Senior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer

Company: Axiom Space

Location: Houston, Texas, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Creative & Media / Marketing / Art & Design

Date Posted: 2026-09-02

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for translating complex business messaging into polished, on-brand visuals for marketing, sales, and executive teams within the dynamic space industry.

• The Senior Graphic Designer will be responsible for the consistent application of brand identity across a wide range of marketing collateral, digital assets, and internal creative materials, ensuring brand integrity.

• A key aspect involves collaborating closely with cross-functional departments, including marketing, sales, and executive leadership, to develop compelling visual narratives for large-scale campaigns and events.

• The position also entails supporting and potentially overseeing the management of Axiom Space's digital asset libraries, enhancing self-service efficiency and reducing content requests.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within a highly specialized and rapidly evolving industry (space exploration), requiring adaptability and a proactive approach to visual communication challenges inherent in such a complex environment. The emphasis on translating "business messaging" into visuals and managing "digital asset libraries" points towards a need for strong organizational skills and a strategic understanding of brand representation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Execute and enforce brand guidelines across all design projects, ensuring visual consistency and alignment with the Visual Content and Brand Manager.

• Collaborate with marketing, sales, and executive teams to conceptualize and produce impactful visuals that effectively communicate business objectives and messaging.

• Design and develop a variety of marketing collateral, including brochures, flyers, social media graphics, and email templates, tailored for diverse audiences.

• Create and optimize digital assets for the company website, landing pages, and digital marketing campaigns to enhance user engagement and brand presence.

• Produce professional and visually appealing PowerPoint presentations, including pitch decks and executive summaries, adhering strictly to brand standards.

• Provide art direction and constructive feedback to internal contributors and external partners to maintain high standards of visual quality across all materials.

• Manage a portfolio of multiple design projects concurrently, prioritizing tasks effectively to meet demanding deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Develop and maintain reusable design templates and comprehensive asset libraries to streamline workflows and improve overall team efficiency.

• Clearly present design concepts, rationale, and project progress to stakeholders, actively incorporating feedback to refine deliverables.

• Support the management and organization of Axiom Space's Digital Asset Management (DAM) system, ensuring compliance with established standards and procedures for content accessibility and usage.

• Analyze and report on content engagement and usage metrics, identifying opportunities to increase content discoverability and reduce inbound content requests through enhanced self-service tools.

• Act as a primary liaison for external partners regarding permission information, usage guidelines, and technical content inquiries, ensuring smooth collaboration on campaigns and events.

• Communicate project status, progress, and potential roadblocks proactively to stakeholders and leadership.

• Implement and adhere to agile project management methodologies throughout the design project lifecycle, fostering iterative development and continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and strategic management. The emphasis on "translating concepts and messaging into compelling visuals," "managing digital asset libraries," and "reporting on content engagement" suggests a role that requires not only artistic talent but also analytical and project management capabilities. The inclusion of "agile project management methodologies" indicates a structured approach to design workflows.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Fine Arts, or a closely related field, OR equivalent portfolio-demonstrated experience.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of professional graphic design experience, preferably within a corporate, agency, or startup setting, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality design solutions.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) for creating sophisticated visual assets.

• High-level expertise in Microsoft PowerPoint for developing clean, professional, and brand-aligned presentations.

• Proven ability to translate complex business concepts and messaging into clear, compelling visual designs.

• Demonstrated experience in managing multiple concurrent design projects, prioritizing effectively, and consistently meeting tight deadlines.

• Strong understanding and application of brand guidelines to ensure visual consistency across all platforms and materials.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly articulate design rationale and defend decisions to non-design stakeholders.

• Experience collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, and executive leadership, on large-scale campaigns or events.

• Familiarity with digital asset management (DAM) systems and best practices for organizing and distributing creative assets.

• A strong portfolio showcasing a diverse range of work, including branding application, marketing collateral, digital design, and presentation design. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Figma or Sketch for digital/UI-adjacent design workflows.

• Familiarity with tracking and reporting on content engagement and usage metrics.

• Experience with multimedia content support, such as video editing, photography, or social media asset creation.

• Exposure to 3D modeling, design, or animation.

