Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: SAIC

Location: Chantilly, Virginia, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Design / Multimedia Production

Date Posted: 2026-08-20T16:09:09

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for supporting an Intelligence Community (IC) customer, requiring a blend of creative design and technical multimedia production skills.

• The Graphic Designer will be instrumental in translating complex requirements into compelling visual narratives and motion graphics.

• This position emphasizes collaborative problem-solving, leveraging diverse perspectives to drive innovative design solutions within a fast-paced production environment.

• A strong portfolio showcasing proficiency in graphic design, typography, and design trends is a mandatory prerequisite for consideration.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the context of supporting an Intelligence Community customer and the emphasis on "multimedia production," "motion graphics," and "production concepts" suggest a specialized role that may go beyond traditional graphic design, potentially involving visual storytelling for intelligence analysis or operational support. The "10+" years of experience requirement also indicates a senior-level position, likely requiring a high degree of autonomy and strategic input.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute innovative design concepts for multimedia production projects, aligning with customer requirements and strategic objectives.

• Create compelling visual assets, including graphics, illustrations, and motion graphics, to effectively communicate complex information.

• Translate abstract ideas and technical data into clear, impactful visual narratives and engaging user experiences.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including subject matter experts, project managers, and other creative professionals, to refine and enhance design deliverables.

• Apply feedback from stakeholders and team members to iterate on designs, ensuring optimal clarity, aesthetic appeal, and functional effectiveness.

• Maintain a high standard of design quality, adhering to brand guidelines, style guides, and best practices in typography, color theory, and grid-based design.

• Stay abreast of emerging design trends, technologies, and production techniques to continuously improve creative output and introduce novel solutions.

• Contribute to a dynamic and collaborative production environment, fostering positive working relationships and achieving team goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for not just creative execution but also strategic thinking in translating client needs into visual solutions. The mention of "Intelligence Community customer" and "production concepts" implies that the designs may serve critical, sensitive functions, requiring a high degree of precision, discretion, and adherence to specific protocols.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Multimedia Arts, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

• Postgraduate degrees in relevant fields may be considered a plus. Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in graphic design and multimedia production, with a demonstrated track record of successful project delivery.

• Experience supporting government agencies, particularly within the Intelligence Community, is highly desirable. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level skills in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and After Effects are essential for creating and manipulating graphics and motion graphics.

• Motion Graphics Expertise: Demonstrated ability to create dynamic animations and visual effects using tools like Adobe After Effects.

• Visual Design Principles: Strong understanding of typography, grid-based design, color theory, layout, and composition.

• Creative Conceptualization: Ability to brainstorm, develop, and articulate original design concepts that meet project objectives.

• Portfolio of Work: A comprehensive and compelling portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, demonstrating creativity, technical skill, and problem-solving abilities.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration and presentation of design ideas.

• Problem-Solving: Ability to analyze design challenges and develop effective visual solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Video Editing: Familiarity with video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro.

• 3D Modeling/Animation: Experience with 3D design software can be advantageous for advanced multimedia projects.

• UI/UX Design Principles: Understanding of user interface and user experience design concepts.

• Familiarity with IC Requirements: Knowledge of specific design considerations and security protocols relevant to intelligence community projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "10+" years of experience requirement, combined with the mention of a postgraduate degree as a plus, suggests that candidates with extensive experience and potentially advanced formal education will be highly competitive. The explicit requirement for a portfolio underscores its importance in evaluating candidates for this senior creative role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated Creative Process: Showcase a range of projects that highlight your design thinking, from initial concept to final execution, including sketches, wireframes, and mood boards.

• Technical Proficiency: Include examples that clearly demonstrate your mastery of industry-standard design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) and your ability to produce high-quality graphics and motion graphics.

• Problem-Solving Case Studies: Present specific projects where you faced a design challenge and how your creative solution effectively addressed the requirements, ideally with quantifiable results or impact.

