Graphic Designer (Mid–Senior)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer (Mid–Senior)

Company: Bluehawk, LLC

Location: Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia, United States

Job Type: OTHER

Category: Creative & Media / Government & Public Sector

Date Posted: April 10, 2026

Experience Level: Mid–Senior (5-10 years estimated)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Responsible for transforming complex intelligence, workforce messaging, and analytic concepts into compelling visual products.

• Design and produce high-impact visual products including briefing materials, infographics, data visualizations, reports, and publications.

• Collaborate directly with government stakeholders to define project scope, requirements, and provide creative direction on visual communication strategies.

• Utilize Adobe Creative Cloud tools to develop polished, professional deliverables in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

• Support the production of finished intelligence visuals and communication materials for senior leader decision-making within the Department of Defense.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is highly specialized within a government contracting environment, requiring a blend of creative design skills and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder requirements in a sensitive national security context. The "OTHER" employment type suggests it may not fit standard corporate classifications, possibly due to government contracting specifics.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a range of high-impact visual products, including but not limited to: briefing materials, infographics, data visualizations, reports, and publications.

• Translate complex analytic ideas and workforce messaging into clear, compelling visual narratives for senior leadership.

• Collaborate directly with government stakeholders to define project scope, gather requirements, and ensure alignment with mission objectives.

• Provide expert creative direction and guidance on visual communication strategies to enhance the impact of intelligence and analytic products.

• Ensure all designed products adhere strictly to established branding and style guidelines, maintaining consistency and professionalism.

• Utilize advanced features of Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat Pro) to develop polished, professional deliverables.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks effectively to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

• Incorporate and integrate feedback from leadership and stakeholders to refine and improve deliverables iteratively.

• Support the end-to-end production of finished intelligence visuals and communication materials, ensuring quality and accuracy.

• Define project requirements and provide expert recommendations on optimal visual communication processes and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a direct client-facing role with significant responsibility for translating complex, sensitive information into accessible visual formats. The "finished intelligence production" aspect suggests a need for understanding the intelligence lifecycle and the importance of accuracy and classification protocols.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in graphic design and creative direction projects, with a focus on translating complex information.

• Proven experience supporting clients in defining project requirements and recommending visual communication strategies.

Required Skills:

• Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph is mandatory.

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, including:

  • Adobe InDesign
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe Acrobat Pro

• Demonstrated experience in data visualization and infographic development.

• Strong understanding of workforce messaging and translating analytic concepts into visual narratives.

• Ability to facilitate client discussions and gather requirements effectively.

• Experience supporting IC or DoD environments.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with finished intelligence production workflows.

• Familiarity with brand management principles and strict adherence to style guides.

• Strong attention to detail and exceptional ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.

• Self-starter with a proven ability to work independently and proactively.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions clearly.

• Experience presenting design concepts and deliverables to senior leadership and cross-functional teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mandatory TS/SCI clearance with polygraph is a critical requirement for this role, indicating the sensitive nature of the projects. The blend of design skills with experience in government/intelligence environments suggests a need for candidates who can operate effectively in both creative and highly regulated settings.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A strong portfolio showcasing a diverse range of visual communication projects, with a focus on translating complex information (e.g., data, analytics, strategy) into clear, impactful graphics.

• Specific examples of briefing materials, infographics, and data visualizations that demonstrate an understanding of audience and purpose.

• Case studies or project examples that highlight your process for collaborating with stakeholders, defining requirements, and iterating on designs based on feedback.

• Evidence of adherence to branding guidelines and style guides in previous projects.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate your design process, from initial concept and stakeholder consultation through to final delivery and refinement.

• Examples of how you have managed project requirements, timelines, and incorporated feedback within a structured workflow.

• Understanding of how to document design decisions and rationale, especially when translating complex analytic or intelligence concepts.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role involving sensitive government data, the portfolio should implicitly or explicitly demonstrate an understanding of secure handling practices and the ability to create visuals that are both informative and compliant with security protocols, even if not explicitly stated. The emphasis on process reflects the need for structured, repeatable workflows in a professional services environment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the Mid-Senior experience level (estimated 5-10 years), the TS/SCI clearance with polygraph requirement, and the specific location (Pentagon, VA), the estimated annual salary range for this Graphic Designer position is $95,000 - $130,000. This range is based on industry benchmarks for specialized graphic design roles within the US federal contracting sector, particularly those requiring high-level security clearances and located in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Factors influencing the exact placement within this range include the depth of experience, specific DoD/IC project history, and demonstrated proficiency in advanced visualization techniques.

