Graphic Designer II

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer II

Company: PEOPLE TECHNOLOGY AND PROCESSES LLC

Location: Mc Lean, VA 22101

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Creative & Media / Government & Public Sector

Date Posted: 2026-09-16T00:00:00

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is focused on producing high-quality graphic design assets for technical reports, publications, and digital media within a government contracting environment.

• Requires expert proficiency in industry-standard design software, particularly Adobe Creative Suite, with a strong emphasis on print and electronic layout.

• The position involves managing the full design production lifecycle, from concept to final output, ensuring adherence to strict accessibility and branding standards.

• Collaboration with technical teams to translate complex information into visually engaging and accessible graphics is a key aspect of this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Graphic Designer II," the responsibilities and requirements, particularly regarding Section 508 accessibility, Federal publishing standards, and the need for a NACI clearance, strongly indicate a focus on government contracting or a similar highly regulated environment. The emphasis on technical reports and complex concepts also suggests a need for strong information design skills beyond typical marketing collateral.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce professional graphics, covers, and layouts for all magazine components and technical reports, encompassing everything from simple report covers to complex posters and document templates.

• Integrate text, photos, charts, and illustrations into cohesive designs, creating or enhancing supplemental art such as drawings, diagrams, line art, and logos to effectively communicate complex technical concepts.

• Manage the complete production lifecycle for all design assets, including the selection, retouching, cropping, and sizing of figures and photographs, while maintaining rigorous version and quality control.

• Provide essential design support for social media content, web assets, posters, exhibit materials, and displays, including reformatting and revising finished layouts and text as per direction.

• Secure appropriate licensing or written permissions for any copyrighted material used in designs.

• Ensure all produced materials strictly adhere to Section 508 accessibility standards, Federal publishing standards, and specific program branding guidelines.

• Lead small design initiatives, coordinate project workflows, and potentially undertake project-related photography.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a comprehensive design workflow, from initial concept and asset creation to final output and compliance checks. The mention of "technical reports" and "complex technical concepts" suggests the need for a designer who can interpret and visualize data, scientific information, or procedural documentation, not just marketing materials. The requirement to "lead small design initiatives" implies a level of autonomy and project ownership.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Visual Communications, or a closely related field.

Experience: 5-10 years of professional design experience, with a specific focus on print and electronic layout.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in industry-standard publications software, specifically Adobe InDesign and Adobe Acrobat, on both Windows and Mac operating systems.

• Proven experience in graphic design, including layout, typography, and visual hierarchy.

• Strong understanding of print production processes and digital asset creation.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent attention to detail, with a commitment to quality control and version management.

• Familiarity with accessibility standards, particularly Section 508 compliance.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration. Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for technical periodicals or within a Federal government environment.

• Familiarity with other Adobe Creative Suite applications (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects).

• Basic photography skills or experience with photo retouching and manipulation.

• Understanding of branding guidelines and their application across various media.

• Experience with project management methodologies or tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Desired Qualifications" are particularly relevant for operations roles in government contracting, indicating that candidates with prior experience in this sector will have a significant advantage. The explicit mention of both Windows and Mac proficiency is also a crucial technical requirement for many design roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 5-10 diverse design projects demonstrating expertise in print and electronic layout.

• Include examples of technical reports, document templates, brochures, posters, and digital assets (social media graphics, web content).

• Highlight projects that required the integration of text, photos, charts, and illustrations into a cohesive design.

• Present case studies that illustrate your process for managing the full production lifecycle, including version and quality control.

• Demonstrate examples of how you've applied accessibility standards (e.g., Section 508) or Federal publishing standards in your work. Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process from brief to final delivery, including concept development, client feedback integration, and production workflow.

• Articulate your approach to ensuring brand consistency and adherence to specific style guides or accessibility requirements.

• Detail your methods for managing multiple design projects, prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines.

• Explain your experience with file management, version control, and preparing files for print and digital distribution.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role with a strong emphasis on technical documentation and government standards, a portfolio should clearly exhibit the ability to translate complex information into accessible and compliant visual designs. Demonstrating a structured design process, attention to detail, and an understanding of production workflows will be critical.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $41.07 - $46.07 Hourly (Approximately $85,425 - $95,825 Annually, assuming a 40-hour work week).

Benefits:

• Full-time employment benefits package (specifics not detailed but typical for full-time roles).

• Potential for professional development and training in design software and government compliance standards.

• Opportunity to work on impactful projects for government agencies.

• Remote work flexibility, allowing for a better work-life balance.

• Required USDOT badge and favorable National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) clearance, which is a valuable professional credential.

Working Hours: Typically 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility given the remote work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and falls within the mid-to-senior level for graphic designers, especially in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. The inclusion of "USDOT badge and favorable National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI, low risk / non-sensitive)" is a significant benefit as it indicates the company sponsors this clearance process, which is valuable for future government contracting roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Information Technology & Services / Government Administration / Consulting. PEOPLE TECHNOLOGY AND PROCESSES LLC likely operates within the government contracting space, providing technology and process solutions to federal agencies.