• Proven ability to thrive and deliver results in ambiguous, fast-moving environments.

• Demonstrated proactive problem-solving skills and sound judgment.

• Strong organizational skills to manage complex projects and deliver high-quality results under pressure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio is paramount. Candidates should curate a selection that specifically demonstrates experience with brand application, marketing collateral, digital assets, and presentations, mirroring the core responsibilities. The "preferred skills" suggest that candidates with digital design experience (Figma/Sketch) and an understanding of content analytics will have a competitive edge. The mention of "ITAR" and "export controlled technical data" implies a need for candidates to be aware of and compliant with relevant regulations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating successful application of brand identity across diverse marketing materials and digital platforms.

• Case studies showcasing the process of translating business objectives or complex messaging into effective visual designs.

• Examples of marketing collateral (brochures, flyers, social media graphics) and digital assets (website elements, campaign graphics) that highlight creativity and strategic execution.

• A robust section dedicated to presentation design, featuring examples of clean, professional, and brand-aligned PowerPoint decks for various audiences (e.g., sales pitches, executive summaries).

• Evidence of project management capabilities, such as managing multiple design projects from concept to completion with clear timelines and outcomes. Process Documentation:

• Showcase understanding of the design process from brief to final delivery, including concept development, iteration, and stakeholder feedback integration.

• Demonstrate experience with workflow optimization, particularly in building reusable design templates and asset libraries to improve team efficiency.

• Provide examples of how you have tracked or reported on content engagement and usage metrics to inform design decisions or demonstrate impact.

• Illustrate experience with digital asset management principles, including organization, tagging, and distribution best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio is not just a showcase of aesthetic ability but a demonstration of strategic thinking, process management, and the ability to deliver measurable results. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their design process, how they manage multiple projects, and how their work contributes to business objectives. Highlighting experience with DAM systems and content metrics will be advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the "Senior" title, 5+ years of experience, and the specialized industry (aerospace/space exploration) in a high-cost-of-living area like Houston, a competitive salary range is expected. For a Senior Graphic Designer in Houston with this experience level, the estimated annual salary could range from $85,000 to $120,000 USD. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for creative professionals in major metropolitan areas and specialized sectors, considering the advanced skill set and responsibilities outlined.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision) tailored for employees and their families.

• Retirement savings plan, such as a 401(k) with potential company match, to support long-term financial security.

• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and company holidays, to promote work-life balance.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, workshops, and attendance at industry conferences to enhance design skills and stay abreast of emerging trends.

• Potential for stock options or equity, especially in a growth-focused aerospace company like Axiom Space.

• Access to cutting-edge technology and tools within a unique and inspiring work environment.

• Potential for travel to industry events, partner sites, or launch facilities.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time position. However, the role requires flexibility, as indicated by the need to "work evenings and weekends as needed to meet critical project milestones." This suggests a results-oriented environment where meeting deadlines takes precedence, and employees are expected to be adaptable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on publicly available data for similar roles in Houston and the aerospace industry, considering the specified experience level. Actual compensation may vary based on specific qualifications, negotiation, and the company's compensation structure. The mention of "ITAR" and "export controlled technical data" may also influence compensation due to the specialized requirements and compliance needs of the role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Space Exploration and Human Spaceflight. Axiom Space is at the forefront of building next-generation orbital infrastructure, including Axiom Station (successor to the ISS), and is a leading provider of commercial human spaceflight services and advanced spacesuits. This context implies a culture that is innovative, mission-driven, and focused on pushing technological boundaries.

Company Size: Axiom Space is a rapidly growing company. While specific numbers fluctuate, it's considered a medium-to-large enterprise in the burgeoning commercial space sector, likely employing several hundred to over a thousand individuals. This size suggests a dynamic environment with opportunities for impact but also the need for structured processes and clear roles.

Founded: Axiom Space was founded in 2016. This relatively recent founding means the company is built on modern operational principles and is likely in a phase of rapid expansion and innovation, characterized by an entrepreneurial spirit and a drive to achieve ambitious goals.

Team Structure:

• The design team is likely part of a broader Marketing or Communications department, potentially comprising individuals with specialized roles in visual content, branding, digital marketing, and potentially motion graphics or multimedia.

