Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Company: Radiant Location: El Segundo, California, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Marketing & Communications Operations (Creative) Date Posted: August 25, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in shaping Radiant's visual identity and storytelling across all platforms, requiring a blend of graphic design, content creation, and compelling narrative development.
• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for translating complex scientific and engineering concepts into accessible and engaging visual assets for diverse audiences, including policymakers and the general public.
• The position demands a versatile individual who can conceptualize, produce, and execute creative projects from initial design to final delivery, encompassing digital, print, and multimedia formats.
• Success in this role hinges on the ability to capture the dynamic culture of a clean energy startup through both polished marketing materials and authentic behind-the-scenes content.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is in graphic design, its placement within a technology startup focused on clean energy and nuclear microreactors suggests a need for understanding and communicating technical concepts. This translates to an "Operations" context within marketing and communications, focusing on operationalizing brand messaging and visual strategy to support business objectives. The "jack-of-all-trades" aspect points towards a need for adaptability and a broad skill set beyond traditional graphic design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and produce a wide range of compelling visual assets, including graphics, infographics, digital layouts, print collateral, and multimedia content, ensuring brand consistency across all touchpoints.
• Craft engaging captions, headlines, and narratives that effectively communicate Radiant's mission, technology, and company culture to various target audiences across different communication channels.
• Conceptualize, shoot, and edit high-quality photo and video content for social media platforms (LinkedIn, X, YouTube, Instagram, etc.), capturing key company moments, technological advancements, and employee stories.
• Create "guerrilla-style" content, such as behind-the-scenes videos of engineers or rapid-response posts during significant company milestones, to foster authentic engagement and showcase the company's dynamic environment.
• Monitor the performance of visual content, analyze engagement metrics, and stay current with creative best practices and emerging trends in graphic design, photography, video, and social media to continuously optimize content strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a proactive, hands-on approach to content creation and dissemination, crucial for a startup environment. The need to "track performance" and "stay current with creative best practices" highlights an operational aspect of content management, focusing on efficiency and effectiveness in communication strategy.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Communications, or a related field is preferred, demonstrating a foundational understanding of design principles and visual communication.

Experience:

• 2-5 years of professional experience in a graphic design role, with a strong emphasis on creating diverse visual assets and marketing collateral.
• Experience in content creation, social media management, photography, and video editing is highly valued, showcasing versatility and a multi-faceted skill set.
• Prior experience within the energy, engineering, or complex technology sectors is a significant advantage, indicating an ability to grasp and communicate technical subject matter.

Required Skills:

• Proven graphic design experience supported by a strong portfolio showcasing a breadth of graphic design, photography, and video work.
• Proficiency in industry-standard graphic design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and Canva.
• Expertise in video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or equivalent, for producing polished multimedia content.
• Excellent copywriting and editing skills, with the ability to tailor tone and messaging effectively for different platforms and audiences, from technical to general public.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion graphics software (e.g., After Effects) for creating dynamic visual elements.
• Familiarity with social media analytics tools to track content performance and inform strategy.
• A strong passion for science, technology, and storytelling, with a genuine interest in renewable energy and advanced technologies.
• Experience developing brand guidelines and ensuring visual consistency across all marketing materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "jack-of-all-trades" descriptor and the requirement for both polished and "guerrilla-style" content suggest that candidates with a broad range of creative skills and an adaptable, hands-on approach will be most successful. The emphasis on copywriting and storytelling indicates that communication skills are as critical as technical design abilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory, showcasing a diverse range of graphic design projects that demonstrate creativity, technical proficiency, and an understanding of visual storytelling.
• Include examples of digital assets (social media graphics, web banners, infographics), print materials (brochures, advertisements), and multimedia content (short videos, animations).
• Highlight projects where you successfully translated complex information or technical concepts into clear and engaging visuals.
• Demonstrate your ability to adapt your design style to different audiences and communication objectives.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples where you managed a design project from concept to completion, detailing your workflow, any iterative design processes, and how feedback was incorporated.
• For multimedia projects, illustrate your process for shooting, editing, and finalizing photo and video content.
• If applicable, include examples of how you tracked or analyzed the performance of your creative work and used those insights to inform future designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "portfolio of graphic design, photo, and video work" is critical. For operations professionals, this isn't just about aesthetics; it's about demonstrating the process of creation, the systems used (software), and the results achieved through clear, impactful visuals. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their creative process and how their work contributed to broader communication goals.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry standards for a Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in the El Segundo, California area, the estimated annual salary range is $60,000 - $85,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in Southern California and the competitive market for creative talent in the tech industry.

