Join The Team!

We call ourselves The Team, because every product that leaves our building is a reflection of our entire team. We are a highly-skilled, hard-working, but fun, and supportive group. We are proudly drama-free and always working to improve our game.  We are looking for other skilled members to join The Team!

Current Openings

Sign Designer & Project Manager

About the Role

This role blends creative design, technical drafting, client communication, and hands-on collaboration with our production and installation teams.

You will create large-format designs and accurate technical drawings for monument signs, freestanding signs, and building-mounted signs used for permits, engineering, and fabrication.
If you enjoy design and also enjoy understanding how things are built, read on.

This is not a sit-behind-the-computer-all-day job. You will regularly move through our fabrication and vehicle wrap installation facility to collaborate with team members, troubleshoot issues, and ensure accuracy during production.

To get a behind-the-scenes look at how this role is woven into every stage of our projects coming together, head over to our blog to learn about A Day in the Life of A Designer, then come back to read more about whether you might be a good fit for us, and we for you.

Responsibilities

  • Create technical drawings for permitting, engineering, and production
  • Design vehicle wraps, murals, interior and exterior signage, and large-format graphics
  • Prepare preliminary layouts for estimating
  • Revise layouts based on client needs and brand guidelines
  • Collaborate with production and installation teams during fabrication
  • Communicate clearly with clients and internal team members
  • Ensure accuracy and quality throughout the entire design-to-installation process

Requirements

  • Experience designing signs and vehicle wraps
  • Ability to create technical drawings for signage
  • Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop
  • Excellent spelling, communication, and math skills
  • Ability to read a ruler to the 16th of an inch
  • Professional appearance: business-casual attire, no visible tattoos above the collar, no visible piercings other than earrings
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Ability to lift 35 pounds
  • Positive attitude and strong teamwork skills
  • On-site work required in Wilmington, NC

Compensation

We offer a tiered salary structure based on experience.

  • $43,000–$52,000 for early-career designers
  • $52,000–$62,000 for experienced designers with technical-drawing, project management and permitting experience

About Us

Port City Signs and Graphics is a full-service commercial sign and large-format graphics company founded in 1948 in Wilmington, NC. We produce exterior signage, vehicle wraps, interior branding, ADA signage, CNC-routed and dimensional signs, and large-scale commercial development signage.

We are growing and seeking a Sign Designer and Project Manager who enjoys both creative design and technical problem-solving.

Culture and Values

We hire and grow our team based on five core values:

Precision – We take pride in accuracy and craftsmanship.
Integrity – We communicate honestly and take responsibility for our work.
Partnership – We value strong relationships with clients, vendors, and community partners.
Innovation and Growth – We embrace learning and invest in the latest technology and top-tier equipment.
Teamwork – We support each other and problem-solve together to achieve shared success.

Benefits

  • Competitive pay
  • Full health-care package: medical, dental, vision
  • Simple IRA with company match
  • Short-term disability coverage
  • Company-paid life insurance
  • Paid holidays
  • Generous vacation after one year
  • Monday–Friday schedule with regular overtime opportunities

To Apply

You must complete the full application on Indeed to be considered.
Please include:

  • Your resume
  • A link to your portfolio or uploaded samples of work
  • Examples of vehicle wrap designs or large-format signage
  • Responses to all application questions
  • Responses to follow-up emailed questions (if requested)

Application Questions:

  • What interested you most about this job opportunity and prompted you to apply?
  • Why are you looking for a new job?
  • Please explain your experience working in or with the sign industry.
  • Why do you want to live in or continue living in the Greater Wilmington area?
  • Where do you see yourself in three years?
  • What do you like to do for fun?
  • Explain in detail your sign design experience.
Apply Now!
Commercial Signage Estimator & Bid Specialist

We’re growing and looking for an experienced, detail oriented estimator to join our sales and estimating team in Wilmington, NC.

This role is ideal for someone who has experience reading construction plans and bid documents, enjoys digging into details, and wants to grow into a specialized position focused on commercial construction bids for signage, wayfinding, ADA signage, and branding projects.

Important: This role begins with hands on time at our front desk and in customer service. We believe that being in the weeds early answering phones, talking with customers, and learning our internal processes is critical to becoming a strong, effective estimator and bid specialist long term.

If that sounds like a path you’d value, read on.

Does this sound like you?

You are comfortable reading construction plans, specifications, and bid documents.
You like understanding how things actually get built, not just how they look on paper.
You are detail oriented, organized, and calm under pressure.
You do not mind starting hands on to learn systems, customers, and workflows before stepping fully into a higher level role.
You communicate clearly and professionally with customers, contractors, and teammates.
You enjoy being part of a collaborative team and stepping in to help when needed.