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 federal holidays.

• Life insurance and disability coverage.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certification, particularly relevant to design software and government sector requirements.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

Working Hours:

• Standard workweek of 40 hours.

• Specific shift: Early morning (0400–1200) aligned with mission requirements. This non-traditional schedule is a core aspect of supporting the operational tempo at the Pentagon.

📝 Enhancement Note: The early morning shift is a significant differentiator and likely tied to specific intelligence dissemination or briefing cycles at the Pentagon. This should be a key consideration for candidates. The salary range is an estimate based on the role's specialized requirements and location, aiming to be competitive within the government contracting market.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Professional Services / Government Contracting / Information Technology / Intelligence Services. Bluehawk, LLC operates in a sector critical to national security, providing specialized services to U.S. Government entities, particularly within defense and intelligence. This context means a strong emphasis on security, mission accomplishment, and adherence to rigorous standards.

Company Size: Bluehawk, LLC is a mid-sized company, likely employing between 50-500 individuals, based on typical profiles of professional services firms serving the government sector. This size often allows for a balance between structured processes and a more agile, team-oriented environment.

Founded: Founded in 2011, Bluehawk, LLC has established itself as a reputable provider of specialized services, indicating a degree of stability and experience in navigating the complexities of government contracting and client relations.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a larger mission support team or a dedicated creative services unit within Bluehawk, LLC, serving a specific client or program within the DoD at the Pentagon.

• Reporting structure typically involves a direct manager (e.g., Program Manager, Team Lead) who oversees project assignments and client liaison.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: While not a data analyst role, the Graphic Designer must interpret and visualize data effectively, understanding the underlying insights to communicate them clearly.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: The role requires efficient workflow management to handle multiple projects, client feedback, and tight deadlines within a structured government environment.

• Automation and Efficiency Practices: Utilizing Adobe Creative Cloud features and potentially templates or scripts to streamline design production and ensure consistency.

Company Website: https://bluehawk.us/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on government and intelligence services dictates a culture prioritizing security, reliability, and mission impact. The "Mid-Senior" designation implies a need for autonomy and leadership within design tasks.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Senior Graphic Designer. This level implies that the individual is expected to work with a high degree of autonomy, manage complex projects independently, and provide creative leadership and guidance to less experienced team members or stakeholders. They are expected to be a subject matter expert in their design domain and capable of handling challenging assignments without constant supervision.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Project Manager, Program Manager, or a Creative Services Lead within Bluehawk, LLC. This manager will serve as the primary liaison with the government client and will be responsible for overall project success, client satisfaction, and performance management.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant, as high-quality visual communication products are crucial for senior leader decision-making within the Department of Defense. Effective infographics, data visualizations, and briefing materials can clarify complex intelligence, influence strategic planning, and ensure that critical information is understood quickly and accurately by key decision-makers. The visual output directly supports the client's mission objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in advanced data visualization techniques, motion graphics, or specialized design software relevant to intelligence products.

• Industry Certifications: Pursuit of certifications in graphic design, project management, or specific government-mandated training relevant to the IC/DoD environment.

• Leadership Potential: Progression to senior leadership roles, such as Creative Lead, Art Director, or Program Management positions within Bluehawk, LLC's government contracting portfolio, based on performance and demonstrated leadership capabilities.

• Client Relationship Management: Developing stronger client-facing skills and potentially managing client relationships on specific projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path in this role is tied to both design expertise and understanding the nuances of government contracting and intelligence work. Advancing often means taking on more complex projects, managing client relationships, and potentially leading teams or specific project components.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The work environment is described as "On-site support at the Pentagon." This means the designer will be working within a secure U.S. Department of Defense facility, which has strict access controls, security protocols, and a unique operational tempo.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. This location is a major hub for defense and intelligence activities, offering unique networking and professional exposure opportunities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: While working at the Pentagon, the designer will be part of a team, likely collaborating closely with analysts, intelligence professionals, and other support staff. This environment necessitates clear communication and the ability to integrate feedback from diverse perspectives.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard office equipment and software, with a heavy reliance on the Adobe Creative Cloud suite. Specific government-issued hardware and secure network access will be provided.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with government stakeholders and fellow Bluehawk team members, fostering a collaborative approach to problem-solving and design execution.

