Playground Designer

On-site | De Soto, KS

Design the Places Where Kids Dream Big.

We’re on the hunt for a creative, detail-driven Playground Designer to join our growing family‑owned company. If you have a background in scenic design, interior design, or exhibit/theatrical drafting—and a passion for creating environments that spark imagination—you might be the perfect fit.

This is a hands‑on, collaborative role where design meets function. You’ll work closely with sales, fabrication, and marketing teams to turn ideas into inspiring, buildable playgrounds across the country.

• Design engaging playground layouts in AutoCAD, using site plans, client input, and manufacturer specs
• Produce 2D plans and 3D models for proposals, permitting, and construction
• Respond to RFPs and customer requests—partnering with sales reps to develop winning strategies
• Work with Sales Consultants on proposal development and project organization
• Assist with creating proposal and bid packages that are clean, modern, and compelling
• Design proposals with intent to win the project at targeted margins, meet company sales goals, and present upgrade paths (good, better, best)
• Create playground design templates to improve efficiency and consistency
• Consult with landscape architects to educate and align on feasible, profitable designs
• Collaborate with the Media Designer on renderings, videos, and digital proposal packages
• Direct physical and digital proposal formats with a 'Don’t Make Me Think' approach
• Maintain and expand a digital library of 2D/3D equipment blocks and design assets
• Partner with sales and operations to turn concepts into cost‑effective, buildable plans
• Support development of new tools and workflows to increase team capacity
• Stay current with ADA and playground safety standards
• Obtain CPSI (Certified Playground Safety Inspector) certification—training provided

• Proficiency in AutoCAD (2D required, 3D preferred)
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Strong sense of visual design and spatial planning
• Background in scenic, interior, exhibit, or landscape design
• Excellent organization, time management, and problem‑solving skills
• Confidence in presenting to clients or teams
• Familiarity with RFQs, RFPs, and bid processes

• Experience in the playground, landscape, or construction industries
• Knowledge of ADA accessibility standards
• Proficiency with rendering tools like Lumion