Graphic Designer II

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer II Company: Athenix Cyber & SIGINT Solutions, LLC Location: Annapolis Junction, Maryland, United States Job Type: Full-time Category: Creative Operations / Marketing Operations Date Posted: September 19, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for translating complex information and brand messaging into visually compelling assets that support training, marketing, and promotional initiatives within the cybersecurity and intelligence sectors.
• The Graphic Designer II will be responsible for the end-to-end creation of digital and print graphics, ensuring adherence to design standards, accessibility guidelines, and project deadlines.
• A strong emphasis is placed on visual storytelling, incorporating iconography, typography, and imagery to create engaging content, including infographics, animations, and motion graphics.
• The position requires close collaboration with internal teams to conceptualize and execute design solutions that effectively communicate educational and promotional messages across diverse platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer II," the responsibilities involving online training, web pages, digital videos, animations, motion graphics, and 508 compliance suggest a role that bridges creative design with operational needs, particularly in educational technology and compliance. This role leans towards a "Creative Operations" or "Marketing Operations" function by supporting the execution of strategic content.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual illustrations and digital artwork for online training modules, in-person training materials, and web pages, aligning with project objectives.
• Design and produce graphic materials for print media, including posters, brochures, banners, and annual reports, ensuring brand consistency and visual appeal.
• Utilize a strong understanding of iconography, typography, color theory, and illustration to create engaging templates, infographics, webpage layouts, animations, motion graphics, and videos.
• Conceptualize, direct, capture, and edit digital videos, animations, and motion graphics to enhance training content and promotional materials.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including instructional designers and subject matter experts, to develop effective educational trainings and promotional materials for various platforms.
• Proactively ensure all designed materials comply with Section 508 accessibility guidelines, demonstrating a commitment to inclusive design practices.
• Manage multiple design projects in a moderate-to-fast-paced environment, effectively prioritizing tasks and meeting quick turnaround deadlines without compromising quality.
• Transform existing presentation materials, such as PowerPoint templates with excessive text, into visually appealing and informative assets with clear guidance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for not just creative output but also for process-driven design execution, particularly in transforming raw content into polished, compliant, and impactful visual assets. The emphasis on 508 compliance and collaboration with training development points to a need for operational efficiency in content creation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Art, Graphic Design, Fine Art, Design Art, Computer Science, or Computer Graphics/Computer Graphics with four (4) years of experience in media production.
• Alternatively, an Associate's degree plus an additional two (2) years of experience (total of six years) in a relevant field will be considered.
• In the absence of a Bachelor's or Associate's degree, an additional four (4) years of relevant experience (total of eight years) in media production is acceptable.

Experience:

• Minimum of four (4) years of experience in media production, with a portfolio demonstrating a diverse range of graphic design capabilities.
• Experience in transforming existing content (e.g., text-heavy PowerPoint presentations) into visually engaging and informative materials.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a deadline-driven, moderate-to-fast-paced environment.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Microsoft PowerPoint for advanced design and presentation capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability in graphic design, digital graphics creation, and artwork development for various media.
• Strong understanding and application of design principles including iconography, typography, color schemes, and layout composition.
• Experience in creating animations, motion graphics, and developing visual content for online platforms and training materials.
• Knowledge of 508 compliance standards and their application in graphic design.

Preferred Skills:

• Basic knowledge of Adobe After Effects and Adobe Premiere for video editing and motion graphics.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word for document integration and design collaboration.
• Bonus skills include proficiency in Adobe Animate and experience with 3D development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of foundational design skills, proficiency in industry-standard software, and the ability to adapt and create across different media formats. The preference for video editing and animation tools suggests a growing need for dynamic content creation, aligning with modern training and communication strategies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory for the interview process, showcasing a broad spectrum of design work.
• Samples should be current, with a maximum age of five years, reflecting up-to-date skills and industry trends.
• The portfolio must demonstrate a wide variety of graphic outputs, including templates, conceptual illustrations, posters, digital graphics, and video content.
• Applicants should be prepared to present and discuss their portfolio pieces, highlighting their design process and problem-solving approach.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates will be assessed on their ability to articulate their design process, from concept development to final execution.
• Demonstrate how you approach transforming raw content or basic templates into polished, effective visual assets.
• Be prepared to discuss how you ensure design quality, consistency, and adherence to project requirements, including accessibility standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a diverse and current portfolio underscores the practical, output-oriented nature of this role. The expectation for candidates to "show/tell" their process during interviews indicates a focus on practical application and the ability to articulate their workflow, a key aspect of operational efficiency in creative roles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The provided salary range for this position is $120,000 to $143,000 per year. This range is competitive for a Graphic Designer II role with the specified experience level and responsibilities in the Annapolis Junction, Maryland area.

