STRUCTURAL GRAPHIC DESIGNER

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Structural Graphic Designer

Company: Direct Edge Media, Inc.

Location: Anaheim, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design Operations / GTM Operations (Creative Execution)

Date Posted: 2026-09-12

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on the intersection of creative graphic design and structural engineering to conceptualize, design, and execute point-of-purchase (POP) retail displays and fixtures.

• The position involves translating 2D artwork and marketing objectives into tangible 3D retail solutions that enhance customer experience and drive sales, requiring a strong understanding of print production and fabrication processes.

• Key responsibilities include managing projects from initial concept through to final production, ensuring adherence to brand standards and client specifications for a nationwide retail presence.

• Success in this role hinges on the ability to visualize and engineer complex structural designs, manage multiple workflows efficiently, and collaborate effectively with marketing, sales, and production teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Structural Graphic Designer," the core responsibilities and required skills indicate a strong GTM (Go-To-Market) operations component, specifically within the execution and enablement of sales and marketing initiatives through physical retail presence. The role bridges creative design with the practicalities of production and deployment, a critical function within Go-To-Market operations that supports sales enablement and brand visibility. The emphasis on project management, client collaboration, and ensuring print-ready files aligns with operational efficiency and execution excellence.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and engineer innovative and impactful retail displays and fixtures that align with client brand standards and marketing objectives.

• Interpret and translate 2D print die lines into accurate, scaled 3D models using software like SketchUp or equivalent, incorporating client artwork and design modifications as required for proposals and concept approvals.

• Prepare and optimize print-ready files for prototype production and mass manufacturing, ensuring consistency, adhering to naming conventions, and following established storage protocols.

• Manage the end-to-end project lifecycle for retail display projects, from initial ideation and design to final production and delivery, ensuring timely execution.

• Collaborate closely with internal marketing, sales, and production teams, as well as external clients, to gather requirements, present concepts, manage revisions, and secure approvals.

• Assess and recommend appropriate materials and fabrication processes, considering budget constraints and production feasibility to ensure designs are cost-effective and manufacturable.

• Maintain meticulous organization across multiple concurrent projects, effectively prioritizing tasks, estimating turnaround times accurately, and consistently meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Develop and maintain clear, concise design documentation, including 3D models, 2D die lines, and technical specifications for production.

• Stay abreast of current trends in retail display design, materials, and manufacturing technologies to bring fresh ideas and innovative solutions to projects.

• Perform additional duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and a proactive approach to support team and company objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative problem-solving and rigorous operational execution. The emphasis on "print-ready files," "prototypes," "production," and "adherence to protocols" indicates a need for robust operational workflows. The role requires not just design skill but also the ability to manage the practicalities of bringing designs to market, which is a key GTM operations function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required. While a formal degree in design or engineering is not explicitly listed, demonstrated proficiency and experience will be key.

Experience: Minimum of three years of professional experience in a similar role, specifically involving structural design for retail displays, POP materials, or related 3D design applications.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat Pro) for graphic design and file preparation.

• Expert-level expertise in 3D modeling software, with a strong emphasis on SketchUp. Proficiency in other 3D programs such as Rhino, Solidworks, or ArtiosCAD is highly desirable.

• Proven ability to interpret and translate 2D print die lines into accurate, scaled 3D structural models.

• Demonstrated skill in translating 3D models into flat, print-optimized 2D files suitable for manufacturing.

• Strong understanding of materials, fabrication processes, and their implications on design and budget for retail displays and fixtures.

• Excellent project management capabilities, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet strict deadlines.

• Meticulous attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in design, file preparation, and adherence to brand and production standards.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to maintain workflows for multiple projects and deadlines.

• Effective communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team, interacting with internal stakeholders and clients. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with ArtiosCAD or similar packaging/display design software.

• Familiarity with retail marketing strategies and the role of POP displays in driving sales.

• Knowledge of corrugate and other common retail display materials and their structural properties.

• Ability to modify existing 2D artwork and seamlessly integrate client-provided assets into 3D models.

• Experience in preparing print-ready files for various printing techniques relevant to POP displays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skill set strongly emphasizes technical design software proficiency, particularly in 3D modeling (SketchUp) and graphic design suites (Adobe Creative Suite). This is typical for roles that bridge creative output with production readiness, a critical operational function. The experience requirement of "three years of working in a similar professional environment" suggests a need for candidates who can quickly adapt to established workflows and contribute effectively without extensive ramp-up.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct projects that demonstrate expertise in structural graphic design for retail environments (e.g., POP displays, in-store fixtures, trade show exhibits).

