Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer Company: Peraton Location: Herndon, Virginia, United States Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design Date Posted: November 13, 2025 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on creating compelling visual assets and updating program websites, demanding a strong understanding of graphic design principles and their application in a government contracting environment.
• The position requires proficiency in WordPress and foundational knowledge of CSS/HTML to effectively manage and enhance digital content and program collateral.
• A key aspect of this role is the ability to translate complex government program objectives and organizational changes into clear, engaging visual narratives for a broad user base.
• The Senior Graphic Designer will be instrumental in maintaining and evolving the program's visual identity, ensuring consistency with Department of State (DOS) branding specifications across all created materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the description specifies "Senior Graphic Designer" and an 8-year experience requirement, indicating a mid-to-senior level role with significant responsibility for independent work and potentially mentoring junior designers. The focus on government branding (DOS) and specific program modernization (CSM/CA) suggests a niche within creative services, requiring an understanding of public sector communication needs.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design high-impact visual imagery that strictly adheres to Department of State (DOS) branding guidelines and specifications.
• Develop innovative content, including infographics and design concepts, to maintain and update program websites, ensuring content remains current and engaging for users.
• Create a wide range of communication and marketing materials such as posters, one-pagers, brochures, and presentations, tailored for diverse government and international audiences.
• Collaborate closely with clients and project managers to thoroughly understand project requirements, parameters, objectives, and desired communication approaches for graphics production.
• Brainstorm and conceptualize innovative ideas with internal staff to develop effective solutions for print, web, and interactive media, ensuring a creative yet compliant output.
• Transform stakeholder ideas into visually appealing and informative products and graphics that effectively communicate campaign messages and project themes, ensuring proper messaging execution in both web and print formats.
• Develop creative and unique content for electronic and print media, expertly utilizing color, typography, illustration, photography, animation, and various layout techniques.
• Enhance user website experience through the strategic integration of media and graphic elements, improving existing web pages and creating new content to effectively communicate the customer's messages.
• Oversee the preparation of illustrative materials, including the design of iconography, infographics, detailed drawings, and diagrams.
• Prepare, design, and publish documents and media intended for distribution to a large, diverse user base across government, national, and international scopes.
• Manage multiple design projects concurrently on a daily basis, ensuring strict adherence to project deadlines, effectively managing client expectations, and maintaining high standards of quality assurance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design, technical web content management (WordPress, CSS/HTML), and project management within a government context. The emphasis on "transforming stakeholder ideas," "engaging visuals," and "communicating campaigns and projects" points to a role that is not just about aesthetics but also strategic communication and user engagement.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree required. Experience: Minimum of 8 years of professional experience, with at least 2 years specifically utilizing the Adobe Suite.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in graphic design principles and their practical application in creating visual assets.
• Demonstrated expertise in the Adobe Suite, specifically including Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat, and InDesign for design and production.
• Experience with WordPress for content management and website updates.
• Foundational knowledge of CSS and HTML for web content modification and enhancement.
• Proven ability to prepare, publish, and disseminate information effectively to leadership, management, and diverse user groups.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple design projects simultaneously to meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills for effective client and team interaction.
• Must possess or be able to obtain an active Secret (or higher) security clearance; interim clearances are acceptable.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in preparing, producing, and supporting cybersecurity product lines, demonstrating an understanding of secure information dissemination.
• Demonstrated experience utilizing UI/UX design principles to enhance user experience and website engagement.
• Familiarity with government branding standards and communication protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level (8 years) combined with specific tool proficiencies (Adobe Suite, WordPress, CSS/HTML) suggests a need for a designer who can work independently and contribute significantly to project deliverables without extensive supervision. The preference for cybersecurity product experience and UI/UX principles indicates a desire for a designer who can handle complex, sensitive information and contribute to user-centric digital experiences.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of graphic design projects, emphasizing visual communication and adherence to specific client branding requirements.
• Demonstrated examples of creating engaging content for websites, including infographics, digital assets, and presentation materials, highlighting process and output.
• Evidence of projects involving WordPress, CSS, and HTML, illustrating the ability to manage and update web content effectively.
• Case studies or examples that detail the process of transforming stakeholder requirements into finalized design solutions, showcasing problem-solving and creative execution.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of workflow design for managing multiple design projects from concept to completion, including task prioritization and deadline management.
• Documentation or examples of iterative design processes, including feedback incorporation and quality assurance checks for print and digital media.
• Demonstration of how design processes are measured for effectiveness, particularly in relation to user engagement, message clarity, and adherence to brand guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role requiring WordPress and CSS/HTML skills, a portfolio should ideally include examples of web design or content management contributions, not just static print or illustration work. Highlighting projects with similar government or large-scale organizational contexts would be highly beneficial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $66,000 - $106,000 annually.

• This range is determined by various factors including the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual’s experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations.

