Proposal Visual Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Proposal Visual Designer

Company: Terran Orbital Corporation

Location: Irvine, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: 2026-02-26T19:29:21

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive business winning strategies through the creation of high-impact visual content for proposals and presentations.

• Translate complex technical aerospace and defense concepts into clear, compelling graphics and immersive 3D visualizations.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including proposal managers, technical subject matter experts, and business development leaders.

• Ensure all visual assets strictly adhere to corporate branding guidelines and client-specific requirements.

• Manage a dynamic project pipeline, delivering exceptional visual solutions under tight deadlines in a fast-paced proposal environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Proposal Visual Designer," the responsibilities clearly indicate a role that bridges creative design with critical business development functions, making it a key component of the GTM (Go-To-Market) operations, specifically within the proposal and bid management lifecycle. The emphasis on translating technical concepts for defense and commercial missions places this role within a specialized area of operations that directly impacts revenue generation and client acquisition.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce visually engaging graphics, infographics, charts, and layouts for proposals, presentations, and marketing collateral, ensuring alignment with brand standards and client requirements.

• Develop realistic 3D models, renderings, and animations to effectively illustrate complex concepts, company facilities, or technical solutions for proposal submissions and client demonstrations.

• Partner with proposal managers and subject matter experts (SMEs) to thoroughly understand proposal objectives, conceptualize visual narratives, and storyboard visual elements that enhance the overall proposal story.

• Establish and maintain a comprehensive library of reusable graphics, templates, and visual assets to streamline future proposal development and ensure brand consistency.

• Rigorously ensure all visual content adheres to established corporate branding guidelines, maintaining a professional, polished, and cohesive look across all materials.

• Effectively manage multiple concurrent projects, prioritizing tasks and delivering high-quality visual assets under pressure within the demanding timeline of a proposal development cycle.

• Proactively stay abreast of emerging design trends, cutting-edge visualization technologies, and advanced software tools to continuously elevate the quality and effectiveness of proposal graphics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities are heavily focused on visual communication for proposals, which is a critical component of the sales operations and GTM strategy. The emphasis on 3D visualization and translating technical concepts suggests a need for a designer who can not only create aesthetically pleasing graphics but also understand and represent complex engineering and defense-related information accurately. This goes beyond standard graphic design, requiring a strategic approach to visual storytelling for competitive bids.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Multimedia Design, or a closely related field.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in graphic design and 3D visualization, with a strong preference for experience within a proposal development or business development context.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, for creating high-quality graphic assets.

• Expertise in 3D modeling and rendering software such as 3ds Max, Blender, or SketchUp, for developing immersive visualizations.

• Strong familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint) for seamless integration of visual content into proposal documents and presentations.

• Proven ability to translate complex technical concepts and requirements into clear, concise, and compelling visual representations.

• Exceptional attention to detail, with a refined eye for aesthetics, layout composition, and visual hierarchy.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, coupled with strong interpersonal and collaboration abilities for effective teamwork.

• Demonstrated capacity to perform effectively under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and meet stringent deadlines in a fast-paced proposal environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with animation software (e.g., After Effects) for creating dynamic visual elements.

• Familiarity with proposal automation software or platforms.

• Understanding of aerospace and defense industry terminology and visual representation standards.

• Experience in developing and managing brand asset libraries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for US Citizenship and the ability to obtain a DoD security clearance is a significant qualification that narrows the candidate pool and highlights the sensitive nature of the company's work. This is a critical factor for operations professionals to consider, especially those in government contracting environments.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of visual design projects that showcase proficiency in graphic design, infographic creation, and layout development for professional documents.

• Demonstrations of 3D modeling, rendering, and animation capabilities, specifically highlighting the ability to represent technical concepts or physical objects realistically.

• Case studies or project examples that illustrate the process of translating technical requirements into compelling visual narratives for proposals or presentations.

• Evidence of experience working within brand guidelines and maintaining visual consistency across multiple deliverables.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate the design process from initial concept and requirements gathering through to final asset delivery and integration.

• Understanding of how visual elements are integrated into larger proposal documents and their impact on the overall bid strategy.

• Experience in managing feedback loops and incorporating revisions from technical experts and proposal managers effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on proposal visuals, a strong portfolio is paramount. This section emphasizes not just the final output but also the candidate's ability to follow a structured design process, collaborate with technical teams, and understand how their work contributes to the sales and bidding operations. The focus on translating technical concepts implies a need for process-oriented thinking in visual problem-solving.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,000 - $110,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their dependents.

• 401(k) plan with a company match.

• Flexible Time Off (FTO) policy.

• Education reimbursement program.

• Competitive paid parental leave (maternity and paternity).

• Covered life insurance.

• Employee referral bonuses.

• Company-branded merchandise ("swag").

Working Hours: Standard full-time work schedule, likely aligning with 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime during peak proposal periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is for a mid-level designer in Irvine, CA. Irvine has a high cost of living, and the aerospace/defense industry often offers competitive compensation. The salary range of $70,000-$110,000 is consistent with industry benchmarks for this experience level and location. The extensive benefits package, including 100% company-paid health coverage and a 401(k) match, is a significant part of the total compensation, especially for operations roles that often involve long-term career commitment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Satellite Manufacturing, Aerospace, Defense Technology.

