Graphic Designer / Sign Production Specialist

Job Description: Sign Shop Graphic Designer

Position Title: Graphic Designer / Sign Production Specialist
Department: Graphics / Production
Reports To: Production Manager / General Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time

Overall Objective

The Graphic Designer / Sign Production Specialist plays an important role in taking customer projects from concept to completion. This position combines creative design, technical drafting, and hands-on production skills to ensure signage projects are properly designed, documented, produced, and finished to McBride Sign Company's quality standards.

Position Summary

McBride Sign Company is seeking an experienced, creative, detail-oriented Graphic Designer to join our design team. This position combines graphic design, sign production preparation, vinyl application, and technical drawing responsibilities.

The Graphic Designer will create professional designs for a variety of signage projects, prepare production-ready artwork, produce permit drawings, and assist with hands-on vinyl application, including vehicle graphics. The ideal candidate will have strong computer skills, an eye for detail, and an understanding of how signs are designed, manufactured, and installed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Graphic Design & Artwork

Create original designs, layouts, and concepts for interior and exterior signage.Develop artwork for channel letters, dimensional signs, monument signs, vehicle graphics, banners, wall graphics, and other signage applications.Prepare customer proofs, presentations, and design revisions.Prepare print-ready and cut-ready artwork for production.Work with customers, sales staff, and production personnel to understand project requirements.Ensure artwork meets project specifications, dimensions, colors, and production requirements.Create scaled sign drawings and site plans for permit applications.Prepare permit drawings showing sign dimensions, elevations, mounting details, and placement.Create renderings and visual representations showing proposed signage on buildings and properties.Review project specifications and ensure drawings meet applicable permit requirements.Make revisions to drawings based on customer, contractor, or municipal feedback.Vinyl Production & Application

Prepare vinyl graphics for printing and cutting.Operate vinyl plotters and large-format printing equipment as needed.Weed, mask, and prepare vinyl graphics for application.Apply vinyl lettering and graphics to various sign substrates.Apply vehicle graphics, including lettering, logos, decals, and larger graphic layouts.Assist with vehicle graphic installations and ensure proper alignment, application, and finishing.Maintain quality standards to prevent bubbles, wrinkles, lifting, and other application defects.Production & Shop Support

Work closely with production personnel to ensure designs are practical and ready for manufacturing.Assist with material selection, color matching, and production planning.Review artwork before sending projects to production to minimize errors and waste.Maintain organized digital files and project documentation.Manage multiple projects while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines.Required Skills and Qualifications

Must have a portfolio of work to review at time of interview.Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.Experience with CorelDRAW is a plus.Strong understanding of typography, layout, color, and visual composition.Knowledge of vector artwork and file preparation.Ability to read measurements and create scaled drawings.Experience or willingness to learn vinyl cutting, weeding, masking, and application.Ability to apply vinyl graphics to signs and vehicles.Strong attention to detail and accuracy.Good organizational and time-management skills.Ability to work independently and as part of a team.Strong communication and problem-solving skills.Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience working in a sign shop or sign manufacturing environment.Experience with vehicle graphics and vinyl installation.Knowledge of large-format printing and vinyl cutting.Experience preparing sign permit drawings and site plans.Familiarity with sign fabrication, installation, and mounting methods.Experience with CNC routers and other sign production equipment.Physical and Work Environment Requirements

Ability to work in both an office and sign shop environment.Ability to stand for extended periods while applying vinyl graphics.Ability to bend, reach, and work around vehicles and sign structures.Ability to lift and handle vinyl rolls, materials, and sign components.Ability to work around typical sign manufacturing equipment and shop activity.Key Performance Expectations

Produce accurate, professional, and visually appealing designs.Prepare complete and accurate permit drawings.Complete assigned projects within established deadlines.Apply vinyl graphics professionally and with attention to detail.Maintain high-quality standards for vehicle graphics and sign applications.Minimize artwork errors, material waste, and production rework.Communicate effectively with sales, customers, and production staff.Maintain organized project files and documentation.Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $16.00 - $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

Health insurancePaid time offRetirement planWork Location: In person