• Versatility: Exhibit a diverse portfolio that spans various design styles and applications, reflecting your adaptability to different project needs and client expectations.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Be prepared to discuss your typical design workflow, from receiving a brief to delivering final assets, including your methods for client feedback and iteration.

• Project Management: Demonstrate an understanding of how you manage your time and resources to meet project deadlines, especially in a production-driven environment.

• Collaboration Protocols: Be ready to describe how you integrate feedback and collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role supporting an IC customer, the portfolio should not only demonstrate creative talent but also an understanding of process, precision, and the ability to translate complex requirements into clear, actionable visuals. The ability to articulate one's design process and how it leads to effective outcomes will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the 10+ years of experience requirement, the senior nature of the role, the specific technical skills (Adobe Creative Suite, motion graphics), and the demanding location (Chantilly, VA), the estimated salary range for a Graphic Designer with an active TS/SCI clearance and Polygraph is approximately $120,000 - $170,000 per year. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the Northern Virginia tech corridor, factoring in the security clearance premium and the specialized nature of supporting the Intelligence Community. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans.

• Retirement Savings Plan (e.g., 401(k)) with company matching.

• Paid Time Off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Life Insurance and Disability Coverage.

• Professional Development and Training opportunities, including support for certifications and skill enhancement.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and incentives.

• Access to cutting-edge technology and collaborative work environments. Working Hours:

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

• The role is on-site, requiring consistent presence at the Chantilly, VA location.

• Flexibility may be available depending on project demands and team needs, but core hours are expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is significantly influenced by the mandatory TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph, which commands a premium in the market for cleared professionals. The location in Chantilly, VA, is also a high-cost-of-living area with a strong demand for skilled professionals in the defense and intelligence sectors.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Information Technology and Government Services. SAIC is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing technology and innovation for defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets.

Company Size: Approximately 23,000 employees. This large size suggests a robust infrastructure, diverse opportunities, and established processes, but also a need for individuals who can navigate a larger organization effectively.

Founded: SAIC was founded in 1969, indicating a long history of experience and stability in the industry.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Core Creative Multimedia Production team, supporting an Intelligence Community customer.

• This team likely operates within a larger program or division focused on supporting national security initiatives.

• The structure will involve close collaboration with project managers, technical experts, and other creative specialists. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using data and customer requirements to inform creative decisions and drive effective visual solutions.

• Agile Production: Likely operates within an agile or iterative development framework to adapt to evolving project needs and feedback.

• Collaborative Problem-Solving: A culture that encourages teamwork, open communication, and shared responsibility for project success.

Company Website: http://www.saic.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: SAIC's focus on "mission integration" and supporting critical national imperatives suggests a work environment that values dedication, technical excellence, and a commitment to national security. The company's size and history imply a structured but opportunity-rich environment for professionals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior Graphic Designer, requiring over 10 years of experience and a high level of technical and creative expertise. It implies a significant level of autonomy and the ability to lead design aspects of projects.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Creative Lead, Production Manager, or Program Manager within the Core Creative Multimedia Production team. They will collaborate with various internal and external stakeholders, including IC customer representatives.

Operations Impact: The impact is direct and significant: the quality and clarity of the visual and motion graphics produced by this role are crucial for the effective understanding and dissemination of intelligence information, directly supporting national security missions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced motion graphics, 3D visualization, or emerging multimedia technologies.

• Leadership Roles: Transition into Lead Designer, Creative Director, or Production Management roles within SAIC's multimedia production division.

• Cross-Functional Projects: Gain exposure to different facets of IC support, potentially moving into roles with broader program management or technical consultation responsibilities.

• Continuous Learning: Opportunities for training, certifications, and attending industry conferences to stay at the forefront of design and multimedia production.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior role supporting the IC, growth opportunities often involve increased responsibility for complex projects, mentorship of junior designers, and contributing to strategic visual solutions rather than just execution. The security clearance itself can open doors to a wider array of specialized and high-impact projects.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site in Chantilly, VA, suggesting a professional office environment typical for government contracting firms. This environment likely includes collaborative workspaces, private offices, and potentially specialized production studios.

