3D Custom Designer

The 3D Custom Designer develops compelling concepts and production-ready designs for custom environments, translating client goals, budgets, and timelines into thoughtful 2D graphics and 3D exhibit concepts that are functional, detail-oriented, and visually engaging. This role collaborates closely with clients, sales, project management, and fabrication teams to support a wide range of projects, including trade show displays, permanent exhibits, and corporate environments, while maintaining a high standard of creativity and technical accuracy.

• Create high-quality 2D graphic designs for permanent displays, trade show exhibits, and signage that align with client objectives and brand guidelines.
• Develop 3D exhibit design concepts and renderings from initial idea through final design, ensuring that concepts are both visually engaging and practical for fabrication.
• Prepare detailed specifications, line drawings, show drawings, and design documentation to guide the fabrication of exhibit components and ensure accurate production.
• Produce polished, client-facing presentation materials that clearly communicate design intent, and participate in design presentations as needed.
• Communicate design concepts clearly and professionally to clients and internal stakeholders, incorporating feedback and refining designs throughout the process.
• Collaborate with sales, project management, and fabrication teams to align designs with project budgets, timelines, and technical requirements.
• Maintain an organized Mac-based design workflow, including consistent file organization, archiving of completed projects, and keeping design software updated.
• Manage multiple active projects simultaneously, typically handling several current jobs and numerous pending projects across displays, exhibits, and trade show environments.
• Ensure that all designs support the functional needs of the space, including traffic flow, branding, and interactive elements, while maintaining strong aesthetic appeal.
• Contribute creative ideas and solutions that enhance the impact of exhibits and environments across a variety of industries and client types.

• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and strong graphic design capabilities.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience as a graphic designer or in a closely related design role.
• Experience creating line drawings, show drawings, and 3D renderings suitable for fabrication and client review.
• Ability to work with CAD and 3D design software such as Vectorworks, Artlantis, SketchUp, or comparable tools.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously, including several active jobs and a pipeline of pending work.
• Strong visual communication skills with the ability to translate client goals into clear, engaging 2D and 3D design solutions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with clients and internal teams.
• Ability to maintain an organized, Mac-based design workflow, including file management and software maintenance.
• Comfort working on a variety of project types, including displays, exhibits, trade show environments, and signage.
• Client interaction skills, including the ability to present design concepts and respond constructively to feedback.

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design or a closely related design discipline is preferred.
• Client-facing experience, including participation in design presentations and direct collaboration with clients, is highly desirable.
• Experience designing for diverse industries such as advertising, architecture, associations and foundations, education, faith-based organizations, financial services, government, healthcare, technology, and entertainment.
• Ability to balance creative autonomy with practical project constraints, including timelines, budgets, and fabrication requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing production-ready designs that meet quality standards.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a small-team environment, contributing ideas and supporting shared project goals.

The role is based in a small, family-owned company of approximately 20 people, offering a close-knit and collaborative atmosphere where employees enjoy significant autonomy in creativity and decision making. The office is dog-friendly and maintains a casual dress environment, creating a relaxed yet professional workspace. Work is primarily onsite, with flexibility to work from home as needed for occasional personal commitments. Designers work on Mac-based systems and use industry-standard design and rendering software. The team regularly partners with local organizations and companies across a wide range of industries, providing exposure to unique and varied projects in trade shows, exhibits, and custom corporate environments.

This is a Permanent position based out of Windsor Mill, MD.

The pay range for this position is $60000.00 - $80000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

1. PTO: typically prorates the first year, 1 week vacation time, 5 days sick time. Maxes out at 4 weeks, 5 six days. Benefits: 401k (5% matches at 1%) - healthcare, dental, vision contributes $300 a month towards 1/3

This is a fully onsite position in Windsor Mill,MD.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 28, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.