SUMMARY:
AirCorps Aviation is looking for a Graphic and Environmental Designer to shape how our company looks and feels, both in print and in physical spaces. The role covers high-end print design, environmental and experiential design (facility, hangar, museum-style, and event spaces), and tradeshow and air show exhibits. It also includes supporting the Marketing Manager in designing company marketing materials. The ideal candidate has a refined design eye, strong typography and layout skills, and experience taking a concept all the way to a finished, installed piece. This person will help tell the story of award-winning warbird and vintage aircraft restoration, in the right way for each audience. AirCorps Aviation is known for the quality and historical accuracy of its restoration work, and our visual presence should reflect that standard. The designer will create polished, high-end materials that represent the AirCorps brand to customers, aircraft owners, museums, industry partners, and the public. Work ranges from brochures, capability pieces, and posters to large-scale visual environments such as lobby and hangar graphics, wall murals, wayfinding, interpretive displays, and tradeshow booths. The designer will work closely with the Marketing Manager, shop leadership, and outside vendors and printers. They will present ideas clearly, verbally and visually, and follow every project through to delivery with close attention to detail. THIS POSITION IS ON SITE IN OUR BEMIDJI LOCATIONS, NOT A REMOTE POSITION.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Design & Creative Development
- Create high-end print and digital designs, including brochures, capability statements, sell sheets, posters, and presentation materials.
- Design visual environments and branded spaces, such as lobby and hangar graphics, wall murals, wayfinding, and historical and interpretive displays.
- Design tradeshow, airshow, and event materials, including booth layouts, backdrops, banners, pop-up displays, and handouts.
- Create renderings, mockups, and scaled layouts to present environmental and exhibit concepts.
- Generate new and original ideas within the parameters of stated objectives.
- Make subjective decisions regarding subject matter and projects.
- Accurately represent aircraft, history, and restoration processes in collaboration with restoration staff.
- Manage and develop brand consistency across all printed, digital, and physical touchpoints.
Project Management & Communication
- Lead projects from conception through design, production, and installation or delivery.
- Manage projects within budget and timeline, and coordinate with internal teams and outside vendors.
- Demonstrate excellent organizational skills with a keen eye for detail and proofing.
- Maintain organized project files, an asset library, and print records.
Print, Inventory & Production
- Produce high-end small- and large-format print pieces, selecting appropriate materials, substrates, and finishes.
- Plan and manage marketing inventory: track stock levels, update existing pieces, prepare reprint files, and coordinate print orders on schedule and on budget.
- Source, evaluate, and recommend print vendors.
- Prepare and retouch images for high-end print use.
- Perform all other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum Qualifications
- Portfolio showing high-end print design and environmental, exhibit, or large-format work.
- Ability to take and follow direction, and also work independently.
- Ability to stand, sit, and work on ladders or lifts for long periods during installations.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Expert knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat).
- Strong command of typography, layout, color, and hierarchy for premium print.
- Understanding of large-format and environmental graphics, including scale, viewing distance, materials, and installation.
- Ability to work well under pressure, manage several projects and deadlines at once, and stay organized.
- Excellent communication skills with all levels of staff, customers, vendors, and the public.
- Working knowledge of Windows operating systems.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, environmental or exhibit design, visual communications, fine art, or a related field. Equivalent professional experience will also be considered.
Training and Experience
- 5+ years of professional design experience, with a strong focus on print and environmental or large-format work.
Preferred, But Not Required
- Experience designing tradeshow booths, exhibits, museum displays, or branded interiors.
- Experience managing print budgets and vendor relationships.
- Agency, in-house brand, exhibit, museum, or sign-industry experience.
- A passion for aviation and aviation history. Aviation industry experience is not required.
