Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Company: CX2 Location: El Segundo, CA Job Type: Full Time, Permanent Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design Date Posted: 2025-10-07 Experience Level: 2-5 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and produce a wide range of creative assets, including websites, digital advertisements, social media graphics, presentations, and marketing collateral.
• Ensure consistent brand identity and visual messaging across all company touchpoints, from digital platforms to print materials and event collateral.
• Collaborate closely with the Creative Director and cross-functional internal teams, including marketing, engineering, and product development, to conceptualize and execute visual strategies that align with business objectives and project deadlines.
• Manage design projects from initial concept development through to final asset delivery, demonstrating strong project management skills and ownership.
• Integrate and leverage AI-assisted design tools to enhance creativity, efficiency, and innovation within the design workflow.
• Prepare and quality assurance (QA) design files for various production needs, including print, web, and email deployments, ensuring technical accuracy and adherence to specifications.
• Maintain an organized and accessible library of all design assets, facilitating efficient retrieval and reuse for future projects.
• Proactively research and explore emerging design trends, technologies, and creative approaches to continuously elevate CX2's visual output and foster innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is categorized under Creative & Media / Art & Design, with a specific emphasis on supporting a defense technology company. The integration of AI tools and the need for strong brand system management are key indicators of a modern design role within a specialized industry.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Concept, design, and execute visually compelling creative materials for diverse applications, including websites, digital ads, social media platforms, internal and external presentations, and marketing collateral.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive brand guidelines to ensure visual consistency and brand integrity across all internal and external communications and marketing efforts.
• Partner with the Creative Director and various internal stakeholders to translate project requirements and strategic goals into impactful visual designs that resonate with target audiences.
• Take ownership of design projects from initial ideation and sketching through to final asset delivery, ensuring timely completion and high-quality output.
• Experiment with and integrate AI-assisted design tools into the creative process to streamline workflows, enhance ideation, and explore innovative design solutions.
• Prepare, optimize, and quality assurance (QA) all final design files for print, web, and email production, ensuring adherence to technical specifications and brand standards.
• Organize, manage, and maintain a centralized repository of all design assets, including logos, imagery, templates, and brand elements, to ensure accessibility and efficient use.
• Stay abreast of the latest design trends, technologies, and best practices within the graphic design and defense technology sectors, continuously seeking opportunities for professional development and creative improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of traditional graphic design tasks with a forward-looking approach, emphasizing AI integration and a strong focus on brand consistency within a specialized industry. The need to support diverse applications like websites, digital ads, and presentations indicates a versatile design role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Visual Communications, or a related field is typically expected for roles requiring this level of experience and responsibility. Experience: Minimum of 3 years of professional graphic design experience is required, with a proven track record across print, UX/UI design, and digital campaign execution.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
• Advanced skills in Figma for UI/UX design and prototyping.
• Strong understanding and practical application of typography, layout principles, and grid systems.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and maintaining brand systems and style guides.
• Proven ability to design for email marketing campaigns and social media platforms.
• Familiarity with basic HTML/CSS and web design principles, enabling effective collaboration with web developers.
• Experience in preparing and QAing design files for both print and digital production.
• Excellent project management capabilities, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with a positive, detail-oriented, and team-player mindset.
• A robust portfolio showcasing original design work across various formats and mediums.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in UX/UI design, including wireframing and user flow mapping.
• Familiarity with motion graphics or video editing software.
• Experience working within the defense, aerospace, or high-tech industries.
• Knowledge of AI-powered design tools and their application in creative workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for Figma and familiarity with HTML/CSS suggests an expectation for a designer who can contribute to digital product interfaces and collaborate effectively with web development teams, beyond traditional print design. The emphasis on a portfolio is critical for evaluating design capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3 years of original design work demonstrating proficiency across print, UX/UI, and digital campaigns.
• Include case studies that detail the design process, from initial concept and problem definition to final execution and impact assessment.
• Highlight examples of brand system development and application, demonstrating an understanding of brand consistency and visual identity management.
• Present designs for websites, digital ads, social media content, presentations, and marketing collateral to reflect the breadth of responsibilities.
• Include examples of file preparation and QA for production-ready assets, showcasing attention to detail and technical understanding.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to articulate their design process, including how they approach problem-solving, ideation, and iteration.
• Demonstrate experience in managing projects from concept to completion, outlining workflow management and deadline adherence strategies.
• Provide examples of how they integrate feedback from stakeholders and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Showcase proficiency in using design tools and potentially AI-assisted technologies to optimize design workflows and enhance creative output.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's emphasis on diverse creative outputs and AI tool integration, a portfolio that clearly articulates the design process, showcases versatility, and demonstrates an understanding of production-ready files will be crucial. The ability to explain how AI tools were used to enhance outcomes will be a significant differentiator.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $90,000 - $125,000 per year. Benefits:

• Competitive salary and stock options.
• Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance plans.
• 401K enrollment available after 90 days of employment.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy.
• Observance of most Federal Holidays.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Access to the latest tools and technologies.
• A collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• High levels of responsibility and autonomy.

Working Hours: Typically 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on project needs and deadlines. The role is on-site, suggesting standard office hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a Graphic Designer with 3+ years of experience in a high-cost-of-living area like El Segundo, CA. The benefits package is standard for a tech company, with added emphasis on professional growth and autonomy, aligning with the defense technology sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Defense Technology / AI & Software Platforms. CX2 operates at the cutting edge of defense technology, focusing on electromagnetic spectrum dominance through AI-enabled hardware and software. This specialized industry demands innovation, precision, and a commitment to national security. Company Size: The provided information does not explicitly state the company size, but the mention of "venture investors" and a "fast-moving, collaborative environment" suggests a growing startup or scale-up phase, likely between 50-250 employees. Founded: CX2 was founded to deliver spectrum dominance. Specific founding date is not provided, but the company is described as "next-generation," implying a relatively recent establishment focused on modern technological solutions.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Creative Director and work within a marketing or communications team.
• Collaboration is expected with various departments, including engineering, product development, and sales, to ensure visual assets align with technical capabilities and business goals.
• The team is likely structured to be agile and responsive, supporting rapid development cycles common in the defense tech sector.

Methodology:

• CX2 emphasizes AI-enabled solutions, suggesting a data-driven and technology-forward approach to its operations and product development.
• The design team will likely employ agile methodologies, focusing on iterative design, rapid prototyping, and continuous improvement.
• A strong emphasis on collaboration and clear communication will be crucial for integrating design with complex technical projects.

Company Website: https://www.cx2.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: CX2's focus on "spectrum dominance" and "AI-enabled hardware and software" places it in a highly specialized and technologically advanced sector of the defense industry. This context implies a culture that values innovation, technical expertise, and a mission-driven approach. The design role will need to translate complex technological concepts into accessible visual communications.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Graphic Designer, requiring 3+ years of experience. It offers a clear path for growth into more senior design roles, potentially specializing in UX/UI, brand management, or creative direction within the company. Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to the Creative Director, who likely oversees the broader creative strategy and visual identity of the company. This reporting line offers mentorship and guidance from a senior creative leader. Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer plays a crucial role in shaping CX2's external perception and internal communication. By creating compelling visuals, they directly influence brand recognition, marketing effectiveness, investor relations, and employee engagement, all of which contribute to the company's overall success and growth in a competitive defense technology market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas such as UX/UI design, motion graphics, or digital campaign strategy, potentially through company-sponsored training or certifications.
• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success and initiative, there's potential to grow into a Senior Graphic Designer role, take on more complex projects, mentor junior designers, or even move towards a Creative Lead position.
• Industry Exposure: Gain invaluable experience working with cutting-edge defense technology and AI, understanding how to visually communicate complex, high-stakes concepts, which is a unique and transferable skill.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant growth potential within a niche but rapidly evolving industry. The emphasis on AI integration and defense technology provides unique learning opportunities that can shape a designer's career trajectory.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is classified as "On-site," indicating a traditional office-based work environment. This setup facilitates in-person collaboration, team cohesion, and direct interaction with colleagues and leadership. Office Location(s): El Segundo, California. This location is a hub for aerospace, defense, and technology companies, providing a dynamic professional ecosystem. Workspace Context:

