Graphic Designer - Journeyman

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Journeyman Company: Leidos Location: McLean, Virginia, United States Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Creative & Media Operations / GTM Support Date Posted: May 15, 2026 Experience Level: 4-8 years relevant experience Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and execute visually compelling graphics, digital media, and cartography products to support critical intelligence sector analysis solutions.
• Collaborate with UI/UX designers to ensure a seamless and engaging user experience across various digital platforms and content types.
• Manage the end-to-end creation process for digital content, from concept development to implementation, adhering to strict production standards and compliance requirements.
• Leverage a strong understanding of front-end web design principles, including HTML/CSS and responsive design, to create accessible and user-friendly online content.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is for a Graphic Designer, its placement within Leidos's Intel Sector Analysis Solutions and the emphasis on digital content creation, UI/UX collaboration, and web technologies suggest a strong component of Go-To-Market (GTM) support and operational efficiency through clear communication and user-friendly interfaces. The requirement for a TS/SCI Polygraph clearance indicates a high-security environment where clear, concise, and compliant visual communication is paramount for operational success.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the development of graphics, digital media, cartography, and other multimedia products that translate complex information into easily digestible visual formats.
• Utilize request management tools to efficiently process and deliver high-quality communication products to internal and external stakeholders.
• Partner closely with UI/UX designers within Knowledge Management to ensure all graphic products are not only visually appealing but also intuitive and user-friendly.
• Conceptualize and implement design solutions for a diverse range of digital assets, including web pages, mobile applications, newsletters, advertisements, infographics, banners, illustrations, and logos.
• Ensure all created products strictly adhere to established production standards, copyright laws, accessibility compliance requirements (e.g., Section 508), and public release clearance protocols.
• Perform thorough technical quality checks on all delivered graphics and multimedia products to guarantee accuracy, consistency, and adherence to specifications.
• Manage approved design concepts and build functional web elements using HTML/CSS, ensuring compliance with responsive design principles for optimal viewing across all devices.
• Provide specialized Cartography support, designing thematic and reference maps that effectively convey geographical data and insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design and technical implementation, common in operations roles that bridge creative output with functional delivery. The emphasis on compliance, quality checks, and request management points to operational rigor.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree and 4 – 8 years of prior relevant experience, or a Master’s degree with 2 – 6 years of prior relevant experience. Equivalent years of experience may be accepted in lieu of a degree.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in leading the development of graphics, digital media, cartography, and other multimedia products.
• Proven experience in front-end web design, including UI/UX principles and implementation using HTML/CSS.
• Hands-on experience with photography and video editing techniques.
• Experience mentoring and training junior staff in design principles and best practices.
• A strong portfolio showcasing successful creation of graphic designs for a variety of written and digital products, including web pages, mobile applications, newsletters, ads, infographics, banners, illustrations, and logos.
• Experience ensuring products conform to production standards, copyright laws, accessibility compliance requirements, and public release clearances.
• Experience conducting technical quality checks on creative and multimedia assets.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite - Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
• Proficiency in front-end web development languages: HTML and CSS.
• Strong understanding of UI/UX design principles and their application to digital content.
• Experience with responsive design methodologies to ensure cross-device compatibility.
• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) and web publishing workflows.
• Ability to interpret and translate complex requirements into clear, concise visual communications.
• Excellent attention to detail for technical quality checks and compliance adherence.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with cartography software and geospatial data visualization.
• Proficiency in video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects).
• Knowledge of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG, Section 508) and implementation.
• Experience in managing design requests and project timelines using workflow tools.
• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies.
• Experience in a government contracting or intelligence community environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Journeyman" title, combined with the requested experience range and the specific technical skills, suggests a mid-level role requiring both creative execution and a solid understanding of web development and operational implementation. The emphasis on compliance and technical quality checks reinforces the operational aspect of this creative role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a range of graphic design projects, including digital media, web design elements, infographics, and illustrative work.
• Case studies or project examples that highlight your ability to translate complex requirements into clear visual communications for technical or intelligence-related content.
• Examples showcasing your understanding and application of UI/UX principles and responsive design in web-based projects.
• Demonstration of adherence to production standards, copyright, and accessibility compliance requirements within your portfolio pieces.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have managed design concepts from initial brief to final delivery, including any workflow or request management processes you've followed.
• Evidence of your ability to conduct thorough technical quality checks and ensure products meet all specified requirements.
• Documentation or examples of how you ensure digital products are accessible and compliant with relevant standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role in this context, the portfolio is crucial not just for showcasing creative talent but also for demonstrating an understanding of operational constraints like compliance, user experience, and technical implementation. This is similar to how operations professionals present case studies of process improvements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $65,650.00 - $118,675.00 USD per year Explanation of Range: This pay range is a general guideline provided by Leidos, taking into account factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, internal equity, and market data. The specific compensation offered will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous PTO allowance for work-life balance.
• Paid Holidays: 11 paid holidays throughout the year.
• 401K with Company Match: Immediate vesting with a 6% company match on 401K contributions.
• Flexible Schedules: Options for flexible work arrangements to accommodate personal needs.
• Discounted Stock Purchase Plans: Opportunities to invest in the company at a discounted rate.
• Technical Upskilling: Access to resources for continuous learning and skill enhancement.
• Education and Training Support: Financial and logistical support for professional development and further education.
• Parental Paid Leave: Comprehensive paid leave for new parents.
• Health and Wellness Programs: Initiatives and resources to support employee well-being.
• Income Protection: Benefits such as life insurance and disability coverage.
• Retirement Planning: Support and resources to help employees plan for their future.

