Pre-Press 3D Engineer

Evolving Solution Services; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SuperGraphics in Seattle seeks a Design Engineer to lead the structural and technical design of dimensional signage, displays, and environmental graphics from concept through fabrication. This role owns the design process end-to-end, translating schematics and material requirements into production-ready 3D structures, and serves as the primary technical resource for the team.

Projects include vehicle wraps, tradeshow displays, environmental graphics, and large-scale fabrication; you will

Qualifications

• Structural design principles applied to signage, displays, and fabricated structures.
• 3D design and engineering experience with portfolio.
• Proficiency in Rhino 3D, SketchUp, VRay, AutoCAD, or Blender.
• Understanding materials, prototyping, and fabrication for dimensional signage.
• Solid working knowledge of Adobe CC in a Mac-based design environment.
• Knowledge of CMYK/RGB color spaces and color management systems.
• Strong math skills for structural design and load considerations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including collaboration with international teams.
• Experience with vinyl cutters, CNC routers, and related sign-making equipment is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive the design and engineering process for 3D signage and structural elements from concept to production.
• Read and apply engineering schematics, blueprints, and structural principles.
• Differentiate structural vs. non-structural design needs in a retail environment and design accordingly.
• Create 3D proofs, prototypes, and detailed assembly instructions for fabrication.
• Collaborate with material science and prototyping resources to develop new approaches.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship on best practices.
• Coordinate with international peers to share knowledge and improve workflow.
• Translate designs into production-ready outputs considering structure, materials, and aesthetics.
• Support prepress and production standards, troubleshooting file issues as needed.
• Work well both independently and as a team member with strong attention to detail.

Skills

Structural design principles

3D design and engineering

Adobe CC

Mac-based design environment

Color management

Structural math

Communication

Vinyl cutters / CNC routers

Education

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Structural Engineering, Industrial Design, Graphic Design, or related field

Training in Rhino/AutoCAD/SketchUp/VRay/Blender or similar 3D/structural design platforms

Tools

Rhino 3D

SketchUp

VRay

AutoCAD

Blender

Adobe CC

Job description

Description of Company

SuperGraphics is a large format printer specializing in experiential graphics for environments, retail, event, and fleet. We manage complex projects sustainably and believe in closed-loop recycling and clean second use. Our team is a trusted partner to many iconic brands who rely on our ability to execute local and nationwide programs from concept to completion with superior results.

We are a growing company with unique opportunities to challenge yourself and gain experience in an exciting industry.

About the Position

The Design Engineer leads the structural and technical design of dimensional signage, displays, and environmental graphics from concept through fabrication. This role owns the design process end-to-end — translating engineering schematics and material requirements into buildable 3D structures — and serves as the primary technical resource for structural and non-structural signage design across the organization.

The ideal candidate combines strong design instincts with structural engineering fundamentals and works well under pressure in a fast-paced environment. Projects span a wide range and can include vehicle wraps, dimensional and structural signage, tradeshow displays, environmental graphics, and large-scale fabrication programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

• Own and drive the design and engineering process for 3-dimensional signage and structural elements, from concept through production and fabrication.
• Read, interpret, and apply engineering schematics, blueprints, and structural principles to signage and display design.
• Distinguish structural from non-structural design needs in a retail environment and design accordingly.
• Create 3D proofs, prototypes, and detailed assembly instructions for fabricating dimensional graphics and displays.
• Partner with material science and prototyping resources to develop new structural approaches and materials.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to the design team on structural and engineering best practices.
• Collaborate with an international network of design engineering peers to bring outside process, material, and production knowledge into SuperGraphics' workflow.
• Conceptualize designs and translate them into technically sound, production-ready output using structural, material, and aesthetic considerations.
• Serve as a technical resource for prepress and production standards, providing oversight and troubleshooting for vector/raster file issues, print resolution, and file output as needed.
• Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a team as well as independently within the scope of a project.
• Strong attention to detail, time management, and organizational skills.

Position Requirements

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Technical Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:

• Working knowledge of structural engineering principles as applied to signage, displays, and fabricated structures.
• Demonstrable 3D design and engineering skills with portfolio.
• Experience with 3D applications such as Rhino 3D, SketchUp, VRay, AutoCAD, or Blender.
• Understanding of material properties, prototyping, and fabrication methods for dimensional signage.
• Solid working knowledge of Adobe CC and a Mac-based design environment.
• Knowledge of CMYK and RGB color spaces, color profiles, and color management systems.
• Strong math skills, particularly as applied to structural design and load considerations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to collaborate with international peer teams.
• Experience with vinyl cutters, CNC routers, and other sign-making equipment a plus.

Education

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience in Structural Engineering, Industrial Design, Graphic Design, or a related field.

Coursework or formal training in structural engineering, and/or in Rhino, AutoCAD, SketchUp, VRay, Blender, or other 3D/structural design platforms is preferred.

Hours

Full time.

Work Location

Onsite — SuperGraphics facility.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.