Company Size: Not explicitly stated, but typically companies that use Paycom for their ATS are of moderate to large size, often employing hundreds to thousands of individuals.

Founded: Not specified, but the company's focus on "People, Technology, and Processes" suggests a mature approach to business solutions.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer II will likely be part of a larger creative services, communications, or project management team.

• Collaboration will occur with project managers, technical writers, subject matter experts, and potentially other designers.

• Reporting structure is likely to a Creative Director, Design Manager, or Program Manager overseeing the specific contract.

• Given the remote nature, strong asynchronous communication and collaboration tools will be essential. Methodology:

• Emphasis on adherence to Federal publishing standards and Section 508 accessibility, indicating a process-driven approach to ensure compliance.

• Project management methodologies are likely employed to coordinate workflows and deliver on client requirements.

• Data-driven design decisions may be incorporated, especially when visualizing technical information or user engagement metrics.

• A focus on clear, concise, and effective communication through visual design.

Company Website: ptp-llc.com (derived from domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's name itself, "PEOPLE TECHNOLOGY AND PROCESSES LLC," suggests a focus on holistic business solutions. For a graphic designer role within such an organization, understanding the broader context of how design supports technology implementation and process improvement for clients, especially government entities, is crucial.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-level to senior individual contributor role (Graphic Designer II), requiring significant experience and specialized skills, particularly in technical and government-focused design. The responsibilities suggest a capacity for independent work and leadership on smaller initiatives.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Design Manager, Creative Director, or a Program Manager overseeing specific government contracts. The role involves collaboration with various stakeholders across different departments and potentially client-side personnel.

Operations Impact: The graphic designer's work directly impacts the clarity, professionalism, and accessibility of critical government documentation and communications. High-quality design ensures that technical information is understood, compliance standards are met, and the client agency's brand is accurately represented, contributing to project success and client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in technical illustration, data visualization, accessibility design, or specific government branding guidelines.

• Project Leadership: Progress to leading larger design projects, managing junior designers, or taking on more complex client-facing roles.

• Cross-functional Development: Gain exposure to project management, technical writing, or user experience (UX) design principles through collaboration.

• Government Contracting Expertise: Develop a strong understanding of the nuances of working within the federal sector, which can open doors to more specialized roles or higher-level positions within government contracting firms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "II" in the title suggests a step up from an entry-level position, implying a need for demonstrated proficiency and a solid portfolio. The growth opportunities lean towards specialization within a niche (government design) and increased project responsibility, rather than a broad management track, unless specifically pursued.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Remote (offsite). This offers significant flexibility for the employee.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, the primary location and clearance requirements are tied to Mc Lean, VA 22101. This implies that while work is done remotely, the candidate may need to be near this location for occasional meetings, onboarding, or specific project needs, and must be eligible to obtain a USDOT badge and NACI clearance.

Workspace Context:

• Employees are expected to maintain a professional home office setup conducive to productivity and remote collaboration.

• Access to necessary software and technology will be provided or supported.

• Communication will primarily be digital, utilizing video conferencing, instant messaging, and project management platforms.

• The remote setup necessitates strong self-discipline, time management, and proactive communication skills.

Work Schedule: Full-time, likely 40 hours per week. While remote, maintaining consistent availability during core business hours for collaboration and meetings is generally expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Remote (offsite)" designation is crucial. However, the mention of a "USDOT badge" and proximity to Mc Lean, VA, suggests that there might be an expectation of occasional on-site presence or at least the ability to be processed for credentials at a facility in that region. Candidates should clarify any potential on-site requirements beyond initial onboarding.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter will review applications and resumes for basic qualifications, experience, and clearance eligibility.

• Portfolio Review: A critical stage where candidates submit their portfolio. This will be assessed for design quality, technical proficiency, adherence to standards (Section 508, Federal), and relevance to the role's responsibilities.

• Technical Interview: May involve a discussion about design software proficiency, workflow processes, and problem-solving scenarios related to graphic design challenges.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Deeper dive into experience, project management capabilities, collaboration style, and cultural fit.

• Potential Skills Test: May include a small design exercise or a case study presentation to assess practical application of skills and understanding of requirements.

• Clearance Process: If selected, the candidate will undergo the NACI background check and E-Verify process.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 4-6 of your strongest projects that best represent the requirements: technical reports, print/digital layouts, data visualization, and accessibility adherence.

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the challenge, your role, your design process, the tools used, and the outcome. Emphasize how you met specific requirements like accessibility or branding.

• Highlight Compliance: Explicitly point out elements in your portfolio that demonstrate understanding and application of Section 508 accessibility and Federal publishing standards.

