Graphic Designer (Technical Artist 3-5) - 30493

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer (Technical Artist 3-5) - 30493

Company: HII's Mission Technologies division

Location: San Antonio, Texas, United States

Job Type: Full Time/Salaried/Exempt

Category: Creative & Media / Security & Safety / Government & Public Sector

Date Posted: 2026-10-01

Experience Level: Mid-Level (Implied 5-19+ years depending on education)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is for a skilled Graphic Designer with a focus on technical artistic capabilities, specifically within the defense and military communications sector.

• The position requires expertise in digital media content production, including images, videos, and animations, with an emphasis on Identity Management (IdM) systems and cybersecurity measures.

• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for creating original content, storyboarding, and modifying existing materials to meet unique dossier/legend requirements for government and military clients.

• A critical aspect of this role involves applying technical expertise in operational-related content creation and intelligence tradecraft within cyber and physical domains, necessitating a TS/SCI security clearance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title "Graphic Designer (Technical Artist 3-5)" and the experience requirements (Level 3, 4, and 5) indicate a flexible hiring range for candidates with varying levels of education and years of experience, all falling within a mid-to-senior professional bracket. The emphasis on "identity management methodologies" and "intelligence tradecraft" suggests a specialized application of graphic design skills within a sensitive government/defense context, moving beyond typical marketing or corporate design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Create, edit, and produce high-quality digital media content, including static images, dynamic videos, and engaging animations, tailored for defense and military communication needs.

• Develop original graphic designs and visual assets that support the implementation and maintenance of robust Identity Management (IdM) systems and cybersecurity protocols for government clients.

• Design and produce professional print materials, interactive UX/UI interfaces, and 2D/3D graphics for technical presentations, ensuring clarity and impact.

• Execute photography assignments and perform post-production editing, adhering to studio standards and project-specific requirements.

• Specialize in the creation of novel content, storyboarding concepts, and modification of existing materials from various sources to fulfill unique dossier/legend requirements.

• Write, develop, edit, and publish content for diverse digital platforms, ensuring accuracy, adherence to security protocols, and alignment with mission objectives.

• Manage and track project metrics, dossier/legend information, and documentation, fulfilling requests from supported elements and staff effectively.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including cybersecurity and intelligence professionals, to define and integrate content requirements, ensuring seamless operational support.

• Provide recommendations for system improvements, lead testing initiatives, and offer solutions to resolve complex system issues within the IdM and cybersecurity domains.

• Apply extensive technical expertise in operational-related content creation and intelligence tradecraft within cyber and physical domains, contributing to advanced operational capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative design skills and technical operational requirements, particularly in the context of identity management and cybersecurity for defense clients. The "dossier/legends" and "intelligence tradecraft" aspects point to a need for meticulous attention to detail and security consciousness in content creation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent with 9-19+ years of relevant experience (depending on specific Level 3-5 designation).

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., Graphic Design, Digital Media) with 0-15+ years of relevant experience (depending on specific Level 3-5 designation).

• Master's degree in a related field with 3-13+ years of relevant experience (depending on specific Level 3-5 designation).

• PhD or Juris Doctorate in a related field with 0-10+ years of relevant experience (depending on specific Level 3-5 designation). Experience:

• Minimum of 5+ years of professional experience specifically in graphic design.

• Demonstrated experience with various techniques applied to identity management methodologies.

• Experience within the defense or government sector, including but not limited to the Intelligence Community, CCMDs (J2X/3X), or Federal Law Enforcement, with specialties in CI/HUMINT, Cyber, or SIGINT. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Experience with video editing software such as Premier Pro and After Effects.

• Knowledge of UI/UX design principles and HTML.

• A strong portfolio demonstrating a wide range of digital media projects, including those relevant to technical or defense applications.

• Experience with photography equipment and post-production editing.

• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS).

• Experience with 3D modeling software.

• Experience with audio editing tools.

• Experience with web development tools. Preferred Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Digital Media, or a closely related field.

• Understanding of 3D modeling and animation software.

• Expertise in photography and audio production techniques.

• Understanding of web development and responsive design principles.

• Experience handling classified information.

• Familiarity with Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) principles.

• Experience in determining the operational validity of a unit's risk management Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs).

• Knowledge of various open sources, digital behaviors, and common platforms used in one or more CCMD Area of Responsibility (AORs).

• Completion of specific JCITA Courses: Fundamentals of Sensitive Support, Advanced Planners Course, Advanced Technicians Course, or Due Diligence Course.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive experience requirements, particularly for Levels 4 and 5, suggest a need for seasoned professionals who can operate with significant autonomy and provide strategic guidance. The preferred JCITA courses and specific defense sector experience highlight the specialized nature of this role, requiring more than just standard graphic design skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a diverse range of digital media projects, with a strong emphasis on technical applications, defense-related content, and identity management system visualization.

