Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: SAIC

Location: McLean, VA, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Government & Public Sector

Date Posted: 2026-09-03

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Supports an Intelligence Community (IC) customer in McLean, VA, requiring a high degree of creativity and technical proficiency in graphic design and multimedia production.

• Develops and executes innovative design solutions, translating complex ideas into compelling visual products for diverse stakeholders, including senior leadership and technical partners.

• Collaborates closely with internal teams and customer representatives to define requirements, refine concepts, and deliver high-quality graphics for logos, briefings, and other media.

• Requires a strong portfolio showcasing expertise in typography, grid-based design, color theory, and modern design trends to meet demanding production timelines.

• This role necessitates an active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph, underscoring the sensitive nature of the work environment and the need for discretion.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is contingent pending contract award, which is a critical detail for interested candidates to note regarding the timeline and certainty of the position. The requirement for travel and the specific focus on supporting an Intelligence Community customer are significant aspects that shape the nature of the work and the expected candidate profile.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and produce visually compelling graphics, logos, and multimedia assets tailored for an Intelligence Community (IC) customer.

• Translate abstract concepts and requirements into clear, impactful visual communications for senior leadership, operational partners, and technical teams.

• Utilize advanced features of Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat Pro) for vector illustrations, photo editing, composition, and final product refinement.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and customer stakeholders to gather feedback, iterate on designs, and ensure alignment with mission objectives and brand standards.

• Provide quick-reaction graphic support to meet urgent deadlines for Front Office requirements and critical briefings, demonstrating agility and responsiveness.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the latest design trends, techniques, and technologies to continuously enhance the quality and effectiveness of creative outputs.

• Apply principles of typography, grid-based design, and color theory to create aesthetically pleasing and functionally effective designs.

• Develop and customize graphics for a variety of applications, including but not limited to, official briefings, internal communications, and branding initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "quick reaction" and supporting "Front Office deadlines" suggests a fast-paced environment where the ability to deliver high-quality work under pressure is paramount. The need to create "customizable logos, briefings, and other media" points towards a requirement for adaptable design skills rather than purely static asset creation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree with 15+ years of related experience, OR

• Master's degree with 13+ years of related experience, OR

• PhD or JD with 10+ years of related experience. Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in graphic design and multimedia production, with a substantial portion supporting government or intelligence community clients.

• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize and execute creative solutions that meet complex design challenges and client requirements.

• Proven track record of working effectively in collaborative environments, incorporating feedback to refine and enhance design work.

• Experience in developing tailored communication products for diverse audiences, including senior executives and technical personnel. Required Skills:

• Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically:

  • Adobe Illustrator for charting and vector illustrations.
  • Photoshop for photo editing and composition of covers and imagery.
  • Adobe Acrobat Pro for document formatting and finalization.

• Strong creative portfolio showcasing:

  • Excellent use of typography and layout principles.
  • Proficiency in grid-based design and effective use of white space.
  • Deep understanding and application of color theory.

• Proven ability to design and create highly effective graphics for diverse applications.

• Up-to-date knowledge of latest design trends, techniques, and technologies.

• Excellent visual design skills and methodologies. Preferred Skills:

• Experience supporting Intelligence Community (IC) customers or similar government agencies.

• Familiarity with rapid prototyping and quick-turnaround design projects.

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective stakeholder engagement.

• Experience with animation or motion graphics, though not explicitly required, could be a valuable asset.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive experience requirement (10+ years for a PhD/JD, up to 15 years for a Bachelor's) combined with the TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance indicates a senior-level role demanding a high degree of trust, expertise, and proven performance in sensitive environments. The specific mention of "charting and vector illustrations" in Illustrator and "photo editing and composition for covers" in Photoshop highlights key technical competencies expected.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a wide range of graphic design capabilities, including examples of logos, briefing slides, infographics, and photo manipulations.

• Case studies that highlight the design process from initial concept through final execution, emphasizing problem-solving and client collaboration.

• Visual evidence of strong typography, layout, grid systems, and color theory application across various projects.

• Examples of graphics created for government or intelligence community contexts, if available, to showcase relevant experience.

