Graphic Designer

ASRC Federal
Full-timeβ€’Huntsville, United States

πŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: ASRC Federal

Location: Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Media / Government Contracting

Date Posted: 2026-08-10T04:00:00

Experience Level: Mid-level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • Responsible for creating high-impact visual assets and multimedia content for government clients, requiring strong graphic design principles and technical proficiency.

  • Key focus on translating complex technical and strategic information into clear, engaging visual narratives that meet client objectives and adhere to strict brand and accessibility standards.

  • Requires active participation in a collaborative team environment, working alongside writers, developers, and other media specialists to deliver comprehensive visual solutions.

  • Emphasis on meticulous attention to detail, efficient workflow management, and adherence to rigorous quality assurance protocols within a fast-paced production setting.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a Graphic Designer supporting government contracting within the defense sector, demanding not only creative skills but also adherence to government standards and security protocols. The "G6" designation for the U.S. Army Contracting Command (ACC) CIO G6 implies a focus on information technology and digital transformation within military operations, suggesting the visual assets will likely support these initiatives.

πŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Conceptualize and design a wide range of visual materials, including but not limited to posters, presentations, infographics, web graphics, social media assets, and potentially animated content, ensuring high aesthetic quality and effective communication.

  • Translate complex technical concepts, project briefs, and client requirements into visually compelling and easily understandable graphics, demonstrating strong visual storytelling and layout composition skills.

  • Collaborate closely with writers, web developers, multimedia specialists, and government stakeholders to interpret project needs, provide design recommendations, and ensure visual consistency across all deliverables.

  • Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and meeting tight deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced production environment while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.

  • Ensure all design outputs strictly adhere to established brand guidelines, organizational design standards, and government accessibility requirements (e.g., Section 508 compliance) for print and digital mediums.

  • Maintain organized digital files, implement effective version control practices, and conduct thorough quality assurance checks on final deliverables to guarantee accuracy and polish.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The original listing emphasizes "Creative & Conceptual Skills," "Collaboration & Communication," and "Organization & Workflow." These have been expanded into specific, actionable responsibilities that reflect the day-to-day tasks and expected outcomes for a graphic designer in this specialized government contracting environment. The mention of ACC CIO G6 suggests a need for designs that communicate IT strategy, cybersecurity, or digital modernization efforts.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Multimedia, or a related field. Equivalent professional experience will also be considered.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of professional design experience, with a strong preference for experience in government, corporate, or multimedia production environments.

Required Skills:

  • Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite, with a deep understanding of Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for creating and manipulating visual assets.

  • Demonstrated ability to design for both print and digital mediums, encompassing posters, presentations, infographics, web graphics, and social media assets.

  • Strong portfolio showcasing a diverse range of print and digital design work, illustrating creative and conceptual skills in visual storytelling, layout, and composition.

  • Proficiency in translating complex concepts into clear, engaging visuals and working effectively within established brand guidelines and government/organizational design standards.

  • Familiarity with Section 508 compliance and accessibility standards to ensure all digital designs are usable by individuals with disabilities.

  • Excellent time management skills, with a proven ability to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced production environment and manage project workflows efficiently.

  • Solid understanding of file organization and version control for collaborative workflows, coupled with meticulous attention to detail for quality assurance. Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro or similar, and proficiency in creating motion graphics.

  • Photography skills, including image capture, editing, and post-processing.

  • Previous experience working within a government or military contracting environment, understanding its unique requirements and protocols.

  • Familiarity with UI/UX design principles for web and application interfaces, contributing to user-centered design solutions.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The original qualifications have been structured to clearly delineate required versus preferred skills, providing a more actionable guide for candidates. The emphasis on Adobe Creative Cloud is maintained, and specific software like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign are highlighted. The requirement for an active Secret clearance is a critical qualification and is addressed in a separate section for prominence.

πŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A comprehensive portfolio that clearly demonstrates a range of print and digital design projects, showcasing versatility in style and application.

  • Include case studies or examples that highlight the process of translating complex concepts into effective visual solutions, emphasizing problem-solving and creative thinking.

  • Demonstrate proficiency in using industry-standard design software, particularly Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), through the quality and complexity of presented work.

  • Showcase adherence to brand guidelines and accessibility standards (Section 508 compliance) in at least a few key portfolio pieces, if applicable. Process Documentation:

  • Be prepared to discuss your design process from initial brief interpretation to final deliverable, including conceptualization, iteration, and feedback incorporation.

