Principal Graphic Designer Jobs
Principal Graphic Designer jobs are open across in-house corporate teams, agencies, tech companies, publishing, and media, from mid-level to director-track, with specializations in brand identity, editorial design, and motion graphics. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find JobsLooking for remote work? View remote principal graphic designer jobs →Overview
Showing 5 of 905+ Principal Graphic Designer jobs
INTRODUCTION
Discover Your Career at Emory University: Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
* The Environmental Graphic Designer is responsible for developing, coordinating, documenting, and implementing environmental graphics and signage projects across Emory campuses, as part of the Planning, Design, & Construction team within Campus Services.
* Requires graphic design, spatial communication, technical documentation, and project management skills to create branded, clear, consistent, accessible, and visually cohesive environments.
* Collaborates with internal planners, project managers, interior designers, facilities teams, clients, and external consultants and vendors to ensure that environmental graphic design projects comply with Emory University branding guidelines, signage standards, accessibility requirements, and project requirements.
* Completes environmental graphics and signage projects from conceptualization through fabrication and installation.
* Employs strong graphic design skills, technical proficiency, attention to detail, and effective communication and collaboration.
* Reads, interprets, and prepares technical drawings, signage layouts, elevations, dimensions, and fabrication specifications.
* Produces accurate, organized, and production-ready design files.
* Reviews vendor proofs and submittals.
* Coordinates signage installations and ensures compliance with approved designs, project specifications, and institutional standards.
* Develops project budgets and schedules.
* Displays strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
* Follows workflow processes and to ensure projects are completed efficiently.
* Keeps interested parties informed about projects on a regular basis.
* Performs related responsibilities as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
* A bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related field, and three years of experience in environmental graphic design, signage, wayfinding, or related field, OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
* Knowledge of typography, color theory, and design principles.
* Understanding of signage materials, fabrication methods, installation processes, and ADA requirements.
* Ability to read, interpret, and prepare scaled technical drawings and fabrication specifications.
* Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with internal teams, clients, project managers, facilities personnel, and external vendors with professional manner.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Suite and Adobe Creative Suite required.
* Proficiency in CADTool and SignAgent preferred.
NOTE: Position tasks are required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location; working remote is not an option. Emory reserves the right to change this status with notice to employee.
Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).
Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at accessibility@emory.edu or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.
INTRODUCTION
Discover Your Career at Emory University: Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
* The Environmental Graphic Designer is responsible for developing, coordinating, documenting, and implementing environmental graphics and signage projects across Emory campuses, as part of the Planning, Design, & Construction team within Campus Services.
* Requires graphic design, spatial communication, technical documentation, and project management skills to create branded, clear, consistent, accessible, and visually cohesive environments.
* Collaborates with internal planners, project managers, interior designers, facilities teams, clients, and external consultants and vendors to ensure that environmental graphic design projects comply with Emory University branding guidelines, signage standards, accessibility requirements, and project requirements.
* Completes environmental graphics and signage projects from conceptualization through fabrication and installation.
* Employs strong graphic design skills, technical proficiency, attention to detail, and effective communication and collaboration.
* Reads, interprets, and prepares technical drawings, signage layouts, elevations, dimensions, and fabrication specifications.
* Produces accurate, organized, and production-ready design files.
* Reviews vendor proofs and submittals.
* Coordinates signage installations and ensures compliance with approved designs, project specifications, and institutional standards.
* Develops project budgets and schedules.
* Displays strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
* Follows workflow processes and to ensure projects are completed efficiently.
* Keeps interested parties informed about projects on a regular basis.
* Performs related responsibilities as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
* A bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related field, and three years of experience in environmental graphic design, signage, wayfinding, or related field, OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
* Knowledge of typography, color theory, and design principles.
* Understanding of signage materials, fabrication methods, installation processes, and ADA requirements.
* Ability to read, interpret, and prepare scaled technical drawings and fabrication specifications.
* Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with internal teams, clients, project managers, facilities personnel, and external vendors with professional manner.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Suite and Adobe Creative Suite required.
