📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Marketing & Communications Specialist – Creative
🔹 Company: Maxar Technologies
🔹 Location: Palo Alto, CA
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Marketing & Communications
🔹 Date Posted: May 27, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading the development of marketing and communications assets across digital, print, and video projects.
- Overseeing day-to-day activities, ensuring project timelines and quality control are met.
- Collaborating with stakeholders to align creative projects with broader marketing and communications goals.
- Creating visually compelling graphics, illustrations, and layouts for various promotional materials and digital channels.
- Producing high-precision technical illustrations, satellite renderings, and diagrams to communicate complex concepts effectively.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in visual storytelling, content development, and leadership, along with the ability to drive projects from concept to execution.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead the development of marketing and communications assets across digital, print, and video projects.
✅ Oversee day-to-day activities, meeting project timelines, workload balance, and quality control.
✅ Provide direct, hands-on support across design, photography, and video projects.
✅ Partner with stakeholders across the organization to align creative projects with broader marketing and communications goals.
✅ Design and produce marketing materials that are visually compelling, including graphics, illustrations, and layouts for digital and print promotional materials as well as content for digital channels.
✅ Create high-precision, technical illustrations, satellite renderings, and diagrams to communicate complex concepts and product features effectively.
✅ Maintain brand consistency across all visual assets, ensuring adherence to established guidelines.
✅ Engage as a backup to the photo team to capture high-quality photographs and videos of hardware/products, events, and team members for use in marketing materials and online platforms.
✅ Support the photo team by processing raw images and footage to enhance quality and ensure consistency with brand aesthetics.
✅ Assist in the planning and execution of photo and video shoots, including equipment setup.
✅ Contribute to the development of integrated marketing campaigns with original written and visual content.
✅ Write and edit internal and external use, including employee communications, campaign messaging, etc.
✅ Assist in the development and execution of marketing campaigns, including the creation of original content such as ads and graphics.
✅ Collaborate with the marketing and communications team to ensure a consistent brand voice and messaging across all channels.
✅ Support social media efforts, including strategy, content creation, and performance monitoring.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management, organizational, and communication skills, as well as proficiency in graphic design tools and photography/videography equipment.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in graphic design, visual communications, or a related field. An additional four years of experience may be substituted for a degree.
Experience: 5 years of experience in graphic design or visual communications, including experience with:
- Graphic Design tools such as: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Video Production and Animation tools such as: Premiere (After Effects, Media Encoder)
- 3D Animation and Rendering tools such as: Maxon Cinema 4D (Octane Renderer, Substance Painter), Blender, SketchUp
Required Skills:
- Technical illustration and the ability to translate complex concepts into visually appealing graphics
- Project management and organizational skills
- Proficiency in photography and videography, including experience with camera equipment and photo/video editing software
Preferred Skills:
- Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills
- Experience in aerospace or manufacturing industries.
- Experience supporting or managing social media accounts.
- Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) and email marketing platforms.
- Basic knowledge of analytics and performance reporting.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the aerospace or manufacturing industries may have an advantage in understanding the complex concepts and products associated with this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $85,000.00 - $141,000.00 annually for California residents. For all other states, the salary range is market-driven and based on geographic cost of labor.
Benefits:
- Paid Time Off
- Health and Welfare Insurance
- 401(k)
Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility based on project needs.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market data for similar roles in the aerospace and defense industry. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience, qualifications, and market conditions.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Maxar Technologies operates in the defense and space manufacturing industry, focusing on satellites, Earth imagery, geospatial data, analytics, and 3D imagery.
Company Size: Maxar Technologies has 1,001-5,000 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Founded: Maxar Technologies was founded in 2015, with a history rooted in the aerospace and defense industry.
Company Description:
- Maxar Intelligence is a leading provider of secure, precise geospatial insights.
- Operating the most advanced commercial Earth observation constellation on orbit, Maxar uses the power of very high-resolution satellite imagery and AI-powered software platforms to deliver ground truth in near real-time.
- The company's secure products and services empower users to achieve mission success on Earth and in space, helping them keep nations safe, improve global navigation, protect our planet, speed up disaster response, and more.
Company Specialties:
- Satellites
- Earth imagery
- Geospatial data
- Analytics
- Artificial intelligence
- Remote sensing
- Geospatial platforms
- 3D imagery
Company Website: http://www.maxar.com/
ASSUMPTION: Maxar Technologies is a well-established company in the defense and space manufacturing industry, with a strong focus on innovation and technology.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the mid-level of the marketing and communications career path, requiring a balance of strategic thinking and tactical execution.
Reporting Structure: The Marketing & Communications Specialist – Creative will report directly to the Marketing & Communications Manager and collaborate with various stakeholders across the organization.
Work Arrangement: This is an on-site role based in Palo Alto, CA, with the possibility of occasional remote work based on project needs and team agreement.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential career progression into senior marketing or management roles within the marketing and communications department.