Benefits:

• Stock: Substantial incentive stock plan for all full-time employees, offering a direct stake in the company's growth and success.
• Medical: Comprehensive medical coverage with 100% employer contribution up to the base silver level plan for employees, and 50% for dependents. Options for higher-tier Platinum plans are available.
• One Medical: Sponsored memberships for employees and their dependents, providing access to a high-quality primary care network.
• Vision: 100% coverage for a top-tier vision plan for employees and 50% for dependents.
• Dental: 100% coverage for a top-tier dental plan for employees, including orthodontia, with 50% coverage for dependents.
• Voluntary Benefits: A suite of employee-contributed benefits including life insurance, accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness coverage, commuter benefits, and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Accounts (HSA).
• Parental Leave: 8 weeks of paid parental leave for all parents, with additional paid pregnancy leave for California employees.
• Daily Catered Lunch: Provided as a perk, fostering a communal and convenient work environment.
• Snacks & Drinks: Free access to snacks and beverages on-site.
• Flexible PTO Policy: Offers autonomy in managing time off.
• Remote Workday Allocation: While the role is on-site, there may be provisions for remote workdays, offering some flexibility.
• Company & Team Events: Regular social gatherings, happy hours, and team-building events to promote camaraderie and a positive work culture.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. However, the role requires a degree of flexibility, with the willingness to work extended hours or weekends as needed to meet project deadlines and company objectives, especially during critical milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation package is competitive, particularly the substantial equity component, which is common in high-growth startups. The extensive benefits package reflects a commitment to employee well-being. The mention of "remote workday allocation" within a flexible PTO policy, despite the "100% onsite" requirement, suggests a potential for nuanced flexibility that candidates might inquire about during the interview process.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Clean Energy / Nuclear Technology Startup Company Size: Startup (Specific employee count not provided, but implied to be growing rapidly) Founded: (Year not provided, but described as a startup)

Company Description: Radiant is an innovative clean energy startup based in El Segundo, California, focused on developing the world's first portable, zero-emissions nuclear microreactor, the Kaleidos 1MW. Their mission is to provide a climate-friendly alternative to diesel generators, bringing reliable power to remote locations and critical infrastructure like hospitals and disaster-relief sites. They aim to bring factory-constructed microreactors to market, with a goal of testing their development reactor by 2026.

Company Specialties: Nuclear microreactor technology, clean energy solutions, zero-emissions power generation, advanced engineering, climate technology.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a Marketing or Communications team, reporting to a Marketing Manager or Director.
• Given it's a startup, the team is likely lean, requiring close collaboration with various departments, including Engineering, Product Development, and Leadership.
• The designer will need to work cross-functionally to understand technical details and translate them into accessible visual narratives.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While not directly a data analysis role, the designer will be expected to understand content performance metrics to inform their creative output and strategy.
• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The designer will need to manage their own project workflows, prioritize tasks, and optimize their creative processes for efficiency in a fast-paced environment.
• Automation & Efficiency: While not explicitly stated, leveraging design tools efficiently and potentially exploring automation for repetitive tasks (e.g., template creation) would be beneficial.