Benefits:

• Potential eligibility for overtime pay, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k)) with potential company match.
• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and continuing education.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week.

• Standard business hours are expected, but the role may require flexibility to meet project deadlines and client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $66,000 - $106,000 for a Senior Graphic Designer with 8+ years of experience in the Herndon, VA area aligns with industry benchmarks for specialized design roles within government contracting. The mention of potential overtime, shift differential, and bonuses suggests a compensation structure common in the defense and government sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: National Security, Government Contracting, Technology Services. Company Size: Large Enterprise (Peraton's website indicates thousands of employees). Founded: Peraton was established in 2017 through the acquisition of Perspecta by Peraton by Veritas Capital. However, its heritage extends further back through acquired entities, suggesting a stable, established presence in the national security sector.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Department of State (DOS) Consular Systems Modernization (CSM) Program team, a large-scale initiative.
• The role reports within a team structure focused on program support, likely including project managers, technical specialists, and communication leads.
• Cross-functional collaboration will be essential, working with program stakeholders, content creators, and potentially IT teams to integrate designs into web platforms.

Methodology:

• Data-driven approaches to design, ensuring that visuals effectively communicate program objectives and support user adoption.
• Iterative design processes involving client feedback and stakeholder reviews to refine communication materials.
• Emphasis on compliance with government branding and security protocols in all design and content dissemination activities.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Peraton operates in the highly regulated and mission-critical national security space. This context implies a culture that values precision, security, compliance, and project execution. The focus on government programs means designers must be adept at understanding complex requirements and communicating them clearly to diverse audiences, often with a need for high levels of detail and accuracy.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Graphic Designer role, positioned at a mid-to-senior level within the creative services function. It implies a capacity for independent work, problem-solving, and potentially guiding less experienced team members on design best practices. Reporting Structure: The role reports into the Peraton Department of State (DOS) Consular Systems Modernization (CSM) Program, likely within a Communications, Marketing, or Program Support department. Direct reporting is expected to a Design Lead, Communications Manager, or Program Manager. Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the Peraton's ability to effectively communicate critical program information, support user adoption of modernized systems, and maintain a professional and consistent brand image for the Department of State's Consular Affairs bureau. Their visual assets are crucial for stakeholder engagement and the overall success of the CSM program's outreach and training efforts.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advance to Lead Graphic Designer or Art Director roles within Peraton or on other government programs.
• Develop specialized skills in areas like UI/UX design, cybersecurity visualization, or advanced digital media production.
• Transition into related fields such as marketing communications, technical writing, or project management within the government contracting sector.
• Gain extensive experience with large-scale government IT modernization projects, enhancing expertise in public sector communication strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title and 8-year experience requirement suggest this role is not entry-level. Growth would likely involve taking on more complex projects, managing client relationships, or potentially leading design initiatives. The specific focus on a government program offers a unique career path within the defense and national security IT sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site position in Herndon, VA. This suggests a traditional office environment within a Peraton facility. Office Location(s): Herndon, Virginia, United States. This location is within the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, a hub for government contracting and technology firms.

Workspace Context:

• Likely a collaborative office setting where designers work alongside program managers, technical writers, and other support staff.
• Access to standard office technology, design software (Adobe Suite, WordPress), and potentially a secure network environment suitable for government work.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with program stakeholders and team members to foster clear communication and efficient workflow.

Work Schedule: Approximately 40 hours per week.

• Standard business hours are anticipated, but flexibility may be required to meet critical project deadlines common in government contracting.

