Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Peraton

Location: Linthicum, Maryland, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Graphic Design / Creative Services

Date Posted: May 18, 2026

Experience Level: Mid to Senior Level (Implied 3-7+ years based on education/experience matrix)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for a senior-level Graphic Designer to support a key client within the Baltimore metropolitan area, focusing on visual communication for national security missions.

• The position demands a specialized blend of artistic talent, technical design proficiency, and a deep understanding of military culture, communication protocols, and stringent security requirements.

• The Graphic Designer will be an integral part of the strategic communication team, responsible for creating compelling visual assets that align with strict branding and style guidelines.

• Success in this role requires excellent collaboration skills, the ability to articulate design concepts persuasively, and meticulous attention to detail in a high-stakes environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description strongly implies a role within government contracting or defense, given the explicit mention of military culture, security protocols, and an active Secret clearance requirement. The "strategic communication team" suggests a focus on conveying complex information to specific audiences, likely within a defense or intelligence context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute high-impact visual designs for a variety of media, ensuring alignment with client branding and security protocols.

• Translate complex information and mission objectives into clear, persuasive visual communications, including infographics, presentations, and digital assets.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including strategic communicators, technical experts, and senior leadership, to understand project requirements and deliver effective design solutions.

• Manage design projects from concept to completion, adhering to strict deadlines, shifting priorities, and evolving requirements in a demanding environment.

• Maintain and enforce established branding guidelines, style guides, and security protocols across all created visual materials.

• Source, create, and manipulate imagery and digital assets to enhance the impact and clarity of design projects.

• Prepare design files for various outputs, including print, web, and multimedia, ensuring technical accuracy and adherence to production specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: Responsibilities are heavily geared towards a defense/government contractor setting, emphasizing "mission objectives," "security protocols," and "military culture." The need to translate "complex information" suggests a focus on data visualization, technical documentation, and strategic messaging rather than purely aesthetic marketing collateral.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Associates degree with 7+ years of relevant graphic design experience; OR

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of relevant graphic design experience; OR

• Master’s Degree with 3+ years of relevant graphic design experience; OR

• PhD with 0+ years of relevant graphic design experience.

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Adobe Creative Suite (Expert Level): Advanced proficiency in InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop is mandatory.

• Design Principles Mastery: Deep understanding and practical application of Visual Hierarchy, Color Theory, Typography, Composition, and Imagery.

• Technical Illustration: Ability to create accurate and detailed technical drawings for manuals, diagrams, and training materials.

• Photo Editing & Manipulation: Expertise in retouching, enhancing, and compositing images using tools like Photoshop.

• Microsoft Office Suite Proficiency: Effective use of Word, PowerPoint, and Excel for document creation and presentation.

• Security Awareness: Understanding of security protocols and the ability to work within a secure environment.

• Active Secret Clearance: Required to perform the duties of this role.

Preferred Skills:

• Motion Graphics & Animation: Experience with Adobe After Effects or similar software for creating dynamic visual content.

• Video Editing: Ability to assemble and edit video footage.

• 3D Modeling & Rendering: Familiarity with software such as Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max.

• Web Design Fundamentals: Working knowledge of HTML, CSS, and basic JavaScript/jQuery for web graphic elements.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Systems: Experience with organizing and managing digital assets.

• Printing & Pre-Press Knowledge: Understanding of printing processes, color management, and pre-press file preparation.

• Prior experience working with DAF Public Affairs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "DoD experience" and an "Active Secret Clearance" are critical qualifications. The detailed breakdown of design principles and software proficiency indicates a need for a highly skilled and experienced designer capable of handling complex, sensitive visual communication tasks.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstration of Design Principles: Showcase projects that clearly illustrate mastery of visual hierarchy, color theory, typography, and composition.

• Technical & Illustrative Work: Include examples of technical illustrations, diagrams, or detailed artwork created for specific purposes (e.g., training, documentation).

• Image Manipulation Expertise: Present before-and-after examples or complex composites demonstrating advanced photo editing skills.

