Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Darkhive

Location: San Antonio, Texas, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing / Creative / Design

Date Posted: April 15, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3-6 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive visual brand consistency and strategic communication for a defense technology startup, Darkhive, by creating compelling graphics and digital assets.

• Develop and maintain brand guidelines, templates, and a cohesive visual identity across all marketing collateral, ensuring a polished and professional company presentation.

• Produce a wide range of digital and print products, including short films, pitch decks, one-pagers, white papers, brochures, infographics, and social media graphics, translating complex technical concepts into clear visual narratives.

• Enhance the company's digital presence by updating and improving the website, designing landing pages, and collaborating with the software development team to ensure on-brand customer-facing UI.

• Support the Strategy and Business Development division by creating high-quality proposal graphics, capability briefs, and presentation decks for government and commercial pursuits.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the core responsibilities and context indicate a strategic role focused on supporting Business Development and Communications within a defense technology startup. This role requires not just design execution but also an understanding of visual storytelling to convey complex technical and strategic information. The "Operations" lens applied here focuses on the operational efficiency and effectiveness of Darkhive's external communications and brand presentation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Brand Stewardship: Update and maintain brand guidelines, templates, and a cohesive visual identity across all internal and external marketing collateral, ensuring all distributed materials meet final quality checks.

• Content Creation: Consistently produce new visual assets for social media and internal communications, including high-quality photographs and video featuring products and company activities, and edit raw video to create high-impact marketing films.

• Creative Direction: Provide creative direction to outsourced professional photographers, videographers, and digital animators for the development of new visual assets.

• Collateral Production: Produce a wide range of digital and print products, including pitch decks, one-pagers, white papers, brochures, infographics, trade show displays, and social media graphics, with a focus on clear communication of complex technical and strategic information.

• Web Presence Enhancement: Update, maintain, and continuously improve the company website, design landing pages and microsites, and collaborate with the software development team to ensure customer-facing UI is on-brand and meets accessibility (WCAG) and security standards.

• Business Development Support: Partner with the Strategy/BD division to produce high-quality proposal graphics, capability briefs, and presentation decks for government and commercial pursuits, and design visuals supporting BD pipeline reporting and market positioning.

• Executive & Stakeholder Presentations: Support the creation of executive presentations for leadership, board members, and government stakeholders, ensuring clarity and impact.

• Asset Management: Organize and maintain an updated library of all visual assets and collateral for company use, ensuring easy access and version control.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative execution and strategic application, crucial for a defense technology startup. The role requires not only design skills but also the ability to understand and visually represent complex technical and business strategies. This requires a proactive approach to project management and a strong collaborative spirit to work effectively with Strategy, BD, and Software Development teams.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is preferred.

Experience: 3–6 years of professional experience in graphic design, with a strong emphasis on digital and print collateral development.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat) and Figma for design and asset creation.

• Expert proficiency in photo and video editing, crucial for creating high-impact visual content.

• Proven experience designing pitch decks, proposals, or presentation materials in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong understanding of typography, layout, color theory, and visual hierarchy to ensure effective and aesthetically pleasing designs.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines in a dynamic startup setting.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to take creative lead, iterate quickly based on feedback, and absorb strategic direction.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in creative direction, guiding external creative resources.

• Digital photography and videography skills for content capture.

• Motion graphics and digital animation capabilities using Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro.

• Product rendering and animation skills using tools like Blender or Marmoset.

• Working knowledge of front-end web development (HTML, CSS) and CMS platforms (WordPress, Webflow).

• Experience working in or supporting a commercial organization with strong visual storytelling skills.

• Direct experience in the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) or robotics industry.

• Prior experience in a fast-paced startup environment, especially in building hardware departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills highlight a need for deep technical proficiency in design software and a strong portfolio demonstrating versatility. Preferred skills point towards a candidate who can grow with the company and contribute to a broader range of creative initiatives, including web development and 3D rendering, which are valuable in a hardware-focused defense tech company.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A diverse portfolio showcasing expertise in both digital and print design, demonstrating versatility across various mediums.

