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: 2026-08-27

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for designing and developing high-quality multimedia products, encompassing graphics, digital media, and cartography, to support government customer communication needs.

• Requires deep expertise in front-end web design, UI/UX principles, and proficiency in HTML/CSS to build responsive and engaging digital assets.

• Involves managing design requests through specialized tools, ensuring efficient turnaround and high standards for all multimedia outputs.

• Entails a strong focus on ensuring all graphic products adhere strictly to production standards, copyright laws, accessibility requirements, and public release guidelines, with rigorous technical quality checks.

• Includes opportunities to mentor and train junior staff, contributing to team development and knowledge transfer within the design function.

📝 Enhancement Note: This position is situated within the national security sector, requiring a high level of clearance and a focus on sensitive government projects. The "Graphic Designer" title is interpreted as a senior-level role given the extensive experience requirements (10+ years) and the inclusion of leadership/mentoring responsibilities, placing it within a strategic operations support function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement high-quality multimedia assets, including graphics, digital media, and cartography, tailored for diverse communication requirements.

• Effectively manage and prioritize design requests using designated request management tools to ensure timely and efficient delivery of creative assets.

• Collaborate closely with UI/UX designers within the Knowledge Management team to produce visually appealing and user-centric graphic products for various platforms.

• Create innovative and compelling designs for a wide range of digital and print media, such as websites, mobile applications, newsletters, advertisements, infographics, banners, illustrations, and logos.

• Guarantee that all graphic products meticulously comply with established production standards, copyright regulations, accessibility mandates (e.g., WCAG), and public release protocols.

• Conduct comprehensive technical quality assurance checks on all multimedia deliverables to uphold design integrity and functionality.

• Build and maintain approved design concepts using HTML/CSS, incorporating responsive design principles to ensure optimal viewing across all devices and screen sizes.

• Provide specialized cartography support, including the creation of thematic and reference maps, to visually represent geographical data and information.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative design execution and adherence to strict compliance and technical standards, typical for roles supporting government or highly regulated industries. The mention of "Knowledge Management" suggests integration with information architecture and content strategy.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree (BS/BA) with a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience.

• Master's degree (MS/MA) with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.

• Doctoral degree (PhD) with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience. Experience:

• Extensive experience in leading the development of graphics, digital media, and multimedia products for complex projects.

• Proven track record in front-end web design, UI/UX design principles, and advanced HTML/CSS implementation.

• Demonstrated experience in photography and video editing, including post-production workflows.

• Experience in mentoring and training junior design staff, fostering skill development and team growth.

• Substantial experience in creating engaging and user-friendly graphic products for both written and digital formats.

• Proficient in designing graphics for websites, mobile apps, newsletters, advertisements, infographics, and other digital content platforms.

• Solid understanding and practical application of production standards, copyright laws, and accessibility requirements in design.

• Experience in conducting technical quality assurance and maintaining the integrity and consistency of design outputs. Required Skills:

• Active TS/SCI clearance with a relevant polygraph.

• Advanced proficiency in graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite).

• Expertise in front-end web development technologies: HTML5, CSS3.

• Strong understanding of UI/UX design principles and best practices.

• Experience with multimedia production, including photography and video editing.

• Skill in cartography and map design.

• Ability to lead design initiatives and mentor junior team members.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills for cross-functional team interaction.

• Meticulous attention to detail for technical quality assurance and compliance. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with responsive design frameworks.

• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS).

• Knowledge of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG 2.1 AA).

• Experience working within government or defense contracting environments.

• Proficiency in request management or project management tools.

• Understanding of Knowledge Management principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The educational and experience requirements are structured with a tiered approach, allowing for flexibility based on the candidate's academic background. The mandatory TS/SCI clearance with polygraph is a critical differentiator for this role, indicating its placement within a sensitive government operations context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a diverse range of graphic design, digital media, and cartography projects.

• Demonstrations of front-end web design and UI/UX implementation, including examples of responsive design.

• Case studies highlighting leadership in multimedia product development and mentoring junior staff.

• Examples of graphics created for websites, mobile apps, infographics, and other digital platforms.

• Documentation of adherence to production standards, copyright laws, and accessibility requirements in past projects. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of managing design requests through formal request management tools, detailing workflow from submission to completion.

• Examples of technical quality assurance processes applied to multimedia assets.

• Documentation of collaboration processes with UI/UX designers and Knowledge Management teams.

• Demonstrations of HTML/CSS implementation for web-based graphic products, emphasizing responsive design.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role of this seniority and in this sector, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only display creative output but also demonstrate process, compliance, and leadership. The emphasis on request management tools and technical quality assurance suggests a need for structured, repeatable design processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $112,000 - $179,000 per year. This range is an estimate based on the provided target salary and typical compensation for a senior Graphic Designer with extensive experience and specialized skills in the McLean, VA area, considering the government contracting industry.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Retirement savings plan with company match (e.g., 401(k)).

• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Life insurance and disability coverage.

• Professional development and training opportunities.