• Include examples that clearly illustrate the transformation from 2D concept or die line to a 3D model and the final rendered or physical product.

• Highlight projects where you successfully incorporated brand guidelines and client-specific artwork into structural designs.

• Provide case studies or project descriptions that detail your role, the design challenges, the solutions implemented, and the impact or outcome of the display.

• Demonstrate proficiency in using SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite in your presented work. Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your personal workflow for managing projects from initial brief to final file delivery, including how you handle revisions, approvals, and cross-functional communication.

• Exhibit an understanding of preparing files for specific print production methods and materials common in retail display manufacturing.

• Showcase an ability to translate complex marketing or sales objectives into functional and visually appealing structural designs.

• Provide examples of how you ensure accuracy and consistency in file naming, storage, and version control for design assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is paramount for this role, as it directly validates the candidate's ability to execute the core functions of structural design and print-ready file preparation. The emphasis on process documentation suggests that the hiring team values methodical approaches to design and project management, akin to operational best practices.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75,000 - $95,000 per year.

Explanation for Estimate: This range is based on the provided salary data and is considered competitive for a mid-level Structural Graphic Designer in the Anaheim, California area, reflecting the required blend of creative and technical skills, as well as the specified experience level. Regional cost of living and industry benchmarks for design and manufacturing roles in Southern California support this range.

Benefits:

• Health insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage options.

• Potential for overtime pay or compensatory time off for weekend/overtime work, as willingness is stated.

• Opportunities for professional development and learning new design/modeling software.

• Rewarding experience of seeing designs implemented nationwide.

Working Hours: Standard full-time position, typically 40 hours per week. The job description notes a "Willingness to work overtime and weekends as needed," indicating potential for extended hours based on project demands and deadlines, common in fast-paced production environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is clearly defined. Benefits are listed generically; candidates should inquire for specific details during the interview process. The mention of overtime willingness is a crucial operational aspect for candidates to consider regarding work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Media & Advertising / Manufacturing (Point-of-Purchase Displays). Direct Edge Media, Inc. likely operates within the advertising and media sector, specializing in the creation and execution of physical marketing assets like retail displays. This positions them at the intersection of creative services and production manufacturing.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the presence of a dedicated Structural Graphic Designer role and the mention of nationwide retail presence suggest a mid-to-large sized organization with established operations and client portfolios. This implies a structured environment with defined processes.

Founded: Specific founding date not provided, but the company's focus on modern retail solutions suggests an organization that has evolved with the retail landscape.

Team Structure:

• The Structural Graphic Designer will likely be part of a design or creative team, working closely with project managers, account managers, graphic artists, and production specialists.

• Reporting structure is not specified but typically falls under a Creative Director, Design Manager, or Production Manager within a GTM or Marketing Operations framework.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close partnerships with marketing (for campaign alignment), sales (for understanding retail needs), and production (for feasibility and execution). Methodology:

• Data-driven approach to design, using market insights and retail performance data to inform display creation.

• Emphasis on efficient workflow management, from concept ideation to final production, ensuring timely delivery.

• Focus on clear communication and collaboration to translate client needs into effective structural and graphic solutions.

• Commitment to quality and innovation in retail display design to create memorable customer experiences.

Company Website: https://www.signlanguagexl.com/ (Derived from domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's specialization in retail displays suggests a culture that values creativity, precision, and the ability to execute complex projects reliably. The "fast-paced role" implies a dynamic environment where adaptability and efficiency are key operational traits.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level specialist. It requires a solid foundation of technical skills and at least 3 years of experience, enabling independent work on projects with minimal supervision. The scope involves managing projects from concept through execution, indicating a significant level of responsibility within the design and production pipeline.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Design Lead, Creative Manager, or Production Manager. This position serves as a critical link between creative ideation and the operational execution of physical marketing assets.

Operations Impact: The Structural Graphic Designer directly impacts Go-To-Market success by creating the physical touchpoints that engage consumers in retail environments. Effective display design can drive foot traffic, increase product visibility, enhance brand perception, and ultimately contribute to sales conversion rates. The quality and efficiency of their output directly affect the client's retail strategy and the company's reputation for delivering impactful marketing solutions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific materials, fabrication techniques, or advanced 3D modeling software (e.g., ArtiosCAD, Solidworks).

