2026 Graduate – Design Strategist – Design Thinking Group

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: 2026 Graduate – Design Strategist – Design Thinking Group Company: Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) Location: Laurel, Maryland, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Design Strategy / Human-Centered Design / Innovation Date Posted: September 05, 2025 Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This entry-level Design Strategist role focuses on applying Human-Centered Design (HCD) and Design Thinking (DT) methodologies to solve complex national security challenges.
• The position involves deep collaboration within multi-disciplinary teams to generate innovative concepts and impactful product/experience designs for government and industry partners.
• Key activities include conducting user research, translating complex problems into actionable opportunities, and advocating for user-centric approaches across the organization.
• This role is ideal for recent graduates with a strong foundation in design or engineering principles who are eager to develop their skills in innovation and problem-solving within a mission-driven environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title "Design Strategist" and the description of the "Design Thinking Group" strongly indicate a role focused on the early stages of innovation and product development, emphasizing user needs and strategic problem definition rather than pure execution or operational efficiency. This role is positioned within the "front-end of innovation (FEI) continuum," suggesting a focus on discovery, ideation, and concept development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Actively participate in multi-disciplinary teams to conduct immersive user research, including contextual inquiry and empathetic user studies, to uncover unmet needs and pain points.
• Apply established and emergent design thinking frameworks and methodologies to structure problem-solving and ideation processes.
• Synthesize research findings into clear, actionable insights, opportunity statements, and design recommendations that guide product and experience development.
• Collaborate with engineers, designers, and stakeholders to translate complex user needs and technical requirements into compelling, human-centered solutions and novel concepts.
• Develop and deliver engaging presentations, pitches, workshops, and storytelling artifacts to communicate insights, concepts, and strategic recommendations to diverse audiences.
• Advocate for and facilitate the adoption of human-centered design and design thinking principles within project teams and across the broader APL organization.
• Contribute to the rapid development of prototypes and proof-of-concept solutions to validate design ideas and gather user feedback.
• Continuously refine personal and team processes, enhancing strategic thinking, design craft, and problem-solving effectiveness.
• Support the exploration of a wide range of design decisions and scenarios using generative and collaborative methods.
• Assist in balancing innovative design solutions with the practical constraints of fast-paced projects and defined timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities list emphasizes a blend of research, strategy, collaboration, and communication, typical of early-stage innovation roles. The focus on "translating complex problems," "generating creative concepts," and "advocating for human-centered design" highlights the strategic and user-centric nature of this position, distinguishing it from traditional operational or execution-focused roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's (BA/BFA/BS) or Master's (MA/MS) degree in a relevant field such as Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, Human Factors Engineering, Interaction Design, User Experience Design, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Web Development, Game Development, Human-Computer Interaction, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience:

• Demonstrated understanding of human-centered design frameworks and their application to problem-solving.
• Experience planning, conducting, and communicating findings from user research (qualitative and quantitative) to diverse groups of stakeholders.
• Familiarity with generative and collaborative design methodologies.
• Ability to translate complex problems into clear opportunities and design novel solutions.
• Experience in rapid concept development and prototyping is a plus.

Required Skills:

• Design Thinking: Foundational knowledge and practical application of Design Thinking principles and methodologies.
• Human-Centered Design (HCD): Understanding and application of HCD frameworks, with a focus on user needs and empathy.
• User Research: Proficiency in planning, executing, and synthesizing qualitative and quantitative user research methods (e.g., interviews, observations, surveys).
• Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively within multi-disciplinary teams, contributing to shared goals and fostering a collaborative environment.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills to break down complex challenges, identify root causes, and develop innovative solutions.
• Communication: Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and compellingly.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in federal government, federal government consulting, or similar environments.
• Familiarity with leading collaboration methodologies from industry.
• Strong visual, written, and/or oral storytelling capabilities to convey design concepts and research insights.
• Experience quoting and planning complex front-end innovation projects in a consulting or design firm setting.
• Product or project management experience and/or credentials.
• An active Secret security clearance or higher.
• Experience with Agile and other development methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a strong emphasis on design methodologies, research, and collaborative problem-solving. The "Required Skills" are core to design strategy and innovation roles, while "Preferred Skills" point towards experience within government contracting or consulting environments and existing security clearances, which are common in APL's operational context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies: A portfolio showcasing 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating the application of design thinking and human-centered design principles to solve complex problems.
• Process Documentation: Evidence of clearly documented design processes, from user research and ideation through concept development and solution framing.
• Research Synthesis: Examples of how user research findings were synthesized into actionable insights and strategic recommendations.
• Solution Demonstration: Prototypes, concept visualizations, or presentations that illustrate the problem-solving approach and the resulting novel solutions.
• Collaboration Showcase: Examples that highlight collaborative work within teams, demonstrating contributions to group success.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate a structured approach to understanding user needs through research and analysis.
• Illustrate the application of ideation techniques to generate a range of potential solutions.
• Showcase methods for translating abstract concepts into tangible design proposals or prototypes.
• Provide examples of how user feedback was incorporated to refine solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Strategist role, particularly at the graduate level, the portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application of theoretical knowledge. The emphasis here is on showcasing the process of design thinking and HCD, not just the final output. This aligns with operations roles that value demonstrable methodologies and problem-solving frameworks.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The provided salary range is $85,000 to $155,000 annually. This range is an estimate based on the specified minimum and maximum rates provided by the employer.