• The workspace is described as "collaborative and inclusive," suggesting an environment that encourages teamwork, idea sharing, and mutual support among team members.
• As a technology company, CX2 likely provides access to modern design tools, software, and hardware necessary for high-quality creative output.
• The designer will have opportunities to interact with and learn from a diverse team of engineers, scientists, marketers, and defense professionals, fostering cross-functional understanding.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected. While the role is on-site, the company culture emphasizes "high levels of responsibility and autonomy," which may translate to some flexibility in managing tasks and project timelines, provided deadlines are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: An on-site role in El Segundo, CA, offers the benefits of a concentrated tech and defense industry environment. The description of a collaborative and autonomous workspace suggests a productive and engaging atmosphere where designers can contribute meaningfully.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience alignment.
• Creative Assessment/Portfolio Review: A dedicated session, potentially with the Creative Director and/or other design team members, to thoroughly review your portfolio. Be prepared to discuss your design process, rationale behind your creative choices, and how you've achieved specific outcomes.
• Technical/Skills Interview: May include practical design exercises or questions testing proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and understanding of web/print production.
• Behavioral/Team Fit Interview: Discussions focused on collaboration, problem-solving, handling feedback, and cultural alignment with CX2's values and fast-paced environment.
• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss overall fit and strategic contributions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase versatility across print, digital, UX/UI, and brand systems.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the process you followed (ideation, research, design iterations), the tools used, and the results or impact achieved. Quantify results whenever possible.
• Highlight AI Integration: If you've used AI tools, be prepared to explain how they enhanced your workflow, creativity, or efficiency.
• Show Production Readiness: Include examples of final, production-ready files and explain your QA process.
• Tailor to CX2: Research CX2's existing brand and mission. Consider including a project that demonstrates how you would approach their visual identity or a specific design challenge they might face.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: Be ready for a potential design challenge, which might involve creating a concept for a digital ad, social media post, or presentation slide based on a prompt.
• Time Management: Practice completing design tasks within a limited timeframe.
• Presentation Skills: Prepare to present your portfolio and any design exercise clearly and concisely, articulating your thought process and design decisions effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential design challenges highlights the practical, skills-based nature of this role. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate not just aesthetic talent but also a strategic approach to design, problem-solving, and effective communication of their work.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for graphic design, including Photoshop (image editing, digital assets), Illustrator (vector graphics, logos), and InDesign (layout, print collateral).
• Figma: Crucial for UX/UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaborative interface design.
• AI-Assisted Design Tools: Integration is encouraged, potentially including tools like Adobe Sensei, Midjourney, DALL-E, or other AI-powered platforms for ideation, asset generation, or workflow optimization.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a designer's tool, understanding how design assets perform can be beneficial. Familiarity with web analytics (e.g., Google Analytics) and social media analytics platforms could be advantageous for understanding campaign effectiveness.

CRM & Automation:

• Less directly relevant to the core design function, but an awareness of how marketing automation platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo) utilize design assets could be helpful for ensuring compatibility and effectiveness in digital campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma is non-negotiable. The explicit mention of integrating AI tools suggests that candidates who can demonstrate experience or a proactive interest in leveraging AI for design will be highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: CX2 is a "next-generation" defense technology company, indicating a strong value placed on innovation, forward-thinking solutions, and embracing new technologies like AI.
• Excellence & Precision: In the defense sector, there is an inherent value placed on accuracy, quality, and meticulous attention to detail, which translates to design work needing to be flawless.
• Collaboration: The description emphasizes a "collaborative environment," suggesting that teamwork, open communication, and mutual support are key to achieving common goals.
• Mission-Driven: Working in defense technology implies a strong sense of purpose and dedication to the company's mission of "spectrum dominance."
• Autonomy & Responsibility: The company offers "high levels of responsibility and autonomy," suggesting a culture that empowers individuals to take ownership of their work and make significant contributions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to work closely with engineers, marketing, and product teams, requiring clear communication and the ability to translate technical concepts into accessible visuals.
• Feedback-Driven: A collaborative environment typically involves constructive feedback loops, so designers should be comfortable receiving and incorporating feedback from peers and stakeholders.
• Agile & Responsive: Given the fast-paced nature of technology development, the collaboration style is likely agile, requiring quick turnarounds and adaptability to evolving project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to blend the innovation and agility of a tech startup with the rigor and mission focus of the defense industry. Designers will need to be adaptable, collaborative, and understand how their work contributes to a critical national security mission.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Concepts: Visually communicating sophisticated defense technology and AI capabilities to diverse audiences (technical, business, government) can be challenging.
• Balancing Brand Consistency with Innovation: Maintaining a strong, consistent brand identity while pushing creative boundaries and incorporating new technologies requires careful strategic execution.
• Fast-Paced Environment: The "fast-moving" nature of the company and industry means designers may face tight deadlines and the need for rapid iteration.
• Integration of AI Tools: Effectively incorporating AI into workflows requires learning new tools, understanding their limitations, and ensuring ethical and quality outputs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry-Specific Design: Develop specialized skills in designing for the defense technology sector, understanding unique communication needs and regulatory considerations.
• AI Design Integration: Become proficient in using AI tools to enhance design workflows, offering a competitive edge in the evolving creative landscape.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain insights into engineering, product development, and GTM strategies, broadening understanding of the business beyond pure design.
• Professional Portfolio Development: Continuously build a strong portfolio with high-impact projects that showcase advanced design skills and strategic thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around complexity and speed, common in high-tech defense environments. Growth opportunities are strong, particularly in specialized areas like defense tech design and AI integration, offering a unique career path.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Problem-Solving: "Describe your process for approaching a new design project, starting from a brief." "How do you handle conflicting feedback from different stakeholders?" "Walk me through a project where you had to translate a complex technical concept into a simple visual."
• Brand & Identity: "How do you ensure brand consistency across multiple platforms?" "What are your thoughts on CX2's current visual identity, and how might you evolve it?"
• Technical & Tools: "How have you used Figma for UX/UI design?" "Can you explain your experience with preparing files for print versus digital production?" "How have you integrated AI tools into your design workflow, and what were the results?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about CX2 and our mission in defense technology?"
• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment?"
• "Describe a time you worked autonomously to achieve a project goal."
• "How do you stay updated on design trends and new technologies?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your presentation with a clear introduction, project overview, your specific contributions, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the final outcome/impact.
• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality mockups and clear visuals. Avoid clutter.
• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data (e.g., increased engagement, conversion rates, efficiency gains) to demonstrate the success of your designs.
• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, technical skills, and ability to work within constraints.
• Showcase AI Integration: Highlight specific examples of how AI tools were used and what benefits they provided.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skills but also strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and an understanding of CX2's mission and industry. A well-prepared portfolio presentation is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Lever link: https://jobs.lever.co/cx2/c4ac233d-62dd-4474-b742-aba0a63b1a3b.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating your experience in digital campaigns, brand systems, and potentially UX/UI design. If possible, include a speculative piece showing how you'd approach CX2's visual identity or a relevant design challenge.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, typography, layout, brand systems, and digital/print production. Quantify achievements and responsibilities where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, project rationale, and how you integrate new technologies like AI. Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail and answer behavioral questions related to collaboration and autonomy.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research CX2, its mission, its products, and its existing visual presence. Understand the defense technology landscape and how design contributes to its success.

⚠️ 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.