• Specific examples of pitch decks, proposal graphics, and presentation materials created for fast-paced environments.

• Case studies or examples of how design solutions have supported business development objectives or communicated complex technical information effectively.

• Demonstrations of maintaining and evolving brand identity across multiple platforms and collateral types.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase of a systematic approach to managing design projects from brief to final delivery, including iteration and feedback incorporation.

• Evidence of establishing and maintaining organized asset libraries and version control for design collateral.

• Examples of how design processes have been streamlined or improved to meet tight deadlines in a dynamic setting.

• Experience or understanding of working within established brand guidelines and ensuring compliance across all outputs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, the portfolio is paramount. It's not just about aesthetics but about demonstrating problem-solving capabilities through design. Candidates should prepare to articulate the strategic intent behind their design choices and the impact they had on project goals, especially in the context of business development and technical communication.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Graphic Designer with 3-6 years of experience in San Antonio, TX, the estimated salary range is $65,000 - $85,000 annually. This range accounts for the hybrid work model, the specialized nature of defense technology, and the required expert-level software proficiency.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical plans to ensure employee health and well-being.

• 100% employer-paid dental and vision insurance premiums, providing significant value.

• Automatic 401k employer contribution with a clear vesting schedule.

• Generous paid vacation and personal time off for work-life balance.

• 11 Paid holidays throughout the year.

• 5 days of sick leave for health-related needs.

• Stock options, offering potential for long-term financial growth and ownership.

• Welcoming and friendly work environment that respects work-life balance.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement that offers flexibility. Specific daily schedules may be adjusted based on project needs and team collaboration requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from current market data for graphic design roles in San Antonio, TX, considering the mid-level experience requirement and the specialized defense technology industry. Benefits are comprehensive, with a strong emphasis on health coverage and long-term incentives like stock options, which are attractive in a startup environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Defense Technology, specializing in hardware and software solutions for military defense systems, including tactical uncrewed systems and human-machine interfaces.

Company Size: Startup environment (exact size not specified, but implied by "fast-moving defense technology startup"). This means a dynamic, potentially less structured, and highly collaborative atmosphere.

Founded: Established in 2021, indicating a relatively young company focused on innovation and rapid growth within the defense sector.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Communications & Strategy team, reporting to the VP, Communications and Strategy.

• Close collaboration is expected with the Strategy and Business Development (BD) division, as well as the software development team.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Visuals will be used to communicate complex data, strategic insights, and technical concepts effectively.

• Agile Development Support: Collaboration with software teams implies working within a fast-paced, iterative development cycle where design needs can evolve quickly.

• Mission-First Approach: As a company of U.S. Special Operations veterans, there's an underlying mission-driven ethos that influences decision-making and priorities.

• Innovation Focus: The company emphasizes solving problems with high-quality, affordable tools, suggesting a culture that values creative solutions and continuous improvement.

Company Website: https://www.darkhive.ai/

📝 Enhancement Note: Darkhive's background as a defense technology startup founded by veterans suggests a culture that is mission-oriented, innovative, and values high performance. The Graphic Designer's role is crucial in shaping the external perception of this mission and technological prowess, requiring an understanding of the defense sector's communication nuances.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-level individual contributor role, ideal for a Graphic Designer with 3-6 years of experience looking to make a significant impact in a specialized industry. The role offers a blend of creative execution and strategic input, particularly in supporting business development efforts.

Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the VP, Communications and Strategy, providing visibility to senior leadership and a direct line for strategic direction and feedback. This structure allows for rapid decision-making and creative iteration.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts Darkhive's ability to secure government contracts and partnerships by creating compelling proposals, investor materials, and brand collateral. Effective visual communication is critical for conveying technical capabilities, strategic vision, and trustworthiness in the defense sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like motion graphics, 3D rendering, or web development, aligning with the company's evolving technological needs.

• Creative Direction: Potential to grow into a creative lead role, guiding external vendors and potentially junior designers as the team expands.

• Industry Expertise: Develop specialized knowledge in defense technology design, understanding the unique visual communication requirements of government clients and industry partners.