Benefits:

• Education Assistance: Robust education assistance program for continuous learning and development.
• Retirement Contributions: Unparalleled retirement contribution plans.
• Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off policies.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.
• Insurance: Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability coverage.
• Financial Wellness: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care.
• Professional Development: Training and development opportunities to enhance skills and career growth.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours are 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time position. The role is primarily on-site, suggesting a structured work schedule within the office environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is quite broad, which is common for entry-level to mid-level roles in specialized fields, especially within research and development organizations like APL. The benefits package is comprehensive, reflecting a commitment to employee well-being and professional growth, which is attractive to operations professionals seeking stability and development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace, Defense, Research & Development, National Security. APL operates at the intersection of cutting-edge science, engineering, and national security, applying its expertise to critical challenges for government sponsors. Company Size: APL is a large organization, employing a significant number of individuals (likely in the thousands), which offers a stable and resource-rich environment for its employees. Founded: The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory was founded in 1942. This long history signifies a stable, established institution with a deep legacy of innovation and contribution to national interests.

Team Structure:

• The Design Thinking Group is described as a multi-functional team comprising engineers, designers, creatives, and makers, emphasizing diverse skill sets.
• This group operates within APL, likely reporting up through a technical or research division, and collaborates extensively with various government and industry partners.
• The structure encourages cross-functional collaboration, as the core function is to bring different perspectives to bear on complex problems.

Methodology:

• The team's primary methodologies are Human-Centered Design (HCD) and Design Thinking (DT), focusing on user immersion, empathy, and rapid iteration.
• Emphasis is placed on authentic collaboration, intellectual humility, and relentless curiosity as drivers for innovation.
• The group works across the "front-end of innovation (FEI) continuum," from discovery and needs identification to solution landscaping and concept development.

