Lead Sign Designer & Permit Coordinator

Lead Sign Designer \& Permit Coordinator

Sam’s Signs is seeking an experienced Lead Sign Designer \& Permit Coordinator to join our team in San Leandro, CA.

This is a hands\-on role for someone who understands commercial signage and can guide projects from initial concept through design, permitting, and production handoff. The ideal candidate can evaluate client needs, understand sign codes and site requirements, recommend practical signage solutions, and coordinate projects through approval.

This is not strictly a graphic design or permit\-processing position. Strong commercial sign knowledge, permitting experience, technical ability, and client communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Create sign layouts, renderings, permit drawings, elevations, site plans, and production\-ready artwork
• Design channel letters, dimensional letters, cabinets, monument signs, blade signs, illuminated signs, vinyl graphics, and other commercial signage
• Guide clients on signage options based on site conditions, code requirements, fabrication, installation, and budget
• Review projects, identify missing information, and determine appropriate next steps
• Research municipal sign codes, zoning requirements, allowable sign areas, and permit requirements
• Prepare and submit permit applications and manage them through approval
• Communicate with clients, city departments, property managers, contractors, vendors, engineers, production, and installers
• Respond to plan\-check comments and prepare required revisions
• Review architectural plans, landlord criteria, site surveys, measurements, and specifications
• Identify potential permitting, fabrication, electrical, mounting, or installation issues before production
• Manage multiple projects, approvals, revisions, and permit applications
• Maintain organized project files and consistent follow\-up

Qualifications

• 3\+ years of commercial sign industry experience required; 5\+ years preferred
• Commercial sign design and permitting experience
• Strong Adobe Illustrator skills
• Photoshop, Acrobat, and/or CorelDRAW experience preferred
• Ability to read architectural plans, elevations, measurements, and specifications
• Knowledge of sign fabrication, installation, channel letters, illuminated signs, cabinets, raceways, dimensional signage, and mounting methods
• Experience preparing permit drawings and production\-ready artwork
• Ability to research and interpret municipal sign codes and landlord requirements
• Strong client communication, organization, problem\-solving, and follow\-through
• Ability to independently manage multiple projects and deadlines

Preferred Experience

• Bay Area sign permitting
• Large\-format printing and vinyl production
• CNC/router file preparation or operation
• Sign fabrication and production
• Construction, architectural, engineering, or electrical experience

Position Details

Full\-time, on\-site

San Leandro, CA

Monday through Friday

Pay: per hour, based on experience and skill level

Pay: $28\. 55 \- $38\. 00 per hour

Expected hours: 8\. 0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance

Work Location: In person