• Strategic Contribution: Contribute to the overall brand strategy and visual narrative of a growing defense technology company, gaining experience in high-stakes business development and communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for this role is strong, particularly for someone who can adapt to the fast-paced nature of a startup and the specific demands of the defense technology market. The hybrid model and direct reporting line to a VP offer a unique blend of autonomy and strategic engagement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, requiring a presence in the San Antonio, TX office. This suggests a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

Office Location(s): 207 W Cevallos, San Antonio, TX 78204. This location in San Antonio provides access to a growing tech and defense ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect to work closely with strategy, business development, and software teams, necessitating strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma) and potentially other creative tools. The company's focus on hardware and software suggests a tech-forward environment.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for in-person collaboration on projects, brainstorming sessions, and team meetings, balanced with remote workdays.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with a standard 40-hour work week. The hybrid arrangement allows for flexibility in managing workdays between the office and remote locations, supporting efficient workflow and work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of this role in San Antonio is a key aspect. Candidates should be prepared to outline how they maintain productivity and collaboration across both in-office and remote settings, a critical skill for modern operations and creative roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Review: Initial screening of submitted applications and portfolios.

• Recruiter Pre-screen (15 min): A brief call to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Phone Screen (30 min): Deeper dive into experience, skills, and understanding of the role's strategic importance.

• Take-Home Project: A practical design challenge to assess skills, problem-solving abilities, and approach to a typical task.

• In-Person or Video Interview: A comprehensive interview with the hiring team to evaluate technical skills, creative thinking, collaboration potential, and alignment with company culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Versatility: Showcase a range of projects demonstrating expertise in digital (web, social, pitch decks) and print (brochures, proposals) collateral.

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the objective, your role, the design process, and the measurable impact or outcome, especially in relation to business development or technical communication.

• Strategic Storytelling: Prepare to discuss how your design choices supported the client's or company's strategic goals. For Darkhive, this means emphasizing how visuals convey technical capabilities and build trust.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your command of Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and any other relevant tools used in your projects.

• Showcase Process: Include examples that illustrate your workflow, ability to take direction, iterate on designs, and manage feedback effectively.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Research Darkhive, its mission, its products (tactical uncrewed systems, human-machine interfaces), and its target audience (military, government, investors).

• Anticipate Design Tasks: Expect a challenge related to creating presentation graphics, a one-pager, or a social media asset that communicates a technical concept or company value proposition.

• Prioritize Clarity & Impact: Focus on creating visuals that are clear, concise, and impactful, aligning with the defense industry's need for precise communication.

• Time Management: Be mindful of the time allocated for the take-home project and practice delivering polished work within constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process includes a practical design project, which is standard for creative roles. Candidates should leverage this to demonstrate their ability to translate complex requirements into effective visual solutions, mirroring the company's need to communicate intricate defense technology.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency required in Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and Acrobat for comprehensive graphic design tasks.

• Figma: Expert proficiency required for collaborative design, UI work, and potentially prototyping.

• Microsoft Publisher: Mentioned as a required tool, indicating a need for familiarity with a broader range of design and layout software.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics Tools: While not explicitly listed, familiarity with tools like Google Analytics or similar platforms would be beneficial for understanding website performance and user engagement, especially for the website maintenance aspect.

• Presentation Software: Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and Google Slides is implied for creating pitch decks and executive presentations.

CRM & Automation:

• CMS Platforms: Working knowledge of CMS platforms such as WordPress or Webflow is preferred, indicating a need for basic web content management skills.

• Project Management Tools: Familiarity with tools like Asana, Trello, or Jira may be beneficial for managing design projects within a fast-paced environment, though not explicitly stated.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite and Figma highlights the core technical requirements. Preferred skills in web development and 3D rendering suggest that the company is looking for a versatile designer who can contribute across a broad technological spectrum.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-First: A strong commitment to serving the U.S. and its allies with high-quality defense tools, influencing all aspects of work and decision-making.

