Graphic Designer/Traffic Sign Production Specialist

Helix Traffic; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Helix Traffic in San Antonio, TX seeks a Graphic Designer / Traffic Sign Production Specialist to translate digital designs into production-ready traffic and specialty signs. This role requires strong Illustrator skills and hands-on sign fabrication, ensuring compliance with FHWA, MUTCD, and DOT standards.

The ideal candidate will operate production equipment, perform sign assembly, and perform quality inspections in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of professional graphic design experience.
• Experience in a sign shop, commercial printing, wide-format printing, or manufacturing environment is strongly preferred.
• Experience with traffic sign design and production is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, create, modify, and recreate traffic signs using Adobe Creative Suite, especially Illustrator.
• Ensure artwork complies with FHWA, MUTCD, and DOT standards.
• Prepare production-ready vector artwork for printers and cutting systems.
• Set up files for production with scaling, nesting, and color management.
• Develop proofs and mockups for customer review and approval.
• Review customer specs and artwork before releasing to production.
• Transfer approved artwork to production equipment and fabricate signs.
• Inspect finished graphics for accuracy and quality, maintaining records.

Skills

Graphic design

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Creativity

Teamwork

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

ONYX

FlexiSIGN

VersaWorks

Job description

Graphic Designer / Traffic Sign Production Specialist

Position Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented, creative, and highly organized Graphic Designer / Traffic Sign Production Specialist to join our team. This position plays an important role in transforming digital designs into high-quality, professionally manufactured traffic and specialty signs.

The ideal candidate will have strong graphic design skills, advanced knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, and an interest in hands‑on sign production and fabrication. This role requires the ability to create accurate, production‑ready artwork while ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local traffic sign standards.

Working in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment, you will be involved in every stage of the process—from creating and preparing digital artwork to operating production equipment, assembling signs, and performing quality inspections.

Key Responsibilities

1. Graphic Design & Prepress

• Design, create, modify, and recreate regulatory, warning, guide, construction, and custom traffic signs using Adobe Creative Suite, with an emphasis on Adobe Illustrator.
• Ensure all artwork complies with applicable Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), and state and local Department of Transportation (DOT) standards.
• Apply proper fonts, typography, spacing, dimensions, colors, and retroreflective sheeting requirements to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Prepare production‑ready vector artwork for large‑format printers, vinyl plotters, and flatbed cutting systems.
• Set up files for production, 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 for accuracy before releasing jobs to production.

2. Sign Production & Fabrication

• Prepare and transfer approved artwork to production equipment, including large‑format digital printers, vinyl cutters, plotters, and flatbed cutting systems.
• Operate RIP software and production equipment to produce accurate, high‑quality graphics.
• Perform hands‑on sign fabrication, including vinyl weeding, application taping, masking, laminating, trimming, and mounting graphics.
• Apply protective films, including UV‑resistant and anti‑graffiti laminates, as well as 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 and efficient production workflow while meeting established deadlines and quality expectations.

3. Quality Control & Equipment Maintenance

• Inspect printed graphics and completed signs for accuracy, color consistency, alignment, reflectivity, and overall workmanship.
• Identify and correct production issues, including 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 applicable project specifications.
• Maintain organized digital files, production records, and project documentation.

4. Inventory & Shop Organization

• Monitor inventory levels 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.

Qualifications & Requirements

Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of professional graphic design experience.
• Experience in a sign shop, commercial printing, wide‑format printing, or manufacturing environment is strongly preferred.
• Experience with traffic sign design and production is a plus.

Graphic Design & Software Skills

• 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.
• Familiarity with RIP software such as ONYX, FlexiSIGN, VersaWorks, or comparable programs.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, customer specifications, measurements, and production requirements.

Industry Knowledge

• Familiarity with MUTCD guidelines, FHWA requirements, and state DOT traffic sign standards is highly preferred.
• 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, is beneficial.
• Ability to learn and apply industry‑specific standards and production procedures.

Technical & Mechanical Skills

• Hands‑on experience with large‑format printers, vinyl plotters, laminators, and sign production equipment is preferred.
• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to troubleshoot basic production and equipment issues.
• Comfortable working with measuring tools, cutting equipment, and various sign substrates.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing to a team‑oriented production environment.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Ability to lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds, including aluminum sheets, vinyl rolls, and other production supplies.
• Ability to work in both an office/design setting and an active manufacturing environment.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.
• Comfortable performing detailed manual work, including vinyl weeding, trimming, laminating, and sign assembly.
• Ability to safely operate production machinery and follow established workplace safety procedures.