• Organize Clearly: Ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate, with clear headings and descriptions for each project. A PDF format or a dedicated online portfolio is recommended.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach designing a technical report cover or a complex infographic for a government agency.

• Prepare to articulate your strategy for ensuring Section 508 compliance in your designs.

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

• Research common government branding guidelines and federal publishing standards to inform your responses.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Section 508 and Federal standards means candidates must actively demonstrate their understanding and experience with these in their portfolio and interviews. The NACI clearance is a non-negotiable requirement that will be processed post-offer.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe InDesign: Expert proficiency required for layout and publication design.

• Adobe Acrobat: Essential for creating, editing, and managing PDFs, including accessibility features.

• Adobe Photoshop: Crucial for image editing, retouching, and manipulation.

• Adobe Illustrator: Necessary for creating vector graphics, logos, diagrams, and illustrations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for a designer, understanding how design impacts user engagement or information comprehension might involve reviewing basic analytics or user feedback reports related to digital assets. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but familiarity with project management or task tracking tools used within the organization (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira) would be beneficial for workflow coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "expert proficiency" in Adobe InDesign and Acrobat is a key technical requirement. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their advanced capabilities within these programs, including features relevant to complex layouts, interactive PDFs, and accessibility tagging.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Compliance: Upholding Federal publishing standards and Section 508 accessibility is paramount, reflecting a commitment to ethical and compliant operations.

• Professionalism & Quality: Delivering high-quality, polished design work that meets stringent client expectations.

• Collaboration & Communication: Working effectively within a remote team and with diverse stakeholders to achieve project goals.

• Efficiency & Adaptability: Managing workflows effectively and adapting to project changes or new requirements, especially within a government contracting context.

Collaboration Style:

• Primarily remote and asynchronous, requiring clear, concise, and proactive communication.

• Emphasis on documentation and clear briefs to ensure understanding across teams.

• Likely involves regular virtual meetings (e.g., stand-ups, project reviews) via video conferencing.

• A culture that values constructive feedback and iterative design improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "People, Technology, and Processes" suggests a culture that values structured approaches and effective human-computer interaction. For a designer, this means understanding how their work fits into broader operational frameworks and contributes to client success through clarity and compliance.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Technical Complexity: Effectively visualizing and simplifying complex technical information for a broad audience while maintaining accuracy.

• Adhering to Strict Standards: Consistently meeting demanding Federal publishing standards and Section 508 accessibility requirements for every project.

• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining seamless communication and collaboration with a distributed team and diverse stakeholders.

• Managing Multiple Projects: Balancing the demands of various projects with different deadlines and priorities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Accessibility Training: Becoming an expert in Section 508 compliance and advanced PDF accessibility tagging.

• Technical Illustration & Data Visualization: Honing skills in creating complex diagrams, charts, and infographics.

• Government Sector Expertise: Deepening knowledge of government procurement, project lifecycles, and communication protocols.

• Software Proficiency: Mastering advanced features of Adobe Creative Suite and exploring new design technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around the specific demands of government design work: clarity of complex information and strict adherence to compliance. Growth opportunities are heavily geared towards specialization within this niche.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for ensuring Section 508 compliance in your designs. Can you give an example from your portfolio?"

• "How do you approach visualizing complex technical data or concepts for a non-technical audience?"

• "Walk me through a project where you managed the entire design production lifecycle, from initial concept to final delivery. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?"

• "Describe your experience working in a remote team environment. What strategies do you use to ensure effective collaboration and communication?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for PEOPLE TECHNOLOGY AND PROCESSES LLC and specifically within a government contracting environment?"

• "How do you stay updated on design trends and accessibility standards?"

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Relevance: Select projects that directly align with the job description's requirements (technical reports, accessibility, Federal standards).

• Quantify Impact: If possible, mention the positive outcomes of your designs (e.g., improved clarity, successful compliance audits, positive client feedback).

• Explain Your Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, the tools used, and the results, paying special attention to how you met specific requirements.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Know your software inside and out and be ready to discuss specific features and techniques you used.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily emphasize understanding and articulating experience with accessibility standards and technical design. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate how their design process inherently incorporates these critical elements.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer II position:

• Submit your application through the provided Paycom link.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight your 5-10 years of experience in graphic design, specifically mentioning print and electronic layout, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Acrobat, and any experience with technical reports or government projects.

• Prepare your portfolio: Curate a selection of your strongest work that showcases technical design, accessibility features (Section 508), and print/digital layout expertise. Be ready to discuss your process for each piece.

• Research the company: Familiarize yourself with PEOPLE TECHNOLOGY AND PROCESSES LLC and their work in the government contracting sector. Understand how their services align with your skills.

• Practice your interview responses: Prepare to answer questions about your design process, technical skills, experience with compliance standards, and remote collaboration capabilities.

⚠️ 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.