Office Location(s): Chantilly, Virginia, a hub for technology and government contracting in the Northern Virginia area, offering accessibility and proximity to related industries and government facilities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Access to meeting rooms and shared areas designed for teamwork and brainstorming sessions with colleagues and potentially client representatives.

• Production Tools: A well-equipped workspace with powerful workstations and access to the necessary software and hardware for high-end graphic and motion graphics production.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with a dedicated team of creative professionals, project managers, and subject matter experts, fostering a supportive and dynamic work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The position requires a standard 40-hour work week on-site. While core hours will be established, the dynamic nature of supporting an IC customer may occasionally require flexibility to meet critical deadlines or urgent project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working on-site for an IC customer often implies a secure facility, which may have specific protocols and access requirements. The environment is expected to be professional, focused, and geared towards high-stakes project delivery.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative capabilities.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: A detailed discussion of your portfolio, with a focus on your design process, problem-solving approaches, and technical proficiency in design tools. You will be expected to articulate the rationale behind your design choices.

• Skills Assessment/Challenge: Potentially a practical design exercise or case study to evaluate your ability to respond to specific creative briefs or solve design problems under timed conditions.

• Cultural Fit & Team Interview: Meetings with potential team members and management to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with SAIC's and the customer's operational culture.

• Security Clearance Verification: Confirmation of your active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best represent your skills relevant to multimedia production, motion graphics, and complex information visualization. Prioritize quality over quantity.

• Tell Your Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your approach, your role, the tools used, and the outcome or impact. Use case study formats to structure your narrative.

• Highlight IC Relevance: If possible, include projects that demonstrate an understanding of government, defense, or intelligence-related visual communication needs, even if hypothetical.

• Showcase Technical Prowess: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates mastery of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects) and any other relevant software.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually polished. A dedicated website or a well-designed PDF is recommended.

Challenge Preparation:

• Deconstruct the Brief: Understand the core problem, target audience, and objectives of any design challenge.

• Think Aloud: During timed exercises, articulate your thought process, design decisions, and any assumptions you are making.

• Focus on Process: Even if time is limited, demonstrate a structured approach to problem-solving.

• Be Realistic: Acknowledge any constraints and propose practical, achievable solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mandatory portfolio review is a critical gate. Candidates must be prepared to deeply discuss their work, demonstrating not just artistic talent but also strategic thinking, technical execution, and a professional approach to design challenges relevant to a high-stakes environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Photoshop: For raster image editing, photo manipulation, and complex digital art.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, illustrations, and scalable design elements.
  • InDesign: For page layout, document design, and print collateral.
  • After Effects: For motion graphics, animation, visual effects, and dynamic visual storytelling.

• Adobe Premiere Pro: For video editing, assembly, and post-production workflows.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not direct design tools, understanding how designs are used and their impact might involve familiarity with analytics platforms or reporting dashboards used by the IC customer, though this is secondary to design execution. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core function of a Graphic Designer, but familiarity with project management or collaboration tools used within SAIC and by the IC customer (e.g., JIRA, Confluence, Microsoft Teams) would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is deep proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly After Effects for motion graphics. Experience with Premiere Pro is a strong plus. The focus is on creative production tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: A strong commitment to supporting the critical missions of the Intelligence Community, prioritizing accuracy, timeliness, and effectiveness in all deliverables.

• Excellence & Precision: Striving for the highest standards of quality in design, attention to detail, and technical execution.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Valuing open communication, mutual respect, and a shared effort to achieve collective goals.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Encouraging creative thinking, embracing new technologies, and adapting to evolving project requirements and client needs.

