Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Bowhead

Location: Patuxent River, MD, US

Job Type: TEMPORARY

Category: Creative & Media / Government & Public Sector Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-21

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on providing essential multi-media, desktop publishing, and presentation support within a government (NAVAIR) communication department, emphasizing clear and effective visual messaging for both digital and print platforms.

• The position requires a strong understanding of design principles, client collaboration for project scope definition, and the ability to translate complex information into easily digestible visual content.

• Success in this role hinges on proficiency with industry-standard design software and adherence to specific style guides, including Associated Press, Navy, and NAVAIR standards.

• The Graphic Designer will play a key role in enhancing organizational communication by creating compelling graphics for websites, print materials, and presentations, ensuring brand consistency and message clarity.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Graphic Designer," the context of supporting NAVAIR's Corporate Communication Department, the emphasis on "desktop publishing," "presentation support," and adherence to specific government style guides indicates a role that bridges traditional graphic design with operational communication needs within a large, structured organization. The "TEMPORARY" employment type suggests a project-based or short-term need.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with internal clients and stakeholders to understand project requirements, define the scope of design initiatives, and ensure alignment with communication objectives.

• Conceptualize, design, and produce visually engaging graphics, illustrations, and layouts for a variety of media, including websites, print publications, presentations, and digital platforms.

• Translate complex messages and organizational principles into clear, impactful visual representations, ensuring that the intended communication is effectively conveyed.

• Select appropriate color palettes, imagery, typography, and layout arrangements to create aesthetically pleasing and message-driven designs that resonate with target audiences.

• Manage the design approval process, presenting concepts to clients, and incorporating feedback and revisions to finalize designs, ensuring client satisfaction and adherence to project specifications.

• Maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail by meticulously reviewing all designs for errors before final delivery, ensuring quality and adherence to style guides.

• Utilize advanced multi-media and desktop publishing software, including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat, and Adobe Illustrator, to create and manipulate digital assets.

• Develop and publish messaging via email and web portals using HTML and relevant web tools, demonstrating versatility in digital content creation and deployment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for both creative output and project management/client interaction, common in operational support roles. The mention of "NAVAIR Corporate Communication Department requirements" and adherence to specific style guides points to a structured environment where process and compliance are as crucial as creative flair.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Graphic Design or a closely related field.

• Allowable Substitution: Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Arts (AA) degree in Graphic Design, coupled with a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience. Experience:

• A minimum of three (3) years of progressive professional experience in graphic design. Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Expertise: Proven ability to create compelling visual concepts and designs for diverse media.

• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Demonstrated experience with Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Acrobat for image editing, vector graphics creation, and document management.

• Desktop Publishing: Strong command of desktop publishing principles and software for layout and print production.

• Presentation Software: Proficient in Microsoft PowerPoint for creating professional and impactful presentations.

• Operating Systems: Experienced with both PC and Mac operating systems.

• Client Collaboration: Ability to meet with customers, understand project scope, and incorporate feedback effectively.

• Style Guide Adherence: Capability to design in accordance with specific style guides, including Associated Press, Navy, and NAVAIR standards.

Preferred Skills:

• HTML & Web Tools: Experience working with HTML and web tools for designing and publishing content on web portals.

• SharePoint Development: Knowledge of SharePoint development, which can be beneficial for web portal content management and collaboration.

• Digital Media Design: Experience creating graphics and assets for various digital media channels.

• Layout and Composition: Strong understanding of visual hierarchy, layout principles, and effective composition.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are standard for a graphic designer, but the explicit mention of specific government style guides (Navy, NAVAIR) and the "TEMPORARY" nature suggest a need for candidates who can quickly adapt to established protocols and deliver within defined project parameters, a key operational consideration for government contractors. The "2-5" years experience range derived by AI aligns well with the "three (3) years of experience" requirement and the substitution option.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Visual Communication Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of three (3) distinct projects that demonstrate your ability to translate complex messages into clear and effective visual designs. Prioritize projects that involved client collaboration and adherence to specific brand or style guidelines.