Working Hours: Typically 40 hours per week, with the possibility of flexible scheduling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Journeyman Graphic Designer role, especially considering the specialized environment and security clearance requirement. The benefits package is robust, indicating a commitment to employee well-being and long-term career development, which is a significant draw for operations professionals seeking stability.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Information Technology & Defense Services. Leidos is a prominent player in providing technical solutions and services to government and commercial customers, with a significant focus on national security and intelligence. Company Size: Large enterprise, indicated by the broad range of services and global presence. This implies structured processes, opportunities for specialization, and a formal career progression framework. Founded: Leidos has a long history, tracing its roots back to the 1960s, evolving through mergers and acquisitions. This longevity suggests stability and a deep understanding of its core markets.

Team Structure:

• This role is within the Intel Sector Analysis Solutions Business Area (ASBA), suggesting a specialized team focused on providing analytical and technical support to intelligence agencies.
• The team likely comprises individuals with diverse skill sets, including analysts, engineers, designers, and potentially subject matter experts in SIGINT and CNO.
• Collaboration with UI/UX designers in Knowledge Management indicates a cross-functional team structure where creative and technical skills are integrated to achieve common goals.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While not directly an analyst role, the graphic designer will be responsible for visualizing data and insights derived from analytical processes, requiring an understanding of how to represent complex information accurately.
• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The role involves managing requests, adhering to production standards, and ensuring efficient delivery of multimedia products, hinting at a structured workflow and a focus on optimizing the design process.
• Automation & Efficiency: The use of request management tools and the need for efficient product delivery suggest an operational focus on streamlining processes and leveraging technology for efficiency.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Leidos's culture is often described as mission-driven and focused on technical excellence, particularly in high-stakes environments. For an operations-minded individual, this means working in a structured, compliance-oriented, and results-focused setting where clear communication and efficient processes are critical to mission success.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Journeyman (Mid-Level). This level typically signifies an individual who can work independently on assigned tasks, possesses a solid understanding of their craft, and may begin to mentor junior colleagues. They are expected to contribute significantly to project outcomes and operational efficiency within their domain.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into the Intel Sector Analysis Solutions Business Area (ASBA). Within ASBA, the graphic designer will likely report to a manager or lead responsible for creative services or project delivery. Collaboration with UI/UX designers suggests a matrixed reporting or strong cross-functional partnership.

Operations Impact: The graphic designer plays a crucial role in translating complex intelligence analysis, technical data, and strategic information into accessible and impactful visual communications. This directly supports decision-making, operational effectiveness, and the dissemination of critical information within secure environments. Efficient and clear visual communication is a key operational component in bridging technical complexity with actionable intelligence.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like cartography, advanced multimedia production, or specialized visualization techniques within intelligence contexts.
• Skill Development: Access to Leidos's extensive training and upskilling programs, allowing for development in areas such as advanced UI/UX, web development, or project management.
• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success and leadership in mentoring junior staff, there's a path towards team lead or design group management roles within ASBA or other Leidos business units.
• Cross-functional Exposure: Opportunities to work on diverse projects across different intelligence domains, broadening experience and understanding of various operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Journeyman" designation implies a solid foundation with room for growth. The emphasis on technical upskilling and education support at Leidos provides clear avenues for operations professionals to expand their skill sets, crucial for staying relevant in evolving technological and operational landscapes.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site in McLean, Virginia. This suggests a traditional office environment, likely within a secure government contracting facility, requiring adherence to facility access and security protocols. While not explicitly stated, Bethesda, MD was also mentioned as a location for the role, implying potential flexibility or a need to clarify the primary work location.

