Graphic Designer 1 - 28904

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer 1

Company: HII's Mission Technologies division

Location: Arlington, Virginia, United States

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Government & Public Sector / Technology

Date Posted: June 09, 2026

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This entry-level Graphic Designer role focuses on supporting the Department of War (DoW) Chief Information Officer (CIO) by creating compelling visual communications for telecommunications and spectrum policy initiatives.

• The position requires proficiency in industry-standard design software, strong communication, and organizational skills to manage multiple tasks within a structured environment.

• Successful candidates will contribute to visual storytelling and conceptualization, translating complex information into clear and impactful graphic presentations.

• The role is integral to the Warfare Systems business group within HII's Mission Technologies division, emphasizing a collaborative and ownership-driven approach to mission success.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary focus is graphic design, the context of supporting a CIO and dealing with telecommunications/spectrum policy suggests a need for understanding how visual design can communicate technical or policy-related information effectively. The "Entry Level" designation indicates a focus on foundational skills and a willingness to learn, rather than extensive prior experience in a specific domain.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceive, design, lay out, and coordinate editorial illustrations and creative artwork to visually communicate various initiatives and priorities.

• Develop interpretive themes and visual concepts that effectively convey ideas, information, and mood to target audiences.

• Create high-impact graphic presentations that communicate mood, emphasis, insight, viewpoint, and other visual impressions for leadership and stakeholders.

• Provide guidance on graphic technology best practices and applications relevant to project needs.

• Work closely with leaders to understand requirements and create cost-efficient graphic designs using available mediums.

• Produce computer graphic services for web artwork, ensuring visual consistency and brand alignment.

• Manage multiple design tasks simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery within a structured project environment.

• Collaborate with team members to brainstorm ideas, refine designs, and ensure project objectives are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design execution and strategic visual communication. The emphasis on "cost efficient" designs and working with "available mediums" suggests a practical approach to design within potentially resource-constrained environments, common in government contracting.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Associate degree (AA) in a related discipline, or a High School Diploma with 3 years of relevant experience. Experience:

• Entry-level position, with 0-2 years of experience preferred.

• HS diploma with 3 years of related experience may substitute for an Associate degree.

• No prior spectrum or telecommunications experience is required. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Strong command of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for document integration and presentation creation.

• Excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail for managing design elements and project timelines.

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, for collaborating with stakeholders and articulating design concepts.

• Collaborative team player mentality, eager to learn and contribute to team objectives.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a structured environment. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with web artwork and digital design platforms.

• Familiarity with visual storytelling techniques for technical or policy-related content.

• Basic understanding of telecommunications or spectrum policy concepts (though not required).

• Experience in a government contracting or defense industry environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Entry Level" combined with "AA or 2 year technical degree" or "HS and 3 years" points to a candidate in the early stages of their graphic design career. The required skills are standard for graphic design roles, with a specific mention of the need for strong organizational and communication abilities, crucial for supporting a high-level CIO office.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of graphic design projects, including editorial illustrations, creative artwork, and presentation designs.

• Demonstrations of conceptual thinking and the ability to visually communicate ideas and information effectively.

• Examples of web artwork or digital design assets.

• Evidence of strong layout design and visual hierarchy skills.

• Projects that illustrate the ability to work within defined project parameters and potentially budget constraints. Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated, candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, from initial concept development and client brief interpretation to final delivery.

• Be ready to explain how you manage feedback and revisions to ensure client satisfaction.

• Ability to articulate the rationale behind design choices and how they meet specific project objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role, the portfolio is paramount. It should emphasize foundational design skills, creativity, and the ability to translate concepts into visual form. The focus is less on complex system implementation and more on the core design process and output quality.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $54,837.00 - $78,000.00 per year.

Benefits:

• Best-in-class medical, dental, and vision plan choices.

• Wellness resources.

• Employee Assistance Programs.

• 401(k) Savings Plan Options.

• Financial planning tools.

• Life insurance.

• Employee discounts.

• Paid holidays.

• Paid time off.

• Tuition reimbursement.

• Early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships.

• Potential for bonuses or other non-recurrent compensation (if applicable, discussed by recruiter).

Working Hours: 40 hours per week (Full Time/Hourly/Non-Exempt).

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate. HII's Mission Technologies division considers various factors, including candidate education, training, work experience, and key skills, when extending offers. The benefits package is comprehensive, covering health, financial planning, and educational support, which are attractive for entry-level professionals seeking long-term career development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Defense & Government Contracting, Technology, Cyber Operations, C5ISR, Electronic Warfare.

Company Size: HII's Mission Technologies division is a substantial group, with the overall company being one of America's top large employers. The division itself comprises over 7,000 professionals globally. This size indicates a robust organizational structure with opportunities for growth and diverse projects.