• The Senior Graphic Designer will report to a Visual Content and Brand Manager, indicating a hierarchical structure within the creative function that allows for oversight and guidance.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone of this role, requiring close partnerships with marketing, sales, executive teams, and potentially engineering or program management for specific project needs. Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: The role requires analyzing content engagement and usage metrics to inform design strategies and demonstrate ROI, indicating a data-driven approach to creative output.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: Building reusable design templates and asset libraries, along with implementing agile methodologies, points to a focus on efficient and scalable design processes.

• Automation and Efficiency: The goal of reducing content requests through improved self-service efficiency suggests an interest in leveraging technology and streamlined processes to empower internal stakeholders.

Company Website: https://www.axiomspace.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission in space exploration is a significant cultural driver, attracting individuals passionate about this field. The "startup" environment context, despite its growing size, suggests a culture that values "high accountability," "execution horsepower," and adaptability. The emphasis on "entrepreneurial, growth mindset" and "tech-solutioning" further defines the operational ethos.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Senior Graphic Designer." In the context of operations and GTM functions, this signifies a mid-to-senior level individual contributor role. It requires not only strong technical design skills but also the ability to manage projects independently, collaborate strategically with various departments (sales, marketing, executive), and contribute to process improvements (e.g., asset management, template creation). The role demands a high degree of autonomy and the capacity to mentor or guide less experienced team members implicitly through best practices.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Graphic Designer reports to the Visual Content and Brand Manager. This indicates a clear line of management for creative direction, project assignment, and performance review. The role also requires significant collaboration with other departments, suggesting a matrixed influence across various GTM functions.

Operations Impact: The Senior Graphic Designer plays a crucial role in shaping Axiom Space's external perception and internal communication. Their work directly impacts:

• Brand Strength and Recognition: Consistent, high-quality visuals build a strong, recognizable brand identity in a competitive and high-profile industry.

• Sales Enablement: Compelling marketing collateral and pitch decks empower the sales team to effectively communicate value propositions and close deals.

• Executive Communication: Professional presentations ensure clear and impactful communication of company strategy and performance to leadership and stakeholders.

• Operational Efficiency: Streamlining asset management and template creation improves internal workflows and reduces redundant requests, freeing up resources for strategic initiatives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Potential to deepen expertise in specific areas like digital design, UI/UX adjacent work, motion graphics, or 3D visualization, aligning with the evolving needs of the space industry.

• Leadership: Advancement to a Lead Graphic Designer, Art Director, or even a managerial role within the creative team, overseeing projects and mentoring junior designers.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Opportunity to transition into related roles within marketing, brand management, or content strategy, leveraging design expertise.

• Industry Expertise: Developing specialized knowledge in the aerospace and space exploration sector, making them a highly valuable asset in this niche field.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation, coupled with responsibilities like managing DAM systems and reporting on metrics, suggests that this role is more than just execution; it involves a strategic contribution to the operational efficiency and brand impact of the GTM function. Growth opportunities are likely tied to the company's expansion and the increasing complexity of its communication needs.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The primary work environment is described as "generally, an office environment." This suggests a traditional professional setting conducive to focused design work and team collaboration. However, the mention of "can involve inside or outside work depending on the task" implies potential for site visits or event support that might extend beyond a typical office setup.

Office Location(s): The primary location is the "Space Station Development Facility" in Houston, Texas. This specific location points to a dedicated facility likely equipped for advanced technical and operational work, potentially offering a unique and inspiring environment for employees. It's a significant hub for Axiom Space's operations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role necessitates close collaboration with marketing, sales, and executive teams, indicating an open and communicative workspace designed to foster teamwork and idea exchange.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Employees will have access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, potentially Figma/Sketch) and likely robust IT infrastructure to support these tools and digital asset management.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with design colleagues, marketing professionals, and other stakeholders are inherent to the role, facilitating knowledge sharing and project alignment. The presence of a dedicated "Space Station Development Facility" suggests a high-tech, potentially cutting-edge workspace.