• DoD/Government Project Examples: If possible, feature projects that align with defense, government, or national security communication styles and requirements, respecting any confidentiality agreements.

• Software Proficiency Showcase: Highlight projects created using expert-level Adobe Creative Suite tools (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Clarity: Be prepared to discuss your design process from brief to final delivery, including how you manage feedback and revisions.

• Problem-Solution Approach: Demonstrate how you approach design challenges, particularly those involving complex or sensitive information, by presenting case studies.

• Quality Assurance: Explain your methods for ensuring accuracy, adherence to brand guidelines, and technical readiness for print or digital deployment.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior-level role in a defense contractor environment, a portfolio must go beyond aesthetic appeal. It needs to demonstrate practical application, technical skill, and the ability to adhere to strict guidelines and convey complex information effectively, especially for government clients.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80,000 - $128,000 annually.

• This range is a guideline and the final salary will be determined based on factors including the scope of responsibilities, candidate's experience, education, skills, competencies, and geographic location.

Benefits:

• While specific benefits are not detailed, Peraton typically offers a comprehensive package for full-time employees, which may include:
  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Retirement Savings Plan (e.g., 401k) with company match
  • Paid Time Off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
  • Life Insurance and Disability Coverage
  • Professional Development and Training Opportunities

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time, on-site position requiring 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a standard estimate for a senior graphic designer in the Maryland area, particularly within the defense contracting sector, which often offers competitive compensation due to the specialized nature of the work and required clearances.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government Contracting / National Security / Information Technology Solutions. Peraton operates at the intersection of traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains, serving government agencies and all branches of the U.S. armed forces.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Peraton is a significant player in the national security space, employing thousands of individuals).

Founded: Peraton has a history rooted in government contracting, with its current iteration forming through significant acquisitions and strategic growth, positioning it as a "next-generation national security company."

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of a "strategic communication team," indicating a collaborative unit focused on conveying critical information.

• This team likely works closely with various client stakeholders, potentially including public affairs, intelligence, operations, and leadership.

Methodology:

• Mission-Centric Design: Design work is driven by client mission objectives and the need to convey specific, often technical or strategic, information.

• Security-First Approach: All creative output must adhere to rigorous security protocols and branding guidelines, prioritizing compliance and accuracy.

• Data-Informed Creativity: While artistic talent is key, designs must effectively communicate data and complex concepts, suggesting a need for clarity and precision.

• Collaborative Development: Design concepts are likely developed and refined through iterative feedback loops with diverse stakeholders.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Peraton's focus on national security implies a culture that values precision, reliability, discretion, and a strong work ethic. The environment is likely fast-paced and demanding, with a clear emphasis on mission success and client support.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Graphic Designer. This level indicates a high degree of autonomy, expertise, and the ability to mentor junior designers. The role is expected to handle complex projects independently and contribute strategically to communication efforts.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report to a manager or lead within the strategic communication team. They will collaborate extensively with various internal teams and client stakeholders across different departments and potentially different government agencies.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the client's ability to communicate critical information effectively to internal and external audiences, influencing perception, understanding, and decision-making. Their designs are vital for mission success, operational clarity, and maintaining brand integrity within a sensitive national security context.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in specific areas such as motion graphics, 3D visualization, or advanced data visualization within the defense sector.

• Leadership: Potentially transition into a Lead Graphic Designer role, supervising projects and mentoring junior team members.

• Client Engagement: Grow into roles that involve more direct client interaction and strategic input on communication campaigns.

• Cross-Functional Roles: Leverage design skills in related fields such as UX/UI design for internal tools or technical documentation visualization.

• Continuous Learning: Access to Peraton's training programs and support for industry certifications to stay current with design technology and trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned as a senior contributor. Growth opportunities will likely stem from demonstrating exceptional skill, reliability, and the ability to handle increasingly complex or sensitive projects within the defense contracting environment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position requires full-time, on-site attendance in the Baltimore metropolitan area, indicating a traditional office environment. This setting is designed to facilitate direct collaboration, secure handling of sensitive information, and adherence to specific client protocols.