• Project Leadership: Transition into roles managing larger, more complex display projects, potentially leading design teams or overseeing project scope and client relationships.

• Process Improvement: Contribute to the refinement of design-to-production workflows, implementing new tools or methodologies to enhance efficiency and quality.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain broader understanding of sales enablement, marketing campaign strategy, and production logistics through closer collaboration with other departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth paths suggest opportunities to advance not only in design expertise but also in operational project management and strategic contributions to the GTM process. This role provides a solid foundation for a career in creative operations or production management within the advertising and retail sectors.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is explicitly on-site, indicating a traditional office or studio environment where collaboration and access to specialized equipment (e.g., 3D printers, plotters) might be necessary.

Office Location(s): 2900 E White Star Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806-2627. This location in Orange County is within a significant commercial and industrial hub in Southern California.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative workspace is expected, with opportunities for direct interaction with designers, project managers, and production staff.

• Access to industry-standard design software and potentially prototyping equipment will be available.

• The environment is described as "fast-paced," suggesting a dynamic and energetic atmosphere focused on meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality output.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule of 40 hours per week is expected, with the understanding that overtime and weekend work may be required to meet project deadlines. This flexibility is a common operational requirement in production and event-driven industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is critical. Candidates must be able to commute to Anaheim, CA. The "fast-paced" environment implies a need for resilience and strong time management skills, essential operational traits for thriving in such settings.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and creative output.

• Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: A deeper dive into the candidate's portfolio, potentially including a discussion of specific projects, design choices, and technical skills (e.g., software proficiency, understanding of materials). This may involve a practical design challenge or case study presentation.

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Questions will likely focus on project management, problem-solving, collaboration, and ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment. Expect questions about how you handle revisions, deadlines, and client feedback.

• Team/Manager Interview: Assessment of cultural fit, communication style, and alignment with company values. Discussion of how the candidate would contribute to the team's operational efficiency and creative output.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your structural design capabilities, 3D modeling skills (SketchUp is key), and graphic design execution for retail environments.

• Highlight Process: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the problem statement, your design process (concept to execution), the tools used, and the final outcome. Use visuals to demonstrate the transition from 2D to 3D.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback on how your designs positively impacted sales, brand visibility, or customer engagement.

• Showcase Adaptability: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to work with different brand guidelines, incorporate client artwork, and adapt designs based on feedback or production constraints.

• Technical Readiness: Be prepared to discuss the technical aspects of your files, including print specifications, material considerations, and potential production challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: Be ready for a practical exercise that might involve creating a 3D model from a 2D die line, designing a simple POP display concept, or optimizing a design for production feasibility.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would approach a tight deadline, a complex client request, or a design issue that impacts production. Focus on your operational approach to resolving such challenges.

• Technical Q&A: Brush up on your knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, and general principles of structural design for retail displays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and potential design challenges highlights the practical, execution-oriented nature of this role. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate their technical skills and problem-solving approach to design and production challenges, aligning with operational efficiency.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D Modeling Software: SketchUp (Expertise required). Proficiency in Rhino, Solidworks, or ArtiosCAD is highly desirable and may be used for more complex modeling or specific client requirements.

• Graphic Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite v6+ (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat Pro) - Advanced proficiency is essential for creating graphics, modifying artwork, and preparing print-ready files.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct analytics role, understanding how designs perform in the retail space (e.g., sales uplift, customer engagement metrics) may be beneficial. Data on display effectiveness could inform future designs.

• Familiarity with project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com) might be used for workflow tracking and task management. CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM or automation tools are mentioned as primary requirements for this design role. However, understanding how designs are integrated into sales proposals or marketing campaigns might involve interaction with CRM or marketing automation platforms.

• Familiarity with file transfer protocols (FTP) or cloud-based storage solutions for managing and sharing large design files.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on design and modeling software. The emphasis on SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite is critical. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience and proficiency with these tools in detail.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging fresh ideas and unique solutions for retail display challenges that stand out in the market.