Work Schedule: The standard schedule is 40 hours per week. However, the requirement to "work evenings and weekends as needed to meet critical project milestones" indicates a results-driven culture where flexibility and dedication to project completion are highly valued. This is common in fast-paced industries or companies with ambitious launch schedules and event timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Space Station Development Facility" location implies a unique work environment, possibly with access to advanced prototyping or testing areas, contributing to an inspiring and high-tech atmosphere. The flexibility required in the work schedule is a common characteristic of senior roles in dynamic industries that need to respond quickly to project demands.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio, highlighting specific projects that demonstrate your skills in brand application, marketing collateral, digital assets, and presentations. Be prepared to discuss your design process, rationale, challenges, and outcomes.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: Potential for a design exercise or a more in-depth discussion about your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, PowerPoint, and other relevant tools. This may involve a small, timed design challenge or scenario-based questions.

• Cross-functional Team Interviews: Meetings with members from marketing, sales, or executive teams to assess your ability to collaborate, communicate effectively, and understand business objectives from different departmental perspectives.

• Managerial Interview: A final interview with the Visual Content and Brand Manager or a hiring executive to discuss cultural fit, career aspirations, and overall suitability for the role and Axiom Space.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that directly align with the responsibilities: brand identity application, marketing collateral, digital assets, and presentation design. Include case studies that detail the problem, your approach, and the results.

• Showcase Process: Don't just present final designs; walk through your thought process, research, concept development, and how you incorporated feedback. This demonstrates strategic thinking.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics or specific outcomes to illustrate the effectiveness of your designs (e.g., improved engagement, successful campaign results, positive stakeholder feedback).

• Tailor to Axiom Space: Highlight projects that demonstrate an understanding of corporate branding, complex technical subjects, or high-stakes communication, relevant to Axiom Space's mission.

• Technical Proficiency: Ensure your digital portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and showcases your mastery of Adobe Creative Suite and PowerPoint.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: If a design exercise is given, focus on understanding the brief, managing your time effectively, and delivering a polished solution that adheres to brand principles. Clearly articulate your design choices and rationale.

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare to answer questions about how you would handle specific design requests, manage conflicting feedback, prioritize tasks, or troubleshoot design issues.

• Stakeholder Communication: Practice explaining technical design concepts and project status clearly and concisely to non-designers, emphasizing problem-solving and solution-oriented approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize both creative talent and operational capabilities. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only their design skills but also their project management acumen, collaborative spirit, and ability to contribute to the operational efficiency of the creative function. The portfolio is the central piece of evidence.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Advanced proficiency required in Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign for a wide range of graphic design tasks, from vector illustrations and photo manipulation to layout and print production.

• Microsoft PowerPoint: High proficiency is essential for creating professional, on-brand presentations, pitch decks, and executive summaries. This includes mastering template design and effective visual communication within presentation software.

• Figma or Sketch: Familiarity is preferred for digital/UI-adjacent design work, indicating a need for adaptability in modern digital design workflows.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Content Engagement Tracking Tools: Experience with tools or methods for tracking and reporting on the performance of digital assets and marketing collateral. This may involve using web analytics platforms or specific DAM reporting features.

• Business Intelligence Tools (Potentially): While not explicitly stated, an understanding of how to interpret data from BI tools could be beneficial for reporting on content ROI.

CRM & Automation:

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Systems: Experience managing, organizing, and distributing assets within a DAM system is required. Candidates should be familiar with best practices for tagging, metadata, and access control.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with agile methodologies implies potential use of tools like Jira, Asana, Trello, or similar platforms for task tracking and workflow management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the core Adobe Suite and PowerPoint is non-negotiable. The mention of Figma/Sketch, DAM systems, and content analytics highlights the modern demands of a corporate graphic design role that extends beyond pure aesthetics into operational efficiency and performance measurement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to take initiative, own projects, and guide visual direction within their scope. This also implies a proactive approach to problem-solving and contributing to team goals.

• Innovation: A drive to explore new design techniques, tools, and creative solutions that push the boundaries of visual communication, particularly relevant in a cutting-edge industry like space exploration.

• Teamwork: A strong collaborative spirit, essential for working effectively with diverse cross-functional teams (marketing, sales, executives) and contributing to a cohesive creative output.

• **Accountability