Graphic Designer Signage

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Signage

Company: Caliber Signs and Imaging

Location: Irvine, California, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Operations - GTM Support (Creative & Production)

Date Posted: February 10, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for bridging creative design with production execution within the signage and imaging industry, focusing on translating brand identities into tangible visual assets.

• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for the end-to-end design process, from initial concept development to final production-ready files, ensuring brand consistency and operational efficiency.

• This position requires a blend of artistic talent and technical proficiency in design software, coupled with an understanding of manufacturing processes and material properties relevant to signage.

• The role involves close collaboration with project management and production teams to ensure project feasibility, adherence to timelines, and accurate cost estimations, directly impacting client satisfaction and project profitability.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the original listing is for a "Graphic Designer Signage," this enhancement positions it within an "Operations - GTM Support (Creative & Production)" category. This is because the responsibilities described (fabrication drawings, pricing estimates, collaboration with project managers and production) indicate a critical support function for Go-To-Market (GTM) activities by ensuring creative assets are production-ready and align with business objectives, impacting sales and client delivery.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and conceptualize layouts for a diverse range of signage, large-format graphics, and wayfinding systems, ensuring aesthetic appeal and brand alignment.

• Develop precise fabrication drawings and production-ready files (e.g., vector art, cut-ready files) optimized for various manufacturing processes.

• Collaborate closely with Project Managers and Production teams to define project specifications, material requirements, and realistic production timelines.

• Prepare detailed pricing estimates, leveraging knowledge of materials, fabrication techniques, and associated costs to ensure profitable project execution.

• Produce comprehensive permit drawing sets required for city planning and permit application processes, ensuring compliance with local regulations.

• Translate and adapt client branding guidelines into practical, impactful, and visually compelling signage solutions that meet both client expectations and production constraints.

• Act as a liaison between design vision and manufacturing reality, troubleshooting design challenges that arise during production.

• Maintain a high standard of design quality and accuracy, ensuring all deliverables meet Caliber Signs and Imaging's quality benchmarks.

📝 Enhancement Note: These responsibilities are elaborated to highlight the operational aspects of the design role. For instance, "Create accurate fabrication drawings and production files" is expanded to include optimization for manufacturing processes, and "Prepares pricing estimates" is contextualized with the need for knowledge of materials and cost structures, emphasizing the business and operational impact.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of professional design experience, with a strong focus on signage, large-format printing, architectural graphics, or a closely related visual communication field.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, for creating vector graphics, image manipulation, and layout design.

• Strong understanding of typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy principles applied to signage and environmental graphics.

• Ability to interpret and create technical drawings, including fabrication and permit sets.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with internal teams (Project Managers, Production) and external stakeholders.

• Detail-oriented approach with a commitment to accuracy in design, file preparation, and documentation.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with CAD software for design and drafting purposes.

• Knowledge of sign materials, fabrication methods (e.g., routing, cutting, printing, lighting), and installation best practices.

• Familiarity with project management workflows and production scheduling.

• Understanding of permitting processes and requirements for signage in various municipalities.

• Experience with 3D rendering software for visualization purposes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Preferred Skills" section is populated based on typical industry requirements for a signage designer who also handles production files and pricing. CAD experience is a common plus for fabrication drawings, and knowledge of materials/fabrication is crucial for creating designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and manufacturable within budget.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3-5 relevant projects demonstrating expertise in signage, large-format graphics, or environmental branding.

• Each project should clearly articulate the design challenge, the creative solution, and the final output, with an emphasis on production feasibility.

• Include examples of design work that required the creation of fabrication drawings, production files, or permit sets.

• Showcase projects where branding guidelines were successfully translated into effective signage solutions.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to articulate their design process, from initial client brief or internal request through to final file delivery.

• Be prepared to discuss how you manage design revisions, collaborate with production teams, and ensure the accuracy of technical specifications.

• Highlight experience with workflow tools or systems used for design asset management and version control.

• Showcase an ability to document design decisions and rationale, particularly related to material selection, fabrication methods, and cost considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role involving production files and pricing, a portfolio that demonstrates not just creative skill but also practical application and an understanding of the manufacturing process is essential. This section emphasizes the need for portfolio pieces that bridge the gap between design concept and tangible, executable signage.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Dental insurance

• Free uniforms

• Health insurance

Working Hours:

• Full-time position, typically 40 hours per week. Standard business hours are expected, with potential for occasional overtime based on project deadlines and client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is hourly. The enhancement converts this to an annual range for clarity and adds context about potential overtime and bonuses, which are common in production-adjacent roles. The benefits are listed as provided.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Signage and Imaging. Caliber Signs & Imaging operates within the visual communication sector, specializing in custom signs, vehicle wraps, trade show displays, and large-format graphics. This industry demands precision, creativity, and a strong understanding of materials and production processes.