Founded: HII (Huntington Ingalls Industries) has a long history, with its Mission Technologies division focusing on modern defense needs. The company emphasizes a values-driven, ethics-driven, and people-first approach.

Team Structure:

• The role resides within the Warfare Systems (WS) business group, which focuses on cyber and mission IT, electronic warfare, and C5ISR systems.

• The Graphic Designer will support the Department of War (DoW) CIO office, implying close collaboration with IT and potentially policy-focused teams.

• Reporting structure is to EMSEPP leaders, who will provide project requirements. Methodology:

• HII emphasizes a "Leadership Mindset" across its Mission Technologies division, focusing on people development, relationship building, ownership, customer focus, shaping the future, and acting with urgency.

• The company is undergoing a "data evolution," aiming to accelerate national security solutions. This suggests an environment that values data-driven insights and technological advancement.

• Design work will support initiatives related to telecommunications and spectrum policy, requiring clear and effective visual communication.

Company Website: https://www.hii.com/our-businesses/mission-technologies/

📝 Enhancement Note: HII's Mission Technologies division operates within a critical sector of national security. The company culture emphasizes leadership at all levels, continuous improvement, and a strong focus on supporting government missions. The context of supporting a CIO office implies a professional, structured, and mission-oriented environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an "Entry Level" Graphic Designer (Graphic Designer 1) position. It is designed for individuals at the beginning of their professional careers, focusing on developing core design skills and gaining experience within a large, established organization.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to EMSEPP leaders and will work closely with them to understand requirements and create designs. This indicates a direct reporting line within the Warfare Systems group, with potential interactions with broader DoW CIO stakeholders.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role, the graphic designer's impact is significant in enabling effective communication of complex technical and policy initiatives for the DoW CIO. Strong visual communication can influence understanding, decision-making, and the perception of the CIO's priorities and achievements.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to hone graphic design skills, particularly in areas relevant to government/defense sectors, and gain experience with Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office in a professional context.

• Domain Knowledge: Potential to learn about telecommunications, spectrum policy, C5ISR, and cyber operations through project exposure.

• Career Progression: Potential to advance to higher Graphic Designer levels (e.g., Graphic Designer 2, Senior Graphic Designer) within HII based on performance and experience.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working with various stakeholders across different departments and potentially government agencies.

• Learning Resources: Access to tuition reimbursement, scholarships, and internal training programs offered by HII.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Graphic Designer 1 typically involves mastering core competencies, taking on more complex projects, and potentially specializing. HII's commitment to education and development provides a strong foundation for career progression within the company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Arlington, VA, and is described as an "office or industrial environment." This suggests a professional office setting with potential for site visits or surveys.

Office Location(s): Arlington, Virginia, United States. This location offers proximity to government agencies and a significant defense contractor presence.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment is described as structured, requiring collaboration and attention to detail.

• Candidates must be capable of performing site surveys, which may involve physical activity like climbing ladders and tolerating confined spaces or temperature variances, indicating potential for on-site work or client facility visits.

• Access to necessary design tools (computers, software) will be provided.

• Opportunities for team interaction and collaboration with EMSEPP leaders and other project members.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week. While the role is on-site, the company culture emphasizes flexibility and learning, suggesting a supportive work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of "site surveys" and physical requirements (climbing ladders, confined spaces) is unusual for a pure graphic designer role and suggests potential fieldwork or a hybrid office/field support capacity, possibly related to understanding the context of the initiatives being designed for. This aspect should be clarified during the application process.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative output.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: Potential interview or exercise focusing on graphic design skills, software proficiency (Adobe Creative Suite), and problem-solving abilities.

• Behavioral Interview: Discussion around collaboration, communication, ownership, and how candidates align with HII's Leadership Mindset.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely present and discuss their portfolio, explaining their design process, choices, and the impact of their work.

• Final Interview: May involve stakeholders from the DoW CIO office or EMSEPP leadership to assess fit and understanding of project requirements.

• Security Clearance Process: Eligibility to obtain a Secret Clearance is a mandatory requirement.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Variety: Include examples of illustrations, presentations, and web graphics.

• Highlight Process: Be prepared to walk through your design process for key projects, explaining your rationale and how you addressed client needs.

• Quantify Impact (If Possible): Even for entry-level roles, discussing how your designs achieved a specific goal (e.g., improved clarity, increased engagement) is beneficial.

• Tailor to Context: If possible, include projects that demonstrate an ability to communicate technical or policy information visually.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for a potential design challenge that assesses your ability to create a graphic based on a given brief, under time constraints.

• Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely.

