Senior Brand Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Brand Designer
Company: Applied Intuition
Location: Sunnyvale, California, United States
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing
Date Posted: January 08, 2026
Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (2-5 years)
Remote Status: Hybrid (Primarily in-office, 5 days/week)

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the visual identity and brand expression for Applied Intuition, a leader in vehicle intelligence.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive visual brand guidelines to ensure consistency and impact across all touchpoints.
• Create compelling digital and physical design assets for marketing campaigns, web presence, presentations, and events.
• Drive brand consistency by collaborating closely with cross-functional teams including marketing, product, and engineering.
• Contribute to a fast-paced, innovative environment at the forefront of AI-driven machine technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "Senior Brand Designer" with an AI-derived experience level of "2-5 years". While the job description mentions "1-3 years of professional experience as a Production Designer or Brand Designer," the title "Senior" suggests a need for candidates who can demonstrate a higher level of autonomy, strategic thinking, and potentially mentorship capabilities, even within the 2-5 year range. The primary focus is on visual brand guardianship and asset creation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Brand Guideline Evolution: Develop, refine, and enforce visual brand guidelines, ensuring consistent application of typography, color palettes, imagery, and iconography across all company materials.
• Digital Asset Creation: Design a wide array of digital assets, including website graphics, social media visuals, email marketing elements, digital advertisements, infographics, and interactive content.
• Physical Asset Design: Create impactful designs for physical collateral such as brochures, flyers, trade show booth graphics, signage, and event materials, ensuring print-readiness and brand coherence.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with marketing, product, and engineering teams to translate project objectives into effective and visually compelling design solutions that resonate with target audiences.
• Stakeholder Management: Proactively solicit, interpret, and incorporate feedback from various stakeholders to iterate on designs and ensure alignment with strategic goals and brand vision.
• Trend Analysis & Innovation: Stay abreast of current design trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in brand design and visual communication to keep Applied Intuition's brand fresh and relevant.
• Asset Management: Maintain an organized and accessible digital asset management (DAM) system for all visual assets, facilitating efficient retrieval and consistent usage by internal teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a need for a designer who can manage the end-to-end design process for brand assets, from conceptualization and execution to stakeholder management and asset organization. The emphasis on both digital and physical design, coupled with collaboration across technical and marketing departments, highlights a versatile role requiring strong communication and project management skills in addition to design expertise.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Fine Arts, or a closely related field.

Experience: 1-3 years of professional experience in brand design, graphic design, or production design, with a proven track record of creating impactful visual assets for both digital and physical mediums.

Required Skills:

• Visual Design Principles: Deep understanding of typography, color theory, layout, composition, and visual hierarchy.
• Brand Identity Development: Proven ability to evolve and maintain visual brand guidelines, ensuring consistency and impact.
• Digital Design Proficiency: Expertise in creating engaging graphics for websites, social media, email, digital ads, presentations, and reports.
• Print Design Execution: Experience designing for physical spaces and producing print-ready files for collateral and event materials.
• Design Software Mastery: High proficiency in industry-standard design tools, including Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and familiarity with Figma or Sketch.
• UI/UX Awareness: Understanding of UI/UX principles to ensure effective design for web and mobile platforms.
• Communication & Presentation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate design concepts and rationale.
• Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams and incorporate stakeholder feedback.
• Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Motion Graphics: Experience with motion graphics software such as Adobe After Effects.
• Video Editing: Proficiency in video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro.
• Industry Interest: A genuine passion for technology and a keen interest in the autonomous vehicle, robotics, or related advanced industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description states "1-3 years," the "Senior" title implies that candidates with 3-5 years of experience who demonstrate advanced strategic thinking, proactive problem-solving, and a strong portfolio showcasing a broad range of complex projects will be highly competitive. The inclusion of "UI/UX principles" and "Figma/Sketch" alongside Adobe Suite suggests a modern design workflow.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A strong, curated portfolio showcasing a diverse range of successful digital and print design projects.
• Demonstrations of visual design principles, including typography, color theory, and layout, applied effectively.
• Examples of brand guideline implementation and consistency across various applications.
• Case studies or project examples that highlight the design process from concept to final deliverable, including problem identification and solution.
• Projects that illustrate experience with web graphics, marketing campaign visuals, and physical collateral.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate the design process followed for key projects within the portfolio, including initial research, ideation, iteration, and final execution.
• Examples of how feedback was incorporated to refine designs, demonstrating a collaborative and iterative design workflow.
• Documentation or presentation of how brand guidelines were applied or evolved for specific projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is a critical component for this role. Candidates should prepare to showcase projects that not only demonstrate technical proficiency but also strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a clear understanding of brand impact. For a "Senior" role, showcasing projects with measurable results or significant brand influence would be highly advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 USD annually (Base Salary)