Company Website: radiantviewer.com (Implied from domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: Radiant operates in a cutting-edge, high-impact sector. The culture is expected to be fast-paced, innovative, and mission-driven, common in deep-tech startups. The designer's role is crucial in communicating this complex and exciting mission to a broad audience.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Specialist Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Lead or Head of Communications. In a startup environment, reporting lines can be fluid, and direct interaction with senior leadership is common.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts Radiant's brand perception, public awareness, and investor relations. High-quality visuals and clear communication are essential for conveying the company's technological advancements, its mission for a cleaner future, and attracting talent, investors, and partners. Effective visual storytelling can significantly influence public understanding and support for advanced energy technologies.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like motion graphics, UI/UX design for technical interfaces, or advanced video production as the company scales.
• Leadership Potential: As the company grows, there's potential to move into a Senior Graphic Designer role, lead a small design team, or even transition into a broader Marketing or Brand Management role.
• Industry Expertise: Develop significant knowledge and a portfolio in the rapidly evolving clean energy and nuclear technology sectors, making them a valuable asset in a high-demand field.
• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain experience working closely with engineering and product teams, providing a unique perspective on translating complex technical information for broader audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations-minded candidates, this role offers the chance to be instrumental in building the visual narrative of a groundbreaking company. Growth is tied to the company's success and the designer's ability to adapt and expand their skill set in a dynamic environment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site at Radiant’s El Segundo HQ, described as "beautiful" and "close to the Pacific Ocean." Office Location(s): El Segundo, California, United States. This location is known for its tech and aerospace presence.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The startup culture emphasizes collaboration, meaning the designer will interact frequently with colleagues across different departments.
• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary design and video editing software is implied. The environment likely fosters innovation, encouraging the use of modern creative tools and techniques.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities to capture "behind-the-scenes" content suggest a culture where employee contributions and daily work life are valued and shared.

