Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: SAIC

Location: Chantilly, Virginia, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Design / Government Services

Date Posted: 2026-09-09T17:38:37

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is focused on providing advanced graphic design and multimedia production support for an Intelligence Community (IC) customer, requiring a strong blend of creative talent and technical proficiency.

• The position involves translating complex requirements into compelling visual narratives and motion graphics, emphasizing innovative production concepts.

• Collaboration is key, as the designer will work closely with team members and stakeholders to refine designs and ensure effective communication of critical information.

• A significant aspect of the role is to stay abreast of the latest design trends, techniques, and technologies to ensure cutting-edge visual output.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input job title is "Graphic Designer," the context of supporting an "Intelligence Community (IC) customer" and the requirement for a "TS/SCI with Polygraph" security clearance strongly indicate a role within the government contracting or defense sector, rather than a typical commercial graphic design position. The emphasis on "mission integrator" and specific defense/intelligence markets further solidifies this.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute innovative graphic design concepts and visual solutions tailored to the specific needs of an Intelligence Community client.

• Create compelling visual assets, including static graphics, infographics, presentations, and potentially motion graphics, to support mission objectives.

• Translate complex information and abstract ideas into clear, concise, and visually engaging designs.

• Collaborate closely with project managers, subject matter experts, and other creative professionals to define design requirements and ensure alignment with client expectations.

• Apply feedback effectively to iterate on designs, enhancing their quality, clarity, and impact.

• Maintain a high standard of visual design, paying close attention to typography, layout, color theory, and overall aesthetic appeal.

• Ensure all design outputs adhere to client-specific branding guidelines and security protocols.

• Stay current with industry best practices, emerging design trends, and new technologies in graphic and motion design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities have been elaborated to reflect the specific context of working for an Intelligence Community customer, emphasizing the need for clarity, accuracy, and adherence to specific client requirements beyond general creative execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree with a minimum of six (6) years of related experience.

• Master's degree with a minimum of four (4) years of related experience.

• PhD with zero (0) years of related experience. Experience:

• A minimum of 4-10 years of progressive experience in graphic design, with a focus on multimedia production and visual communication.

• Proven experience in conceptualizing, designing, and producing highly effective graphics for diverse applications.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a team environment and build strong working relationships. Required Skills:

• Active TS/SCI with Polygraph security clearance is mandatory.

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• Strong creative portfolio showcasing exceptional use of typography, grid-based design principles, effective use of white space, and a solid understanding of color theory.

• Excellent visual design skills with a keen eye for detail and aesthetics.

• Experience in conceptualizing and executing impactful graphics that meet defined objectives. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion design software such as Adobe After Effects and Adobe Premiere Pro.

• Familiarity with modern design trends, techniques, and technologies.

• Ability to translate abstract ideas into compelling visual narratives.

• Experience working within a government or defense contracting environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level has been inferred from the educational requirements (Bachelor's + 6 years, Master's + 4 years) to provide a more practical range of 5-10 years. The security clearance is highlighted as a critical, non-negotiable requirement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory for interview consideration, demonstrating a strong command of design principles.

• Showcase a range of projects that highlight expertise in typography, grid systems, layout design, and color theory.

• Include examples that illustrate the process of translating client requirements into effective visual solutions.

• Projects should demonstrate the ability to conceptualize and design compelling graphics for diverse audiences and purposes.

• Motion graphics samples (if available) will be highly valued, showcasing proficiency in tools like After Effects and Premiere Pro. Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate the design process from initial concept development through final production and delivery.

• Demonstrate how feedback is incorporated to refine and improve designs iteratively.

• Showcase an understanding of how design aligns with client objectives and mission requirements.

• Examples of problem-solving through design, illustrating how creative solutions were developed for specific challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are specifically tailored to a graphic design role, emphasizing the visual and conceptual aspects that hiring managers look for. The "Process Documentation" section is framed around demonstrating the candidate's design methodology and problem-solving approach, crucial for roles requiring strategic thinking.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers with a TS/SCI clearance in the Northern Virginia area, with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated salary range is $90,000 - $130,000 annually. This range accounts for the specialized skills, security requirements, and the demand for talent in the government contracting sector. 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 opportunities, including training, certifications, and conference attendance.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime based on project needs.

• The role is on-site, requiring regular attendance at the Chantilly, VA location.

📝 Enhancement Note: A salary range has been estimated based on the location (Chantilly, VA), experience level (5-10 years), and the critical requirement of a TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance, which significantly impacts compensation in the defense and intelligence sectors. Benefits are standard for a large government contractor like SAIC.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: SAIC operates primarily within the Defense, Space, Intelligence, and Civilian markets, serving as a mission integrator. This means the company focuses on applying technology and innovation to solve complex national security and government challenges.

