Graphic Designer/Traffic Sign Production Specialist

Helix Traffic Solutions•San Antonio, TX

About The Position

We are seeking a detail-oriented, creative, and highly organized Graphic Designer / Traffic Sign Production Specialist to transform digital designs into high-quality, professionally manufactured traffic and specialty signs. The role combines graphic design and prepress work with hands-on sign production and fabrication. The specialist creates accurate, production-ready artwork, applies applicable federal, state, and local traffic sign standards, operates production equipment, assembles signs, and performs quality inspections in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The position covers the full production process, from preparing artwork and digital proofs through printing, cutting, laminating, mounting, quality control, and shop organization. The role requires advanced Adobe Illustrator skills, attention to technical specifications, and the ability to work with sign materials and manufacturing equipment.

Requirements

Minimum of 2 years of professional graphic design experience.
Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, including vector artwork, path editing, node manipulation, typography, and file preparation.
Working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and other Adobe Creative Suite applications.
Ability to interpret technical drawings, customer specifications, measurements, and production requirements.
Mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot basic production and equipment issues.
Ability to work independently and contribute to a team-oriented production environment.
Ability to lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.
Comfort performing detailed manual work, including vinyl weeding, trimming, laminating, and sign assembly.
Ability to safely operate production machinery and follow workplace safety procedures.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a sign shop, commercial printing, wide-format printing, or manufacturing environment.
Experience with traffic sign design and production.
Familiarity with RIP software such as ONYX, FlexiSIGN, VersaWorks, or comparable programs.
Familiarity with MUTCD guidelines, FHWA requirements, and state DOT traffic sign standards.
Knowledge of standard highway sign fonts, including Highway Gothic and Clearview.
Understanding of retroreflective sheeting grades, including Engineering Grade, High-Intensity Prismatic, and Diamond Grade.
Hands-on experience with large-format printers, vinyl plotters, laminators, and sign production equipment.

Responsibilities

Design, create, modify, and recreate regulatory, warning, guide, construction, and custom traffic signs using Adobe Creative Suite, especially Adobe Illustrator.
Ensure artwork complies with applicable FHWA, MUTCD, and state and local DOT standards.
Apply appropriate fonts, typography, spacing, dimensions, colors, and retroreflective sheeting requirements.
Prepare production-ready vector artwork and set up files for large-format printers, vinyl plotters, and flatbed cutting systems, including scaling, nesting, cut lines, bleeds, and color management.
Develop digital proofs, visual mockups, and scaled drawings for customer review and approval.
Review customer specifications, project requirements, and artwork before releasing jobs to production.
Transfer approved artwork to production equipment and operate RIP software and equipment to produce graphics.
Fabricate signs through vinyl weeding, application taping, masking, laminating, trimming, and mounting graphics.
Apply protective films, including UV-resistant and anti-graffiti laminates, and apply retroreflective sheeting.
Mount finished graphics onto aluminum panels, EC film, and other sign substrates.
Safely operate sign manufacturing equipment, including metal shears, corner rounders, hole punches, laminators, and CNC routers.
Maintain an organized production workflow and meet established deadlines and quality expectations.
Inspect graphics and completed signs for accuracy, color consistency, alignment, reflectivity, and workmanship.
Identify and correct printing defects, cutting inaccuracies, application imperfections, and lamination problems.
Perform routine maintenance, cleaning, and basic calibration of printers, plotters, cutters, and laminating equipment.
Ensure finished products meet company quality standards and project specifications.
Maintain organized digital files, production records, and project documentation.
Monitor inventory of vinyl, reflective sheeting, aluminum blanks, laminates, inks, and other production materials.
Assist with receiving, organizing, and maintaining raw materials and production supplies.
Keep workstations, equipment, and production areas clean, organized, and safe.
Communicate material shortages, equipment issues, and production concerns to management.