• Software Proficiency Examples: Include examples of work created using Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Microsoft PowerPoint. Highlight projects where these tools were integral to achieving the final design outcome.

• Digital and Print Demonstrations: Present a balanced portfolio featuring both digital media designs (web graphics, email templates) and print materials (brochures, reports, presentations).

• Process Documentation (Optional but Recommended): Briefly outline your design process for 1-2 key projects, detailing steps from initial client consultation through final delivery, emphasizing how you managed feedback and revisions.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Demonstrate an understanding of the design workflow, from initial client brief and concept development to final asset delivery and revision management.

• Style Guide Implementation: Provide evidence of your ability to strictly adhere to and effectively implement established style guides (e.g., AP, Navy, NAVAIR) in your design work.

• Performance Measurement: While not a primary focus for a graphic design role, if possible, include examples where your designs contributed to measurable communication outcomes (e.g., increased engagement on a web portal, clearer understanding of a complex topic).

📝 Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role supporting a government entity, a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application of skills. The emphasis on style guide adherence and client collaboration is key, as these are operational necessities in such environments. Including examples of SharePoint or HTML-based work would be a significant advantage.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,000 - $85,000 per year.

Benefits:

• As a temporary employee, benefits may vary. Typically, temporary roles may include access to essential health insurance options, paid time off accrual, and potentially retirement savings plans, though specific details will be provided during the offer stage.

• Opportunity to work on impactful projects for a key government entity (NAVAIR), contributing to significant communication efforts.

• Exposure to a professional government contracting environment, offering insights into operational workflows and project management within this sector.

• Potential for future contract extensions or opportunities within Bowhead, depending on performance and business needs. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, approximately 40 hours per week.

• The role is on-site, requiring consistent presence at the Patuxent River, MD location during business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and competitive for a Graphic Designer role with these qualifications and location. As a temporary position, the benefits package is typically less comprehensive than for full-time, permanent roles, but access to core benefits and the opportunity to gain experience in a government contracting environment are valuable aspects. The "TEMPORARY" employment type is reiterated for clarity.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government Contracting / Professional Services / Technology Solutions. Bowhead is a company that provides professional and technical services, often to government clients, requiring a focus on reliability, compliance, and project execution.

Company Size: Bowhead is a mid-to-large sized company, likely employing between 500-1000+ individuals, suggesting a structured corporate environment with established processes and a diverse range of technical and professional roles.

Founded: Bowhead was founded in 2007, indicating a company with over a decade of experience, stability, and a track record in its industry.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the NAVAIR Corporate Communication Department, working within a team that likely includes communication specialists, public affairs officers, and potentially other technical writers or multimedia professionals.

• This role will report to a manager or team lead responsible for overseeing the communication department's output and ensuring project deadlines are met.

• Collaboration will be extensive, requiring close interaction with various NAVAIR personnel and potentially other Bowhead team members supporting the contract. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Communication: While a creative role, success will be measured by the effectiveness of the communication, implying a need to understand how design choices impact message reception and engagement, aligning with data-driven operational principles.

• Process-Oriented Execution: The government contracting environment necessitates strict adherence to established workflows, style guides, and project management methodologies to ensure consistent quality and compliance.

• Collaborative Development: Projects will likely involve iterative feedback loops and cross-functional input, emphasizing a collaborative approach to design and content creation.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Bowhead's position as a government contractor is crucial. This implies a culture that values precision, adherence to regulations, and clear communication, which directly impacts how a graphic designer's work is evaluated and integrated into larger projects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an individual contributor at an intermediate level, focusing on specialized creative execution within an operational support function. It requires practical experience rather than strategic leadership.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a manager or lead within the NAVAIR Corporate Communication Department, with potential dotted-line reporting to a Bowhead project manager or HR representative.

Operations Impact: The designer's work directly impacts the clarity and effectiveness of official communications from NAVAIR. High-quality graphics can improve information dissemination, enhance understanding of complex topics, and maintain a professional, consistent brand image for the command, thereby supporting its operational mission.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in government-specific design standards and multi-media support for defense organizations.

