Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Horizon Hobby

Location: Ontario, California, USA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: 2026-03-26

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive brand consistency and visual storytelling through compelling graphic design for product lines within the global Radio Control industry.

• Develop and execute original graphic artwork, logos, and vehicle liveries that align with brand standards and resonate with target audiences.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with product development, marketing, and photography teams to deliver integrated visual assets.

• Utilize advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite to create production-ready files for various media, including print and digital applications.

• Contribute creative illustration and structured design solutions within a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on product graphics within the Surface Product Development team, emphasizing vehicle liveries and original artwork. The "operations" aspect here pertains to the operational efficiency of the design process, managing multiple projects, adhering to brand guidelines, and preparing files for production.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and execute original graphic artwork, logos, and vehicle liveries for Horizon Hobby's Surface product lines.

• Translate real-world vehicle graphics and concepts into production-ready digital assets, ensuring accuracy and brand alignment.

• Collaborate closely with product managers, engineers, and marketing teams to understand design requirements and project objectives.

• Manage a pipeline of design requests, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

• Prepare and optimize print-ready files according to vendor specifications, ensuring high-quality output for manufacturing.

• Maintain and evolve brand consistency across all product graphics, adhering to established style guides and design principles.

• Support visual design needs across the Surface Product Development department, including ad-hoc design requests and internal communications.

• Coordinate with the photography team to define image requirements and ensure visual assets complement design work.

• Stay abreast of current design trends, illustration techniques, and emerging technologies relevant to the motorsports and RC industries.

• Archive design files and assets according to departmental processes, ensuring efficient retrieval and management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for both creative flair (original artwork, illustration) and rigorous process adherence (file preparation, archiving, brand consistency). This blend is typical of design roles supporting product development where conceptualization meets production realities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate degree required (or equivalent professional experience); Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design preferred.

Experience: Minimum of two years of professional graphic design and/or illustration experience.

Required Skills:

• Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Proven ability to create original graphic artwork and illustrations.

• Experience in designing logos and vehicle liveries or similar detailed graphic applications.

• Excellent visual communication and creative problem-solving skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced setting.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills for effective stakeholder collaboration.

Preferred Skills:

• Passion for or direct involvement in RC or full-scale motorsports.

• Experience with file preparation for print production and vendor specifications.

• Understanding of brand guidelines and their application across diverse media.

• Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and project requirements.

• Experience in translating conceptual ideas into tangible design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on motorsports interest suggests a desire for candidates who can intrinsically understand the aesthetic and functional requirements of the product line, leading to more authentic and effective designs. The "2-5 years" AI-derived experience level aligns well with the "minimum two years" requirement, leaving room for candidates with slightly more experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive online portfolio link is mandatory for consideration.

• Portfolio must showcase a strong range of graphic design and illustrative capabilities.

• Specific examples of logo design, vehicle livery work, and original artwork are highly encouraged.

• Demonstrate ability to adapt design style to meet brand guidelines and project constraints.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase understanding of design workflows from concept to final asset delivery.

• Demonstrate experience in preparing production-ready files according to technical specifications.

• Highlight examples of how design challenges were analyzed and resolved throughout project development.

• Illustrate adherence to departmental processes for proofing, project completion, and file archiving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for an online portfolio, with specific emphasis on vehicle liveries and artwork, is crucial for this role. Candidates should curate their portfolios to highlight these specific skills and demonstrate how they approach design challenges and production workflows.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 - $70,000 per year.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: This range is based on the provided typical pay. The final offer will be determined by the candidate's unique experience and qualifications. A bonus may also be eligible, separate from the base pay.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.

• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.

• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance.

• Life Insurance and Supplemental Life Insurance.

• 401(k) retirement plan with a company match.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays.

• Internal Rewards program.

• Employee discounts on Horizon Hobby products.

• Additional coverage options including accident, critical illness, hospital, and pet insurance.

Working Hours: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (40 hours per week).

