Graphic Designer of monument signs, environmental graphics (Commercial Sign Company)

We are seeking a Sign Designer (large format - architectural signs - environmental graphics) who can bridge creative design and real-world construction. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys design but also wants to understand how their work is fabricated, installed, and used in the built environment. About Us Port City Signs and Graphics is a full-service commercial sign and large-format graphics manufacturer founded in 1948 in Wilmington, NC. We fabricate and install exterior signage, vehicle wraps, interior branding, ADA signage, CNC-routed and dimensional signs, and large-scale commercial development signage. Our team partners with developers, general contractors, architects, engineers, and business owners to deliver signage that not only meets brand goals, but can also be accurately fabricated and installed in real-world conditions. We are growing and seeking an Sign Designer / Project Coordinator who enjoys creative design and also takes ownership of how that design will ultimately be built and installed. About the Role This role blends creative design with technical drafting and project coordination . Designs must not only meet brand and aesthetic goals, but also reflect real-world fabrication methods, installation constraints, and field conditions. You will create layouts and technical drawings for monument signs, freestanding signs, building-mounted signage, vehicle wraps, and environmental graphics used for permitting, engineering review, and fabrication. A primary responsibility of this role is translating architectural drawings, engineering intent, and client expectations into fabrication-ready sign documentation. This often involves identifying missing information, coordinating with estimators and production teams, and preventing costly installation conflicts before fabrication begins. This is not a sit-behind-the-computer-all-day job. You will regularly move through our fabrication and vehicle wrap installation facility to collaborate with team members, troubleshoot issues, and ensure accuracy throughout production and installation. If you enjoy creative design and also enjoy understanding how things are built in the real world, this may be a strong fit. Responsibilities Create technical drawings for permitting, engineering review, and production Develop creative layouts for vehicle wraps, murals, interior and exterior signage that can be accurately fabricated and installed within documented site conditions and material constraints Prepare preliminary layouts for estimating Revise layouts based on client needs, brand guidelines, and fabrication limitations Translate architectural drawings and site conditions into fabrication-ready documentation Identify missing or conflicting information prior to fabrication Collaborate with estimating, production, and installation teams throughout project execution Communicate clearly with clients and internal team members Ensure accuracy and quality throughout the entire design-to-installation process Requirements Experience preparing documentation for fabrication, permitting, or installation in signage or related built-environment industries preferred Ability to create technical drawings for signage or fabricated elements Expert skills in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop Excellent spelling, communication, and math skills Ability to read a ruler to the 16th of an inch Professional appearance: business-casual attire, no visible tattoos above the collar, no visible piercings other than earrings Valid driver's license Ability to lift 35 pounds Positive attitude and strong teamwork skills On-site work required in Wilmington, NC Compensation We offer a tiered salary structure based on experience: $43,000-$52,000 for early-career designers $52,000 + for experienced candidates with technical drawing, permitting, or project coordination experience Benefits Competitive pay commensurate with experience Full health-care package: medical, dental, vision Simple IRA with company match Short-term disability coverage Company-paid life insurance Paid holidays Generous vacation after one year Monday-Friday schedule with regular overtime opportunities To Apply You must complete the full application on Indeed to be considered.

Please include:

Your resume A link to your portfolio or uploaded samples of work (if available) Examples of vehicle wrap designs or large-format signage (if available) Responses to all application questions Responses to follow-up emailed questions (if requested)

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$43,000.00 - $63,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Application Question(s): What interested you most about this job opportunity and prompted you to apply? Why are you looking for a new job? Why do you want to live in or continue living in the Greater Wilmington area? Where do you see yourself in three years? What do you like to do for fun? Describe a time you had to coordinate between a client request and an internal production or installation team. How did you handle any conflicts between what the client wanted and what could realistically be built or installed? In a fast-paced environment, how do you balance the need to move quickly with the need to ensure drawings or layouts are accurate before fabrication or installation begins? Please explain in detail why you transitioned between each job on your resume. Please explain your experience working in or with the sign industry or an industry with applicable skills. Have you ever created a design or drawing that needed to be fabricated or physically installed (signage, cabinetry, interiors, displays, construction elements, etc.)? What considerations did you need to account for beyond the visual design?

Education:

Associate (Required)

Experience:

Technical drawing: 1 year (Required)

Adobe Illustrator:

2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

Driver's License (Required)

Work Location:

In person