• Demonstrations of proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite tools, particularly Illustrator and Photoshop, through the quality and complexity of the work presented. Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate the design process, including requirements gathering, concept development, iteration, and final delivery.

• Experience in documenting design decisions and rationale, especially when presenting to stakeholders who may not have a design background.

• Understanding of workflow management for design projects, including timelines, feedback loops, and version control.

• Familiarity with best practices for preparing and packaging final design assets for various output mediums.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role with this level of experience and sensitivity, the portfolio is not just a showcase of aesthetic skill but also a demonstration of professional process, client management, and the ability to translate complex requirements into effective visual solutions. The "customizable logos, briefings, and other media" requirement implies a need to show versatility in design application.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the 10+ years of experience requirement, the need for a TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance, and the location in McLean, VA, a highly competitive salary range is expected. For a candidate with a PhD/JD and 10 years of experience, or a Bachelor's degree with 15 years of experience, the estimated annual salary could range from $120,000 to $180,000+. This estimate is derived from industry benchmarks for senior-level graphic designers in the defense and intelligence sectors in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, factoring in the premium for high-level security clearances and specialized skills.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

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

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

• Life insurance and disability coverage.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and continuing education.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

• Access to facilities and resources that support creative work and collaboration. Working Hours:

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

• Potential for adjusted hours or overtime to meet urgent project deadlines, especially given the "quick reaction" requirements.

• The role is on-site, requiring consistent presence at the customer site in McLean, VA.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is a projection based on the provided experience level, security clearance requirement, and geographic location. It is crucial for candidates to note that actual compensation will be determined by SAIC based on individual qualifications, experience, and the specific contract awarded. The presence of a TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance significantly increases the market value of a candidate.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: SAIC operates within the Information Technology, Government Contracting, and Professional Services sectors, with a strong focus on supporting defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets. Their work involves integrating technology and providing mission-critical solutions.

Company Size: SAIC is a large enterprise, employing approximately 23,000 individuals, indicating a structured corporate environment with established processes and a wide range of career opportunities.

Founded: SAIC was founded in 1969, signifying a long history and deep experience in government contracting and technology solutions, which often translates to a stable and mature organizational culture.

Team Structure:

• The Core Creative Multimedia Production team likely consists of various creative professionals, including graphic designers, multimedia specialists, and potentially video editors or animators.

• This role reports to a team lead or manager within the Core Creative Multimedia Production group, who in turn likely reports to higher levels of management responsible for client delivery.

• Close collaboration is expected with senior management, Front Office personnel, and potentially technical teams or program managers within the Intelligence Community customer's organization. Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven decision-making and technology integration to solve complex problems for government clients.

• Agile methodologies may be employed for project management and execution, particularly in fast-paced environments requiring quick adaptations.

• A focus on security, compliance, and delivering reliable, high-quality solutions is paramount given the nature of the clients served.

• Continuous improvement and innovation are likely encouraged to stay ahead of evolving technological landscapes and client needs.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: SAIC's long history and large size suggest a company with established career paths and a robust infrastructure. The emphasis on serving intelligence and defense clients means the culture likely prioritizes security, professionalism, and mission focus. The "Core Creative Multimedia Production" team implies a dedicated internal resource for creative services, suggesting a commitment to high-quality visual communication.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is classified as a senior-level Graphic Designer role, demanding extensive experience (10+ years) and a high-level security clearance. It signifies a position of significant responsibility, requiring independent work, advanced skill application, and potentially mentorship of junior designers.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a manager or lead within the Core Creative Multimedia Production team. Collaboration will extend to senior management and Front Office personnel within the Intelligence Community customer's organization, indicating exposure to high-level decision-making processes.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the clarity and effectiveness of communication for critical intelligence missions. High-quality visuals can enhance understanding, facilitate decision-making by senior leadership, and contribute to the overall success of operational and technical partnerships. The role is pivotal in translating complex information into accessible and persuasive visual formats.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas such as data visualization, motion graphics, or advanced illustration techniques.

• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated performance and experience, potential to move into Lead Designer roles, project management, or team leadership positions within the creative production team.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Exposure to various intelligence community functions and stakeholders can open doors to roles with broader scope or different agencies.

• Professional Development: SAIC likely offers training programs, certifications, and opportunities to attend industry conferences to stay current with design trends and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive experience and security clearance requirements position this role as a senior contributor. Growth opportunities would likely involve taking on more complex projects, leading design initiatives, or moving into management within SAIC's creative services or potentially client-facing roles that leverage design expertise.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on a "Customer Site" in McLean, VA, which typically means working within the facilities of the Intelligence Community client. This environment is expected to be professional, secure, and potentially subject to specific site access and operational protocols.

Office Location(s): The primary location is McLean, VA, a hub for government contractors and intelligence agencies. This offers proximity to a large ecosystem of related organizations and opportunities.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be within a secure government facility, potentially requiring adherence to strict security protocols regarding personal devices, network access, and information handling.

• Collaboration will occur within the creative team and with customer representatives, suggesting a mix of independent work and team-based interaction.

• Access to necessary design software and hardware will be provided, tailored to meet the demands of the IC customer's projects.

• The environment is described as "up-tempo" and "dynamic," indicating a need for adaptability and responsiveness. Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is expected, but the "quick reaction" and "Front Office deadlines" suggest flexibility may be required, potentially involving occasional extended hours or weekend work if critical deadlines loom.

• The on-site nature of the role necessitates a consistent physical presence during core business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working within a secure government facility means candidates should expect a highly controlled environment. The "dynamic production environment" and "up-tempo" nature imply a need for resilience and the ability to manage changing priorities effectively.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements, especially the critical TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance.

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve a deep dive into your graphic design skills, proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, and your understanding of design principles (typography, color theory, layout). Expect to discuss your portfolio in detail.

• Portfolio Presentation/Challenge: You may be asked to present specific pieces from your portfolio, explaining your design process, the challenges you faced, and the solutions you implemented. A practical design challenge related to the IC customer's needs might also be presented.

• Customer Interview: Given the nature of the role supporting an IC customer, there will likely be an interview conducted by or with representatives from the client organization to assess your suitability, professionalism, and ability to work within their specific environment.

• Background Investigation: Due to the security clearance requirement, a thorough background investigation will be conducted.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select pieces that best showcase your skills in typography, layout, color theory, and your ability to create compelling visuals for diverse audiences, including government or corporate stakeholders.

• Highlight Process: For each project, be prepared to explain your design thinking: the problem statement, your approach, the tools used, challenges overcome, and the final outcome.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, describe the impact of your designs. For example, how did a particular graphic improve clarity in a briefing or enhance brand recognition?

• Demonstrate Versatility: Include examples of different types of work (logos, infographics, presentations, photo editing) to show your range.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether digital or physical.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If a design challenge is given, try to understand the underlying problem or objective it aims to solve, particularly if it relates to communication within a government or intelligence setting.

• Focus on Core Skills: Practice creating simple, clear graphics quickly, focusing on typography, hierarchy, and effective use of color.

• Articulate Your Rationale: Be prepared to explain your design choices clearly and concisely, linking them back to the stated requirements or objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance means that the interview process will heavily scrutinize your background and trustworthiness. The portfolio review will be critical, serving as tangible evidence of your skills and professional approach, especially for creating materials relevant to government clients.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Adobe Illustrator: Essential for vector graphics, charts, diagrams, and logo design. Proficiency in creating scalable vector assets is key.
  • Adobe Photoshop: Critical for photo editing, manipulation, compositing, and creating raster-based graphics for covers and web assets.
  • Adobe Acrobat Pro: Necessary for creating, editing, and finalizing PDF documents, including interactive elements and pre-press preparations.

• Microsoft Office Suite:

  • PowerPoint: Highly probable for creating briefing slides and presentations, requiring strong design integration with the software's capabilities.
  • Word: For document creation and formatting, potentially integrating graphical elements.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a design tool, understanding how visuals are used in reports and presentations means familiarity with common reporting formats and the data they convey. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this Graphic Designer role, but awareness of how final assets might be integrated into larger systems or workflows could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of specific Adobe Creative Suite applications (Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat Pro) indicates the core technical requirements. Proficiency here is not optional but foundational. The context of supporting an IC customer suggests that adherence to specific file formats, resolution requirements, and potentially security-compliant software versions will be important.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: A strong commitment to supporting the mission of the Intelligence Community customer, understanding that design work directly contributes to operational success and national security.