• Contract Extension/Transition: Successful performance in this temporary role could lead to contract extensions or open doors to other temporary or permanent positions within Bowhead, particularly if the company secures further contracts with NAVAIR or similar clients.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working within a large government agency and understanding its communication needs and operational structures.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "TEMPORARY" nature of the role defines its growth trajectory. While direct advancement within this specific role is limited, the experience gained in a government sector, with specific software and style guide requirements, can be a strong stepping stone for future roles in government contracting or specialized design positions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site at a government facility (NAVAIR), suggesting a professional, secure office environment. This typically involves shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and access to necessary IT infrastructure and security protocols.

Office Location(s): Patuxent River, MD. This location is a significant hub for Naval aviation research, development, and acquisition, implying a dynamic environment with a focus on technology and defense.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect to work alongside other communication professionals, technical experts, and potentially military personnel, fostering a collaborative atmosphere focused on mission-critical communication.

• Technology Access: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite), operating systems (PC/Mac), and potentially specialized government-approved hardware and network access.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for team meetings, project reviews, and direct interaction with clients to discuss design needs and receive feedback.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with adherence to established business hours at the Patuxent River facility. Flexibility may be limited due to the on-site and government contract requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working on-site at a government facility like NAVAIR means adhering to specific security protocols and work schedules. The environment is likely focused and professional, with an emphasis on delivering reliable, compliant work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve a discussion of your design process, software proficiency, and experience with specific design challenges, potentially including a review of your portfolio. Be prepared to discuss how you approach client briefs and incorporate feedback.

• Client/Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth conversation focusing on your understanding of the NAVAIR communication needs, your ability to work within a government contract environment, and your fit with the team culture.

• Security Clearance Verification: The ability to obtain a Secret Security Clearance will be a critical component, and the process will be initiated if you are a strong candidate.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent the skills required for this role (graphic design, multi-media, presentation, adherence to style guides).

• Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasize projects that involved client collaboration, strict adherence to brand guidelines, and creation of both digital and print assets. If you have experience with government or defense-related projects, make sure to showcase them.

• Showcase Software Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your use of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, and PowerPoint. If you have HTML/SharePoint experience, include relevant examples or be ready to discuss your capabilities.

• Tell a Story: For each project, briefly explain the client's objective, your design approach, the challenges you faced, and the outcome. Quantify results where possible (e.g., "design contributed to a 15% increase in website engagement").

Challenge Preparation:

• While a specific design challenge might not be given upfront, be prepared to discuss hypothetical scenarios. For instance, "How would you design a graphic to explain a complex naval technology to a non-technical audience?" or "How would you ensure consistency across print and digital materials for a Navy-wide campaign?"

• Familiarize yourself with the Associated Press Stylebook and general Navy/NAVAIR communication principles if possible.

📝 Enhancement Note: The security clearance requirement is a significant factor in the application process and will likely be a gating item. A strong, relevant portfolio is paramount for demonstrating practical skills and ability to meet operational communication needs.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expertise in Adobe Photoshop (image editing, manipulation), Adobe Illustrator (vector graphics, logos, illustrations), and Adobe Acrobat (PDF creation, editing, form design) is essential.

• Microsoft Office Suite: High proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint for presentation design is required. Familiarity with Word and Excel may also be beneficial for integrating graphics into documents and reports.

• PC and Mac Operating Systems: Ability to work seamlessly across both Windows and macOS environments.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus, understanding how designs perform on web portals (e.g., engagement metrics) can be beneficial, suggesting familiarity with basic web analytics concepts. CRM & Automation:

• HTML & Web Tools: Basic knowledge of HTML is required for publishing messaging via email and web portals, indicating a need for understanding web content structure.

• SharePoint: Experience with SharePoint development or content management is a plus, suggesting familiarity with collaborative platforms common in corporate and government settings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is standard for graphic design but the inclusion of HTML/web tools and SharePoint points to a role that integrates creative output with digital publishing and collaboration platforms, reflecting operational requirements for content deployment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Reliability and Dependability: As a temporary employee supporting a government contract, demonstrating consistent reliability and meeting deadlines is paramount.

