Freelance Graphic Designer

RKS Design – Thousand Oaks, CA

Freelance / Contract | In-Office

About RKS Design

RKS Design is a global innovation and product-development firm with over 40 years of experience delivering breakthrough solutions across consumer, medical, industrial, and digital categories. We blend human-centered design, business strategy, engineering, and our proprietary Psycho-Aesthetics® methodology to create products, services, and experiences that resonate emotionally and perform commercially. Our team works end-to-end, from insight and strategy to design, engineering, and go-to-market execution.

Job Summary

We are seeking a mid-level Graphic Designer to consult on a freelance basis with our creative team. You will shape how products look and communicate, from packaging and on-product graphics to brand identity, presentations, and marketing materials. You'll work closely with Industrial Design, UX, Strategy, and Marketing to ensure every touchpoint tells a cohesive story for both our clients and RKS.

You will apply Psycho-Aesthetics® (P/A), RKS’s proprietary human-centered design strategy methodology, alongside Eydora, our AI-powered strategy and decision-support platform, to turn research into clear design direction. This requires looking beyond usability to understand how an experience builds confidence, expresses identity, earns trust, and helps people achieve their goals.(eydora.ai)

What You'll Do

Design brand identities, logos, and visual systems for client products and brands.
Create packaging, labeling, and on-product graphics (CMF and graphics overlays, icons, user interface graphics, instructions for use) in close collaboration with Industrial Design and Engineering.
Produce high-quality client presentations, design boards, and pitch materials that clearly communicate concepts and strategy.
Design marketing assets for RKS, including website graphics, social media, case studies, award submissions, email campaigns, and trade show materials.
Prepare production-ready files and work with printers and vendors to ensure accurate color, materials, and finish.
Maintain and evolve brand guidelines for RKS and client brands.
Participate in brainstorming sessions and design reviews, providing creative direction and constructive feedback.

Engagement Details

Freelance / Contract
Project-based engagement
In office, Thousand Oaks, CA

Requirements

What We're Looking For

Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a related field.
5+ years of professional graphic design experience, ideally within a design agency or consultancy.
Strong portfolio showing brand identity, packaging, and presentation / layout work.
Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign); Figma experience preferred.
Strong typography, layout, and color skills with excellent attention to detail.
Experience preparing files for print and production, including packaging dielines.
Strong communication skills and comfort collaborating with designers, engineers, and clients.
Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience with product graphics, packaging, or CMF for physical products
Motion graphics or video editing (After Effects, Premiere) a plus
Basic 3D rendering (KeyShot or similar) a plus
Consulting / Agency experience is highly preferred