• Demonstrations of proficiency in creating static graphics, animated sequences, and video content that convey complex technical information clearly.

• Examples of UI/UX design work, illustrating an understanding of user-centered design principles and their application in operational systems.

• Case studies or project examples that highlight experience in storyboarding, content modification, and original content creation from multiple sources.

• Visualizations or mock-ups related to identity management methodologies, cybersecurity concepts, or intelligence tradecraft, demonstrating an ability to translate abstract concepts into tangible visual assets. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of experience in documenting content creation processes, workflow optimization, and adherence to digital content production studio standards.

• Examples of managing and tracking project metrics, dossier/legend information, and content development timelines within a structured project management framework.

• Documentation illustrating collaboration with cross-functional teams, including cybersecurity and intelligence personnel, to meet content requirements.

• Case studies detailing how recommendations were provided, testing initiatives were led, and solutions were developed to resolve complex system issues related to content delivery or system integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on defense, intelligence, and cybersecurity, the portfolio should not only showcase creative output but also demonstrate an understanding of process, security protocols, and the ability to translate complex, sensitive information into accessible visual formats. The emphasis on "identity management methodologies" and "intelligence tradecraft" suggests that portfolios should highlight projects that align with these specific domains.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $74,984.00 - $145,000.00 annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plan choices.

• Access to wellness resources.

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) for support.

• 401(k) savings plan with financial planning tools.

• Life insurance coverage.

• Employee discounts program.

• Paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).

• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.

• Early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships.

• Potential for bonuses or other non-recurrent compensation, to be discussed by the recruiter.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Full Time/Salaried/Exempt.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stated salary range is broad, reflecting the flexibility in hiring across multiple experience levels (3-5) and educational backgrounds. Candidates should research salary benchmarks for Technical Artists and Graphic Designers with TS/SCI clearances in San Antonio, Texas, to gauge their expected compensation within this range. The benefits package is robust, typical for a large defense contractor, and includes strong support for professional development and financial well-being.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Defense & Government Contracting, Technology Solutions, Mission Support. HII's Mission Technologies division operates at the intersection of advanced technology and national security, providing critical solutions to defense and intelligence partners. This context means a strong emphasis on security, mission success, and adherence to rigorous standards.

Company Size: HII is a large enterprise, with its Mission Technologies division employing over 7,000 professionals worldwide. This scale suggests a structured environment with established processes, ample resources, and opportunities for specialization and large-scale project involvement.

Founded: HII (Huntington Ingalls Industries) has a long history, though the specific founding of the Mission Technologies division might be more recent, focusing on modern defense solutions. The company's legacy implies stability and a deep understanding of the defense sector.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the All-Domain Operations (ADO) business group within HII’s Mission Technologies division, specializing in multi-domain operations, platforms and logistics, and intelligence operations.

• This role likely involves collaboration within a dedicated content production studio or a broader team focused on intelligence operations and IdM/cybersecurity support.

• The team structure will likely involve close collaboration with project managers, cybersecurity specialists, intelligence analysts, and other technical subject matter experts. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: The role requires translating complex data and operational requirements into clear visual content, implying a data-driven approach to design.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Emphasis on maintaining digital content production studio standards and potentially optimizing workflows for efficiency and quality.

• Automation & Efficiency: While not explicitly stated, efficiency in content creation, possibly through templates or streamlined processes, will be valued.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "All-Domain Operations" and "accelerated decision-making" suggests a fast-paced, mission-critical environment. The culture is described as having a "Leadership Mindset," emphasizing growth, relationships, ownership, customer focus, shaping the future, and urgency – all critical for operations-oriented roles in defense.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is classified as Technical Artist 3-5, indicating a mid-to-senior level role.

• Level 3: Typically requires a Bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience, or equivalent experience.

• Level 4: Requires a Bachelor's degree and 9 years of experience, or equivalent.

• Level 5: Requires a Bachelor's degree and 15 years of experience, or equivalent.

This progression suggests a career path with increasing responsibility, autonomy, and technical specialization.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a manager within the All-Domain Operations group or a dedicated creative/production lead. The role involves working independently or in small teams, indicating a degree of self-management and direct contribution to project objectives.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly supports critical defense and military missions by providing essential visual communication for Identity Management systems, cybersecurity initiatives, and intelligence operations. High-quality content creation is vital for effective decision-making, training, and operational clarity, directly impacting mission success and national security.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in technical art, 3D modeling, animation, and advanced digital media production techniques relevant to defense applications.