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Life and disability insurance.
• 401k retirement plan with employer match.
• Equity in the form of stock options and/or restricted stock units (RSUs).
• Learning and wellness stipends to support professional development and personal well-being.
• Paid time off (PTO).

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, approximately 40 hours per week. While the company emphasizes an in-office presence, flexibility for occasional remote work, adjusted start/end times, or accommodating family commitments is acknowledged.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is for base salary only. The total compensation package will include equity, which can be a significant component for roles at a rapidly growing, well-funded company like Applied Intuition. The "hybrid" work arrangement with a stated expectation of 5 days in-office implies that candidates should be prepared for regular in-office work, with flexibility being an exception rather than the norm.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Vehicle Intelligence, Automotive Technology, Autonomous Systems, AI, Software Development. Applied Intuition operates at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and traditional industries like automotive and defense, driving innovation in AI-driven machine adoption.

Company Size: Large (501-1000+ employees). This size indicates a well-established organization with structured processes, significant resources, and opportunities for impact within a growing team.

Founded: 2017. As a relatively young but rapidly scaling company (valued at $15 billion post-Series F), Applied Intuition fosters a dynamic, innovative, and growth-oriented culture.

Team Structure:

• The Brand Designer will likely be part of the Marketing team, reporting to a Marketing Manager or Director.
• Close collaboration is expected with Product Marketing, Content Marketing, and potentially Product/Engineering teams for asset integration and understanding technical nuances.
• The company's rapid growth suggests a structure that is both organized and adaptable, with opportunities for individuals to shape processes.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While design is creative, Applied Intuition's focus on technology and AI suggests an appreciation for data-informed decision-making. Designs should aim to be effective and measurable.
• Agile Collaboration: Working with product and engineering teams implies an agile approach to project management and design iteration.
• Brand Consistency: A strong emphasis on maintaining a cohesive brand identity across diverse platforms and industries served.

Company Website: applied.co

📝 Enhancement Note: Applied Intuition's mission to accelerate safe, AI-driven machines in industries like automotive and defense suggests a culture that values innovation, precision, safety, and technical excellence. The brand designer will need to translate these complex concepts into accessible and compelling visual narratives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level Brand Designer. It requires a solid foundation of design skills and experience, along with the ability to take ownership of brand visual execution and contribute strategically to brand evolution.

Reporting Structure: The Brand Designer will likely report into the Marketing department, collaborating closely with marketing leadership to align visual strategies with broader company objectives. Direct reports are not indicated at this level.