Company Size: Information not explicitly provided, but implies a growing team with opportunities for impact. Based on typical industry structures, it could range from a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) or a division within a larger entity.

Founded: Information not explicitly provided. The mention of "growth opportunities" suggests a company that is established and expanding.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a broader creative or production team.

• They will report to a Design Manager or Production Manager, depending on the organizational structure.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While creative, designs must also be practical, cost-effective, and compliant with regulations, indicating a data-informed approach to design choices.

• Collaborative Workflow: Emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional communication to ensure seamless project execution from concept to completion.

• Quality Focus: A commitment to producing high-quality, durable, and visually impactful signage solutions.

Company Website: http://www.signworld.org (Note: This appears to be an industry association website, not the company's direct site. The derived domain is calibersi.com, which should be the primary reference.)

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on the industry (Signage and Imaging) and the role's responsibilities, the company culture is inferred to be a blend of creative collaboration and production-oriented efficiency. The derived domain "calibersi.com" is noted as a more probable company website than the provided "signworld.org".

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Designer. This role is positioned for someone with established design skills and some industry-specific experience, moving beyond entry-level tasks to take on more complex projects and production-oriented responsibilities.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Design Lead, Creative Director, or Production Manager, with direct collaboration with Project Managers and Production Specialists.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts revenue and customer satisfaction by ensuring that creative designs are technically sound, cost-effective, and can be produced efficiently and accurately. High-quality, production-ready designs reduce errors, minimize rework, and contribute to timely project completion, all critical for profitability and client retention in the signage industry.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific signage types (e.g., architectural signage, digital displays, vehicle wraps) or production techniques.

• Leadership: Progress to a Senior Designer, Lead Designer, or even a Design Manager role, overseeing projects and mentoring junior designers.

• Process Improvement: Contribute to refining design-to-production workflows, implementing new design technologies, or improving template efficiency.

• Cross-Functional Development: Gain exposure to project management, sales, or production management aspects of the business.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Impact" is framed to highlight how a creative role contributes to business operations and revenue, a key consideration for operations-focused professionals. Growth opportunities are framed within typical career paths in the design and production sectors of the signage industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site. This role requires physical presence to collaborate effectively with production teams and utilize on-site design resources.

Office Location(s): Irvine, California. This location is known for its business hubs and accessibility within Southern California.

Workspace Context:

• The designer will likely work in a dedicated design space equipped with industry-standard hardware and software.

• Proximity to production facilities is expected, allowing for direct interaction with fabricators and review of materials.

• A collaborative environment is anticipated, with opportunities for brainstorming and peer review.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time business hours (e.g., Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM).

• Flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines, potentially involving occasional overtime. The role is not remote, emphasizing a structured, on-site work schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the workspace and schedule is tailored to an on-site design role within a production-oriented company, emphasizing the need for physical presence and collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess relevant experience, design skills, and alignment with job requirements.

• Technical Interview: Potential discussion of design software proficiency, understanding of signage production processes, and problem-solving approaches.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session to walk through selected projects, explaining your design process, rationale, and how you handled production constraints and client needs. Expect questions about your ability to create fabrication drawings and pricing estimates.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meeting with potential team members (e.g., Project Managers, Production Leads) to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural alignment with Caliber Signs and Imaging.

• Final Interview: May involve a discussion with senior management regarding career aspirations and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Production Readiness: Prioritize projects that demonstrate your ability to create production-ready files, fabrication drawings, and consider material constraints.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or outcomes related to your designs (e.g., successful permit approvals, positive client feedback on brand execution, material cost savings).

• Explain Your Process: Be prepared to articulate your step-by-step design process, especially how you translate creative concepts into technically feasible signage.

• Highlight Collaboration: Include examples or anecdotes where your collaboration with production or project management teams led to a successful outcome.

• Tailor to Signage: Ensure your portfolio prominently features signage or large-format graphic projects, demonstrating specific industry expertise.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for a potential design challenge that might involve adapting a brand guideline to a specific signage application under a time constraint.