  • Highlight your experience with workflow management, file organization, and version control in collaborative environments, especially when working with teams or government clients.

  • Demonstrate an understanding of quality assurance processes in design production, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to project specifications.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Given the nature of design work, a strong portfolio is paramount. This section emphasizes not just the final output but the underlying process and systems thinking required for effective design execution in a professional setting, particularly for government contracts where process and compliance are critical.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: While a specific salary range is not provided, for a Graphic Designer with 3+ years of experience and an active Secret clearance in the Redstone Arsenal, AL area, the estimated annual salary range is typically between $60,000 and $85,000. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in government contracting and the Huntsville, AL metropolitan area, considering the specialized security clearance requirement which often commands a premium.

Benefits:

  • Comprehensive Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to cover health and wellness needs.

  • Life and Disability Coverage: Life insurance, as well as short-term and long-term disability insurance, to provide financial security.

  • Retirement Savings: A 401(k) plan with a generous company match and immediate vesting, facilitating long-term financial planning.

  • Paid Time Off: Generous policies including paid bereavement leave, military obligations leave, parental leave, and 11 paid holidays annually.

  • Professional Development: Eligibility for a professional development program after 90 days, including annual funding for pursuing degrees, obtaining certifications, and attending industry conferences.

  • Employee Referral Bonuses: Incentives for referring successful candidates to ASRC Federal.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week, with an expectation of on-site presence. The nature of government contracting may occasionally require flexibility to meet project deadlines.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The provided benefits are excellent and align with industry standards for government contractors. The salary estimate is based on general market data for the specified role, location, and experience level, with the added factor of the Secret clearance requirement. The "work environment" section notes the role is 100% on-site, reinforcing the "On-site" status.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: Government Contracting, specializing in space, public health, and defense missions. ASRC Federal is an Alaska Native-owned corporation, which influences its corporate values and mission.

Company Size: ASRC Federal is a large organization, indicated by its significant presence in government contracting and its broad range of services. This size typically offers stability and ample opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

Founded: ASRC Federal operates as a subsidiary of Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC), an Alaska Native corporation. The founding of ASRC itself dates back to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971, implying a long-standing commitment to its shareholders and employees. This heritage shapes a culture of stewardship, teamwork, and integrity.

Team Structure:

  • The Graphic Designer will be part of the ASRC Federal Technology Solutions LLC team, supporting the U.S. Army Contracting Command (ACC) CIO G6. This suggests integration into a larger project team composed of various technical and media specialists.

  • The reporting structure will likely involve a project manager or team lead within the ASRC Federal organization, with direct oversight from government customer representatives.

  • Cross-functional collaboration is a core aspect of this role, requiring close interaction with writers, web developers, and other multimedia team members to ensure cohesive project delivery. Methodology:

  • Data-Driven Design: While primarily a creative role, design decisions are expected to be informed by client objectives, user needs, and adherence to established standards, reflecting a data-informed approach.

  • Agile Workflow Principles: The fast-paced production environment and need for collaboration suggest an adoption of agile-like methodologies for project management and iterative design processes.

  • Compliance and Standardization: A critical operational methodology involves strict adherence to government regulations, brand guidelines, and accessibility standards (Section 508), ensuring all deliverables meet stringent requirements.

Company Website: https://www.asrcfederal.com/

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The company culture is strongly influenced by its Alaska Native ownership, emphasizing values like stewardship, teamwork, integrity, respect, accountability, and continuous improvement. This is a key differentiator and should be considered by candidates. The specific client (ACC CIO G6) implies a focus on IT and defense-related visual communication needs.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-level for a Graphic Designer. It requires a solid foundation of 3+ years of professional experience and the ability to work independently on assigned tasks while also collaborating effectively within a team. The need for an active Secret clearance indicates a level of trust and responsibility within a government contracting framework.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a project lead or manager within ASRC Federal, who will likely manage client relations and overall project delivery. They will work under the guidance of government customer representatives for specific project requirements and approvals.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the clarity and effectiveness of communication for critical government missions, particularly within the ACC CIO G6's purview. High-quality visual assets are essential for conveying information, training materials, strategic initiatives, and reports, influencing decision-making and operational efficiency for the U.S. Army.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas such as infographics, web graphics, motion graphics, or UI/UX design through project experience and company-provided training.

  • Skill Advancement: The company offers a professional development program with annual funding for further education, certifications, and conference attendance, enabling continuous learning and skill enhancement in graphic design and related multimedia fields.

  • Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success and experience, there may be opportunities to move into senior designer roles, lead design projects, or mentor junior designers within the ASRC Federal structure, particularly within project teams supporting government clients.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The growth analysis focuses on how a graphic designer can evolve within a large government contracting firm, emphasizing specialization, continuous learning facilitated by the company's development programs, and potential leadership pathways. The "operations impact" is framed in terms of how design contributes to the client's mission success.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This position is 100% on-site at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. This implies a professional office environment within a government facility or a contractor-provided facility adjacent to it.

Office Location(s): Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. This is a major U.S. Army installation known for its research, development, and engineering activities, particularly in missile defense and aviation.

Workspace Context:

  • The workspace will likely be a collaborative office environment, fostering interaction with other media developers, writers, and project team members. Access to necessary hardware and software will be provided.

  • Expect access to standard office technology, including high-performance workstations, dual monitors, and licensed Adobe Creative Cloud software. Internet connectivity will be essential for collaboration and access to project resources.

  • Opportunities for direct interaction with the government customer and other ASRC Federal teams will be present, facilitating clear communication and project alignment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. While core hours may be established, flexibility might be required to meet critical project deadlines or specific client needs, common in government contracting environments.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "100% on-site" is crucial. Redstone Arsenal's context as a defense hub is important for understanding the types of projects and the security-conscious environment the designer will be working within.

πŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: Likely an HR screening to verify basic qualifications, including clearance status and years of experience.

  • Technical Interview: This stage will focus on assessing design skills, software proficiency, and problem-solving abilities. Expect questions related to your design process, handling feedback, and creative problem-solving.

  • Portfolio Review: A critical part of the interview where you will present your portfolio. Be prepared to walk through selected projects, explaining your role, design rationale, challenges, and the outcomes.

  • Behavioral/Team Fit Interview: Questions assessing your ability to collaborate, communicate effectively, manage time, and align with ASRC Federal's core values (stewardship, teamwork, integrity, respect, accountability, continuous improvement).

  • Government Customer Interaction (Potentially): Depending on the project, there might be an opportunity for the government client to meet candidates to assess fit and understanding of their mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest projects that best represent the skills required for this role (print, digital, infographics, potentially motion graphics).

  • Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the design process, your creative decisions, the tools used, and the final outcome or impact. Quantify results where possible.

  • Highlight Government/Technical Relevance: If you have projects that involved government clients, complex technical subjects, or adhered to strict guidelines, feature them prominently.

  • Prepare for Section 508: Be ready to discuss your understanding of accessibility standards and how you incorporate them into your designs.

  • Be Professional and Concise: Present your work clearly and professionally, respecting time limits.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Be prepared for a potential design challenge, which could involve creating a visual asset based on a hypothetical brief or critiquing an existing design.

  • Focus on demonstrating your understanding of the brief, your creative approach, and your ability to articulate your design decisions clearly and concisely.

  • Practice presenting your thought process and justifying your design choices, even under time constraints.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice tailored to a graphic design role, emphasizing the portfolio as a primary assessment tool. The inclusion of government client context and specific considerations like Section 508 compliance are crucial for preparation.

πŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Adobe Creative Cloud: Expert-level proficiency is required, specifically in Photoshop (image editing, manipulation), Illustrator (vector graphics, logos, illustrations), and InDesign (layout, print materials, interactive PDFs).

  • Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, and potentially Excel for creating presentations, reports, and collaborating with team members. PowerPoint is often heavily used for client presentations and internal reporting.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • While not a primary analytics role, understanding how designs perform on digital platforms (e.g., web graphics, social media assets) may require familiarity with basic analytics concepts or reporting tools used by the client or ASRC Federal for performance tracking. CRM & Automation:

  • Not directly applicable to the core graphic design function, but familiarity with project management or collaboration tools (e.g., Jira, Asana, Microsoft Teams) may be beneficial for workflow management.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The core technology stack is clearly defined by Adobe Creative Cloud. The mention of Section 508 compliance also implies a need for understanding how design tools can output accessible formats.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Stewardship: A commitment to using resources effectively and responsibly, applying this to design materials and project timelines.

  • Teamwork: A collaborative approach, working closely with writers, developers, and government clients to achieve shared project goals.

  • Integrity: Upholding high moral principles and professional standards in all design work and client interactions.

  • Respect: Valuing diverse opinions, experiences, and traditions within the team and from clients.

  • Accountability: Taking responsibility for design deliverables, meeting commitments, and owning the outcomes of your work.