What You’ll Do

In your first phase with us, you will
Work at the front desk as part of our customer service and estimating team
Answer phones and greet customers professionally, serving as a first impression for the company
Gather project details from walk in, phone, and email inquiries
Learn our products, processes, pricing structure, and production capabilities
Assist with basic estimates, invoicing, and job setup

As you grow into the role, you will increasingly
Review construction plans, specifications, and bid documents to identify signage scope
Monitor bid platforms to find commercial projects that are a good fit for our company
Perform quantity takeoffs for interior, exterior, ADA, and wayfinding signage
Develop accurate labor, material, fabrication, and installation estimates
Coordinate with sales, design, production, and installation teams to confirm pricing and scope
Prepare and submit complete, well organized bids by deadline
Track bids and support follow up with the sales team

What We’re Looking For

Required
Proven experience reading and interpreting construction plans and specifications
Estimating experience in commercial construction, signage, or a related trade
Strong attention to detail and accuracy
Solid math, organizational, and analytical skills
Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
Clear written and verbal communication skills
Willingness to be hands on early in the role and support front desk coverage as needed
Clean drug test and background check

Nice to have but not required
Experience with commercial signage, architectural specialties, or graphics
Familiarity with construction bid platforms
Knowledge of ADA signage requirements

Why This Role Is Different

We do not expect someone to walk in on day one knowing everything about our company or our customers. We do expect curiosity, professionalism, and a willingness to learn.

The front desk experience is not a detour. It is the foundation.The goal is to grow into a trusted estimator and bid specialist who understands our customers, our capabilities, and how projects move from first call to final install.

What We Offer

Competitive salary based on experience
Health, vision, and dental insurance
Retirement plan with employer match
Paid time off and holidays
A stable, collaborative work environment
Long term growth opportunity within an established, respected company

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $42,000.00 per year

Benefits:

  • 401(k) matching
  • AD&D insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

  • Please explain how/why you transitioned between each position on your resume.
  • Please explain your education in detail if it is not listed on your resume.
  • Please describe your estimating experience in detail.
  • Please describe your experience in the sign industry in detail. If you have no direct experience, explain how your experience would apply to sign estimating.
  • Where do you see yourself in 3 years?
  • What do you like to do for fun?
  • Why are you looking for a job or career change at this time?
  • What do you enjoy about estimating and job costing?
  • Greeting customers in person and answering customer calls is a key foundation of this role. Please explain your customer service experience.

Ability to Relocate:

  • Wilmington, NC 28405: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Apply Now!
Print Production Specialist

We’re growing and looking for a skilled, dependable Print Production Specialist to join our team in Wilmington, NC. If you have experience operating wide-format printers, or have strong, transferable technical or hardware-based experience, and enjoy hands-on work, problem-solving, and producing high-quality finished products, we’d love to talk.

Does this sound like you?

You enjoy hands-on, detail-oriented work and take pride in doing things the right way. You’re comfortable working with machinery, materials, and computers, you stay calm when something doesn’t go as planned, and you like being part of a team that works together to get quality work out the door.

If that sounds like you… read on.

What You’ll Do

On a typical day, you will:

  • Operate wide-format printers, including Epson S80600 eco-solvent printers and a SwissQ Nyala UV flatbed
  • Load and unload print materials and substrates used in daily production
  • Monitor print quality and make adjustments as needed to ensure accurate, consistent output
  • Perform routine cleaning, calibration, and basic operational troubleshooting of printing equipment
  • Review and prepare production files to ensure jobs are printed and cut correctly
  • Assist with CNC router setup and operation and run cut files (training provided)
  • Support finishing tasks as needed
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized print room
  • Work closely with production, design, and installation teams to meet schedules and quality standards

What You Need to Succeed

  • Experience in print production or a strong hands-on technical background (electronics, machinery, fabrication, manufacturing, etc.)
  • Mechanical aptitude and comfort working with equipment and tools
  • Attention to detail and pride in producing high-quality work
  • Ability to follow processes, troubleshoot issues, and ask questions when needed
  • Basic computer skills and comfort working with digital production files
  • Ability to safely lift and handle materials up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to stand, bend, reach, and move throughout the production area during the workday
  • A team-first attitude—dependable, professional, and willing to help where needed
  • Ability to pass a drug test and criminal background check

Preferred (But Not Required)

  • Experience with large-format or UV printers
  • Familiarity with RIP software or print production workflows
  • CNC router or digital fabrication experience
  • Sign, graphics, or manufacturing environment experience

Why Work With Us

Port City Signs & Graphics is a 75-year-old, locally owned business built on craftsmanship, precision, and teamwork. We maintain a positive, collaborative, drama-free environment where people genuinely enjoy working together.

We offer:

  • Competitive pay ($17-$21/hr depending on experience)
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Five paid holidays
  • Retirement plan with company match
  • Paid vacation after one year
  • Opportunities for overtime
  • A stable, supportive workplace with room to grow

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM, with occasional evening or weekend work.

To Apply (Required)

Applications must include:

  • Cover Letter – Tell us about your experience and why you’re a strong fit
  • Resume
  • Answers to all questions listed with the application and any follow-up email questions

Incomplete applications will not be considered.
No phone calls, please.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.00 – $21.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

  • What about this job opportunity interests you most and prompted you to apply?
  • Why are you looking for a new job at this time?
  • What do you like to do for fun in your off time?
  • Please describe the reasons you transitioned from each job on your resume.
  • What what your favorite job thus far and why?
  • Where would you like to be personally and professionally in three years?
  • Why do you live or would you like to live in Wilmington, NC?
  • Please explain in detail your wide format printer operation experience or any applicable experience.
  • Please describe in detail your experience working with graphic files and rip software in a print production?
  • Please describe your education background if it is not listed on your resume.

License/Certification:

  • Driver’s License (Required)

Location:

  • Wilmington, NC 28405 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

  • Wilmington, NC 28405: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Apply Now!