Company Size: Terran Orbital is a fast-growing company in the satellite manufacturing sector, indicating a dynamic and evolving operational environment. This size suggests a need for adaptable individuals who can contribute to building and refining processes.

Founded: While the founding date is not explicitly stated, the company's description as "fast growing" and "trailblazers" points to a culture of innovation, speed, and ambition.

Team Structure: The Proposal Visual Designer reports to the Director of Bids & Proposals, placing them directly within the core of the company's new business acquisition function. This structure implies close collaboration with proposal managers, technical experts, and business development teams.

Methodology: The company's mission focuses on "swiftly and efficiently designing, building, launching, and operating state-of-the-art satellites." This operational ethos likely translates into a work culture that values efficiency, precision, rapid iteration, and data-driven decision-making, even within creative roles. The emphasis on "shattering boundaries" suggests a culture that encourages innovation and pushing technological limits.

Company Website: www.terranorbital.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on defense and commercial satellite missions in a rapidly growing sector means the operations environment is likely fast-paced, high-stakes, and requires a commitment to precision. This culture is crucial for operations professionals to understand, as it dictates the pace of work, the importance of accuracy, and the need for adaptability.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level specialist within the Bids & Proposals function, directly supporting the Go-To-Market (GTM) operations. It offers a pathway for designers to specialize in a high-impact area of business development.

Reporting Structure: Reporting to the Director of Bids & Proposals, this role has direct visibility into the company's growth strategies and competitive positioning. It interfaces heavily with proposal managers, technical SMEs, and business development leadership, providing broad exposure to different facets of the organization.

Operations Impact: The Proposal Visual Designer's work directly influences the win rate of new business proposals. High-quality, compelling visuals can significantly differentiate Terran Orbital from competitors, enhance client understanding of complex technologies, and ultimately contribute to revenue growth and mission success. Their role is critical in shaping the initial perception of the company's capabilities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in aerospace/defense proposal design and 3D visualization, becoming a go-to expert for complex technical representations.

• Skill Expansion: Develop proficiency in new visualization software, animation, or interactive proposal elements.

• Leadership Potential: Potentially move into a Lead Visual Designer role, managing junior designers or overseeing larger proposal visual strategies.

• Cross-functional Moves: Leverage understanding of proposal processes to transition into Proposal Management or Business Development support roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, understanding how their role contributes to the broader GTM strategy and revenue generation is key. This role offers specialized growth within the proposal operations domain, with clear impacts on win rates and competitive positioning.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role operates within a professional office environment, but it's situated within a manufacturing company. This suggests a blend of standard office amenities with potential proximity to production or engineering facilities.

Office Location(s): Irvine, California. This location is known for its strong presence in technology and aerospace industries, offering a vibrant professional ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• The primary workspace will be computer-based, involving significant use of design software.

• Collaboration is expected to be frequent, requiring interaction with proposal managers, engineers, and business development personnel, likely in a hybrid setting (office-based with potential for remote collaboration tools).

• Access to standard office equipment (computers, phones, printers, scanners) is provided.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, likely 40 hours per week. However, given the nature of proposal work, there will be periods requiring extended hours and flexibility to meet critical submission deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of a "manufacturing company" context implies a potentially more structured or regulated environment than a pure tech startup, which can influence operational processes and collaboration styles. The need for on-site presence is typical for roles requiring intense collaboration and access to specific resources or personnel.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative output.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will walk through your portfolio, explaining your design process, problem-solving approaches, and the impact of your work. Be prepared to discuss specific examples relevant to technical visualization and proposal development.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a practical design exercise or a discussion focused on translating a technical concept into a visual representation.

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Questions assessing your collaboration skills, ability to work under pressure, problem-solving capabilities, and fit with the company culture.

• Manager/Director Interview: Final discussion with the Director of Bids & Proposals to confirm fit and discuss role expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your skills in graphic design, 3D visualization, and proposal-specific work. Prioritize examples that show how you translated complex information into clear visuals.

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the challenge, your approach, the tools used, the solution, and the outcome or impact. Quantify results where possible (e.g., "contributed to a winning bid," "improved clarity of technical concept").

• Highlight Technical Translation: Showcase examples where you successfully visualized technical data, engineering concepts, or complex systems.

• Showcase Brand Adherence: Include examples where you worked within strict brand guidelines.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your design choices, how you handle feedback, and your experience in fast-paced environments.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with Terran Orbital's mission, products, and recent news to understand their context.

• Practice articulating how visual design supports business objectives and proposal success.

• Prepare examples of how you've handled tight deadlines and challenging feedback constructively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential design challenge is standard for creative roles. For operations professionals, this means being prepared to not only showcase past work but also to articulate the process behind that work and its direct contribution to business objectives like winning bids.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, infographics, and detailed illustrations.
  • Photoshop: For image manipulation, photo editing, and creating realistic textures.
  • InDesign: For page layout, document design, and integrating visual elements into proposal documents.