Benefits:

• 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 in design software and methodologies.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, typically 40 hours per week.
• The role is based on-site, requiring consistent presence at the Annapolis Junction, MD location.
• Flexibility within the standard workday may be available, subject to team and project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range reflects the mid-senior level of the role and the specialized nature of design work within the defense and intelligence sector. The inclusion of professional development opportunities is crucial for a design role, enabling continuous skill enhancement with new software and design trends.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

• Athenix Cyber & SIGINT Solutions, LLC operates within the Cybersecurity and Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) sector, a highly specialized and critical field within the defense and government contracting industry. This context implies a professional, security-conscious, and results-oriented work environment.
• The nature of the industry demands attention to detail, adherence to strict protocols, and the ability to work with sensitive information, influencing the company's operational and cultural norms.

Company Size:

• While specific size data is not provided, the "LLC" designation and the nature of government contracting often indicate a focused, specialized organization that may range from a mid-sized firm to a larger entity with multiple primes and subcontracts.
• For operations professionals, this can mean a dynamic environment with opportunities for broad exposure to different projects and processes, potentially with a closer-knit team structure or more defined departmental roles.

Founded:

• Information regarding the founding date of Athenix Cyber & SIGINT Solutions, LLC is not publicly available in the provided data. Understanding the company's history would typically provide insight into its growth trajectory, established processes, and long-term vision, which can influence operational strategies and team dynamics.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer II will likely be part of a broader marketing, communications, or training department, collaborating closely with content creators, instructional designers, and project managers.
• The reporting structure will likely involve a Creative Director, Marketing Manager, or a Program Manager overseeing creative deliverables for specific contracts.
• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with subject matter experts, technical writers, and potentially program leadership to ensure design outputs are accurate, effective, and aligned with client requirements.

Methodology:

• Design methodologies will likely emphasize iterative feedback loops, collaboration with stakeholders to define design requirements, and adherence to project management frameworks.
• Data analysis might be less direct for a graphic designer but will involve interpreting user feedback, performance metrics of digital assets (e.g., engagement rates on web pages), and compliance reports to refine designs.
• Workflow optimization will be crucial, focusing on efficient use of design software, asset management, and streamlined approval processes to meet project deadlines.

Company Website:

• [Company URL is not provided in the input data, but would typically be found on their official website.]

📝 Enhancement Note: The industry context is paramount. Operating in cybersecurity and SIGINT means the design work will likely support national security objectives, requiring a high degree of professionalism, discretion, and precision. This can translate into more structured workflows and a greater emphasis on compliance and security.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This role is classified as a Graphic Designer II, indicating a mid-level position. It requires a solid foundation in graphic design principles and software proficiency, coupled with practical experience in media production.
• The scope of responsibilities suggests a designer capable of independent work on defined projects, contributing to larger campaigns, and potentially mentoring junior designers or interns.
• The role demands an understanding of client needs and the ability to translate them into effective visual communication, often within constraints of government contracts and accessibility standards.

Reporting Structure:

• The Graphic Designer II will likely report to a Creative Lead, Design Manager, or a Program Manager responsible for deliverables within specific contracts.
• This structure implies interaction with various project teams and stakeholders across different government or defense contracts, requiring adaptability and strong communication skills.
• The role may involve receiving direction from multiple project leads while maintaining overarching design consistency and brand integrity for the company.

Operations Impact:

• The designer's work directly impacts the clarity and effectiveness of training materials, the professionalism of promotional content, and the overall visual communication strategy for Athenix Solutions.
• High-quality, compliant design can enhance user engagement with training modules, improve brand perception, and contribute to successful contract performance by meeting client expectations for visual deliverables.
• Efficient design processes and visually appealing outputs can streamline content deployment and improve operational efficiency in content creation pipelines.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunity to specialize in areas like motion graphics, video production, instructional design support, or UI/UX design for digital platforms.
• Industry Experience: Gain deep experience in the specialized cybersecurity and SIGINT sectors, which can lead to roles with greater strategic input or project management responsibilities within these domains.
• Leadership Potential: Progression to a Senior Graphic Designer role, leading design projects, managing junior designers, or taking on a Creative Lead position for specific contracts or initiatives.
• Certification & Training: Access to company-sponsored training for advanced design software, 508 compliance best practices, and project management methodologies relevant to government contracting.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth in this role will likely involve deepening technical skills in animation and video, as well as broadening understanding of the operational context of government contracting and defense sector communication needs. Developing expertise in 508 compliance further enhances career value.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• The role is based on-site at 8210 Dorsey Run Rd, Annapolis Junction, MD. This suggests a traditional office environment typical for defense contractors, likely with secure facilities and professional workspaces.
• The environment will likely be structured, with a focus on productivity, adherence to security protocols, and collaborative teamwork within assigned project teams.

