Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Peraton

Location: McLean, Virginia, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

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

Date Posted: May 20, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the creation of compelling visual assets, encompassing graphics, digital media, and multimedia products, for a critical national security organization.

• Implement and manage design concepts across a diverse range of digital platforms, including web pages, mobile applications, newsletters, advertisements, infographics, banners, and logos, ensuring a consistent and engaging user experience.

• Uphold stringent quality and compliance standards, ensuring all developed content adheres to production specifications, copyright laws, accessibility requirements, and public release clearances.

• Leverage advanced front-end web design skills, including HTML/CSS, to build responsive designs that deliver optimal viewing experiences across various devices and screen sizes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Graphic Designer," the responsibilities and requirements, particularly the TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance and the company's focus on national security, indicate a highly specialized role. This is not a typical commercial graphic design position but one that requires discretion, security-consciousness, and the ability to work with sensitive information. The role demands a blend of creative design skills and technical proficiency in web development and multimedia production within a government contracting environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and produce high-impact graphics, digital media, and multimedia products that effectively communicate complex information and support Peraton's mission objectives.

• Develop and implement design concepts for new web pages, mobile applications, newsletters, advertisements, infographics, banners, illustrations, and logos, ensuring aesthetic appeal and user-friendliness.

• Manage the entire lifecycle of communication requests using designated request management tools, ensuring swift, high-quality customer support and timely delivery of design assets.

• Construct web elements using HTML/CSS, adhering to responsive design principles to ensure seamless functionality and visual consistency across all devices and platforms.

• Conduct thorough technical quality checks on all design outputs to guarantee adherence to production standards, copyright laws, accessibility compliance (e.g., WCAG), and public release clearances.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including technical writers, web developers, and project managers, to integrate designs seamlessly into larger projects and initiatives.

• Maintain and update existing digital assets, ensuring they remain current, compliant, and aligned with evolving brand guidelines and project requirements.

• Mentor and train junior graphic design staff, sharing expertise in design principles, tools, and best practices within the national security context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The inclusion of "request management tools" suggests a structured workflow for design requests, common in enterprise or government settings. The emphasis on "public release clearances" and "accessibility compliance" points to a need for rigorous adherence to specific government or industry standards, beyond typical aesthetic considerations. The mention of "cartography" implies a potential need for map and spatial data visualization skills, which is a specialized area within graphic design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Digital Media, Fine Arts, or a related field is preferred.

• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in graphic design is required with a Bachelor's degree.

Experience:

• Proven experience in leading the development of graphics, digital media, cartography, and other multimedia products within a professional or government contracting environment.

• Demonstrated expertise in front-end web design, UI/UX principles, and hands-on experience with HTML/CSS for creating interactive and responsive digital content.

• Substantial experience in photography and video editing, including post-production and asset management.

• Experience in mentoring and training junior staff, fostering skill development and ensuring adherence to team standards.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Software Proficiency: Expert-level command of industry-standard design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, Premiere Pro).

• Front-End Web Development: Strong understanding and practical application of HTML/CSS for web design and responsive layouts.

• UI/UX Design Principles: Ability to design user interfaces that are intuitive, engaging, and optimized for user experience across digital platforms.

• Digital Media Production: Skill in creating and manipulating digital assets for various online and offline applications.

• Responsive Design Implementation: Competency in developing designs that adapt seamlessly to different screen sizes and devices.

• Accessibility Compliance: Knowledge of and ability to implement accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) in digital designs.

• Technical Quality Assurance: Ability to perform technical checks on design outputs to ensure adherence to standards and requirements.

Preferred Skills:

• Cartography and Data Visualization: Experience in designing maps and visualizing complex data sets.

• Motion Graphics and Animation: Proficiency in creating animated graphics and visual effects.

• Content Management Systems (CMS): Familiarity with using and designing for CMS platforms.

• Request Management Tools: Experience with systems used for managing project requests and workflows.

• Photography and Videography: Advanced skills in capturing and editing photographic and video content.

• Mentoring and Team Leadership: Proven ability to guide and develop junior design professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance is a critical qualification that significantly narrows the candidate pool and indicates the sensitive nature of the work. The experience requirements suggest a mid-to-senior level role, especially with the mention of mentoring junior staff and leading development. The combination of design, front-end web development, and multimedia skills points to a versatile designer capable of handling end-to-end digital content creation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a strong command of graphic design principles, with a significant emphasis on digital media, web design, and multimedia projects.

• Case studies that clearly illustrate the design process from concept to completion, highlighting problem-solving approaches and creative solutions.