• 3D Modeling & Rendering Software:

  • 3ds Max, Blender, or SketchUp: Proficiency required for creating 3D models, scenes, renderings, and potentially animations of satellites, facilities, or technical concepts.

• Microsoft Office Suite:

  • PowerPoint: Essential for integrating visuals into presentations and proposal decks.
  • Word: For incorporating graphics and layouts into written proposal documents.

Analytics & Reporting: While not a primary focus for this role, an understanding of how visuals impact proposal engagement metrics (e.g., reader comprehension, proposal scoring) would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable, but familiarity with how proposals are managed within a CRM or proposal management system might be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Creative Suite and specific 3D software (3ds Max, Blender, SketchUp) indicates the core technical requirements. Proficiency in these tools is non-negotiable for this role and directly impacts the candidate's ability to perform the primary responsibilities.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Excellence: A drive to push boundaries in satellite technology and visual representation.

• Efficiency & Speed: Commitment to delivering high-quality work rapidly within the demanding proposal cycle.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork and effective communication across diverse teams (engineering, sales, management).

• Accuracy & Precision: Ensuring that all visual representations are technically accurate and adhere strictly to brand and client requirements.

• Purpose-Driven: A shared mission to advance national defense and commercial space capabilities.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect close collaboration with proposal managers, technical SMEs (engineers, scientists), and business development leads.

• Feedback-Oriented: A culture that values constructive feedback to refine visual assets and ensure they meet proposal objectives.

• Proactive Communication: Essential for managing expectations, clarifying requirements, and ensuring timely delivery in a deadline-driven environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission in aerospace and defense suggests a culture that values precision, technical accuracy, and a strong sense of purpose. For operations roles, this translates to a need for meticulous work, clear communication, and a commitment to supporting critical national and commercial objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Technical Complexity: The primary challenge is effectively visualizing highly technical and complex satellite systems and aerospace concepts for a non-expert or mixed audience.

• Tight Deadlines: The fast-paced nature of proposal development means consistently working under pressure to meet stringent submission deadlines without compromising quality.

• Balancing Creativity with Constraints: Integrating artistic creativity within strict brand guidelines and specific client requirements for proposals.

• Rapid Iteration: Frequently incorporating feedback and making revisions based on input from various stakeholders.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Visualization Techniques: Opportunities to learn and implement new 3D rendering techniques, animation workflows, or virtual reality/augmented reality applications for proposals.

• Industry Knowledge: Gaining in-depth understanding of satellite technology, aerospace engineering, and defense requirements.

• Proposal Strategy: Developing a deeper understanding of bid and proposal best practices and their impact on business development outcomes.

• Cross-functional Skill Development: Opportunities to learn from technical experts and business development professionals, enhancing communication and strategic thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the specialized nature of this role. Recognizing these challenges prepares candidates and demonstrates an understanding of the operational demands. The growth opportunities point towards continuous learning and specialization within a critical GTM function.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a complex technical concept, like a satellite constellation or a propulsion system, and translating it into a clear visual for a proposal." (Prepare a step-by-step explanation including your thought process, tools, and how you ensure accuracy).

• "How do you manage feedback from multiple stakeholders (e.g., engineers, proposal managers, executives) to ensure the final visual meets all requirements while maintaining design integrity?" (Focus on communication strategies, prioritization, and conflict resolution).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Terran Orbital's mission in the aerospace and defense sector?" (Research the company's recent projects, values, and contributions).

• "How do you stay updated on the latest design trends and visualization technologies, and how might you apply them to our proposals?" (Showcase your proactive learning and innovation mindset).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating specific skills (e.g., technical illustration, infographic design, 3D rendering).

• Focus on Impact: For each piece, explain why it was effective. Did it clarify a complex idea? Did it enhance the proposal's appeal? Did it contribute to a win?

• Highlight Process: Be ready to discuss your workflow, from initial brief to final delivery, including how you collaborated with SMEs and incorporated feedback.

• Technical Accuracy: Emphasize how you ensured the technical accuracy of your visualizations, especially for defense-related projects.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time and present the most relevant and impactful examples efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation advice is tailored to highlight the intersection of creative skills with operational requirements like technical accuracy, deadline management, and stakeholder collaboration, which are crucial for roles supporting GTM operations.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on Greenhouse.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your submitted portfolio prominently features examples of technical visualization, proposal graphics, and any work relevant to the aerospace or defense industry. Tailor your portfolio's presentation to highlight your ability to translate complex information into clear, compelling visuals.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize achievements related to proposal development, visual communication for business objectives, and proficiency in the required design software. Use keywords from the job description, such as "3D visualization," "proposal design," "technical concepts," and "Adobe Creative Suite."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, highlighting your experience with tight deadlines, and preparing specific examples of how your visuals have contributed to successful proposals or client understanding. Be ready to discuss your motivations for joining Terran Orbital and its mission.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Terran Orbital's current projects, values, and position in the aerospace and defense market. Understand their mission and how your role as a Proposal Visual Designer directly supports their business development and GTM strategies.

⚠️ 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.