• Innovation & Problem-Solving: A culture that encourages free-thinking and the development of novel solutions to complex challenges in defense technology.

• Collaboration: A highly collaborative environment where diverse expertise (veterans, engineers, designers) comes together to achieve common goals.

• Excellence & Quality: A dedication to producing high-quality, reliable, and affordable tools, reflected in the meticulousness of design and communication outputs.

• Efficiency: As a startup, there's an inherent drive for efficiency in processes and resource utilization, which extends to creative workflows.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands close collaboration with Strategy, Business Development, and Software Development teams, requiring clear communication and an understanding of different departmental needs.

• Feedback-Driven Iteration: Expect a dynamic process of feedback and iteration, especially when working on proposals and presentations for government clients and investors.

• Proactive Engagement: Team members are expected to be proactive in identifying needs, suggesting solutions, and contributing to the overall mission and success of the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Darkhive is likely to be intense, mission-driven, and highly collaborative, reflecting its origins in Special Operations and its focus on defense technology. Designers should be prepared to operate in an environment where precision, clarity, and strategic impact are paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Technical Complexity: Visually representing sophisticated defense hardware and software in a way that is easily understandable and compelling to diverse audiences (technical experts, government officials, investors).

• Rapid Iteration in a Startup: Adapting to the fast-paced, evolving needs of a startup, requiring quick turnaround times and the ability to pivot design strategies.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring a cohesive and professional brand identity across all collateral, especially when working with external vendors and multiple internal stakeholders.

• Balancing Creative Vision with Strategic Requirements: Aligning personal creative vision with the specific, often stringent, requirements of defense contracts and BD pursuits.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Industry Knowledge: Gaining in-depth understanding of the defense technology sector, including Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) and robotics, and their specific design communication needs.

• Advanced Creative Tools: Opportunity to master motion graphics, 3D rendering, and potentially front-end web development skills if desired.

• Strategic Design Thinking: Developing a stronger strategic perspective on how design contributes directly to business development success and company positioning.

• Leadership Potential: As the company grows, there is potential to take on more leadership responsibilities within the creative function.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the high-stakes nature of the defense industry and the dynamic environment of a startup. Growth opportunities are significant for a candidate willing to learn and contribute across multiple facets of visual communication and brand strategy.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a highly technical concept into a visual that was easily understood by a non-technical audience. What was your process and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process for simplification, audience analysis, and impact.)

• "How do you approach maintaining brand consistency across a wide range of collateral, especially when working with external vendors or in a fast-paced environment?" (Highlight your organizational skills, understanding of brand guidelines, and communication strategies.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Darkhive and our mission in defense technology?" (Research Darkhive's products, mission, and veteran-led background.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or significant design changes requested by stakeholders, particularly in high-pressure situations?" (Emphasize your adaptability, professionalism, and focus on project goals.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Curate for Relevance: Select 3-5 projects that best demonstrate your skills in pitch decks, proposals, data visualization, and brand consistency, specifically tailored to Darkhive's needs.

• Tell the Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution (design process), and the results or impact. Use metrics where possible.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Be prepared to discuss your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and any other tools used in your projects.

• Showcase Strategic Thinking: Explain why you made specific design choices and how they served the project's strategic objectives, especially in a business development or technical communication context.

• Prepare for the Take-Home Project: Practice creating a clear, concise, and visually impactful design within a simulated time constraint.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical application and strategic thinking. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, problem-solving abilities, and how their work directly supports business objectives, particularly in the context of defense technology.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

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

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, pitch decks, proposal graphics, and visual storytelling relevant to technical or business development contexts. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate your strongest digital and print design work, focusing on projects that demonstrate versatility, brand consistency, and the ability to communicate complex information. Include case studies that explain your process and impact.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio, focusing on articulating your design process, strategic rationale, and the outcomes of your work. Be ready to discuss your approach to the take-home project.

• Research Darkhive: Thoroughly research Darkhive's mission, products, target markets (defense, government), and company culture to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions to provide a comprehensive view of the role. All details, including salary estimates and specific expectations, should be verified directly with Darkhive during the application and interview process.