- Opportunities to work on diverse projects and gain experience in various aspects of marketing and communications.
- Possibility to expand skills and knowledge in emerging technologies and trends within the aerospace and defense industry.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within a dynamic and innovative organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Maxar Technologies' Palo Alto office is a modern, collaborative workspace with state-of-the-art technology and amenities.
Office Location(s): 3875 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, CA 94303, US
Geographic Context:
- Palo Alto is a city in Santa Clara County, California, with a population of approximately 68,572 (as of the 2020 census).
- The city is known for its high concentration of technology companies and venture capital firms, often referred to as the "Silicon Valley."
- Palo Alto offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with a median household income well above the national average.
Work Schedule: The typical work schedule for this role is Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility based on project needs and team agreement.
ASSUMPTION: Working in Palo Alto provides access to a vibrant tech industry, a diverse and educated workforce, and a high quality of life.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission through Maxar's Career page.
- Phone or video screening with the HR department.
- In-depth phone or video interview with the hiring manager and/or team members.
- On-site or virtual final interview with key stakeholders.
- Background check and reference check for the final candidate.
Key Assessment Areas:
- Portfolio and work samples demonstrating creative skills and problem-solving abilities.
- Interview questions focused on technical skills, industry knowledge, and cultural fit.
- Assessment of communication and collaboration skills through case studies or group exercises.
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role.
- Include a portfolio or link to your work samples, showcasing your design, photography, and videography skills.
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving abilities, creativity, and adaptability.
- Research Maxar Technologies and the aerospace and defense industry to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.
ATS Keywords: Graphic Design, Visual Storytelling, Content Development, Project Management, Photography, Videography, Technical Illustration, Adobe Creative Suite, Video Production, 3D Animation, Marketing, Communications, Brand Consistency, Campaign Development, Editing, Proofreading, Social Media
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their skills and experiences effectively.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Video Production and Animation tools such as: Premiere (After Effects, Media Encoder)
- 3D Animation and Rendering tools such as: Maxon Cinema 4D (Octane Renderer, Substance Painter), Blender, SketchUp
- Camera equipment and photo/video editing software
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in these tools and technologies is required for this role, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their skills during the interview process.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation: Maxar Technologies encourages creativity and continuous learning to drive progress and success.
- Collaboration: The company fosters a culture of teamwork and partnership to achieve common goals.
- Integrity: Maxar Technologies values honesty, transparency, and ethical decision-making in all aspects of its operations.
Work Style:
- Dynamic: The work environment is fast-paced and ever-changing, requiring adaptability and resilience.
- Creative: The role demands innovative thinking and problem-solving to tackle complex challenges.
- Collaborative: The position requires strong communication and teamwork skills to work effectively with various stakeholders.
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you approach translating complex technical concepts into visually appealing graphics?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timelines and quality control were met?
- How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and new technologies in graphic design and visual communications?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should carefully consider their fit with Maxar Technologies' values and work style, as well as their ability to thrive in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The role may require working on multiple projects simultaneously, with tight deadlines and high expectations for quality.
- The aerospace and defense industry can be complex and fast-paced, requiring candidates to quickly learn and adapt to new concepts and technologies.
- The on-site work arrangement may require commuting to the Palo Alto office, with potential traffic congestion and parking challenges.
- The competitive nature of the tech industry in Palo Alto may present challenges in attracting and retaining top talent.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to face these challenges and demonstrate their ability to thrive in a demanding and dynamic work environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to related roles in marketing and communications, this position places a stronger emphasis on graphic design and technical illustration skills.
- The aerospace and defense industry requires a unique understanding of complex technologies and their applications, which may not be necessary in other industries.
- Career progression in this role may lead to senior marketing or management positions within the marketing and communications department, with opportunities to specialize in specific areas such as brand management, campaign strategy, or digital marketing.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should carefully consider their fit with the unique requirements and career path of this role compared to similar positions in other industries.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive branding guide for a new product launch, including logo design, color scheme, and typography.
- Creating a series of infographics to explain complex technical concepts related to satellite technology and its applications.
- Designing and producing a promotional video for an upcoming trade show, showcasing the company's latest products and innovations.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and skills required for this role, providing candidates with an understanding of the diverse and challenging nature of the work.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the marketing and communications department?
- How does Maxar Technologies support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the company in the next 12-24 months, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?
- How does Maxar Technologies approach work-life balance, and what resources are available to support employees' well-being?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days, and how will success be measured?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates a candidate's interest in understanding the company's culture, values, and expectations for the role.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the Maxar Career page.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role, including examples of your design, photography, and videography work.
- Prepare a portfolio or link to your work samples, showcasing your creative skills and problem-solving abilities.
- Research Maxar Technologies and the aerospace and defense industry to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