Office Location(s):

• The primary work location is Annapolis Junction, Maryland. This area is part of the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan corridor, a hub for government contractors, defense agencies, and technology companies.
• Accessibility to this location will be a key factor for candidates, with potential considerations for public transportation or commute times depending on candidate residence.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely provide access to industry-standard design hardware and software, including powerful workstations and necessary peripherals for creative work.
• Collaboration opportunities will exist with team members within the design function, as well as with project managers, content developers, and other stakeholders involved in contract deliverables.
• The environment will likely foster a culture of professionalism, with expectations for punctuality, clear communication, and a commitment to delivering high-quality work within project timelines.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is likely aligned with typical business hours, approximately 40 hours per week.
• Given the on-site requirement, consistent physical presence during core business hours will be expected. Occasional flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines or specific client needs, common in government contracting environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Annapolis Junction, MD, places this role within a significant corridor for defense and intelligence work. Candidates should consider the commute and the professional, potentially secure, office setting characteristic of this industry.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and design capabilities against the role requirements.
• Technical/Skills Assessment: Candidates will likely be asked to demonstrate their skills through practical exercises or discussions. Expect a "show and tell" format where you present and explain your portfolio pieces.
• Scenario-Based Questions: You may be presented with hypothetical design challenges, such as transforming a text-heavy PowerPoint into a visual presentation or creating a mood board for a specific project (e.g., cybersecurity training).
• Behavioral and Team Fit: Questions will assess your ability to collaborate, manage deadlines, adapt to feedback, and align with the company culture and values.
• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership or hiring managers to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and contribution to the company's mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select a diverse range of your best work, ensuring it covers the types of projects mentioned in the job description (templates, concepts, posters, videos, infographics). Prioritize recent work (within 5 years).
• Tell a Story: For each piece, be prepared to explain the project's objective, your role, your design process, the tools used, challenges faced, and the final outcome or impact.
• Highlight Operations Relevance: Showcase how your designs solved a problem, improved clarity, met compliance (especially 508), or contributed to project success. Quantify impact where possible.
• Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, PowerPoint) and any video/animation software.
• Presentation Practice: Rehearse your "show and tell" explanations to be concise, clear, and confident. Practice transforming a sample PowerPoint presentation as requested in the job description.

Challenge Preparation:

• Conceptualization: Practice thinking through design problems from scratch. For the mood board example, consider target audience, key messages, visual tone, color palettes, and relevant imagery for cybersecurity training.
• Transformation: For the PowerPoint example, focus on identifying key information, breaking down text into digestible visual elements, using hierarchy, and applying brand guidelines or a consistent visual theme.
• Efficiency & Compliance: Be ready to discuss how you ensure efficiency in your workflow and how you incorporate 508 compliance considerations throughout the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical demonstration and the ability to articulate one's design process. Preparing specific examples for the "show and tell" and scenario-based questions is crucial for success. Understanding how design supports operational goals and compliance is key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:
  • Adobe Illustrator: Essential for vector graphics, logos, icons, and complex illustrations. Proficiency in creating scalable artwork is key.
  • Adobe Photoshop: Crucial for image manipulation, digital painting, web graphics, and photo retouching.
  • Microsoft PowerPoint: Required for template development, presentations, and potentially integrating graphics into training materials. Expect advanced usage beyond basic slide creation.
• Other Potential Tools:
  • Adobe After Effects: Preferred for creating motion graphics and animations, enhancing engagement in digital content.
  • Adobe Premiere: For video editing, sequencing footage, adding graphics, and producing video content.
  • Microsoft Word: Basic proficiency expected for document integration and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus, designers may interact with analytics related to web content engagement or training module completion rates, indirectly influencing design choices based on performance data.