Work Schedule: While typically 40 hours per week, the role requires flexibility for extended hours and weekends during critical project periods or company milestones. This aligns with the demands of a startup environment where rapid progress is key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The El Segundo location offers a vibrant tech ecosystem. The emphasis on "company and team-bonding events, happy hours and in-person camaraderie" points to a company culture that values social connection alongside professional achievement, which can be an important factor for work-life integration in operations roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a brief call with HR or a hiring manager to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Portfolio Review & Creative Challenge: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their design process, rationale, and impact. A practical design or content creation challenge may be assigned to evaluate skills in real-time or as a take-home assignment.
• Technical/Team Interviews: Interviews with marketing team members or cross-functional colleagues (e.g., from engineering) to assess technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and how well the candidate integrates with the team's workflow and vision.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss strategic alignment, long-term vision, and finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select your strongest, most relevant work. Ensure a mix of graphic design, photography, and video, showcasing versatility. Prioritize projects that demonstrate your ability to communicate complex ideas visually.
• Tell a Story: For each piece, explain the challenge, your process, the tools used, and the outcome or impact. Focus on how your design solved a problem or achieved a goal.
• Showcase Adaptability: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to shift tone and style for different audiences and platforms, highlighting your "jack-of-all-trades" capability.
• Highlight Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your comfort level with specific software (Canva, Adobe Suite, video editors) and any advanced techniques you employed.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Radiant's Mission: Familiarize yourself with Radiant's technology (microreactors), its mission (clean energy, zero-emissions power), and its target audiences.
• Anticipate Content Needs: Consider what types of visuals would best represent a cutting-edge clean energy startup. Think about how to visually explain complex technology.
• Practice Storytelling: Be prepared to articulate your creative process and how your designs contribute to broader marketing and communication strategies. Practice presenting your portfolio concisely and engagingly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "portfolio of graphic design, photo, and video work" is crucial. For operations professionals, this isn't just about aesthetics; it's about demonstrating the process of creation, the systems used (software), and the results achieved through clear, impactful visuals. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their creative process and how their work contributed to broader communication goals.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Graphic Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Canva (required), potentially Figma or Sketch for UI/UX if applicable.
• Video Editing Software: Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or equivalent (required).
• Content Management Systems (CMS): Familiarity with CMS for website updates or social media scheduling tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer) is a plus.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Social Media Analytics: Tools like LinkedIn Analytics, X Analytics, YouTube Analytics to track content performance.
• Website Analytics: Google Analytics or similar platforms to understand traffic sources and user behavior driven by content.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management): While not directly a CRM role, understanding how marketing materials interact with CRM data (e.g., lead generation via content) is beneficial. Familiarity with platforms like Salesforce or HubSpot could be a plus.
• Automation Tools: Experience with marketing automation platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo) for campaign execution and tracking is a bonus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the core Adobe Creative Suite and video editing software is essential. Familiarity with Canva indicates a need for quick, accessible design solutions, common in startup environments. The ability to interpret analytics for content optimization is key to the "operations" aspect of this creative role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Adaptability: Embrace new ideas and technologies, and be comfortable with rapid change inherent in a startup environment.
• Mission-Driven: A strong passion for science, technology, and contributing to a cleaner energy future.
• Collaboration: Work effectively with diverse teams, valuing input and contributing to a shared vision.
• Efficiency & Impact: Strive to create high-quality work that effectively communicates Radiant's message and achieves measurable results.
• Initiative & Ownership: Take responsibility for projects and proactively seek opportunities to contribute and improve.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close collaboration with engineering, product, and leadership teams to ensure accurate and compelling representation of technical details.
• Feedback-Rich Environment: Openness to constructive criticism and iterative design processes to refine creative outputs.
• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing insights, best practices, and creative solutions to elevate the team's overall output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is likely a blend of high-tech innovation and startup agility. Candidates should demonstrate enthusiasm for the company's mission and a proactive, collaborative approach to their work, aligning with operational efficiency and impact-driven outcomes.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Technology: The primary challenge will be to simplify and visually represent sophisticated nuclear microreactor technology for diverse audiences without losing accuracy.
• Startup Pace: Adapting to the rapid changes, shifting priorities, and demanding workload typical of a fast-growing startup.
• Balancing Creative Styles: Effectively switching between polished marketing visuals and more authentic, "guerrilla-style" content to meet varied communication needs.
• Content Volume: Managing the creation and dissemination of a high volume of creative assets across multiple platforms to support company growth and communication goals.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Clean Energy: Gain unparalleled insight and experience in the burgeoning clean energy and advanced nuclear technology sectors.
• Skill Expansion: Opportunities to learn and implement new design techniques, video editing skills, and potentially explore areas like motion graphics or data visualization.
• Mentorship and Networking: Potential to learn from experienced professionals in engineering, marketing, and leadership within a cutting-edge company.
• Portfolio Growth: Build a robust portfolio with impactful projects that showcase work in a highly visible, innovative industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges present significant opportunities for professional growth. By tackling these, candidates can develop highly sought-after skills in technical communication, adaptability, and creative problem-solving, all valuable in operations-focused roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Visualizing Innovation: "How would you visually represent the concept of a portable, zero-emissions nuclear microreactor for a general audience?" (Focus on clarity, impact, and storytelling).
• Startup Content Strategy: "Describe how you would approach creating 'guerrilla-style' content to capture the culture of a fast-paced tech startup like Radiant." (Emphasize authenticity, speed, and capturing key moments).
• Balancing Technical and Accessible: "How do you ensure your designs and copy are both technically accurate for engineers and accessible for the general public?" (Discuss your process for understanding and simplifying complex information).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Passion for Mission: "What excites you about Radiant's mission in clean energy and nuclear technology?" (Show genuine interest and alignment with the company's goals).
• Startup Fit: "Describe a time you thrived in a fast-paced, ambiguous startup environment. What was your approach?" (Highlight initiative, adaptability, and problem-solving).
• Measuring Impact: "How do you measure the success of your visual content? What metrics do you consider important?" (Demonstrate an understanding of how creative work contributes to business objectives).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your portfolio presentation to tell a story about your skills and experience, starting with your most impactful work.
• Process Focus: For each project, clearly articulate your design process, the challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the results achieved. Use specific examples.
• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the tools you used for each project and why you chose them.
• Conciseness: Practice presenting your portfolio within a set timeframe, ensuring you cover key highlights without getting bogged down in excessive detail.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative talent, but also an understanding of how design serves business objectives, a key trait for operations professionals. Highlighting the "process" and "impact" of your work will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position at Radiant:

• Submit your application through the provided Greenhouse link.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to specifically highlight graphic design, photography, and video projects that demonstrate your ability to communicate technical concepts and capture company culture. Select 3-5 of your strongest pieces that best align with Radiant's mission.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 2-5 years of experience, proficiency in required design and video software, and any relevant experience in tech or energy sectors. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on your creative process, problem-solving skills, and how your work delivered results. Prepare to discuss your understanding of Radiant's technology and mission.
• Company Research: Thoroughly review Radiant's website and any available press to understand their technology, mission, and current stage of development. Be prepared to discuss how your skills can contribute to their communication goals.

⚠️ 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.