Work Schedule:

• Early morning shift: 0400–1200. This non-traditional schedule is dictated by specific mission requirements at the Pentagon, likely to support early morning briefings or intelligence dissemination cycles. It requires significant personal flexibility and commitment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The early morning shift is a critical factor. Candidates must be fully prepared and comfortable with this schedule, as it's directly tied to the mission's operational needs. Working within the Pentagon also implies a need for high security consciousness and adherence to all facility regulations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and clearance status.

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve a discussion of your design process, experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, and your approach to translating complex information into visuals. You may be asked to walk through specific portfolio pieces.

• Stakeholder/Client Interview: An interview with client representatives or Bluehawk management to assess your ability to collaborate, understand requirements, and communicate effectively in a government/intelligence context. This may include scenario-based questions.

• Security Clearance Verification: Confirmation of your active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph.

• Final Offer: Based on successful completion of all preceding stages.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your ability to handle complex information, data visualization, and government-relevant design challenges. Prioritize projects that show your process and impact.

• Showcase Your Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the creative process, the tools used, challenges faced, and the final outcome/impact. Visuals should be accompanied by concise explanations.

• Highlight Data Visualization & Infographics: Given the role's focus, ensure your portfolio prominently features examples of effective data visualization and infographic design. Explain how you ensured clarity, accuracy, and aesthetic appeal.

• Address Government Context (if possible): If you have prior IC/DoD experience or projects that align with government communication needs (even if not classified), highlight them. Demonstrate an understanding of professional presentation and adherence to guidelines.

• Be Ready to Discuss: Prepare to speak in detail about your design choices, software proficiency, and how you approach client collaboration and feedback.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: You might be given a hypothetical scenario or a de-identified sample of complex information and asked to propose or sketch out a visual solution. Focus on your thought process and how you would approach the problem.

• Communication Exercises: Prepare to articulate your design strategy, justify your creative decisions, and explain how your work supports mission objectives. Practice concise and clear communication.

• Scenario-Based Questions: Anticipate questions about how you would handle conflicting feedback, tight deadlines, or challenging stakeholder requests.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a TS/SCI clearance means that any portfolio examples, while potentially anonymized, should demonstrate a professional and secure approach to design. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of classification levels and handling sensitive information, even if not directly showing classified work.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud Suite:

  • Adobe InDesign: Essential for layout, typography, and creating multi-page documents like reports and publications. Proficiency in master pages, styles, and preflighting is expected.
  • Adobe Illustrator: Critical for creating vector graphics, icons, logos, and complex illustrations, especially for infographics and data visualizations. Expertise in path manipulation, color modes (CMYK/RGB), and export options is key.
  • Adobe Photoshop: Used for image editing, manipulation, and creating raster-based graphics for presentations or web use. Understanding layers, masks, and resolution for print vs. digital is important.
  • Adobe Acrobat Pro: Necessary for creating, editing, and managing PDF documents, including interactive elements, security features, and preparing files for print or digital distribution.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but understanding project management tools used by Bluehawk or the client (e.g., Jira, Asana, Microsoft Project) may be advantageous for workflow tracking.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is deep proficiency in the Adobe Creative Cloud suite. The ability to create vector graphics, manage complex layouts, and prepare files for print and digital output are paramount. Understanding how to output files in various formats suitable for government use (e.g., high-resolution PDFs, specific image formats) is also critical.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: A strong commitment to supporting the client's mission and national security objectives is paramount. Design work must directly contribute to the effectiveness of intelligence and decision-making processes.

• Integrity & Security: Upholding the highest standards of integrity, discretion, and security is non-negotiable, especially given the clearance requirements and work environment.

• Excellence & Precision: A dedication to producing high-quality, accurate, and polished work, with meticulous attention to detail in every visual product.

• Collaboration & Communication: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government personnel and fellow contractors.

• Adaptability: The capacity to adapt to changing project requirements, tight deadlines, and evolving client needs in a dynamic environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with analysts, intelligence officers, and program managers to ensure that visual products accurately reflect complex information and meet specific mission requirements.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback and iterative design adjustments based on input from stakeholders and leadership.