Office Location(s): McLean, Virginia (primary mention) and Bethesda, MD (mentioned in description). Both are in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, known for its concentration of government agencies and defense contractors, offering a vibrant professional ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expected to collaborate closely with UI/UX designers, analysts, and project managers, requiring strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially specialized tools for cartography and multimedia production. The environment will necessitate working with secure systems and data.
• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with team members for project discussions, design reviews, and knowledge sharing, fostering a dynamic and responsive work environment.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with flexible scheduling options available. This flexibility is beneficial for managing design workflows, allowing for focused work periods and accommodating project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and the mention of both McLean and Bethesda suggest that candidates should clarify the primary work location. The environment will likely be fast-paced and security-conscious, demanding a high level of professionalism and adherence to protocols, typical of operations in the defense and intelligence sectors.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with job requirements.
• Technical Interview: Discussion focused on design skills, software proficiency, and experience with specific technologies like HTML/CSS and responsive design. Candidates may be asked to explain their design process and problem-solving approaches.
• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, walking through selected projects, explaining their role, design choices, and the impact of their work. This is a critical stage to assess communication skills and operational understanding.
• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Questions designed to assess problem-solving abilities, teamwork, adaptability, and how candidates handle challenges, manage requests, and ensure compliance – key aspects of operational roles.
• Security Clearance Verification: Confirmation of TS/SCI with polygraph clearance will be a mandatory part of the process.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your ability to meet the job requirements, particularly those involving complex data visualization, digital media for technical audiences, and web implementation (HTML/CSS).
• Highlight Process & Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process you followed, the tools used, and the outcome or impact of your work. Focus on how your designs solved a problem or improved a process.
• Demonstrate Compliance: Include examples that show adherence to standards like accessibility, copyright, and production guidelines. Explain how you ensured these requirements were met.
• Prepare for Technical Discussion: Be ready to discuss your technical skills, including HTML/CSS, responsive design, and any multimedia editing software.
• Tailor to Leidos: Research Leidos's mission and values. Be prepared to explain how your design philosophy and approach align with their focus on mission success, technical excellence, and serving the intelligence community.

Challenge Preparation:

• Candidates might be given a design challenge or a scenario-based problem related to visualizing complex data or creating a digital asset under specific constraints (e.g., accessibility, branding).
• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, focusing on efficiency and effectiveness in your design solutions.
• Be prepared to discuss how you would manage competing priorities and requests from different stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes not just creative talent but also the ability to function effectively within an operational framework – managing requests, adhering to standards, and communicating impact. The portfolio review is a direct parallel to how operations professionals present their process improvement case studies.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for graphic creation, manipulation, and layout.
• HTML/CSS: Core languages for front-end web development, required for implementing web page designs and ensuring responsive layouts.
• Web Content Management Systems (CMS): Familiarity with platforms used for publishing and managing digital content online.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct analytics role, understanding how to interpret and visualize data from analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, internal reporting dashboards) will be beneficial for creating effective infographics and reports.
• Ability to use data to inform design decisions and demonstrate the effectiveness of visual communications.

CRM & Automation:

• Request Management Tools: Experience with tools used to track, manage, and prioritize incoming design requests, ensuring efficient workflow and timely delivery.
• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello for managing project timelines, tasks, and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack reflects a blend of creative tools and web development technologies, highlighting the operational need for designers who can also implement and understand the technical constraints of digital platforms. This integration of creative and technical skills is highly valued in operations roles.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: A strong commitment to supporting the critical missions of the intelligence community, ensuring all work directly contributes to organizational objectives and national security.
• Technical Excellence: A dedication to high-quality work, precision, and continuous improvement in design and technical implementation.
• Integrity & Compliance: Upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct, security protocols, and adherence to all relevant regulations and policies.
• Collaboration & Communication: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and the ability to work effectively with diverse teams to achieve shared goals.
• Adaptability & Responsiveness: The capacity to adapt to evolving requirements, respond quickly to urgent requests, and manage changing priorities in a dynamic environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively contributing to a collaborative environment where designers work seamlessly with analysts, engineers, and UI/UX specialists to produce cohesive and effective solutions.
• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on designs and processes to drive continuous improvement and ensure optimal outcomes.
• Knowledge Sharing: Openness to sharing expertise, best practices, and lessons learned related to design, technology, and operational workflows within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Leidos's culture emphasizes a results-oriented, mission-critical approach. For operations professionals, this translates to an environment where efficiency, accuracy, and adherence to rigorous standards are paramount, driven by a shared sense of purpose and importance.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Data: The primary challenge will be to visually represent highly complex, technical, or classified information in a clear, concise, and compliant manner for diverse audiences.
• Adhering to Strict Standards: Navigating and consistently applying stringent production standards, security protocols, copyright laws, and accessibility compliance requirements across all projects.
• Managing High-Volume Requests: Effectively prioritizing and managing a potentially high volume of design requests from various stakeholders under tight deadlines.
• Evolving Technologies: Staying current with evolving design software, web technologies, and visualization techniques to maintain a high level of effectiveness.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to attend workshops or training on cutting-edge graphic design, digital media, and visualization methodologies relevant to intelligence operations.
• Technical Skill Enhancement: Access to courses and resources for deepening knowledge in HTML/CSS, responsive design, UI/UX principles, and potentially video editing or animation.
• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining relevant certifications in design, web development, or project management.
• Mentorship and Leadership: Opportunities to be mentored by senior professionals and to develop leadership skills through team collaboration and by mentoring junior designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of operations roles that require managing complexity, ensuring compliance, and delivering under pressure. The growth opportunities align with the need for continuous learning and skill development essential for career progression in specialized technical fields.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate highly technical or complex information into a clear and understandable graphic. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, clarity, and impact.)
• "How do you ensure your designs comply with accessibility standards (e.g., Section 508) and other regulatory requirements?" (Demonstrate understanding of operational constraints and compliance.)
• "Walk us through your process for developing a responsive web design for a new application feature. What are the key considerations?" (Highlight technical skills and strategic thinking.)
• "How do you manage competing design priorities and deadlines when working with multiple stakeholders?" (Showcase time management, prioritization, and communication skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your research, what do you understand about Leidos's mission in the intelligence sector, and how do you see your graphic design skills contributing to that mission?" (Demonstrate research and alignment with company purpose.)
• "Describe your experience working in a team environment. How do you collaborate with colleagues who have different technical or creative backgrounds?" (Assess teamwork and collaboration style.)
• "How do you stay updated on the latest design trends and technologies, and how do you apply them in your work?" (Showcase continuous learning and innovation.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your specific contribution, the design challenges, your solutions, and the measurable results or impact.
• Focus on Process and Rationale: Don't just show the final product; explain why you made certain design choices. Connect your decisions to the project's goals and any operational requirements.
• Highlight Technical Implementation: If presenting web design work, be prepared to discuss the HTML/CSS implementation, responsive design aspects, and any challenges overcome.
• Emphasize Compliance: Point out specific elements in your work that demonstrate adherence to standards like accessibility or brand guidelines.
• Be Concise and Engaging: Practice your presentation to be within the allotted time, keeping it engaging and professional.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role involves demonstrating not only creative skill but also operational acumen – understanding requirements, managing processes, ensuring compliance, and clearly communicating impact, akin to preparing for a technical operations interview.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer - Journeyman position:

• Submit your application through the Leidos careers portal via the provided link.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience with graphic design, digital media, cartography, UI/UX, and front-end web development (HTML/CSS). Ensure your portfolio is readily accessible and showcases relevant projects that demonstrate your ability to meet the job requirements, including compliance and technical implementation.
• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your experience with the "Basic Qualifications" and "Required Skills" listed. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Managed a pipeline of X design requests per week," "Improved user engagement by Y% through redesigned web elements").
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, technical skills, and how you ensure compliance and quality. Prepare to walk through your portfolio and discuss specific case studies in detail. Research Leidos's mission and values to align your responses.
• Security Clearance Confirmation: Be prepared to confirm your active TS/SCI with polygraph clearance as it is a firm requirement for this role.

⚠️ 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.