Company Website: https://www.jhuapl.edu/

📝 Enhancement Note: APL's mission-driven culture in defense and national security, combined with its large size and established history, means operations professionals can expect structured processes, significant resources, and a focus on long-term impact. The Design Thinking Group's methodology is a key differentiator, indicating a culture that values creative problem-solving and user advocacy within a rigorous engineering and research framework.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry-level (Graduate) Design Strategist. It represents the foundational stage of a career path focused on innovation, design strategy, and human-centered problem-solving within a complex, mission-oriented organization. The scope is focused on contributing to project teams and learning established methodologies. Reporting Structure: The Design Strategist will likely report to a lead within the Design Thinking Group, who in turn reports to a higher-level manager overseeing innovation or specific program areas. Collaboration will be cross-functional, involving project managers, senior engineers, and subject matter experts. Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role focused on process efficiency or revenue generation, the impact is significant in the realm of innovation and strategic foresight. By identifying user needs and developing novel solutions, this role influences the direction of new technologies and products, ultimately impacting mission success and national security outcomes. The work directly informs the development of effective tools and experiences for critical users.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific HCD/DT methodologies, user research techniques, or prototyping tools, potentially specializing in areas like interaction design, service design, or strategic foresight.
• Project Leadership: Progress to leading design efforts on smaller projects or taking ownership of specific phases within larger initiatives, demonstrating increasing responsibility and strategic influence.
• Mentorship & Training: Leverage APL's robust education assistance and training programs to pursue advanced degrees, certifications, or specialized workshops in design, engineering, or related fields.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Gain exposure to various mission areas and technical challenges within APL, potentially leading to opportunities in different innovation groups or program offices.
• Advocacy & Facilitation: Evolve into a role that involves training and mentoring others in design thinking and HCD, becoming a champion for these approaches within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for this role is centered on developing specialized skills in innovation and design strategy, rather than traditional operational metrics. The "operations impact" is framed in terms of influencing product development and mission effectiveness. The growth opportunities emphasize skill deepening, project leadership, and formal learning, common in R&D environments.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily on-site in Laurel, Maryland. This suggests a traditional office setting within APL's facilities, likely designed to foster collaboration and focused work. The presence of a dedicated "Design Thinking Group" implies access to specialized workspaces or labs that may support ideation, prototyping, and user research activities. Office Location(s): The primary work location is Laurel, Maryland. However, the role involves up to 25% travel to various locations, including Naval Bases, Research Locations, and specific geographies like San Diego, Hawaii, Norfolk, Groton, and San Francisco, for user research, client meetings, and project collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The emphasis on "authentic collaboration" and multi-disciplinary teams suggests a workspace that encourages interaction, idea sharing, and co-creation. Expect opportunities to work closely with diverse professionals.
• Tools & Technology: Access to relevant design and prototyping tools, potentially including software for research synthesis, ideation, visualization, and potentially even digital fabrication resources, depending on the group's capabilities.
• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with team members within the Design Thinking Group, as well as with project stakeholders, government sponsors, and end-users during research and feedback sessions.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. Given the on-site nature and project-driven work, adherence to a consistent weekly schedule is expected, though flexibility may be available depending on project demands and APL policies. The role requires a willingness to travel, which will influence the weekly schedule during those periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Laurel, Maryland, combined with significant travel, indicates a dynamic work environment. The description of the workspace implies a focus on collaborative innovation, suggesting modern office facilities equipped to support design and research activities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review to assess qualifications against minimum and preferred requirements, with a focus on educational background and foundational understanding of HCD/DT.
• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be asked to submit a portfolio showcasing relevant case studies that demonstrate their design thinking process, research skills, and problem-solving capabilities. This is a critical step.
• Technical/Behavioral Interviews: Interviews (likely including panel interviews with team members and hiring managers) will assess understanding of HCD/DT principles, research experience, collaborative skills, and ability to articulate complex ideas. Expect questions related to specific projects in the portfolio.
• Case Study/Presentation: A potential exercise may involve presenting a portfolio case study in detail or completing a short design challenge to assess problem-solving approach and communication skills under pressure.
• Security Clearance: The process includes obtaining an Interim Secret security clearance by the start date, followed by a full investigation for Secret level clearance. This is a mandatory requirement.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Show, Don't Just Tell: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process followed (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), key insights, and the impact or outcome.
• Highlight Process: Emphasize the methodologies used (HCD, DT, specific research techniques) and how they guided decision-making. Demonstrate your thought process, not just the final design.
• Quantify Impact (Where Possible): While challenging for early-stage innovation, try to articulate the potential or realized impact of your solutions, even if qualitative.
• Tailor to Role: Select case studies that best align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly those involving user research, problem definition, and concept generation.
• Clarity and Conciseness: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually appealing. Use clear language and avoid excessive jargon.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Design Thinking/HCD: Be prepared to discuss the phases and common tools used in these frameworks.
• User Research Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would approach researching a specific user group or problem.
• Problem Decomposition: Practice breaking down complex, ambiguous problems into manageable parts.
• Collaboration Scenarios: Prepare examples of how you've worked effectively in teams, handled disagreements, and contributed to collective success.
• Storytelling: Practice articulating your project experiences in a compelling narrative format.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes portfolio review and practical demonstration of design thinking and research skills. The security clearance requirement is a significant factor and must be addressed proactively by candidates.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping Software: Proficiency in tools like Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, XD), Axure, or similar for creating wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes.