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is robust, including standard health and retirement plans, alongside attractive employee discounts and extra insurance options. The fixed working hours are typical for an on-site creative role supporting product development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Global Radio Control (RC) Industry, with a focus on Surface products. Horizon Hobby is a leader celebrating 40 years, indicating a stable and experienced market presence.

Company Size: Not explicitly stated, but implied to be a significant player given its leadership in the global RC industry and progressive approach to processes.

Founded: 1985 (celebrating 40 years in 2025), suggesting a long history of innovation and market establishment.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Surface Product Development Team.

• This role requires collaboration with multiple departments across the company, including marketing, product management, and photography.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on brand-consistent graphics and visual storytelling.

• A blend of creative illustration and structured design solutions.

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through the need to understand customer audiences and analyze design challenges.

• Focus on workflow efficiency, including managing tasks, meeting deadlines, and following established departmental processes for file management and archiving.

Company Website: horizonhobby.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Horizon Hobby's long history and leadership position suggest a culture that values experience, innovation, and product quality. The "progressive, innovative company" description implies an openness to evolving processes and technologies, which is beneficial for creative roles.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an individual contributor role at an intermediate level, requiring specialized creative skills and professional experience. It sits within the product development lifecycle, directly impacting product appeal and brand perception.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to a manager within the Surface Product Development Team. Collaboration will be cross-functional, involving stakeholders from various departments.

Operations Impact: The role's output directly influences product marketability, brand recognition, and customer engagement. High-quality, brand-aligned graphics are critical for sales success and maintaining Horizon Hobby's leadership position in the RC industry.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Develop expertise in specialized product graphics, including advanced illustration techniques for vehicle liveries and original artwork.

• Industry Specialization: Deepen understanding of the RC and motorsports market, becoming a subject matter expert in visual trends and customer preferences within this niche.

• Process Optimization: Contribute to refining design workflows, file management practices, and collaboration protocols within the Surface Product Development Team.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Potentially lead design initiatives for specific product lines or collaborate on broader marketing campaigns, gaining exposure to strategic brand management.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not a traditional "operations" role focused on sales or revenue ops, growth here involves deepening creative specialization and understanding how design operations contribute to product success. The potential for cross-functional leadership and process improvement offers avenues for career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is on-site at the Ontario, CA location, indicating a traditional office setting.

Office Location(s): Ontario, California, USA. This location offers access to a significant talent pool and is part of the broader Southern California economic hub.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative environment is expected, with regular interaction with product development teams, marketing, and potentially other designers.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology, including Adobe Creative Suite, will be provided.

• Opportunities for creative exchange and feedback with colleagues within the design and product development functions.

Work Schedule: A standard Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM schedule is expected, providing a consistent work-life balance conducive to focused creative work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a preference for collaborative synergy and direct team interaction, which can be beneficial for creative problem-solving and rapid iteration in design projects.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and mandatory online portfolio to assess foundational skills and experience.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or portfolio review session focusing on creative problem-solving, illustration techniques, and brand alignment. This may involve presenting specific pieces and explaining design rationale.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with members of the Surface Product Development Team and potentially cross-functional stakeholders to evaluate collaboration style, communication, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Discussion with hiring manager to assess overall fit, career aspirations, and alignment with company values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Ensure your portfolio prominently features work relevant to product graphics, logos, and vehicle liveries.

• Showcase Process: For key pieces, briefly explain your design process, from initial concept to final execution, highlighting problem-solving steps.

• Demonstrate Versatility: Include examples that show your ability to work within brand guidelines while still injecting creativity.

• Highlight Motorsports Relevance: If you have any work related to motorsports, RC hobbies, or automotive graphics, make sure it's easily discoverable.

• Technical Proficiency: Mention the software used and ensure file preparation examples (if shown) demonstrate understanding of print specs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss your approach to translating abstract ideas into visual concepts.

• Prepare to articulate how you ensure brand consistency across different design applications.