📝 Enhancement Note: An on-site role in Herndon, VA, places the designer in close proximity to potential government clients and key decision-makers, facilitating direct feedback loops and project collaboration. This environment is typical for roles requiring access to secure systems or direct client engagement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and portfolios for basic qualifications and relevant experience.
• Technical Interview/Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, design processes, and problem-solving approaches. This may involve a technical assessment or a discussion of WordPress/CSS/HTML capabilities.
• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Questions will focus on experience with project management, client communication, handling feedback, and working within government constraints.
• Final Interview: May involve meeting with senior leadership or key program stakeholders to assess cultural fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate a portfolio that strongly features projects demonstrating visual communication for complex or technical subjects, ideally government or large enterprise-level.
• Prepare to walk through at least 2-3 projects in detail, explaining your role, the challenges, your design process, the tools used (especially Adobe Suite, WordPress), and the impact of your work.
• Highlight examples where you successfully adhered to strict branding guidelines or translated stakeholder requirements into effective visual solutions.
• If possible, include examples showcasing your ability to create infographics, web content, and presentation materials. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of UI/UX principles if applicable.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for a potential design challenge that simulates creating a specific type of communication material (e.g., an infographic, a presentation slide) based on a provided brief.
• Focus on demonstrating your process, creativity, and ability to meet requirements within a given timeframe.
• Practice articulating your design choices and defending them based on project objectives and audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the government context and the requirement for a Secret clearance, expect a thorough vetting process. The portfolio is critical; it must clearly demonstrate the skills and experience outlined in the job description, particularly regarding government branding and digital content creation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency required, specifically:
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and complex illustrations.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and creating web graphics.
  • Adobe Acrobat: For creating and managing PDF documents, forms, and interactive elements.
  • Adobe InDesign: For layout and design of print materials like brochures, one-pagers, and presentations.
• WordPress: Essential for maintaining and updating program websites, including content creation and basic page structure.
• CSS/HTML: Foundational knowledge required for web content styling and minor modifications within WordPress.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as a primary tool, understanding how design impacts website analytics (e.g., user engagement, bounce rates) and being able to interpret basic web analytics data would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but an understanding of how marketing automation or CRM systems might use visual assets could be helpful.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of WordPress, CSS, and HTML alongside the broader Adobe Suite indicates a need for a designer who is comfortable working within a content management system and making direct web updates, rather than solely handing off designs to developers.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Oriented: A strong commitment to supporting critical government missions and national security objectives.
• Integrity & Compliance: Adherence to strict government regulations, security protocols, and ethical standards.
• Collaboration: Working effectively within diverse teams and with external stakeholders to achieve common goals.
• Excellence & Innovation: Striving for high-quality output and seeking innovative solutions within established frameworks.
• Accountability: Taking ownership of projects and deliverables, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a structured, professional collaboration style, heavily reliant on clear communication and documentation.
• Cross-functional integration with project management, technical teams, and client representatives is crucial for successful project execution.
• A culture that values constructive feedback and iterative improvement, especially within the context of government projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: In a government contracting environment like Peraton's, the culture often emphasizes process, security, and reliability. While creativity is valued, it must operate within defined parameters and serve the ultimate mission objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Constraints: Designing effective visuals while strictly adhering to Department of State branding guidelines and government communication standards can be challenging.
• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Juggling design requests and feedback from various government program stakeholders requires strong communication and expectation management skills.
• Technical Web Updates: Integrating design work into WordPress and making necessary CSS/HTML adjustments may present technical hurdles if not regularly practiced.
• Security Clearance Process: Obtaining and maintaining a Secret clearance is a critical requirement that can impact onboarding timelines and work responsibilities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen expertise in UI/UX design principles and their application in government digital platforms.
• Acquire advanced skills in motion graphics or interactive design for more engaging digital content.
• Gain specialized knowledge in cybersecurity-related design and communication strategies.
• Develop project management skills within the context of large government IT programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges listed are common in government design roles. Proactive learning in UI/UX and cybersecurity visualization could significantly boost a candidate's profile for this type of position and future growth within the sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design for a client with very strict branding guidelines. How did you ensure compliance while still producing an effective design?" (Focus on process, adherence, and creative solutions within constraints).
• "How do you approach transforming complex technical information or abstract concepts into clear, engaging visuals like infographics?" (Highlight your process, audience consideration, and tool utilization).
• "Walk us through a project where you used WordPress to update or create web content. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Demonstrate practical web content skills).
• "Describe your experience managing multiple design projects with competing deadlines. What strategies do you use to prioritize and deliver on time?" (Focus on project management and organizational skills).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Peraton and the Department of State's Consular Systems Modernization program? Why are you interested in supporting this mission?" (Research the company and program; connect your skills to their mission).
• "How do you handle receiving critical feedback on your designs from stakeholders or clients?" (Emphasize a collaborative and solution-oriented approach).
• "Describe your experience working with government clients or in a highly regulated environment." (Showcase understanding of compliance and professional conduct).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 3-4 projects that best showcase your skills in graphic design, web content (WordPress, CSS/HTML if applicable), and infographic creation.
• For each project, clearly articulate: the client/objective, your role, the problem, your design process, the tools used, the solution, and the outcome/impact.
• Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the DOS branding guidelines and how you would apply them.
• If you have UI/UX experience, highlight projects that demonstrate user-centric design thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing specific examples that align with government communication needs, digital content creation, and strict adherence to brand standards will be key to impressing the interviewers.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application via the Peraton careers portal (https://careers-peraton.icims.com/jobs/161427/graphic-designer/job).
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating expertise in Adobe Suite, WordPress, CSS/HTML, infographic design, and experience with government or large-scale organizational branding.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your years of experience, proficiency with required tools (Adobe Suite, WordPress, CSS/HTML), and any experience with government projects or security clearances. Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, project outcomes, and ability to work within strict guidelines. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions related to client management, feedback, and project prioritization.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Peraton's mission, values, and the specific goals of the Department of State Consular Systems Modernization (CSM) program to demonstrate genuine interest and alignment.

⚠️ 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.