• User Research Platforms: Familiarity with tools for conducting remote interviews, surveys, and usability testing (e.g., Zoom, UserTesting.com, SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics).
• Collaboration Tools: Experience with platforms such as Miro, Mural, Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Google Workspace for virtual collaboration, brainstorming, and documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this design strategy role, understanding how to interpret basic data from user research or analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics if web-based) could be beneficial. The role is more about synthesizing qualitative insights than quantitative analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role's core functions. The focus is on design and innovation processes rather than sales or marketing automation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools mentioned are standard in the design and innovation space. The absence of traditional operations tools (CRM, ERP, Marketing Automation) reinforces the role's focus on early-stage ideation and strategy rather than process execution or optimization.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Human-Centered: A deep commitment to understanding and prioritizing the needs, behaviors, and contexts of users in all design and problem-solving efforts.
• Collaborative: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and the integration of diverse perspectives to achieve collective goals.
• Curious & Humble: Fostering an environment of continuous learning, intellectual humility, and a desire to explore complex challenges without preconceived notions.
• Bold & Innovative: Encouraging creative thinking, taking calculated risks, and pursuing novel solutions to achieve high impact.
• Mission-Driven: A shared dedication to solving critical national security, defense, and science challenges, understanding the importance of their work.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamless integration with engineers, researchers, subject matter experts, and stakeholders from various disciplines.
• Iterative Feedback Loops: Regularly seeking and incorporating feedback from teammates, users, and clients throughout the design process.
• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing insights, best practices, and lessons learned to collectively elevate the team's capabilities.
• Facilitative Approach: Team members are expected to facilitate workshops, discussions, and co-creation sessions effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values are strongly aligned with design thinking principles, emphasizing user empathy, collaboration, and a proactive, innovative approach to problem-solving within a mission-oriented context. This is distinct from a traditional operations team's focus on efficiency and process standardization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complexity: Tackling highly complex, often ambiguous problems within national security domains requires significant analytical and strategic thinking.
• Balancing Innovation with Constraints: Delivering novel, user-centered solutions while adhering to fast-moving project timelines, budgets, and technical limitations.
• Advocating for User Needs: Effectively championing user perspectives within diverse stakeholder groups who may have different priorities or perspectives.
• Translating Research to Action: The challenge of moving from user insights and research findings to concrete, implementable design concepts and solutions.
• Cultural Adaptation: Adapting to the specific culture and operational environment of a large, mission-driven research and development organization like APL.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to workshops, courses, and potentially certifications in advanced design thinking, user research techniques, service design, interaction design, and related fields.
• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced designers, engineers, and strategists within the Design Thinking Group and broader APL organization.
• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of challenging projects across different mission areas provides broad exposure and accelerates learning.
• Advanced Education: APL's robust education assistance program supports employees in pursuing Master's or Doctoral degrees relevant to their roles and career aspirations.
• Conferences & Networking: Potential to attend industry conferences and events to stay abreast of emerging trends and network with professionals in the design and innovation space.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to innovation roles: dealing with ambiguity, influencing stakeholders, and bridging the gap between research and tangible outcomes. The growth opportunities are geared towards deepening expertise in design and strategy, with strong support for formal education.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used a human-centered design approach to solve a problem. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a case study from your portfolio).
• "How would you approach understanding the needs of a user group you know nothing about for a complex national security application?" (Discuss research methodologies, empathy-building techniques).
• "Imagine you have conflicting requirements from different stakeholders on a project. How would you use design thinking to navigate this and find a solution?" (Focus on facilitation, synthesis, and user advocacy).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working at APL, specifically within the Design Thinking Group?" (Research APL's mission and the group's role).
• "How do you stay current with trends in design thinking and human-centered design?" (Mention continuous learning, specific resources).
• "Describe your ideal team environment for innovation and problem-solving." (Align with APL's collaborative and curious culture).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly present the problem context, your specific role and contributions, the design process followed (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), key insights derived, and the final solution or outcome.
• Focus on 'Why' and 'How': Explain the rationale behind your decisions and the methods you employed, rather than just showing final deliverables.
• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific research findings, design choices, or challenges encountered.
• Showcase Collaboration: Highlight instances where you worked effectively with others, even if presenting individual contributions.
• Demonstrate Enthusiasm: Convey your passion for user-centered problem-solving and your eagerness to contribute to APL's mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should heavily focus on articulating design process, research application, and collaborative problem-solving. The portfolio is central, and candidates must be prepared to discuss their work in detail, demonstrating a strong understanding of HCD and DT principles.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Strategist position:

• Submit your application through the APL careers portal (https://careers.jhuapl.edu/new-grads/jobs/57526).
• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature 2-3 case studies that best exemplify your experience with design thinking, human-centered design, and user research. Ensure these examples directly address the role's responsibilities.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant degrees, coursework, projects, and any experience in research, design, or collaborative problem-solving. Use keywords from the job description such as "Design Thinking," "Human-Centered Design," and "User Research."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, research findings, and collaborative experiences. Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail and articulate your understanding of APL's mission and the Design Thinking Group's work.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), its mission, its role in national security, and the specific work of the Design Thinking Group. Understand the context in which this role operates.

⚠️ 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.