• Precision and Accuracy: A strong emphasis on attention to detail to ensure all designs are error-free and adhere to strict style guides.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Ability to work effectively within a team environment, taking direction and contributing to shared project goals.

• Adaptability: Willingness to adapt to client feedback, evolving project requirements, and the specific protocols of a government contracting environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Client-Focused Interaction: Proactive communication with clients to understand needs and manage expectations throughout the design process.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working alongside communication specialists, technical staff, and potentially military personnel to ensure visual content supports overall objectives.

• Feedback Integration: Openness to constructive criticism and the ability to incorporate feedback from multiple stakeholders into design revisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style are shaped by the government contracting context, emphasizing professionalism, adherence to process, and clear communication for mission success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Adherence to Strict Guidelines: Navigating and consistently applying complex style guides (AP, Navy, NAVAIR) while maintaining creative integrity.

• Security Clearance Process: Successfully obtaining and maintaining a Secret Security Clearance, which can be a time-consuming and thorough process.

• Temporary Role Dynamics: Adapting to the nature of a temporary position, which may involve adapting to project-specific demands and understanding the potential for contract duration.

• Balancing Creativity with Operational Needs: Ensuring design output meets both aesthetic standards and the functional requirements of government communication.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Government Sector Exposure: Gaining valuable experience working within a defense contractor environment and understanding its unique operational demands.

• Specialized Design Skills: Enhancing proficiency in creating graphics for defense-related communications and adhering to specific military style guides.

• Web and Digital Publishing Skills: Developing practical experience with HTML and web tools for content deployment, expanding skill sets beyond traditional graphic design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges and growth opportunities are closely tied to the specific nature of the role: temporary, government-contracted, and requiring specific technical and compliance skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Client Management: "Describe a time you had to work with a difficult client or incorporate challenging feedback. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?" or "Walk me through your typical design process from receiving a brief to final delivery." Be ready to discuss how you'd approach a project for NAVAIR.

• Technical Proficiency & Problem Solving: "How would you design a graphic to communicate a complex naval aviation concept to a general audience?" or "What are the key considerations when designing for both print and digital media simultaneously?" Be prepared to discuss your experience with Adobe Suite and HTML/web tools.

• Style Guide Application: "How do you ensure consistency and accuracy when working with specific style guides like AP, Navy, or NAVAIR?" Be ready to discuss your approach to documentation and adherence to brand standards.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Understanding the Mission: "What interests you about working for Bowhead and supporting NAVAIR?" Research Bowhead's mission and NAVAIR's role in naval aviation.

• Team Collaboration: "Describe your ideal team environment. How do you contribute to a collaborative team?" Be ready to discuss how you'd integrate into a government communication department.

• Security Clearance: Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the security clearance process and your commitment to obtaining one.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise and Focused: Select 3-5 key projects that best align with the job description.

• Narrative Approach: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution (design approach), and the results. Emphasize your role and contributions.

• Demonstrate Versatility: Showcase a range of skills, including digital graphics, print layouts, and presentations, highlighting your proficiency with required software.

• Highlight Style Guide Adherence: If possible, point out how you applied specific brand or style guidelines in your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical skills, adaptability, and an understanding of the operational context of working for a government contractor. The security clearance is a critical factor.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the Bowhead careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that demonstrate your proficiency in graphic design, multi-media support, desktop publishing, and presentation creation, with a focus on any relevant government or corporate style guide experience.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft PowerPoint, HTML, and any experience with web tools or SharePoint. Quantify achievements where possible and explicitly mention your ability to obtain a Secret Security Clearance.

• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your design process, how you handle client feedback, and your understanding of working within structured environments. Prepare to walk through your portfolio and discuss projects relevant to government communication needs.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Bowhead's company profile and mission, and research the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) to understand their role and communication objectives.

⚠️ 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.