• Specialization: Develop specialized knowledge in Identity Management (IdM) systems, cybersecurity visualization, and intelligence tradecraft, becoming a subject matter expert in these niche areas.

• Leadership Potential: Progress to higher levels (4-5) with increased project leadership, mentorship opportunities for junior designers, and strategic input on content development for complex operations.

• Cross-functional Expertise: Gain valuable experience working with diverse teams, including cybersecurity analysts, intelligence officers, and project managers, broadening understanding of defense operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "3-5" designation in the job title is a key indicator of the significant career growth potential within this role. Candidates can aim for promotion to Level 4 and Level 5 positions by demonstrating advanced skills, leadership, and specialized knowledge in the defense/intelligence domain.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "On-site" and will likely be based in a standard office or studio environment within a secure facility, given the TS/SCI clearance requirement.

Office Location(s): San Antonio, Texas. This location is a significant hub for military and defense activities, providing a relevant operational context.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be within a secure facility, necessitating adherence to strict security protocols.

• Access to professional-grade design software (Adobe Creative Suite, video editing, 3D modeling) and potentially specialized hardware will be provided.

• Opportunities for collaboration with cross-functional teams (cybersecurity, intelligence) will be integral to the role, fostering a dynamic and integrated work environment.

• The environment will demand a high degree of focus, precision, and discretion due to the sensitive nature of the projects.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, Full Time/Salaried/Exempt. While on-site, the nature of defense contracts may occasionally require flexibility to meet project deadlines or urgent operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" requirement and the TS/SCI clearance are critical factors. Candidates must be willing and able to work from the San Antonio office and undergo rigorous security vetting. The secure facility aspect means certain restrictions on personal devices and data handling will apply.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will review applications for basic qualifications, including clearance status, experience, and required skills.

• Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to submit a portfolio for review. This stage assesses the quality, relevance, and breadth of their design work, particularly in technical and defense-related areas. A virtual or in-person presentation of the portfolio may be required.

• Technical Interview: A hiring manager or senior team member will conduct an interview focusing on technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of design principles within operational contexts. Expect questions about specific software proficiency, creative process, and handling of complex projects.

• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Questions designed to assess alignment with HII's "Leadership Mindset" capabilities (e.g., collaboration, ownership, customer focus, shaping the future) will be asked. Candidates should prepare examples demonstrating these traits.

• Security/Clearance Verification: Confirmation of active TS/SCI clearance and suitability for working in secure environments will be a crucial part of the process.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select projects that best showcase skills in technical art, digital media production, UI/UX, 3D modeling, and any defense/government-related work. Highlight projects demonstrating clarity in conveying complex information.

• Showcase Process: Include examples of storyboarding, concept development, and workflow to demonstrate your creative and production process.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, describe the objective of the project and the positive outcome achieved through your design work (e.g., improved user understanding, enhanced system usability, clearer communication).

• Highlight Technical Skills: Clearly label projects that demonstrate proficiency in specific software like Adobe Creative Suite, Premiere Pro, After Effects, or 3D modeling tools.

• Address Security Awareness: If possible without revealing classified information, allude to experience working with sensitive data or in secure environments.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design challenge or a detailed discussion about a past project where you faced a complex design problem. Focus on your problem-solving approach, how you leveraged available tools, and the effectiveness of your solution.

• Practice articulating your design choices and their strategic rationale, especially concerning operational requirements and security considerations.

• Review common Identity Management concepts and cybersecurity visualization best practices to better understand the context of the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role. It needs to demonstrate not just artistic talent but also technical aptitude and an understanding of the unique demands of the defense and intelligence sectors. Emphasize projects that show how design supports operational objectives and security.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for graphic creation and manipulation.

• Video Editing Software: Expertise in Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects for producing video content, animations, and motion graphics.

• 3D Modeling Software: Experience with tools for creating 3D graphics and animations, crucial for technical presentations and visualizations.

• Audio Editing Tools: Familiarity with software for audio post-production, likely for video projects.

• Web Development Tools: Knowledge of HTML and potentially other web technologies for UI/UX design and content integration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed, familiarity with content management systems (CMS) implies a need to understand how content is deployed and potentially tracked.

• The role involves managing and tracking project metrics, suggesting comfort with data related to content performance or project progress. CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM or automation tools are listed for this design role, but an understanding of how content integrates into larger systems (like IdM or cybersecurity platforms) is implied.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack revolves around professional creative software. Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. Experience with 3D modeling and video editing software is also critical, indicating a need for a versatile technical artist rather than a purely graphic designer.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: A strong commitment to supporting the mission of HII and its government/military clients is paramount. This translates to prioritizing tasks that directly contribute to operational success and security.