• Integrity & Discretion: Upholding the highest ethical standards and maintaining strict confidentiality, especially when working with sensitive information.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working seamlessly with technical experts, project managers, and other creative professionals to ensure designs are accurate, relevant, and impactful.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: Actively seeking and incorporating constructive feedback from colleagues and stakeholders to refine designs and enhance project outcomes.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining clear and consistent communication channels to keep stakeholders informed, manage expectations, and resolve issues efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is likely to be highly professional, results-oriented, and security-conscious, reflecting the nature of the Intelligence Community client. Emphasizing these values in discussions and through portfolio examples will resonate well.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Information: The primary challenge will be to distill intricate intelligence data and concepts into clear, visually digestible formats without oversimplifying or misrepresenting critical details.

• Adhering to Strict Guidelines: Working within established security protocols, branding standards, and potentially unique client-specific design requirements that may limit creative freedom but are essential for compliance.

• Fast-Paced Production Environment: Managing multiple projects with tight deadlines in a dynamic operational setting requires excellent time management, prioritization, and resilience.

• Evolving Requirements: The nature of IC work often involves shifting priorities and evolving needs, necessitating flexibility and rapid adaptation in design approaches.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Multimedia Techniques: Opportunities to master new animation software, 3D rendering, or interactive design tools.

• Specialized Design Training: Access to courses and workshops focused on specific areas relevant to intelligence visualization, data storytelling, or advanced motion graphics.

• Project Leadership: Taking on more responsibility for leading design efforts on complex, high-impact projects.

• Industry Exposure: Potential to attend relevant industry events or conferences (with appropriate clearances) to stay current with trends and network.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges in this role are often tied to the sensitive nature of the work and the demands of government contracting. Growth is typically aligned with increased project complexity, leadership, and specialized technical skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate complex technical information into a clear visual format. What was your process, and what was the outcome?"

  • Preparation: Prepare a specific case study from your portfolio. Focus on the problem, your design process (research, ideation, execution), the tools used, and the impact or effectiveness of your visual solution. Emphasize clarity and accuracy.

• "How do you approach incorporating feedback from multiple stakeholders, especially when there are conflicting opinions?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your methods for active listening, understanding differing perspectives, identifying common ground, and proposing solutions that balance requirements. Highlight your ability to remain objective and focus on the project's overall goals.

• "Imagine you are tasked with creating a visual briefing for a high-level intelligence audience. What are the key considerations you would prioritize?"

  • Preparation: Focus on clarity, conciseness, data accuracy, appropriate tone, and the strategic use of visuals to support key messages. Mention security considerations and audience-specific communication styles.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working with an Intelligence Community customer and SAIC specifically?"

  • Preparation: Research SAIC's mission and values, and express genuine interest in supporting national security. Connect your skills and career aspirations to their work.

• "How do you stay updated on the latest design trends and technologies, and how do you integrate them into your work?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your methods for continuous learning (blogs, courses, conferences, experimentation) and provide examples of how you've applied new techniques or tools to improve your output.

• "Describe your experience working in a secure government contracting environment."

  • Preparation: Highlight your understanding of security protocols, discretion, and the importance of compliance. If you have prior experience, share relevant insights.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your presentation around the story of each project: the challenge, your strategic approach, your creative execution, and the measurable results or impact.

• Focus on Process: Be ready to walk through your design process for key pieces, explaining your rationale at each step. This demonstrates critical thinking beyond just aesthetics.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Clearly articulate which tools you used for each project and how you leveraged their capabilities to achieve specific effects or outcomes.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics or specific examples to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs (e.g., improved clarity, increased engagement, successful information transfer).

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, problem-solving methods, and how you handle challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize both creative talent and the ability to operate effectively within a government contracting and intelligence support environment. Demonstrating a secure, professional, and collaborative mindset is as important as showcasing design skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud portal link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating expertise in motion graphics, complex information visualization, and clear communication of technical or sensitive data. Prioritize examples that showcase your process and problem-solving skills.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 10+ years of experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (especially After Effects), and any experience supporting government or intelligence agencies. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and the impact of your work. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions and be ready to discuss your approach to collaborative problem-solving and adapting to client needs.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with SAIC's mission, values, and the types of projects they undertake for the Intelligence Community to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ 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.