Operations Impact: The Brand Designer's work directly influences Applied Intuition's market perception, customer engagement, and internal brand cohesion. By creating compelling visuals, they help communicate the company's technological advancements and value proposition across various industries, impacting lead generation, brand recognition, and investor relations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas like motion graphics, UI design, or advanced digital illustration.
• Brand Strategy Contribution: As experience grows, potential to contribute more significantly to brand strategy discussions and the development of new visual campaigns.
• Team Leadership: For exceptional performers, potential to grow into a lead designer or art director role as the company and design team expand.
• Industry Expertise: Develop a strong understanding of the vehicle intelligence and AI technology sectors, becoming a subject matter expert in visual communication for these fields.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the company's rapid growth and significant funding, there's a strong potential for career advancement. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they can grow with the company and take on more responsibility as the brand and design function mature.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Applied Intuition operates as an in-office company, with the expectation that employees primarily work from their designated office location five days a week. This environment is designed to foster collaboration, team cohesion, and spontaneous idea exchange.

Office Location(s): Sunnyvale, California, USA. This location is in the heart of Silicon Valley, providing access to a vibrant tech ecosystem and talent pool. Other offices are located globally, but this role is based in Sunnyvale.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Atmosphere: The in-office model encourages direct interaction, team brainstorming sessions, and a shared sense of purpose.
• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software and potentially advanced hardware necessary for creative work. The company likely invests in robust IT infrastructure to support its technical and creative teams.
• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities to connect with colleagues across marketing, product, and engineering departments, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with the understanding that occasional overtime might be necessary to meet project deadlines. The company acknowledges the importance of flexibility, allowing for occasional remote work or adjustments to accommodate personal needs, provided core responsibilities and collaborative needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a 5-day in-office expectation is a key differentiator. Candidates must be comfortable with this arrangement, understanding that while flexibility exists, the primary mode of work is in-person collaboration. This environment is ideal for designers who thrive on direct interaction and team synergy.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest.
• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: A deeper dive into the candidate's portfolio, focusing on design process, problem-solving, and technical skills. This may involve a presentation of selected projects.
• Design Challenge: A practical design exercise, potentially a take-home assignment or an in-session task, to evaluate design thinking, execution speed, and ability to respond to a brief.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with potential team members from marketing, product, or engineering to assess collaboration skills and understanding of business objectives.
• Hiring Manager/Leadership Interview: A final discussion to evaluate overall fit, strategic alignment, and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your skills in brand design, digital assets, and print collateral. Prioritize quality over quantity.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process (ideation, iteration, problem-solving), your creative decisions, and the impact of your work. Use visuals effectively.
• Showcase Brand Consistency: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to maintain and evolve brand guidelines across different applications.
• Highlight Digital & Physical: Ensure your portfolio includes strong examples of both digital (web, social, ads) and physical (print, event) design work.
• Be Ready to Discuss: Prepare to talk about your design choices, how you handled feedback, and any challenges you overcame.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully analyze any design challenge prompt, identifying key objectives, target audience, and constraints.
• Focus on Process: Even if time is limited, demonstrate your thought process – sketches, mood boards, wireframes, or initial concepts.
• Brand Alignment: Consider Applied Intuition's existing brand and industry when approaching the challenge.
• Presentation Readiness: Prepare to present your solution concisely and clearly, explaining your rationale and design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Senior" title, expect interviewers to probe deeper into your strategic thinking, problem-solving methodologies, and how you approach brand stewardship. Be prepared to discuss how your design decisions contribute to business outcomes.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign (essential for digital and print asset creation).
• Figma/Sketch: Proficiency in modern collaborative design tools is highly desirable for UI/UX related tasks and team collaboration.
• Presentation Software: Tools like Google Slides or PowerPoint for creating presentations and reports.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct responsibility, an understanding of how design impacts metrics (e.g., website engagement, campaign conversion rates) is beneficial. Familiarity with analytics dashboards (e.g., Google Analytics) might be a plus for understanding design performance.

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM/automation tool usage is specified for this role, but understanding how marketing automation platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo) use visual assets can be helpful.

Preferred Tools:

• Adobe After Effects: For motion graphics and animation.
• Adobe Premiere Pro: For video editing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite is clear. Proficiency in Figma or Sketch is increasingly important for collaborative workflows in tech companies. Candidates with motion graphics or video editing skills will have a competitive edge, as these are listed as "nice to have."