• Potential for overtime pay and a discretionary bonus, in addition to base salary. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time position, likely 40 hours per week.

• On-site work in McLean, VA, with potential for some flexibility within core business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is broad, reflecting the "10+ years" experience requirement and the significant impact of the TS/SCI clearance. Benefits are typical for a large government contractor like Peraton, emphasizing comprehensive coverage and long-term financial planning.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: National Security, Technology, Government Contracting, Enterprise IT. Peraton operates at the forefront of national security missions, providing advanced technology and mission capability integration to government agencies and defense branches.

Company Size: Large enterprise (Peraton is a significant player in the government contracting space, often employing thousands). This size implies structured processes, robust benefits, and opportunities for diverse project involvement.

Founded: Peraton has a history that includes acquisitions and growth, positioning it as a stable, established entity in the national security sector.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of a team supporting a specific government customer, likely within a larger program or department.

• This team will include cross-functional members such as UI/UX designers, Knowledge Management specialists, and potentially technical writers or project managers.

• Reporting structure will likely lead to a Design Lead, Program Manager, or Department Head overseeing multimedia and communication support functions.

• Collaboration will be extensive with various stakeholders across different government agencies or program offices requiring design support. Methodology:

• Data-driven design approach, leveraging user feedback and analytics to inform creative decisions.

• Agile methodologies may be employed for project management and iterative design development.

• Emphasis on standardized processes for request management, quality assurance, and compliance to meet government client requirements.

• Focus on continuous improvement in design techniques, technologies, and workflow efficiency.

Company Website: peraton.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Peraton's focus on "missions of consequence" and "next-generation national security" suggests a culture that values high performance, security, and impactful contributions. The "transformative enterprise IT provider" aspect highlights a commitment to technological advancement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Graphic Designer. This role is positioned as a senior individual contributor with leadership responsibilities, focusing on complex design projects and team mentorship. It is a key support function within the broader operational framework of Peraton's government contracts.

Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a Design Manager, Creative Director, or Program Manager overseeing communication and multimedia services for a specific client or project. This position may also involve guiding and overseeing the work of junior designers.

Operations Impact: The work directly impacts the clarity, effectiveness, and professionalism of critical government communications, intelligence products, and public-facing materials. High-quality design is essential for conveying complex information accurately and influencing stakeholder understanding, thereby supporting mission success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to Lead Graphic Designer or Art Director roles within Peraton's creative services or communications departments.

• Opportunities to specialize in specific areas such as advanced UI/UX design for government platforms, data visualization, or motion graphics.

• Potential for management roles overseeing design teams or entire creative departments.

• Development of expertise in government-specific design standards, security protocols, and compliance requirements.

• Opportunities to engage in strategic design planning and contribute to proposal development for new government contracts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a senior designer in this environment often involves moving into leadership or specialized technical roles, with a strong emphasis on domain expertise within national security and government contracting.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily an on-site role within a government contractor's facilities or a client's secure location in McLean, VA. This implies a structured, professional, and potentially secure work environment.

Office Location(s): McLean, Virginia, USA. This area is a hub for government contracting and defense industry companies.

Workspace Context:

• A professional office setting, likely with dedicated workstations equipped with industry-standard design software and hardware.

• Opportunities for collaboration with a diverse team of designers, developers, and subject matter experts.

• Access to specialized tools and technologies required for multimedia production, web design, and cartography.

• A focus on security protocols and compliance, which may influence workflow and access to certain systems. Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week, with potential for overtime to meet project deadlines.

• The work schedule may need to accommodate specific client needs or project milestones.

• While primarily on-site, there might be occasional flexibility depending on the specific contract and client requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in McLean, VA, is directly linked to the need for a TS/SCI clearance and proximity to government clients. The work environment will be professional and security-conscious.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and clearance status.

• Technical Interview: Meeting with hiring manager and potentially senior team members to discuss design philosophy, technical skills (HTML/CSS, UI/UX), and experience with multimedia/cartography. This stage will likely involve a portfolio review.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, detailing their role, process, and outcomes for key projects, with an emphasis on compliance and technical execution.

• Skills Assessment/Challenge: A practical design exercise or case study, potentially involving a mock request or a problem-solving scenario related to government communication needs.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership to assess cultural fit, leadership potential, and strategic alignment with Peraton's mission. Clearance verification will be a critical part of this stage.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects that highlight graphic design, digital media, cartography, front-end development, and UI/UX.

• Detail Your Process: For each project, explain the problem, your approach, the tools used, your specific contributions (especially if working in a team), and the results achieved. Emphasize how you met client requirements, adhered to standards, and ensured quality.

• Highlight Compliance & Technical Skills: Include examples that demonstrate your understanding of copyright, accessibility, and responsive design. Be prepared to discuss your HTML/CSS implementation details.

• Showcase Leadership: If possible, include projects where you led initiatives or mentored junior designers.

• Tailor to Peraton: Research Peraton's work and clients. If you have relevant government or national security project examples, prioritize them.