• Knowledge Sharing: Sharing design best practices, tips, and techniques within the team to elevate the overall quality and efficiency of visual production. Openness to learning from others is key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Bluehawk, particularly within a government contracting context, will heavily emphasize professionalism, security consciousness, and a results-oriented approach. The designer's ability to integrate seamlessly into a team focused on national security objectives is crucial.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complexity: The primary challenge is transforming highly technical, classified, or abstract intelligence and analytic concepts into easily understandable visual formats without losing accuracy or nuance.

• Tight Deadlines & High Stakes: Working under significant pressure to deliver high-quality visuals rapidly, where errors or delays can have substantial consequences for decision-making.

• Navigating Government Processes: Understanding and adhering to specific government protocols, branding guidelines, and security requirements within the Pentagon environment.

• Early Morning Shift: Adapting to and consistently performing effectively within the 0400–1200 shift schedule.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Visualization Techniques: Opportunities to learn and apply cutting-edge data visualization methods and tools.

• Intelligence & Defense Sector Familiarity: Gaining deeper insight into the U.S. Intelligence Community and Department of Defense operations, which can enhance design relevance and impact.

• Professional Development Courses: Access to training on new design software features, project management, or specialized government communication requirements.

• Mentorship: Potential mentorship from senior designers or program managers within Bluehawk, LLC, offering guidance on career progression and navigating the government contracting landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to high-stakes government work. The growth opportunities are geared towards becoming a more valuable asset within this specialized sector, combining design expertise with an understanding of the client's mission and operational context.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "Describe your process for translating complex data or abstract concepts into a clear visual narrative for a non-technical audience. How do you ensure accuracy while maintaining visual appeal?" (Preparation: Have a clear, step-by-step process ready, emphasizing audience analysis, information hierarchy, and iterative refinement.)

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "How would you handle conflicting feedback from different stakeholders on a critical briefing document? How do you ensure your design recommendations are heard and considered?" (Preparation: Focus on active listening, diplomatic communication, data-backed design rationale, and seeking consensus or escalating appropriately.)

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine you're given a set of raw intelligence data and told to create an infographic for a senior leader's decision-making. What are your first steps, and what potential challenges do you foresee?" (Preparation: Outline your approach to data assessment, identifying key messages, choosing appropriate chart types, and considering security/classification implications.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company Operations Culture: "What do you know about Bluehawk, LLC's mission and your role in supporting it? How do you see yourself contributing to national security through graphic design?" (Preparation: Research Bluehawk's website, mission statement, and recent news. Connect your skills directly to their objectives and the government client's needs.)

• Operations Team Dynamics: "How do you typically collaborate with analysts or subject matter experts who may not be visually oriented?" (Preparation: Emphasize your ability to bridge communication gaps, ask clarifying questions, and build rapport through shared understanding of the project goal.)

• Operations Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success or impact of your visual communication products?" (Preparation: Discuss feedback loops, clarity of message reception, adoption of visuals in decision-making, and adherence to client objectives.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each portfolio piece, tell a story: the challenge, your role, your creative process, the tools used, the solution, and the impact.

• Focus on Process: Don't just show the final product; explain how you got there. This demonstrates your strategic thinking and workflow.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If you can, quantify the impact of your work (e.g., "This visualization helped clarify X, leading to Y decision," or "Streamlined this report template, saving Z hours").

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects showcasing data visualization, infographic design, and translating complex information. Be prepared to discuss your experience with Adobe Creative Cloud in detail.

• Professionalism: Present your portfolio cleanly and professionally, whether digitally or in person. Be articulate, confident, and prepared for detailed questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize your security clearance, your ability to work within a government framework, and your capacity to translate complex, potentially sensitive information into effective visuals under pressure. Your portfolio is your primary evidence.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, data visualization, infographic design, and any prior work in government, defense, or intelligence environments. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prepare a brief narrative for each, detailing the problem, your process, your role, the tools used, and the outcome. Focus on projects that showcase your ability to translate complex information.

• Prepare for the Early Shift: Be ready to confirm your understanding and willingness to commit to the 0400–1200 work schedule during the interview process.

• Research Bluehawk and the DoD context: Familiarize yourself with Bluehawk, LLC's mission and the general nature of graphic design support within the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community.

⚠️ 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.