The Senior Technical Illustrator will be responsible for creating Installation Sheets of aftermarket truck accessories, using a variety of software programs. This will include creating the technical illustrations, layouts, and formatting of textual instructions (including multilingual translations from 3rd party sources) for the complete publication of Installation Sheets, Instruction Manuals, Operator Instructions, etc. This position will also work closely with graphic design and mentor the Technical Designers on best practices when using 3D tools to create illustrations.

Core Functions

Produce Technical Illustrations:
Create precise, 2D and 3D line-art drawings using industry-standard software, based on engineering requests and the Sr. Graphic Designer’s directives.
Develop illustrations for product instructions, installation sheets, and technical documents tailored to the needs of truck accessory enthusiasts.
Design Installation Sheets:
Use Adobe InDesign to craft visually clear and professional installation sheets by integrating illustrations, product details, and existing template layouts.
Continuously refine and innovate layout designs to enhance clarity and user experience.
Collaborate with Cross-Functional Teams:
Lead collaborative efforts with Design Engineers, Program Managers, Marketing, OEM Customers, Technicians, and Sales to ensure accuracy, consistency, and user-friendliness of all deliverables.
Participate in collaborative reviews to refine content and align project goals.
Project and Asset Management:
Take ownership of project tracking and deadlines using the team’s project management software, ensuring efficient workflows and timely delivery of all materials.
Maintain a well-organized file structure for all work to ensure efficiency and accessibility across teams.
Support the Industrial Design Team:
Collaborate with the Design Team on projects, contributing expertise and innovation to elevate overall output.
Contribute to additional design projects and team efforts, bringing creativity and precision to every initiative.
Support the graphic design team:
Revise technical details of iSheets.
Help catalog and organize iSheets to include both legacy and current.
Mentor Technical Illustrators in gaining 3D illustration skills:
Support Technical Illustrators in the process of becoming proficient in utilizing Solidworks or Rhino for Illustration purposes.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education and Experience

Associates degree in technical drafting or illustration preferred or applicable work experience in lieu of a degree is required.
Portfolio or samples of work required with application required.
5+ years’ experience working in technical illustration, preferably within a product development or automotive accessories context is required.
Graphic Design experience a plus.
Basic SolidWorks or Rhino experience a plus.

Skills, Abilities, And Knowledge

Knowledge of 2D or 3D modeling software preferred.
Knowledge of technical documentation, including Installation Manuals, Operator Instructions, etc.
Skilled in Adobe Suite.
Skilled in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.
Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
Ability to write, speak, and comprehend English.
Ability to find solutions and deal proactively with problems.
Ability to be highly detail oriented.
Ability to meet project deadlines.

Travel

Ability to travel locally (Metro-Detroit) and domestically on rare occasions. Travel is estimated to be on rare occasions, once or twice per year.

COMPETENCIES

Adaptability – Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
Design – Generates creative solutions; Translates concepts and information into images; Uses feedback to modify designs; Applies design principles; Demonstrates attention to detail.
Interpersonal Skills – Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
Judgement – Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
Quality – Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
Teamwork – Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to other views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Supports everyone’s efforts to succeed.

Supervisor Responsibilities

Individual Contributor: working team member with no oversight of others and no management responsibilities.

Physical Requirements

This position is subject to Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involved sitting most of the time. Walking and standing are required only occasionally.

Physical Activities

This position is subject to the following physical activities: standing, walking, talking, and hearing.

Visual Acuity

The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; expansive reading; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts and/or operation of machines (including inspection); using measurement devices; and/or assembly of fabrication of parts at distances close to the eyes.

Working Conditions

This position primarily operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment.

Perks That Go The Extra Mile

At RealTruck, we take care of our people—because they drive our success. Enjoy great benefits like medical, dental, and vision coverage, company-paid life insurance and disability, and a 401(k) with company match (eligible the first of the month after you start). Need balance? We’ve got wellbeing days and parental leave. Want to grow? Take advantage of educational reimbursement. Plus, earn referral bonuses and score exclusive employee discounts on RealTruck products. Great benefits. Great people. Even better careers.

RealTruck is the premier manufacturer and digital destination of accessories for truck, Jeep®, Bronco® and off-road enthusiasts around the world. Globally headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, RealTruck’s 6,000+ associates operate from 35+ facilities across four continents. RealTruck’s industry leading product portfolio, which includes the Husky Liners total vehicle protection brand, boasts over 1,000 patents and pending applications. The company’s omni-channel retail approach delivers a seamless consumer experience online at RealTruck.com, as well as through its 12,000+ dealer network and automotive (OEM) partnerships.