• Prepare to discuss how you would approach creating a pricing estimate for a hypothetical signage project, considering materials and fabrication.

• Practice articulating technical design specifications clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides specific advice for preparing a portfolio and interviewing for a role that bridges creative design and production operations, emphasizing the need to demonstrate technical competence and business acumen.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Adobe Illustrator: Essential for vector graphics, logo creation, layout design, and preparing artwork for large-format printing and cutting.
  • Adobe Photoshop: Crucial for image editing, retouching, creating mock-ups, and preparing raster graphics.
  • Adobe InDesign: Used for layout design, especially for multi-page documents like permit sets or proposals, and managing text-heavy design elements.

• CAD Software (Preferred): Programs like AutoCAD or similar drafting software may be used for precise technical drawings and fabrication plans.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com) or CRM systems used for client communication and project tracking would be beneficial for collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The focus is on the core design software essential for this role, with an acknowledgement of preferred CAD tools and related project management systems that facilitate operational collaboration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision & Accuracy: A strong emphasis on delivering technically correct designs and documentation to ensure seamless production and installation.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A culture that values open communication and mutual support between design, project management, and production teams.

• Efficiency & Resourcefulness: Finding creative solutions that are also cost-effective and utilize materials and production methods wisely.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: A commitment to producing visually appealing and durable signage that reflects well on the company's reputation.

• Client Focus: Understanding client needs and translating them into effective signage solutions that meet brand objectives.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to work closely with project managers to understand scope and timelines, and with production staff to ensure designs are manufacturable.

• Feedback Loop: An environment where constructive feedback is exchanged between design and production to optimize outcomes.

• Problem-Solving Orientation: A collective effort to address challenges that arise during the design or production phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: These values and collaboration styles are inferred to align with a company that produces physical products and relies on seamless handoffs between creative, planning, and manufacturing departments.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Production Constraints: Effectively merging artistic vision with the technical limitations and cost structures of signage fabrication.

• Managing Multiple Projects and Deadlines: Juggling various client requests, project scopes, and tight turnaround times common in the signage industry.

• Translating Abstract Brands into Physical Form: Converting intangible brand concepts into tangible, impactful signage that is functional and aesthetically pleasing.

• Staying Updated on Materials and Technologies: Keeping pace with evolving materials, printing technologies, and fabrication methods to offer innovative solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen skills in Adobe Creative Suite or learn new design and CAD software.

• Material & Fabrication Workshops: Learning directly from production teams about new materials, manufacturing processes, and installation techniques.

• Industry Certifications: Pursuing certifications related to graphic design, signage production, or project management.

• Mentorship: Learning from senior designers or production experts within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed around the inherent complexities of design roles that interface with production and client needs, while growth opportunities focus on skill development relevant to the signage and production industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a client's branding guidelines and translating them into a comprehensive signage plan for a new building." (Focus on methodology, creative problem-solving, and production considerations.)

• "How do you ensure your designs are production-ready and cost-effective? Can you walk us through an example?" (Highlight your understanding of materials, fabrication, and cost estimation.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Caliber Signs and Imaging and our work?" (Research their portfolio and recent projects.)

• "How do you approach learning about new materials or fabrication techniques relevant to signage?" (Demonstrate a proactive learning mindset.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Production Files: For each project, show examples of the final production files, fabrication drawings, or permit sets you created.

• Explain Material Choices: Discuss why specific materials were chosen and how they influenced the design and cost.

• Quantify Your Role: Clearly define your contribution to each project, especially in terms of technical file preparation and estimation.

• Tell a Story: Frame your projects as narratives, detailing the challenge, your solution, and the successful outcome.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are designed to probe the candidate's understanding of the operational aspects of graphic design in the signage industry, beyond just aesthetics.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link: https://caliber-signs-imaging.careerplug.com/jobs/3267343/apps/new

• Customize Your Resume: Highlight experience with Adobe Creative Suite, signage design, fabrication drawings, and any exposure to pricing or production workflows. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select projects that best demonstrate your ability to create production-ready signage designs, including examples of technical drawings and an understanding of materials. Be prepared to discuss your process for each piece.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Brush up on your knowledge of common signage materials, fabrication methods, and the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator.

• Research Caliber Signs and Imaging: Understand their market position, review their existing portfolio, and identify any specific types of signage they specialize in to tailor your application and interview responses.

⚠️ 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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