Office Location(s): Linthicum, Maryland. This location is strategically positioned within a hub for government contractors and defense organizations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment is expected to be conducive to teamwork, with opportunities for in-person brainstorming and feedback sessions with colleagues and client representatives.

• Secure Environment: Given the clearance requirements and client focus, the workspace will likely adhere to strict security protocols regarding access, data handling, and communication.

• Technology-Rich: Access to high-performance workstations, industry-standard software, and potentially specialized hardware necessary for advanced design tasks.

• Mission-Focused Atmosphere: The environment will be geared towards supporting critical client missions, fostering a sense of purpose and dedication among employees.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week, Monday through Friday, is expected. While core hours are likely defined, flexibility may be limited due to the on-site and client-facing nature of the role, though occasional overtime might be necessary to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "full-time, onsite attendance" and "security protocols" highlights that this is not a remote or hybrid role. The environment will be professional and likely structured, with a strong focus on client needs and mission objectives.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience (especially DoD), and clearance status.

• Technical Interview: Discussion focused on your design process, software proficiency (especially Adobe Creative Suite), and understanding of design principles. You may be asked to walk through specific projects in your portfolio.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you present selected projects, explaining your role, creative decisions, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your designs. Be prepared to discuss how you handled constraints, feedback, and technical requirements.

• Situational & Behavioral Interview: Questions assessing your ability to collaborate, manage deadlines, handle competing priorities, work within security protocols, and adapt to client needs and military culture.

• Client/Stakeholder Interaction: Potentially an interview involving client representatives to gauge cultural fit and communication effectiveness.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 strong projects that best showcase your expertise in DoD/government design, technical illustration, and complex information visualization.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process, key decisions, challenges overcome, and the final outcome/impact. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Highlight Technical Skills: Showcase examples where you applied advanced techniques in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. If you have motion graphics or 3D experience, include relevant pieces.

• Address Security & Compliance: If you have relevant experience, subtly highlight how you incorporated security considerations or adhered to strict compliance standards in your designs.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss software shortcuts, file optimization, print production specifics, and color management.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Test: You might be given a small design challenge or asked to critique an existing design, focusing on its effectiveness, adherence to principles, and potential improvements.

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions like: "How would you design a briefing slide to convey complex threat intelligence?" or "How would you ensure brand consistency across diverse media for a military campaign?"

• Communication Practice: Rehearse explaining technical design concepts and your creative rationale clearly and concisely, as if presenting to non-designers or senior leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize technical skill, relevant experience (DoD), and the ability to operate within a secure, mission-driven environment. A strong, well-articulated portfolio is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite (Expert Level):

  • InDesign: For layout design, multi-page documents, brochures, presentations, and print collateral.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, technical illustrations, and complex artwork.
  • Photoshop: For photo editing, manipulation, digital painting, and creating raster-based graphics.

• Microsoft Office Suite:

  • PowerPoint: For creating professional presentations, briefing slides, and visual reports.
  • Word: For incorporating graphics into documents and reports.
  • Excel: Potentially for creating charts and graphs to be incorporated into designs.

Analytics & Reporting: (Less direct, but understanding how designs might be used)

• Familiarity with how visual assets are deployed and potentially tracked (e.g., web analytics for online graphics, engagement metrics for digital content).

CRM & Automation: (Not directly applicable to the core design function, but understanding workflows)

Potential Additional Tools (Preferred/Required):

• Adobe After Effects: For motion graphics and animation.

• Cinema 4D / Blender / Maya / 3ds Max: For 3D modeling and rendering.

• HTML/CSS/JavaScript: For designing web-ready graphics and understanding web constraints.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Systems: For organizing and retrieving assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is overwhelmingly on Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, at an expert level. Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint is also critical for presentation design.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: A deep commitment to supporting the client's mission and national security objectives.

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding the highest standards of honesty, ethical conduct, and discretion, especially given the sensitive nature of the work.

• Excellence & Precision: Striving for accuracy, quality, and meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of work.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with diverse teams to achieve shared goals and deliver integrated solutions.