Company Size: SAIC is a large organization, approximately 23,000 employees strong. This scale suggests a structured corporate environment with established processes and a wide array of resources, but also potentially a more hierarchical decision-making structure.

Founded: SAIC was founded in 1969. This long history indicates stability, deep industry experience, and a well-established presence in its core markets.

Team Structure:

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

• The team operates within a broader organizational structure that supports Intelligence Community (IC) customers, implying a focus on mission-critical deliverables and adherence to strict security protocols.

• Collaboration is expected to be cross-functional, involving close work with technical experts, program managers, and client representatives to ensure design solutions effectively meet complex requirements. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While creative, the design process for an IC customer will likely be grounded in understanding data, requirements, and strategic objectives to ensure the visuals are not just appealing but also informative and effective.

• Agile Development Principles: Many government contracting environments adopt agile methodologies for project management, which may influence how design tasks are prioritized, executed, and reviewed.

• Client-Centric Solutions: The primary focus will be on meeting the specific needs and requirements of the IC customer, ensuring designs are tailored and impactful for their mission.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture and team structure have been inferred from SAIC's description as a "premier mission integrator" and its focus on the defense and intelligence sectors. This context is crucial for understanding the operational environment and expectations for a designer in this role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Graphic Designer role appears to be mid-level to senior, given the experience requirements and the need for independent problem-solving and creative concept development. It sits within a specialized creative production team supporting critical government missions.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Creative Lead, Production Manager, or Program Manager within the Core Creative Multimedia Production team. This manager would oversee project assignments, performance reviews, and professional development.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant, as the visual communications produced directly support intelligence analysis, operational planning, and stakeholder briefings for a high-stakes government client. Effective design can enhance understanding, convey critical information accurately, and contribute to the success of sensitive missions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in motion graphics (After Effects, Premiere Pro), 3D visualization, or specialized design software relevant to intelligence work.

• Project Leadership: As experience grows, potential to lead design efforts on specific projects, manage junior designers, or take on more complex creative challenges.

• Cross-Functional Roles: Potential to transition into roles focused on user interface (UI) design, user experience (UX) design, or multimedia project management within the government contracting space.

• Continuing Education: SAIC's commitment to innovation suggests opportunities for training, certifications, and attending industry conferences to stay current with design technologies and trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis is framed around typical career paths for specialized creative roles within large government contractors, emphasizing skill development, project ownership, and potential transitions into related fields.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, indicating a traditional office environment. Given the nature of the work for an Intelligence Community customer, this office is likely within a secure facility or a government-approved contractor site.

Office Location(s): Chantilly, Virginia, specifically at 4801 Stonecroft Blvd, Chantilly, VA 20151. This location is part of the broader Northern Virginia technology and defense corridor.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be collaborative, with designers working alongside other creative professionals and potentially technical or intelligence analysts.

• Access to industry-standard hardware and software, including high-performance workstations and the full Adobe Creative Suite, is expected.

• The environment will necessitate adherence to strict security protocols and potentially limited connectivity to external networks for sensitive work.

• Opportunities for informal collaboration and knowledge sharing will exist within the immediate creative team.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is likely 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Given the mission-critical nature of the work, there may be occasional requirements for flexible hours or overtime to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description emphasizes the on-site nature, the specific location, and the implications of working for an IC customer, including security protocols and the collaborative, technology-rich setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to ensure minimum qualifications, including the required security clearance, are met.

• Portfolio Submission & Review: Candidates are required to submit a portfolio prior to an interview. This is a critical step where your design skills, creativity, and adherence to design principles will be evaluated.

• Technical Interview: This may involve a discussion about your design process, your experience with specific software (Adobe Creative Suite, After Effects), and how you approach problem-solving through design. You may be asked to walk through specific projects in your portfolio.

• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Questions will assess your ability to collaborate, handle feedback, manage deadlines, and work effectively within a team and for a government client.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership or the hiring manager to discuss overall fit and long-term contributions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-8 of your strongest, most relevant projects. For this role, prioritize projects that showcase strong typography, layout, color theory, and visual problem-solving. If you have motion graphics experience, include those pieces.

• Demonstrate Process: For each project, briefly explain the client's objective, your role, your design process, the challenges you faced, and the final outcome/impact. This shows your thought process, not just the final product.

• Highlight Key Skills: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and ideally After Effects/Premiere Pro. Use visual elements that exemplify good use of grid-based design and white space.

• Tailor to the Role: If possible, include examples that resonate with government or defense-related work, or projects that involve translating complex information into clear visuals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you stay updated with design trends and technologies.

• Practice articulating your design choices and rationale clearly and concisely.

• Think about examples of how you've incorporated feedback to improve a design.