• Excellence & Quality: A dedication to producing high-quality, polished, and effective design products that meet stringent standards.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Valuing partnership and effective communication with colleagues, management, and client stakeholders to achieve shared goals.

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding the highest standards of integrity, discretion, and professionalism, especially given the sensitive nature of the work and the security clearance required.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Embracing creativity and being able to adapt to evolving project requirements, new technologies, and fast-paced operational demands.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with program managers, analysts, and other subject matter experts to translate their needs into visual concepts.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: Openness to receiving and incorporating constructive criticism from team members and clients to refine designs.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining clear and consistent communication regarding project status, potential challenges, and design rationales.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share design best practices and insights with team members to elevate the collective skill set.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style are inferred from SAIC's mission, the nature of government contracting, and the specific requirements of supporting an Intelligence Community customer. Professionalism, discretion, and a results-oriented approach are likely paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Constraints: Meeting the creative demands of design while adhering to strict client requirements, security protocols, and brand guidelines.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Managing multiple "quick reaction" requests and urgent deadlines without compromising quality or accuracy.

• Working with Sensitive Information: Handling classified or sensitive information with the utmost discretion and adhering to all security protocols.

• Translating Technical Concepts: Effectively visualizing complex or technical information for diverse audiences, ensuring clarity and impact.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to master new features or entirely new design applications relevant to multimedia production.

• Intelligence Community Familiarization: Gaining insights into the specific communication needs and operational contexts of intelligence agencies.

• Project Leadership: Potential to lead design initiatives for significant projects, gaining experience in project management and client engagement.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from senior designers and potentially mentor junior team members as experience grows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly derived from the job description's emphasis on a dynamic environment, quick reactions, and supporting an IC customer. Growth opportunities are framed around advancing design skills and taking on greater responsibility within SAIC and its client engagements.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to create a compelling visual for a complex technical or sensitive topic. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, problem-solving, and impact.)

• "How do you stay current with the latest graphic design trends and technologies, and how do you incorporate them into your work?" (Highlight continuous learning and adaptability.)

• "Imagine you receive a design request from a senior leader with vague requirements. How would you proceed to ensure you deliver what they need?" (Demonstrate communication, clarification, and proactive problem-solving skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for SAIC and supporting an Intelligence Community customer?" (Show genuine interest in the mission and the company's role.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs, especially from stakeholders who may have different perspectives?" (Emphasize professionalism, openness, and a focus on project goals.)

• "Describe your experience working in secure or classified environments. What protocols have you followed?" (Crucial for assessing your understanding of security requirements.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio piece, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenges, your design process, the tools used, and the final result and impact.

• Highlight Relevant Work: Prioritize projects that demonstrate your ability to create graphics for briefings, logos, and other media, especially if they bear resemblance to government or corporate communications.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your specific techniques within Adobe Creative Suite, such as complex masking, vector tracing, or color correction.

• Be Concise and Engaging: Present your work clearly and efficiently, allowing time for questions and discussion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design skill but also professionalism, security awareness, and the ability to thrive in a demanding, high-stakes environment. Your portfolio is your primary evidence, so be ready to discuss it in detail.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 10+ years of experience, specific Adobe Creative Suite proficiencies, and any experience supporting government or intelligence agencies. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Organize your digital portfolio to showcase relevant work, including logos, briefing graphics, and examples demonstrating typography, layout, and color theory. Be ready to walk through specific projects and explain your process.

• Research SAIC: Understand SAIC's mission, values, and its role as a prime integrator for government clients. Familiarize yourself with their work in the defense, space, and intelligence sectors.

• Anticipate Security Questions: Be prepared to discuss your background honestly and thoroughly, as a TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance is a mandatory requirement.

⚠️ 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.