• Adaptability & Resilience: Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment with shifting priorities and evolving challenges.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect close collaboration with individuals from various backgrounds, including military personnel, intelligence analysts, engineers, and project managers.

• Feedback-Driven Process: An environment where constructive feedback is shared and incorporated to refine designs and ensure alignment with client needs.

• Clear Communication: Emphasis on articulate communication of design concepts, technical requirements, and project status to both design peers and non-design stakeholders.

• Security-Conscious Interaction: All communications and collaborations must adhere to established security protocols and guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is likely to be professional, structured, and highly focused on security and mission accomplishment. Team members are expected to be reliable, detail-oriented, and capable of working effectively within a government contracting framework.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Strict Security & Branding Protocols: Consistently adhering to complex and potentially evolving security requirements and brand guidelines for sensitive government clients.

• Translating Complex/Technical Information: Visually representing abstract concepts, technical data, or classified information in an accurate, clear, and impactful manner for diverse audiences.

• Managing Competing Deadlines & Priorities: Effectively balancing multiple projects with tight, often shifting, deadlines in a high-pressure environment.

• Adapting to Military Culture & Protocols: Understanding and effectively communicating within the specific context and communication norms of the military and defense communities.

• Maintaining Creativity within Constraints: Delivering innovative and engaging designs while strictly adhering to established parameters and requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Access to training for mastering new features or advanced techniques within Adobe Creative Suite and potentially other design software.

• Industry Best Practices: Learning about the latest trends and best practices in visual communication for defense and government sectors.

• Security Clearance Maintenance & Advancement: Support for maintaining an active Secret clearance and potential opportunities to obtain higher-level clearances if applicable to future roles.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Opportunities to learn about the client's mission, operations, and technical challenges, informing more effective design strategies.

• Mentorship: Potential to learn from senior designers and communication strategists within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the unique demands of working in the defense sector, emphasizing compliance, clarity, and adaptability. Growth will come from mastering these challenges and expanding expertise within this specialized field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design for a highly regulated or secure environment. What were the key considerations?" (Focus on process, adherence to guidelines, and problem-solving.)

• "How would you approach designing a visual campaign to communicate a complex technical capability to a military audience?" (Discuss audience analysis, messaging, visual strategy, and iterative feedback.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Peraton and its role in national security?" (Research Peraton's mission, values, and recent projects. Show genuine interest.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs, especially from stakeholders who may not have a design background?" (Emphasize collaboration, open-mindedness, and focusing on project objectives.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select High-Impact Projects: Choose 3-4 projects that best align with the job description's requirements (DoD experience, technical illustration, complex information).

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline:

  • Client/Context: Briefly explain the organization and the purpose of the project.
  • The Challenge: What problem were you trying to solve? What were the constraints (security, brand, technical)?
  • Your Role & Process: Detail your specific contributions and the steps you took (research, concepting, design, revisions).
  • Key Decisions: Explain why you made certain design choices (color, typography, layout, imagery).
  • The Outcome: What was the result? How did your design meet the objectives? Quantify impact if possible.

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Have specific examples ready to discuss your mastery of Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, including techniques, shortcuts, and file preparation.

• Practice Conciseness: Aim for 5-7 minutes per project, allowing ample time for discussion and questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviews will assess not just design skills but also your understanding of the defense sector, your ability to work within strict constraints, and your communication effectiveness with diverse stakeholders.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Peraton careers portal via the provided URL.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating experience with DoD clients, technical illustration, and complex information design. Ensure it’s easily accessible (e.g., a professional website or well-organized PDF).

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to prominently feature keywords from the job description, such as "Adobe Creative Suite," "InDesign," "Illustrator," "Photoshop," "DoD," "Secret Clearance," "Technical Illustration," and "Strategic Communication." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, presenting your portfolio projects clearly and concisely, and preparing responses to behavioral and situational questions related to security, collaboration, and client needs.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Peraton's mission, values, and recent projects to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding of their role in national security. Familiarize yourself with their branding and communication style.

⚠️ 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.