• Precision & Detail: Maintaining high standards for design accuracy, file preparation, and adherence to brand guidelines, reflecting a commitment to quality output.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where designers, project managers, and production teams work together effectively to achieve common goals.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: Prioritizing tasks, managing workflows, and meeting deadlines consistently to ensure projects are delivered on schedule and within budget.

• Client Focus: Understanding and exceeding client expectations by delivering impactful and effective retail display solutions that drive business results.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Active participation in design reviews, production meetings, and client presentations, ensuring seamless communication between creative, sales, and production departments.

• Feedback Culture: Openness to constructive criticism and revisions, using feedback to refine designs and improve project outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share expertise, best practices, and insights on design trends, materials, and fabrication techniques with team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely values a blend of creative flair and operational discipline. Success in this role requires not only artistic talent but also the ability to function effectively within a structured, deadline-driven environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Production Constraints: Meeting ambitious creative visions while adhering to strict budgets, material limitations, and manufacturing capabilities.

• Managing Multiple, Fast-Paced Projects: Juggling numerous design projects simultaneously, each with unique requirements and tight deadlines, demanding exceptional time management and prioritization skills.

• Translating Abstract Concepts: Effectively interpreting loose marketing briefs or conceptual ideas into tangible, functional, and visually appealing retail displays.

• Ensuring Brand Consistency: Accurately applying diverse client brand standards and guidelines to 3D structures and graphics, often requiring intricate modifications of existing 2D artwork.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with advancements in 3D modeling software, visualization techniques, and fabrication technologies to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to master advanced features of SketchUp, explore other 3D modeling programs like Rhino or Solidworks, or gain proficiency in specialized display design software like ArtiosCAD.

• Material & Fabrication Workshops: Learning about new materials, printing technologies, and manufacturing processes relevant to retail display production.

• Project Management Skills: Developing stronger project management capabilities through hands-on experience and potentially formal training in managing complex GTM execution projects.

• Industry Trends & Best Practices: Staying informed about the latest in retail design, consumer behavior, and POP marketing strategies through industry publications, webinars, and conferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex design challenges that require both creative ingenuity and practical, operations-minded problem-solving. The growth potential lies in deepening technical expertise and expanding project management responsibilities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a 2D die line and transforming it into a 3D structural model for a retail display. What are the key considerations?" (Focus on SketchUp/3D modeling workflow, accuracy, and scale).

• "How do you ensure your graphic designs and structural elements align with a client's brand standards and marketing objectives?" (Highlight adherence to brand guidelines, collaboration with marketing, and translation of concepts).

• "Walk me through a challenging project where you had to balance creative ambition with production constraints (budget, materials, timeline). How did you resolve it?" (Emphasize problem-solving, negotiation, and finding practical solutions).

• "How do you manage your workload when juggling multiple projects with competing deadlines?" (Focus on prioritization, time management, and communication strategies). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Direct Edge Media and this specific role as a Structural Graphic Designer?" (Research the company's work, especially their retail display portfolio, and connect it to your skills and aspirations).

• "How do you approach collaboration with sales and production teams to ensure successful project execution?" (Discuss your communication style and experience working cross-functionally in a GTM context).

• "Describe a time you received critical feedback on a design. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?" (Showcase adaptability, professionalism, and a commitment to improvement). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project, craft a narrative that explains the objective, your role and process, the challenges overcome, and the successful outcome. Use visuals effectively.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to explain the software and techniques used, the rationale behind material choices, and how you prepared files for production.

• Efficiency Focus: Highlight how your design process contributes to efficient production and timely delivery, demonstrating an operational mindset.

• Client Alignment: Showcase how your designs effectively met specific client needs and contributed to their marketing or sales goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only creative talent but also a robust understanding of the operational aspects of design execution, project management, and client satisfaction within a fast-paced GTM environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the recruiting.paylocity.com portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your experience with retail displays, POP fixtures, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite. Showcase projects that demonstrate your ability to translate 2D concepts into 3D realities and prepare print-ready files.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your years of experience, specific software proficiencies, and accomplishments in project management and design execution relevant to this role. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on your design process, problem-solving skills, and ability to manage projects efficiently. Prepare to discuss your experience with SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite in detail.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Direct Edge Media, Inc.'s work (e.g., through their website or LinkedIn) and understand their position in the retail display market. Consider how your skills can contribute to their operational success and client satisfaction.

⚠️ 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.