Type Designer

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Job Description

Responsibilities

Major Responsibilities:

• Design typefaces using original artwork (drawings, examples of writing) or modify existing fonts to create needed fonts for both Latin and non-Latin writing systems.
• Design all required glyphs for a script. Work with the Script Engineer in font encoding issues
• Consult with the Script Expert (usually from the field) to ensure proper font appearance, appropriate letter spacing and diacritic placement
• Test fonts as a member of a group of testers
• Synthesize and communicate needs and research
• Articulate design decisions
• Participate as an integral and enthusiastic part of the team, exhibiting ownership, follow-through, initiative, awareness, and effective communication with peers and management.
• Work with the team around a cohesive product roadmap

Minor Responsibilities:

• Propose refinements to processes and systems for design and user research
• Contribute to the development of team culture
• Participate in regular project status, planning, partnership, and strategic meetings
• Be available to travel to meet with the larger development team at least once per year
• Be available to travel biannually to the Language Technology Conference
• Participate in professional conferences and meetings

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• A servant heart attitude
• Demonstrated skills in type design
• Good interpersonal skills of communication
• Good organizational skills
• The ability to make decisions in a timely manner
• The ability to work both with a team and independently, and to multitask effectively

Aptitude and Interests

We are looking for someone with a genuine interest in the world's scripts and languages, coupled with a sound knowledge of font design. You need to have good attention to detail and a willingness to expend time and effort on research and experimentation in order to develop high quality fonts for the world's scripts and languages.

You will be joining a team with a wealth of knowledge and experience, so you need to be a good team player, eager to learn from others and willing to share and document what you have learned.

Education and Experience:

Type Designers should have proficiency in current font design tools, such as Glyphs, Robofont, FontLab. A Bachelor's degree in graphic arts, computer graphics, or equivalent work experience is preferred, but we care more for a heart and mind that are always learning. Sociolinguistic exposure and multicultural experience are helpful.

Training and Orientation:

Will complete the initial IT Software Department training program and relevant portions of IT Orientation.