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Excellence: A drive to push boundaries in vehicle intelligence and maintain the highest standards in design execution.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong belief in working together across departments to achieve shared goals and foster a positive work environment.
• Impact & Ownership: Taking pride in contributing to the company's mission and owning design projects from conception to completion.
• Data-Informed Creativity: Balancing creative vision with an understanding of how design contributes to business objectives and user experience.
• Adaptability: Thriving in a fast-paced, evolving technological landscape.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The design team is expected to integrate seamlessly with marketing, product, and engineering, acting as a bridge between technical concepts and clear communication.
• Feedback-Driven Iteration: An open culture for constructive feedback and iterative design processes to ensure optimal outcomes.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of design best practices, new techniques, and insights within the team and across departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Applied Intuition's focus on advanced technology implies a culture that values intellectual curiosity, problem-solving, and a commitment to quality. The Brand Designer should be someone who is not only skilled but also eager to learn about the company's domain and contribute to its ambitious goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Technology: Effectively visualizing and communicating sophisticated AI and vehicle intelligence concepts to diverse audiences.
• Maintaining Brand Cohesion: Ensuring brand consistency across a rapidly expanding product suite and multiple industry verticals.
• Balancing Speed and Quality: Delivering high-quality design work within fast-paced project timelines typical of a growth-stage tech company.
• Adapting to Evolving Brand Needs: Staying agile and responsive to changes in the market, technology, and company strategy that may influence brand direction.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to hone skills in motion graphics, interactive design, or advanced illustration through projects and potential training.
• Industry Immersion: Deepening understanding of the autonomous vehicle, AI, and robotics sectors, which can inform more impactful design strategies.
• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Learning about product development, marketing strategies, and engineering challenges through close collaboration.
• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from experienced design leaders or marketing professionals within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to working in a cutting-edge tech field. Candidates who view these as opportunities for growth and problem-solving will be most successful. The company's investment in learning stipends further supports continuous development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a complex technical concept into a visually simple and compelling design. What was your process?" (Focus on your ability to simplify and communicate effectively.)
• "How do you approach developing or evolving brand guidelines? Walk me through an example." (Demonstrate your understanding of brand architecture and consistency.)
• "How do you balance creative vision with stakeholder feedback and business objectives?" (Highlight your collaborative and problem-solving approach.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Applied Intuition and our mission in vehicle intelligence?" (Research the company's mission, recent news, and target industries.)
• "How do you see your design skills contributing to a company focused on AI and autonomous technology?" (Connect your expertise to the company's domain.)
• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you thrive in a collaborative, in-office setting." (Address the hybrid work model and your preference for in-person interaction.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each selected project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the challenges, your design process, the solution, and the outcome/impact.
• Quantify Impact: If possible, use metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, improved conversion rates, successful event participation).
• Showcase Versatility: Ensure your presentation highlights examples of both digital and print design, as well as your ability to adapt to different project needs.
• Highlight Brand Stewardship: Emphasize how you maintained brand consistency and applied brand guidelines in your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to articulate not just what you designed, but why. Connect your design decisions to strategic goals, user needs, and brand objectives. For a "Senior" role, demonstrating leadership potential and strategic thinking is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Brand Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.
• Customize Your Resume & Portfolio: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in brand design, digital/print asset creation, and collaboration relevant to Applied Intuition's industry. Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible and showcases your best work, with a focus on the requirements outlined above.
• Prepare Your Portfolio Presentation: Select 3-5 key projects and prepare a concise narrative for each, focusing on process, rationale, and impact. Be ready to present this during the interview process.
• Research Applied Intuition: Familiarize yourself with the company's mission, products, target industries, and existing brand presence. Understand their position in the vehicle intelligence space.
• Practice Articulating Your Process: Be ready to discuss your design workflow, how you handle feedback, and your approach to problem-solving in detail.

⚠️ 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.

---