• Examples of responsive web design implementation, showcasing how designs adapt across various devices and screen resolutions.

• Visualizations of data, including infographics and potentially cartography, demonstrating the ability to translate complex information into accessible visuals.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase experience in documenting design workflows, from initial briefing and concept development to final delivery and quality assurance.

• Provide examples of how design concepts were translated into functional HTML/CSS components, demonstrating a clear development process.

• Illustrate how technical quality checks and compliance reviews were integrated into the design process to ensure all requirements were met.

• Demonstrate familiarity with using request management tools to track project progress, manage feedback, and ensure timely completion of design deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio should not just be a collection of aesthetically pleasing work but should also demonstrate a deep understanding of the design process, technical implementation (HTML/CSS), compliance, and the ability to manage requests within a structured environment. The emphasis on "leading the development" and "mentoring" suggests that the portfolio should also hint at leadership potential or experience.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $104,000 - $166,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage options to support employee well-being.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) plan with potential company match to aid in long-term financial planning.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure work-life balance.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and conferences to enhance skills in graphic design, web development, and multimedia production.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Coverage to provide financial security for employees and their families.

• Performance Bonuses: Potential for discretionary bonuses based on individual and company performance, in addition to base pay.

• Overtime Pay: Eligibility for overtime pay, as applicable, for hours worked beyond the standard schedule.

• Shift Differential: Potential for additional compensation for working non-standard shifts, if applicable.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week.

• The role is designated as on-site, requiring presence at the McLean, Virginia location.

• Flexibility may be available for specific tasks or project deadlines, subject to team and management approval, but the core expectation is consistent on-site presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $104,000 - $166,000 is a strong indicator of the seniority and specialized skill set required for this graphic designer role, especially considering the need for a TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance. This range is competitive for senior-level creative professionals in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, particularly within the government contracting sector. The mention of overtime, shift differential, and discretionary bonuses suggests a comprehensive compensation structure typical for defense and national security firms.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Peraton operates within the National Security and Government Contracting industry, focusing on mission capability integration and enterprise IT solutions for defense and intelligence agencies.

Company Size: Peraton is a large enterprise, with a significant employee base, indicating a structured environment with established processes and opportunities for diverse project involvement. This size suggests access to extensive resources and a broad network of internal expertise.

Founded: Peraton has a history rooted in serving critical government missions, implying a culture of dedication, precision, and a commitment to national security objectives. The company's evolution reflects a strategic approach to adapting and expanding its capabilities to meet evolving national security needs.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a larger Communications, Marketing, or Creative Services team, potentially embedded within a specific program or project division.

• Reporting structure will likely be to a Creative Director, Design Lead, or Communications Manager, with direct collaboration with project managers and technical subject matter experts.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using data and user feedback to inform design decisions, ensuring visual products are not only aesthetically pleasing but also effective in conveying information and achieving objectives.

• Agile Development Integration: Potential involvement in agile methodologies, requiring flexible design approaches and quick iteration based on project feedback and evolving requirements.

• Compliance-First Approach: A strong emphasis on adhering to strict government standards, security protocols, copyright laws, and accessibility requirements in all design outputs.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Peraton's focus on "missions of consequence" and "next-generation national security" underscores a demanding yet rewarding work environment. The culture likely prioritizes mission success, security, and technological innovation. For a graphic designer, this means understanding the critical context of their work and ensuring designs are not only creative but also accurate, secure, and compliant with stringent government standards.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior Graphic Designer, given the 5-10 years of experience requirement, the expectation of leading development, and the responsibility for mentoring junior staff. It signifies a level of expertise and autonomy beyond entry or mid-level positions.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Graphic Designer will likely report to a Creative Director, Design Manager, or a lead within a communications or program support function. They will collaborate extensively with project teams, technical experts, and potentially client representatives, requiring strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant within the national security domain. High-quality, compliant, and effective visual communication is crucial for:

• Mission Clarity: Ensuring that complex technical information, operational procedures, and strategic initiatives are clearly understood by diverse audiences, including military personnel, intelligence analysts, and government officials.

• Security Awareness: Designing materials that reinforce security protocols and awareness among employees and stakeholders.

• Program Support: Providing essential visual assets for proposals, presentations, training materials, and operational documentation that directly support Peraton's mission delivery.

• Brand Integrity: Maintaining a consistent and professional brand image for Peraton across all digital and print media, reflecting the company's reputation as a trusted national security partner.