  • Continuous Improvement: Actively seeking ways to enhance design skills, processes, and the quality of deliverables.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: Expect to work closely with individuals from different disciplines (writing, development, project management) to create cohesive multimedia products.

  • Feedback-Driven: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on designs to refine deliverables and ensure they meet client expectations and project requirements.

  • Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to share best practices, new techniques, and creative ideas within the team and through ASRC Federal's Centers of Excellence.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The company's core values are explicitly stated and should be a guiding principle for candidates. Understanding how these values translate into daily workβ€”especially teamwork and accountability in a government contracting settingβ€”is key.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Translating Technical Complexity: Effectively visualizing highly technical or abstract concepts for a diverse audience, including government decision-makers and military personnel.

  • Adhering to Strict Guidelines: Working within the constraints of government branding, security protocols, and Section 508 accessibility requirements while still producing creative and impactful designs.

  • Fast-Paced Production Environment: Managing multiple projects with tight deadlines, requiring efficient workflow, strong time management, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities.

  • Maintaining Clearance Status: The ongoing requirement for an active Secret security clearance necessitates adherence to security protocols and background checks throughout employment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Professional Development Program: Access to annual funding for degree programs, certifications, and professional development courses to enhance graphic design and multimedia skills.

  • Centers of Excellence: Participation in Communities of Practice within ASRC Federal's Centers of Excellence to share knowledge, learn new technologies, and collaborate with peers across the organization.

  • On-the-Job Learning: Gaining exposure to diverse government projects, learning about defense and IT initiatives, and developing specialized skills through hands-on experience.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This section outlines potential hurdles and how they can be overcome through skill development and leveraging company resources, providing a realistic outlook for prospective candidates.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe your process for taking a complex technical concept and translating it into a clear, engaging visual. Can you walk us through an example from your portfolio?" (Focus on problem-solving, conceptualization, and communication).

  • "How do you approach incorporating Section 508 accessibility standards into your design workflow? What tools or techniques do you use?" (Assess understanding of compliance and practical application).

  • "Imagine you're given a brief for a new Army IT initiative. What are the first steps you'd take to begin the design process, considering potential security and branding constraints?" (Evaluate strategic thinking and process initiation). Company & Culture Questions:

  • "How do ASRC Federal's core values (stewardship, teamwork, integrity, respect, accountability, continuous improvement) align with your own professional philosophy and how would you demonstrate them in this role?" (Assess cultural fit and alignment with company ethos).

  • "Describe a time you collaborated with a cross-functional team (e.g., writers, developers) on a project. What were the challenges, and how did you ensure effective communication and collaboration?" (Evaluate teamwork and communication skills).

  • "How do you ensure your designs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also meet the specific objectives and requirements of a government client?" (Focus on impact, client focus, and strategic design). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure for Impact: Begin with a brief overview of your background, then present 3-5 key projects. For each, clearly state the client/context, the problem, your role, your design process, the solution, and the outcome.

  • Highlight Process & Rationale: Don't just show the final product; explain why you made certain design choices, how you iterated, and how you addressed any challenges or feedback.

  • Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the specific tools and techniques used in each project. If applicable, show examples of designing for accessibility or within strict brand guidelines.

  • Quantify Success: Whenever possible, provide metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrates the effectiveness of your designs.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: These interview questions are designed to probe a candidate's technical skills, problem-solving abilities, cultural fit, and understanding of the unique demands of government contracting graphic design.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

  • Submit your application through the ASRC Federal careers portal via the provided link.

  • Tailor your resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 3+ years of professional design experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), experience with print and digital design, and any relevant government or multimedia production background. Explicitly mention your active Secret security clearance.

  • Prepare your portfolio: Curate a digital portfolio (e.g., PDF, website link) that showcases your best print and digital design work. Select projects that demonstrate your ability to translate complex concepts, adhere to brand guidelines, and ideally, your understanding of accessibility standards. Be ready to discuss your process and rationale for each piece.

  • Research ASRC Federal: Familiarize yourself with the company's mission, values (stewardship, teamwork, integrity, etc.), and its work in government contracting. Understand the importance of its Alaska Native ownership.

  • Practice your interview responses: Prepare to discuss your design process, collaboration experiences, and how you handle deadlines and feedback, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Be ready to articulate your understanding of Section 508 compliance.

⚠️ 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.


Application Requirements

Candidates must have at least 3 years of professional design experience and an active DoD Secret security clearance. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and familiarity with Section 508 accessibility standards are required.