• Familiarize yourself with SAIC's mission and its role as a mission integrator in the defense and intelligence sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio process details are crucial for operations and creative roles. Specific advice on portfolio content and presentation is provided to help candidates tailor their application effectively for this specialized design position.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Photoshop (raster graphics editing, photo manipulation), Illustrator (vector graphics, logos, illustrations), and InDesign (layout design, print and digital publications).

• Motion Design Software: Experience with Adobe After Effects (motion graphics, visual effects) and Adobe Premiere Pro (video editing) is highly preferred and will be a significant advantage.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytics role, understanding how design impacts user engagement or information comprehension may involve using basic analytics or user feedback tools. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding project management or asset management systems used within SAIC might be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools section is focused on the core design software required for this role, with a clear distinction between essential and preferred tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: A strong commitment to supporting the mission of the Intelligence Community customer. Designs are not just aesthetic but serve a critical purpose.

• Excellence & Quality: A drive to produce high-quality, polished work that meets rigorous standards.

• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and the ability to work effectively with diverse groups of people.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the exploration of new techniques and technologies to enhance visual communication.

• Integrity & Security: Upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and adhering strictly to security protocols.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working seamlessly with technical experts, program managers, and intelligence analysts to translate complex information into understandable visuals.

• Constructive Feedback: An environment where feedback is shared openly and constructively, fostering continuous improvement of designs.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture of sharing best practices, design techniques, and insights within the creative team and potentially with broader project teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values are inferred from SAIC's mission-driven nature and the specific context of supporting an IC customer, emphasizing security, quality, and collaborative problem-solving.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Information: The primary challenge will be to take abstract or highly technical information from the intelligence domain and translate it into clear, visually compelling graphics and motion.

• Meeting Stringent Security Requirements: Working within a secure environment and adhering to strict protocols for handling classified or sensitive information.

• Adapting to Evolving Needs: The dynamic nature of intelligence work means design requirements can change rapidly; the designer must be adaptable and responsive.

• Balancing Creativity with Constraints: Finding innovative design solutions while working within client-specific guidelines, branding, and technical limitations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to receive formal training or self-study support for advanced features in After Effects, Premiere Pro, or other relevant multimedia tools.

• Industry Conferences: Potential to attend design and multimedia conferences relevant to the defense and intelligence sectors to stay current with trends and network.

• Mentorship: Access to experienced designers and multimedia specialists within SAIC who can provide guidance and support for career development.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of projects for different IC agencies or mission areas can broaden skill sets and understanding of operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are identified based on the nature of the role (complex information, security) and the industry (dynamic needs). Growth opportunities focus on skill enhancement and professional development relevant to a specialized creative role in government contracting.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate complex technical or abstract information into a visual format. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your problem-solving approach, use of design principles, and ability to achieve clarity.)

• "How do you approach incorporating feedback from stakeholders who may not have a design background?" (Demonstrate your communication skills, ability to explain design rationale, and collaborative spirit.)

• "Walk us through a project in your portfolio that you are particularly proud of. What was the challenge, your solution, and the impact?" (Be ready to discuss your process, tools, and results in detail.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for SAIC and supporting an Intelligence Community customer?" (Show your understanding of SAIC's mission and your motivation for this type of work.)

• "How do you stay current with the latest design trends and technologies?" (Highlight your proactive learning habits and passion for design.)

• "Describe your experience working in a team environment. How do you contribute to team success?" (Emphasize collaboration, communication, and your role in achieving collective goals.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: For each selected project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenges, your design process, the tools used, and the final results.

• Highlight Key Skills Visually: Ensure your presentation itself is well-designed, showcasing your mastery of typography, layout, and visual hierarchy.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, technical aspects, and how you handled any difficulties.

• Connect to the Role: Frame your experience and portfolio pieces in the context of supporting government/intelligence missions, emphasizing clarity, accuracy, and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to the specific requirements of this role, focusing on design process, communication, portfolio demonstration, and understanding the unique context of working for an IC customer within a large government contractor.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Carefully select and organize your strongest design projects. Prioritize those demonstrating strong typography, layout, color theory, and visual problem-solving. Include motion graphics examples if available. Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., a personal website, Behance, or a well-organized PDF).

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords from the job description, such as "Graphic Designer," "Adobe Creative Suite," "Photoshop," "Illustrator," "InDesign," "Motion Design," "After Effects," "TS/SCI with Polygraph," and "Multimedia Production." Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed X visuals that increased stakeholder understanding by Y%").

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, explaining your portfolio projects, and answering behavioral questions. Prepare specific examples of how you've handled feedback, collaborated with teams, and solved design challenges.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with SAIC's mission, its role as a mission integrator, and its work within the defense and intelligence sectors. Understand the importance of security clearances in this industry.

⚠️ 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.