• Integrity & Security: Given the TS/SCI clearance and defense sector focus, absolute integrity and adherence to strict security protocols are fundamental.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within cross-functional teams, including those with technical and intelligence backgrounds, is essential for successful project outcomes.

• Continuous Improvement: A mindset of seeking better ways to create content, optimize workflows, and enhance visual communication for operational effectiveness.

• Adaptability: The ability to adapt to evolving project requirements, new technologies, and the sensitive nature of defense-related information is key.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect to collaborate closely with non-design professionals (e.g., cybersecurity analysts, intelligence officers) to translate their technical requirements into effective visual assets. This requires clear communication and a willingness to understand diverse perspectives.

• Feedback Exchange: An open culture for providing and receiving constructive feedback on design work to ensure it meets technical, operational, and security standards.

• Knowledge Sharing: A team environment where designers share best practices, techniques, and insights, particularly regarding specialized applications like IdM and intelligence visualization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company emphasizes a "Leadership Mindset" with specific capabilities like "Know & Grow Your People," "Build Relationships," "Take Ownership," "Customer First," "Shape the Future," and "Act with Urgency." These values directly inform the expected collaboration style and operational approach within the team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Working with Sensitive/Classified Information: The primary challenge involves creating compelling visual content while strictly adhering to security protocols for sensitive or classified data. This requires meticulous attention to detail and discretion.

• Translating Technical Concepts: Effectively visualizing complex Identity Management systems, cybersecurity threats, and intelligence tradecraft for diverse audiences requires strong conceptualization and design skills.

• Meeting Stringent Requirements: Balancing creative design with the precise and often rigid requirements of defense and government projects, including specific branding, security, and operational guidelines.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying current with advancements in design software, 3D modeling, animation, and visualization techniques relevant to defense applications.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to training in advanced 3D modeling, animation, motion graphics, and potentially specific defense-related visualization techniques.

• Industry Certifications: Opportunities to pursue certifications relevant to graphic design, digital media, or specific defense sector technologies.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced technical artists and professionals within HII's Mission Technologies division, gaining insights into operational design challenges and solutions.

• Career Advancement: Clear pathways for promotion from Level 3 to Level 5, with increasing responsibility and opportunities for leadership within the All-Domain Operations group.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for roles involving sensitive government work and advanced technical art. The growth opportunities are substantial, particularly for those looking to specialize in defense-related design and advance into leadership positions.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to create visual content for a highly technical or sensitive subject. How did you ensure accuracy and security?" (Focus on process, research, and security adherence).

• "How would you approach designing a visual representation of an Identity Management system for a government client? What key elements would you include?" (Demonstrate understanding of IdM principles and visualization techniques).

• "Walk us through a project from your portfolio where you collaborated with subject matter experts outside of design. How did you manage communication and incorporate their feedback?" (Highlight collaboration and stakeholder management skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you align with HII's 'Leadership Mindset' capabilities, particularly 'Customer First' and 'Shape the Future'?" (Prepare specific examples related to your design work).

• "What interests you about working in the defense sector and specifically for HII's Mission Technologies division?" (Show genuine interest in the company's mission and its operational context).

• "How do you ensure your work contributes directly to mission success and operational objectives?" (Connect your design output to tangible outcomes). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by skill set (e.g., 2D Graphics, 3D Modeling, Video) or by project type (e.g., Technical Presentations, IdM Visualizations).

• Narrative: For each selected project, clearly articulate the objective, your role, the creative/technical process, the tools used, and the outcome. Emphasize how your design solved a problem or met a specific requirement.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out projects that showcase your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, video editing, 3D, and any defense-relevant applications.

• Be Concise: Focus on quality over quantity. Select your strongest, most relevant pieces and be prepared to discuss them in detail.

• Address Security: If discussing projects for government clients, frame your contributions without revealing classified details. Focus on the design challenges and your problem-solving approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing specific examples that align with the "Leadership Mindset" capabilities and demonstrating an understanding of the defense sector's operational context will be crucial. The portfolio presentation is a key opportunity to showcase your technical skills and strategic thinking.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the HII careers portal.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 5+ years of graphic design experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, video editing, 3D modeling, and any experience within the defense or government sector. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features technical art, digital media production, and any relevant defense/intelligence-related projects that demonstrate your ability to handle sensitive information and complex operational requirements.

• Prepare for Security Clearance: Be ready to provide information and undergo the process for obtaining and maintaining a TS/SCI security clearance.

• Research HII: Familiarize yourself with HII's Mission Technologies division, its role in defense operations, and its "Leadership Mindset" values to better articulate your fit during interviews.

⚠️ 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.