• Prepare to discuss how you handle feedback and revisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "Leadership Mindset" means interviewers will look for candidates who demonstrate initiative, collaboration, and a commitment to the mission. The portfolio is the primary tool for demonstrating design capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for graphic design, illustration, and layout. Specific applications likely include:

  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing and manipulation.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
  • Adobe InDesign: For layout and page design, crucial for presentations and reports.

• Microsoft Office Suite:

  • PowerPoint: For creating presentations where graphic elements will be integrated.

  • Word: For incorporating graphics into documents.

  • Excel: Potentially for data visualization if simple charts/graphs are needed. Analytics & Reporting: Not directly applicable for this role, as it's focused on creation rather than analysis. However, understanding how graphics are used in reports and presentations implies an awareness of reporting needs.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to this role's core functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is paramount. Familiarity with Microsoft Office is also a hard requirement, indicating that designs will need to be seamlessly integrated into standard business documents and presentations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer First: A core value, emphasizing focus on the mission and serving stakeholders, which includes the DoW CIO office.

• Take Ownership: Encourages individuals to deliver on commitments and take pride in their work, crucial for meeting design deadlines and quality expectations.

• Shape the Future: Promotes curiosity and continuous improvement, suggesting an environment where designers can contribute ideas and evolve their skills.

• Build Relationships: Stresses open communication and collaboration, vital for working effectively within a team and with clients.

• Know & Grow Your People: Focuses on learning and supporting team success, indicating a supportive and developmental work environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a collaborative environment where designers work with leaders (EMSEPP) and potentially other team members to understand requirements and refine designs.

• Open communication is key, given the emphasis on building relationships.

• The culture encourages initiative and proactive problem-solving ("Act with Urgency").

📝 Enhancement Note: HII's "Leadership Mindset" framework shapes the company culture. For a graphic designer, this means being a proactive, communicative, and mission-focused team member who takes ownership of their creative output.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Technical Concepts: The primary challenge will be visually communicating potentially complex telecommunications and spectrum policy information in an accessible and engaging manner.

• Balancing Creative Freedom with Constraints: Working within a government contracting environment often involves adhering to specific brand guidelines, technical requirements, and budget limitations.

• Meeting Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Supporting a CIO office means catering to various audiences, requiring adaptable design approaches.

• Physical Demands: The requirement for site surveys, if applicable, may present a physical challenge for some candidates.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to specialize in government/defense design or specific types of visual communication (e.g., infographics, data visualization).

• Industry Exposure: Gain insight into the defense sector, cybersecurity, and IT policy.

• Formal Training: Access to tuition reimbursement and scholarships for continued education.

• Mentorship: Potential to learn from more experienced designers or leaders within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a unique opportunity to apply graphic design skills in a high-impact national security context, pushing candidates to develop strong visual communication strategies for complex subject matter.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Walk me through your process for creating a presentation graphic from brief to final delivery." Expect to discuss your approach to understanding requirements, ideation, design execution, and feedback integration.

• Problem-Solving: "How would you visually represent a complex telecommunications policy concept to a non-technical audience?" Prepare to use an example from your portfolio or a hypothetical scenario.

• Collaboration: "Describe a time you had to collaborate with a team or stakeholder to achieve a design outcome. What was your role, and how did you ensure alignment?" Focus on communication and teamwork.

Company & Culture Questions:

• HII Values: "How do you embody the 'Customer First' or 'Take Ownership' principle in your work?" Be ready to connect your work ethic and design philosophy to HII's leadership framework.

• Adaptability: "How do you handle feedback or constructive criticism on your designs?" This assesses your ability to iterate and improve.

• Motivation: "Why are you interested in supporting the Department of War CIO office and HII's Mission Technologies division?" Show genuine interest in the company's mission.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically. Start with your strongest or most relevant pieces.

• Storytelling: For each project, explain the objective, your role, the challenges you faced, your design process, and the outcome.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your digital portfolio is easy to navigate and visually appealing.

• Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the specific software and techniques you used.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time during the presentation and focus on key highlights.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will assess not only your design skills but also your potential to fit into HII's culture and contribute to their mission. Demonstrating enthusiasm, a proactive attitude, and a clear understanding of their values will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the HII jobs portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples of editorial illustrations, presentation designs, and any web artwork. Tailor your presentation to highlight how you can visually communicate complex information.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your experience with Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office. Quantify achievements where possible, and emphasize organizational, communication, and teamwork skills relevant to an entry-level role.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and rationale for design choices. Prepare to discuss how you align with HII's "Leadership Mindset" values. Be ready to present and discuss your portfolio with confidence.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with HII's Mission Technologies division, its work in defense and technology, and the company's core values and leadership principles. Understand the context of supporting a CIO office.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.