Challenge Preparation:

• Review common graphic design challenges, especially those involving data visualization, infographics, and web design for specific audiences.

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach designing for a government audience, considering security, clarity, and accessibility.

• Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, justifying your choices based on project objectives and constraints.

• Familiarize yourself with Peraton's mission and values to align your responses with their organizational goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is heavily weighted towards clearance verification, technical expertise, and the ability to demonstrate past performance in a highly regulated environment. A robust portfolio is non-negotiable.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, Premiere Pro (essential for graphic design, digital media, video editing).

• Web Design & Development: HTML5, CSS3 (including preprocessors like SASS/LESS), potentially JavaScript frameworks (e.g., jQuery, React) for front-end implementation.

• UI/UX Design Tools: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD (for wireframing, prototyping, and collaborative design).

• Cartography Software: ArcGIS, QGIS, or similar GIS tools for map creation and data visualization.

• Content Management Systems (CMS): Familiarity with platforms like WordPress, Drupal, or custom government-specific CMS.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Tools for website analytics (e.g., Google Analytics) to inform UI/UX decisions.

• Data visualization tools that integrate with design outputs. CRM & Automation:

• Request management or project management tools (e.g., JIRA, Asana, ServiceNow) for tracking design requests and project progress.

• Familiarity with collaboration platforms like Microsoft Teams or Slack.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency across a broad spectrum of design and development tools is expected, with a particular emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite, front-end web technologies, and potentially GIS software. Experience with project/request management systems is key for operational efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: A strong commitment to supporting national security objectives and delivering high-impact results for government clients.

• Integrity & Security: Upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct, data security, and confidentiality.

• Excellence & Quality: Dedication to producing superior work, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and technical accuracy.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment of mutual respect and shared responsibility, working effectively across diverse teams.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Embracing new technologies and methodologies to solve complex challenges and adapt to evolving mission requirements.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, requiring close partnerships with UI/UX designers, Knowledge Management specialists, technical teams, and government stakeholders.

• Emphasis on clear, concise communication and proactive problem-solving to ensure design solutions meet client needs and operational constraints.

• Cross-functional integration is essential, with designers contributing to the overall effectiveness of communication strategies and information dissemination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values are deeply intertwined with its role in national security. Expect a culture that prioritizes reliability, discretion, and mission accomplishment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Government Compliance: Ensuring all designs meet stringent government standards for security, accessibility, and public release can be complex and time-consuming.

• Balancing Creativity with Constraints: Delivering innovative designs within the strict parameters of government requirements and technical limitations.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Effectively translating the requirements of various government agencies and program offices into cohesive design solutions.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Continuously learning and adapting to new design tools, web technologies, and multimedia production techniques relevant to national security.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Access to specialized training programs for advanced design software, web development, and multimedia production techniques.

• Opportunities to attend industry conferences and workshops focused on government contracting, design, and technology.

• Pursuing certifications in relevant areas such as UI/UX, web development, or project management.

• Mentorship from senior designers and leaders within Peraton, providing guidance on career progression and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are characteristic of working within the government sector, emphasizing process adherence and adaptability. Growth opportunities are geared towards specialization and leadership within the defense and national security IT landscape.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex multimedia project you led from concept to completion. How did you ensure it met all technical, compliance, and client requirements?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and outcome).

• "How do you approach designing for an audience with strict accessibility requirements, such as a government user base?" (Highlight your understanding of accessibility standards and practical application).

• "Walk us through your process for creating an infographic or a complex map. What tools and methodologies do you employ?" (Demonstrate technical proficiency and systematic approach).

• "How do you collaborate with UI/UX designers and Knowledge Management teams to achieve cohesive product design?" (Showcase cross-functional collaboration skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Peraton and our mission in national security?" (Research Peraton's mission and connect it to your values).

• "How do you handle tight deadlines and shifting priorities in a high-pressure environment?" (Emphasize your organizational skills and adaptability).

• "Describe a time you had to mentor or train a junior colleague. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Provide an example of your leadership potential). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project type or by highlighting specific skills.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved user engagement, clearer communication, adherence to budget/timeline).

• Be Ready for Technical Deep Dives: Prepare to discuss your HTML/CSS implementation, responsive design choices, and any technical challenges you overcame.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Frame your projects as solutions to specific problems, illustrating your analytical and creative thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating technical mastery, adherence to process and compliance, strong collaborative skills, and a clear understanding of Peraton's mission and the importance of security clearances.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided careers portal link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your years of experience, specific technical skills (HTML/CSS, UI/UX, Adobe Suite, Cartography), and any experience with government contracts or sensitive projects. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a digital portfolio that showcases your best work, with a strong emphasis on projects demonstrating compliance, technical execution, and leadership. Be ready to present and discuss your process in detail.

• Research Peraton: Familiarize yourself with Peraton's mission, values, and recent projects to articulate your interest and cultural fit during interviews.

• Practice Interview Questions: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples that demonstrate your skills, experience, and ability to work in a secure, mission-driven environment.

⚠️ 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.