At Mekanic, design is not simply an expression of style. It is how we solve problems, conduct ourselves, and create opportunity. Designers here translate brand strategy into clear, crafted visual systems and experiences—across identity, print, digital, social, events, and beyond.
We are a method-driven organizational design and brand agency for people-centric and purpose-driven organizations. We are tenacious in our belief that there is no room in the future for complacent brands or forgettable experiences. The name Mekanic is inspired by getting our hands dirty—and by the idea that brands are built, not bought.
This is an in-person role based in our Alexandria, Virginia office. Our value is in face-to-face collaboration and the unscheduled moments that spark the best ideas: quick critiques, whiteboard sessions, spontaneous prototyping, and working side-by-side.
Reports to the Art Director and CEO
What You’ll Do (Essential Responsibilities)
• Translate client objectives and brand strategy into original, strategic visual concepts and design solutions—then execute them with craft and precision.
• Create and refine typographic systems: hierarchy, grids, spacing, and rhythm across long-form layouts and multi-channel applications.
• Develop identity and campaign components that scale (logos, marks, patterns, illustration approaches, templates, social systems, and art direction guidelines).
• Conduct visual, cultural, and competitive research to identify creative opportunities and establish visual distinction.
• Collaborate with strategists, writers, and fellow designers to ensure every output is aligned to the brand platform and the audience’s real needs.
• Prepare production-ready files for print and digital delivery, including preflight, packaging, accessibility considerations, and quality control.
• Support multiple projects simultaneously—managing scope, timelines, and quality without letting standards slip.
• Proactively surface design challenges and recommend innovative, strategic solutions—before they become problems.
• Contribute to business development through pitch materials, mockups, and visual storytelling as needed.
Craft Expectations (Non-Negotiables at Mekanic)
• Typography is foundational: you can set type for clarity, tone, and rhythm—and you care about kerning, tracking, optical alignment, and composition.
• You can explain your decisions: not just what looks good, but why it works for the audience and the objective.
• You build systems, not one-offs: your work is consistent, scalable, and documented.
• You sweat the details (and you know which details matter most): spacing, alignment, hierarchy, and production integrity.
• You welcome critique and iterate fast—without losing the thread of the concept or the strategy.
• You treat design as a practice: curiosity, study, experimentation, and improvement are part of the job.
How We Work
• We co-create with clients and teammates—showing work early, testing ideas, and refining with intention.
• We value craft and clarity over noise; simplicity is earned, not assumed.
• We stretch beyond one channel. You will design across in-person moments, print, digital products, social media, and integrated brand experiences.
• We protect time for deep work, and we also use quick, in-the-room collaboration to solve problems faster.
Core Competencies
• Craft Discipline – High standards in typography, layout, and visual consistency; pride in precision.
• Taste & Curiosity – A strong point of view and a habit of learning (design history, contemporary work, tools, and culture).
• Collaboration – Thrives in multidisciplinary problem-solving and constructive critique.
• Ownership – Moves work forward independently, communicates clearly, and follows through.
• Adaptability – Manages multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Supportive Mindset – Steps in to help teammates and protects the quality of the collective output.
Technical Job Knowledge and Skills
Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in:
• Adobe Creative Cloud Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.)
• Figma for web/UI layout, prototyping, and component-based design systems
• Typography, layout systems, visual hierarchy, and composition that can scale across formats
• Print production processes, including offset and digital methods; preflight and file packaging
• Color theory and print/digital color management
• Knowledge of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG)
• Presentation design and production (Microsoft Office and/or Google Workspace)
• Curiosity to discover and ability to quickly grasp new technologies, tools, and platforms relevant to creative production
Bonus Skills:
• Motion fundamentals for social/video assets (e.g., After Effects)
• Familiarity with information architecture and user experience principles
Education and Experience
• BA, BFA, or higher in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or related field (or equivalent professional experience)
• Minimum 2 years of professional design experience, preferably in an agency or studio environment
• A portfolio that shows: (1) typographic competence, (2) concept-to-execution thinking, and (3) brand systems that scale across channels
What Success Looks Like
• First 30 days: Learn Mekanic’s methods, standards, and client workstreams; participate in critique; deliver production-ready support work with excellent typography, layout, creativity, and file hygiene.
• By 60–90 days: Own meaningful deliverables end-to-end; present work clearly; demonstrate strong typographic systems and consistent execution across channels.
• By 6–12 months: Lead portions of client engagements; contribute to brand system development; raise the quality bar through mentorship, templates, and improved workflows.
Compensation
Salary: $80,000.00-$95,000.00 base salary, commensurate with experience.
Location & Schedule
Based in our Alexandria, Virginia office.
Benefits
At Mekanic, we value work-life balance and employee well-being. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:
• Paid Time Off (PTO): 20 days annually
• Mental Health Days: 5 additional paid days dedicated to mental wellness.
• 401K Program: Eligible after six months, with Mekanic matching up to 5%.
• Professional Development: Annual reimbursement of up to $1,500 for courses, certifications, or conferences.
• Healthcare Benefits Package
• Annual Incentive Plan: Performance-based rewards tied to personal and company achievements.
- • Paid Holidays: 10 paid holidays per year.