• Practice explaining your design choices and how they meet specific project objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount. Candidates must treat its curation and presentation as a critical part of their application strategy, demonstrating not just artistic talent but also an understanding of the practical demands of product design graphics.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for all design tasks. Proficiency is expected in:
  • Adobe Photoshop: For raster image editing, manipulation, and digital painting.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logo design, illustration, and creating scalable artwork.
  • Adobe InDesign: Potentially used for layout and integrating graphics into product manuals or marketing collateral.

Analytics & Reporting: While not directly managing analytics, understanding how designs perform or are used in marketing campaigns might involve familiarity with basic reporting concepts or tools used by marketing teams.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to this design role, but awareness of how product graphics integrate into marketing automation or CRM platforms could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is deep proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite. While other tools aren't explicitly mentioned, an understanding of how graphics are used in broader marketing and product lifecycles is a valuable asset.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: Embracing new design techniques and creative approaches to keep products visually fresh and competitive.

• Quality: A commitment to high-fidelity graphics and meticulous attention to detail in all design outputs.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams to achieve shared product development goals.

• Customer Focus: Designing with an understanding of the target audience's preferences and interests, particularly within the RC and motorsports communities.

• Efficiency: Managing design processes effectively to meet deadlines and support timely product launches.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional teamwork is key, requiring clear communication and the ability to integrate feedback from various departments.

• A constructive feedback culture is implied, where designers can present their work and receive input to refine designs.

• Knowledge sharing within the design team can foster continuous improvement and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on innovation and quality, coupled with a collaborative approach, suggests a dynamic and supportive environment for designers. Understanding the customer base (RC enthusiasts) will be crucial for cultural and design alignment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Constraints: Effectively translating creative visions into designs that meet strict brand guidelines, technical specifications, and production limitations.

• Rapid Trend Adaptation: Staying ahead of visual trends in the motorsports and RC industries, ensuring designs remain current and appealing without compromising brand identity.

• Managing Diverse Project Needs: Juggling multiple design projects simultaneously, each with unique requirements, stakeholders, and deadlines.

• Translating Technical Concepts Visually: Effectively communicating the features and excitement of RC products through graphics that resonate with hobbyists.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Illustration Techniques: Deepening skills in digital painting, vector illustration, and specialized techniques for vehicle graphics.

• Industry Immersion: Gaining deeper knowledge of RC products, motorsports culture, and competitor design strategies.

• Workflow Optimization: Learning and contributing to more efficient design processes, file management, and collaboration tools.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Understanding the broader product development lifecycle and how design integrates with engineering, marketing, and sales.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a product-focused designer, revolving around creative execution within practical boundaries. Growth opportunities lie in mastering specialized design skills and understanding the business context of their creative work.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative vision with strict brand guidelines. How did you approach it?" (Focus on process, compromise, and brand adherence.)

• "Walk me through your process for creating a vehicle livery from concept to final artwork." (Highlight research, concepting, execution, and technical preparation.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Horizon Hobby and the Radio Control industry?" (Show genuine passion for RC or motorsports.)

• "How do you stay current with design trends, particularly those relevant to automotive or action sports?" (Demonstrate proactive learning.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Be Prepared to Present: Have 2-3 key projects ready to discuss in detail, covering rationale, challenges, and solutions.

• Focus on Impact: For each project, explain how your design contributed to the product's appeal or the brand's message.

• Showcase Technical Skills: Be ready to discuss the software and techniques used, and how you prepared files for production.

• Connect to Horizon Hobby: Draw parallels between your work and the type of graphics Horizon Hobby produces, showing you've done your research.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily emphasize the portfolio and the ability to articulate design decisions in the context of product development and brand strategy. Demonstrating passion for the RC/motorsports niche will be a significant advantage.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on recruiting.ultipro.com.

• Crucially, ensure your online portfolio link is clearly visible and accessible on your resume or application.

• Tailor your resume to highlight your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, illustration, logo design, and any relevant motorsports or automotive graphics work.

• Prepare to discuss 2-3 key portfolio pieces in detail, focusing on your process, problem-solving, and the impact of your designs.

• Research Horizon Hobby's current product lines and brand aesthetic to demonstrate your understanding of their visual identity and target market.

⚠️ 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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