Growth Opportunities:

• Lead Designer/Art Director: Advancement to positions overseeing design teams, managing creative projects, and setting creative direction for larger initiatives.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas such as UI/UX for secure systems, data visualization for intelligence analysis, or multimedia production for complex training programs.

• Program Management Support: Transitioning into roles that focus on managing creative aspects of government contracts or supporting program management with strategic communication planning.

• Technical Skill Expansion: Pursuing further training and certifications in emerging design technologies, animation, or advanced front-end development to stay at the forefront of digital media.

• Security Clearance Advancement: Potential for leveraging existing high-level clearance for roles requiring even greater access or responsibility within sensitive government programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The combination of a high-level security clearance and a senior design role suggests a career path that is deeply integrated with national security operations. Growth opportunities will likely involve increasing responsibility for complex, high-stakes projects rather than purely aesthetic leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, requiring the graphic designer to work from Peraton's offices in McLean, Virginia. The environment is likely professional and secure, given the nature of the company's work.

Office Location(s): McLean, Virginia, is a hub for government contractors and technology companies, offering good accessibility and proximity to government agencies. The specific office location will provide a dedicated workspace.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace will likely facilitate collaboration with other designers, writers, developers, and project managers, fostering a team-oriented approach to project delivery. Shared spaces and meeting rooms will be available for team discussions and client reviews.

• Technology & Tools: Access to a robust technology infrastructure, including high-performance workstations, industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite), and potentially specialized multimedia or development tools necessary for creating secure and compliant digital assets.

• Security Protocols: A work environment that adheres to strict security protocols, including potential access controls, secure network usage, and guidelines for handling sensitive information, which are paramount in a national security context.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. While there may be some flexibility for project deadlines, consistent on-site presence is expected. The pace can be demanding, particularly when supporting proposal deadlines or critical mission requirements, necessitating efficient time management and prioritization skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and the nature of Peraton's work imply a structured and secure office environment. The emphasis is on delivering secure, compliant, and effective visual solutions within a professional team setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by the talent acquisition team to assess basic qualifications and creative capabilities.

• Technical Interview: An interview with the hiring manager and/or senior design team members to discuss your design philosophy, technical skills (HTML/CSS, Adobe Suite), and experience with responsive design and multimedia production. Expect questions about your process and how you approach design challenges.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present a curated selection of your work, focusing on projects that align with Peraton's mission and requirements (e.g., digital media, web design, infographics, secure government work). Be prepared to discuss your role, design decisions, challenges, and outcomes.

• Security & Behavioral Interview: A discussion focused on your ability to handle sensitive information, your understanding of security protocols, and how you fit within a mission-driven culture. This may involve behavioral questions assessing problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability.

• Final Interview: Potentially a meeting with higher-level management to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your skills in graphic design, digital media, web development (HTML/CSS), and UI/UX. Prioritize projects that demonstrate your ability to work within constraints, adhere to standards, and deliver impactful results.

• Highlight Process & Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process, the tools used, and the measurable outcomes or impact achieved. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your explanations.

• Demonstrate Compliance: If possible, include examples where you've had to adhere to specific brand guidelines, accessibility standards, or security clearances. Explain how you navigated these requirements.

• Web & Multimedia Focus: Given the role's emphasis, ensure your portfolio includes strong examples of web design, responsive layouts, and multimedia content. Be ready to discuss your HTML/CSS implementation.

• Concise & Clear: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most relevant aspects for this specific role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: You may be given a hypothetical design task or a problem to solve related to creating visual content for a national security context. Prepare to outline your approach, consider constraints, and propose creative solutions.

• Technical Questions: Be ready to answer questions about HTML/CSS, responsive design principles, and how you ensure cross-browser/cross-device compatibility.

• Security Awareness: Think about how design considerations might differ when working with sensitive government information versus commercial projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process strongly suggests a need for candidates to not only demonstrate creative talent but also technical proficiency, an understanding of compliance, and the ability to work within a highly secure environment. The portfolio presentation is a critical component, requiring a clear narrative about process and impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency required in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign.

• Adobe After Effects & Premiere Pro: Essential for digital media and multimedia product development, including video editing and motion graphics.

• HTML/CSS: Strong practical knowledge for front-end web design and responsive implementation.

• Web Design Tools: Familiarity with tools for wireframing, prototyping, and UI/UX design (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Request Management Tools: Experience with systems used for managing project requests, tracking progress, and communicating with stakeholders (specific tools not listed, but general familiarity is key).