CRM & Automation:

• Interaction with CRM or automation tools is unlikely for this role, as it is primarily focused on creative asset production rather than sales or marketing process automation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and PowerPoint is non-negotiable. Experience with After Effects and Premiere is highly advantageous, indicating a need for dynamic content creation skills. Understanding how to integrate designs into platforms like PowerPoint efficiently is also critical.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to producing high-quality, polished design work that meets or exceeds project requirements and client expectations.
• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork and open communication to effectively partner with internal teams, subject matter experts, and stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
• Adaptability: The ability to thrive in a dynamic environment, manage multiple priorities, and adapt designs based on feedback and evolving project needs.
• Attention to Detail: A meticulous approach to design, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to brand guidelines and accessibility standards.
• Problem-Solving: Proactively identifying design challenges and developing creative, effective solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with content creators, instructional designers, and project managers to ensure designs are aligned with the overall message and objectives of training and promotional materials.
• Feedback & Iteration: Embracing a culture of constructive feedback, actively seeking input, and iterating on designs to achieve optimal results.
• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a team environment where design best practices, new techniques, and creative solutions are shared to foster collective growth and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on cybersecurity and SIGINT suggests a culture that values precision, reliability, and a mission-oriented approach. Designers are expected to be team players who can translate complex requirements into clear, impactful visuals while adhering to strict standards.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Diverse Project Demands: Managing a variety of design requests across different projects, platforms, and stakeholders, requiring quick adaptation and multitasking.
• Translating Technical Information: Effectively visualizing complex cybersecurity or intelligence concepts in an accessible and engaging manner for various audiences.
• Meeting Strict Deadlines: Working within the fast-paced environment of government contracting often involves tight turnaround times for critical deliverables.
• Adhering to Compliance: Consistently ensuring all designs meet Section 508 accessibility standards, which requires careful attention during the design and production process.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Skills: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe After Effects, Premiere, and potentially explore 3D software or advanced animation techniques.
• Specialized Design: Developing a niche in designing for government contracts, understanding specific client requirements, branding guidelines, and security protocols.
• Instructional Design Support: Gaining exposure to instructional design principles and contributing to the visual elements of e-learning and training programs.
• Industry Exposure: Learning about the cybersecurity and SIGINT industries, which can inform design choices and provide context for project work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be balancing creative demands with operational constraints and compliance requirements. Growth will come from mastering specialized software and understanding the unique communication needs of the defense and intelligence sectors.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Problem-Solving: "Walk me through your process for creating a visual identity for a new training module on [specific cybersecurity topic]." Focus on how you gather requirements, brainstorm concepts, select visuals, and ensure clarity and impact.
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "Describe a time you had to collaborate with a subject matter expert who had very different ideas about the visual direction. How did you manage the feedback and reach a consensus?"
• Efficiency & Tool Proficiency: "How do you ensure efficient workflow when working with multiple design projects and tight deadlines? Which features in Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop do you find most valuable for speed and quality?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• Industry Understanding: "What interests you about working in the cybersecurity and SIGINT industry?" Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the sector's importance and how design contributes to its success.
• Team Dynamics: "How do you prefer to receive feedback on your designs? How do you contribute to a positive team environment?"
• Portfolio Impact: "Which project in your portfolio best demonstrates your ability to meet 508 compliance requirements, and why?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each piece, clearly state the objective, your role, your process, tools, challenges, and outcome. Use a consistent structure for all examples.
• Demonstrate Versatility: Ensure your presented work shows a range from simple graphics to complex illustrations, infographics, and ideally, examples of motion graphics or video editing if available.
• Explain Your "Why": Articulate the reasoning behind your design choices—why you selected specific colors, fonts, layouts, or imagery.
• Practice the "Show and Tell": Rehearse explaining how you would transform a text-heavy PowerPoint into a visually engaging presentation, demonstrating your thought process live or via pre-prepared examples.
• Highlight 508 Compliance: Be ready to discuss how you incorporate accessibility considerations into your design workflow, even if not explicitly visible in all final outputs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is heavily weighted towards practical demonstration and the ability to articulate one's process. Candidates should prepare detailed explanations for their portfolio pieces and practice scenario-based responses. Demonstrating an understanding of 508 compliance is a key differentiator.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer II position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Paylocity.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight experience with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, PowerPoint, and any video/animation software. Specifically showcase examples relevant to training materials, infographics, and digital graphics.
• Resume Optimization: Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Improved user engagement by X% with redesigned training visuals"). Use keywords from the job description such as "Adobe Photoshop," "Adobe Illustrator," "508 compliance," "motion graphics," and "digital graphics."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process for common scenarios like transforming PowerPoint presentations or creating mood boards. Prepare to present your portfolio with clear explanations for each piece.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Athenix Cyber & SIGINT Solutions, LLC, if possible, to understand their mission and the context of their work in cybersecurity and SIGINT. This will help tailor your responses regarding company culture and industry interest.

⚠️ 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.