* Proficiency in CADTool and SignAgent preferred.
NOTE: Position tasks are required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location; working remote is not an option. Emory reserves the right to change this status with notice to employee.
Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).
Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at accessibility@emory.edu or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.
Principal Graphic Designer Jobs by Experience Level
See All 905+ Principal Graphic Designer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsPrincipal Graphic Designer Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Booz Allen Hamilton12
- 24 Seven Talent7
- Minuteman Press7
- Milan Laser Hair Removal7
- Cannon Design6
Top Industries Hiring
- Staffing & Recruiting
- Construction & Real Estate
- Education
- Technology & Software
- Retail
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in principal graphic designer jobs.
- 7 or more years of professional graphic design experience with a portfolio demonstrating senior-level work
- Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign
- Experience building and maintaining brand identity systems across multiple touchpoints
- Demonstrated ability to lead design projects and collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders
- Proficiency in Figma or other collaborative design and prototyping tools
- Bachelor's degree in graphic design, visual communication, or a closely related field
Tips for Your Principal Graphic Designer Job Search
Tailor your portfolio to the employer type
Agency hiring managers want range and client versatility, while in-house teams want brand consistency and system thinking. Reorganize your case studies to match the employer type you're targeting before each application, not after.
Lead case studies with strategic outcomes
At the principal level, employers expect you to show how design decisions drove business results. For every portfolio piece, name the problem, your design rationale, and the measurable outcome, whether that's conversion lift, brand recognition, or product adoption.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists principal graphic designer openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Signal leadership without a manager title
Principal roles expect cross-functional influence even without direct reports. On your resume, call out moments you defined design standards, mentored mid-level designers, or drove alignment across product and marketing, so the seniority reads clearly.
Prepare a design critique response for interviews
Many principal-level interviews include a live critique of work you didn't create. Practice articulating what works, what doesn't, and what you'd change with specific design language, not vague impressions. Interviewers are evaluating your taste and communication together.
Negotiate scope alongside compensation
At the principal level, your influence over design direction matters as much as pay. When an offer comes, clarify decision-making authority, whether you own the design system, and how much of your time goes to execution versus strategy before you accept.
Principal Graphic Designer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most principal graphic designers?
The companies hiring the most principal graphic designers right now include Booz Allen Hamilton, 24 Seven Talent, and Minuteman Press, with the largest share of openings in California, New York, and Texas, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand is spread across tech, media, consumer brands, and large in-house creative teams.
How many principal graphic designer jobs are remote?
About 45% of principal graphic designer openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the digital nature of most deliverables at this level. Brand strategy, motion graphics, and digital-first roles tend to have the highest remote availability, while packaging design and print-heavy roles are more likely to require on-site presence.
How do you become a principal graphic designer?
Most principal graphic designers move up by building a portfolio that shows brand systems work and cross-functional leadership, not just strong execution. You'll typically hold senior designer roles for several years, take ownership of end-to-end projects, mentor junior designers, and develop expertise in a specialty such as identity, motion, or digital product design before being considered for principal-level roles.
Can you get hired as a principal graphic designer without direct management experience?
Yes, many principal graphic designer roles are individual contributor positions that don't require managing a team. Employers at this level are looking for design authority, the ability to set standards, and influence across departments. Demonstrating that you've defined style guides, led creative reviews, or shaped design direction on major projects can be enough to qualify without a formal manager title.
What does the principal graphic designer interview process look like?
The process typically begins with a recruiter screen, followed by a portfolio review with a design director or creative lead. Later rounds usually include a live design critique, a take-home or on-site design challenge, and a cross-functional panel where stakeholders outside the design team assess communication and strategic thinking. Expect detailed questions about your process, not just your final work.
Where can I find and apply to principal graphic designer jobs?
You can find and apply to principal graphic designer jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Find the roles that match your experience and specialization, then apply directly to each listing from the page.
See All 905+ Principal Graphic Designer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Jobs