• Content Management Systems (CMS): Potential use of CMS platforms for deploying web content, requiring an understanding of how designs integrate within these systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite and a solid grasp of HTML/CSS for web implementation. Experience with request management tools is also highlighted, indicating a need for structured workflow management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: A deep commitment to supporting national security missions and contributing to the success of Peraton's clients.

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding the highest standards of honesty, ethical conduct, and reliability, especially critical given the sensitive nature of the work and the need for security clearances.

• Excellence & Precision: Striving for exceptional quality in all deliverables, with meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy, compliance, and effectiveness.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively within diverse teams, sharing knowledge, and supporting colleagues to achieve collective goals.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Embracing new technologies and methodologies to continuously improve design processes and solutions, while remaining adaptable to evolving project needs and security landscapes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with technical experts, project managers, and other stakeholders to ensure designs are technically sound, contextually appropriate, and aligned with mission objectives.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: Openness to constructive criticism and a proactive approach to incorporating feedback from team members and clients to refine designs.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share expertise, mentor junior colleagues, and contribute to a culture of continuous learning and development within the design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Peraton, particularly for roles requiring high-level security clearances, will heavily emphasize trust, integrity, and mission success. The design team's collaboration style will reflect the need for precise communication and adherence to established protocols within a high-stakes environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Security Constraints: Designing effectively while strictly adhering to rigorous security protocols, clearance requirements, and public release restrictions can be challenging.

• Translating Complex Information: The primary challenge involves translating highly technical or classified information into clear, accessible, and visually engaging graphics and media without compromising accuracy or security.

• Balancing Creativity with Compliance: Finding innovative design solutions that meet both creative objectives and strict government or client-mandated standards for production, accessibility, and branding.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Working under tight deadlines to support critical mission requirements, proposals, or urgent operational needs, requiring efficient time management and prioritization.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Security Training: Opportunities to deepen understanding of security protocols and best practices relevant to handling sensitive information.

• Specialized Design Workshops: Access to training in advanced multimedia production, motion graphics, data visualization for intelligence, or UI/UX for secure applications.

• Industry Conferences: Potential to attend relevant conferences focused on government contracting, national security technology, or advanced design techniques.

• Mentorship Programs: Engaging in mentorship with senior design leaders or program managers to gain insights into career progression within the defense sector.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Opportunities to learn about different aspects of national security missions, technical systems, and operational requirements to better inform design strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the unique demands of the national security industry. Growth opportunities will likely focus on deepening expertise within this specialized domain rather than general creative exploration.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a project where you had to design for a highly regulated or secure environment. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure compliance?" (Focus on process, adherence to standards, and problem-solving).

• "How do you approach translating complex technical information into understandable visual assets for diverse audiences, considering potential security implications?" (Highlight your communication strategy, simplification techniques, and awareness of audience).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Peraton and contributing to national security missions?" (Show genuine interest in the company's mission and your role within it).

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs, especially from technical experts or stakeholders with different priorities?" (Emphasize your collaborative approach and ability to integrate feedback).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each selected project, narrate the journey: the client's need/problem, your creative solution, the execution process (including technical aspects like HTML/CSS), and the final outcome or impact.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics or specific examples to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved user engagement, clearer communication, successful proposal support).

• Highlight Relevant Skills: Explicitly point out how each project showcases your graphic design, digital media, HTML/CSS, UI/UX, and compliance experience.

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your design choices, software techniques, and front-end development implementation.

• Ask Insightful Questions: Prepare questions for the interviewer about the team, current projects, design challenges, and opportunities for growth within Peraton.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative talent but also technical proficiency, an understanding of the national security context, and excellent communication skills. The portfolio is your primary tool for showcasing these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position at Peraton:

• Submit Your Application: Navigate to the Peraton careers portal via the provided URL and submit your resume and any requested supporting documents.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your most relevant projects that highlight your graphic design, digital media, HTML/CSS, and UI/UX skills, focusing on those that demonstrate experience in regulated or complex environments. Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., via a personal website or a professional portfolio platform).

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords from the job description, such as "Graphic Design," "Digital Media," "HTML/CSS," "UI/UX," "Responsive Design," "TS/SCI with Polygraph," and "Multimedia Production." Clearly articulate your years of experience and specific accomplishments.

• Prepare Your Presentation Narrative: Practice walking through your portfolio, focusing on the story behind each project, your process, the challenges you overcame, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your experience with security clearances and compliance.

• Research Peraton: Familiarize yourself with Peraton's mission, values, and recent projects. Understand their role in national security and how your skills can contribute to their success. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers.

⚠️ 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.