem-solving techniques for each piece. Use "I" statements to own your contributions.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrates the effectiveness of your designs.
• Tailor to KLA: Emphasize projects that align with KLA's industry, global reach, and the specific asset types mentioned in the job description.
• Engage and Ask Questions: Be prepared to answer questions about your work and also ask thoughtful questions about the team, projects, and KLA's brand strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skill, but also strategic thinking, global awareness, and the ability to collaborate effectively within a complex, technical organization.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Brand Designer position:

• Submit Your Application: Apply through the official KLA careers portal via the provided link.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating global brand experience, multi-disciplinary asset creation (digital, environmental, print, video), and your ability to translate complex ideas visually. Prioritize work that aligns with KLA's industry and scale.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords from the job description, such as "Brand Design," "Global Brand Experience," "Adobe Creative Suite," "Project Management," "Art Direction," and "Cross-Platform Design." Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, creative rationale, and problem-solving approaches. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions and be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail, focusing on how your skills can benefit KLA's brand.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research KLA's products, services, company culture, and current brand presence. Understand their position in the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem and identify potential design opportunities or challenges.

⚠️ 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.

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