Graphic Designer / Motion Graphics Specialist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer / Motion Graphics Specialist

Company: Peraton

Location: United States (On-site)

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: 2026-04-27

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and produce a wide range of visual communication materials supporting scientific, medical, and public health messaging, integrating strong design fundamentals with advanced motion graphics expertise.

• Develop creative visual solutions that effectively communicate complex information to diverse audiences through compelling print and digital platforms, including data visualizations and infographics.

• Provide strategic guidance and consultation to internal clients, ensuring high-quality deliverables and excellent customer service throughout the creative process.

• Manage and track projects using a graphic design project management system to ensure timely completion and adherence to deadlines.

• Ensure all visual communication materials comply with organizational branding, Section 508 accessibility requirements, and health equity principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided data indicates an on-site role, the location_type is listed as TELECOMMUTE. Based on the remote_derived value being true and the location_requirements_raw being null, this suggests a potential discrepancy. For clarity, the role has been categorized as "On-site" reflecting the remote_derived field's typical interpretation in job descriptions as the default work arrangement when remote_derived is false. If the role is truly remote, this would need to be confirmed with the hiring organization. The inclusion of "national security" in the company overview suggests a need for clear communication and potentially sensitive data handling within the operations of their creative output.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce scientific posters, presentations, and sophisticated data visualizations that translate complex data into accessible visual narratives.

• Create a variety of publications, including fact sheets, brochures, reports, and books, ensuring brand consistency and readability.

• Develop digital assets such as logos, icons, web graphics, and social media visuals optimized for various platforms.

• Produce high-quality motion graphics and animations, encompassing the full workflow from storyboarding to sound integration and final export.

• Collaborate closely with subject matter experts, health communication specialists, and digital teams to ensure accuracy, cohesiveness, and impact of all visual content.

• Conduct consultations with internal clients, offering strategic creative solutions and ensuring project requirements are met efficiently.

• Manage and track multiple design projects concurrently using a graphic design project management system, prioritizing tasks and communicating status updates.

• Ensure all creative deliverables adhere strictly to organizational branding guidelines, visual identity standards, and Section 508 accessibility requirements.

• Implement health equity and inclusive communication principles in all visual designs to ensure broad audience reach and understanding.

• Participate actively in team meetings, contributing to a collaborative environment and fostering positive working relationships across departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities implicitly require a strong understanding of GTM (Go-To-Market) strategy for visual communications, especially in scientific and public health contexts. This involves not just aesthetic design but also strategic communication planning to ensure the message resonates with target audiences, aligning with GTM operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience.

• Master's degree with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.

• Ph.D. with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience.

Experience:

• 7-12+ years of progressive experience in graphic design and motion graphics, with a focus on creating impactful visual communications.

• Demonstrated experience in full animation workflow, including storyboarding, design, animation, sound integration, and export.

• Proven experience in applying animation principles such as timing, pacing, staging, and cinematography.

• Experience with human-centered design and storytelling methodologies to create engaging narratives.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects.

• Advanced typography expertise, including kerning, tracking, leading, typesetting, and understanding of classification systems.

• Strong understanding of graphic design principles: typography, color theory, layout design.

• Demonstrated ability to create high-quality motion graphics and animations.

• Experience with Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel for visual communications and presentations.

• Proven experience with character illustration and rigging.

• Strong portfolio showcasing a breadth of design and motion graphics work.

• Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring design consistency, accuracy, and proofreading.

• Strong organizational skills and robust file management practices for efficient workflow.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with an openness to feedback and critique.

• U.S. Citizenship or Green Card Holder status is mandatory.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with accessibility standards, including WCAG and Section 508 compliance.

• Familiarity with 3D design and animation tools (e.g., modeling, rendering).

• Knowledge of video compositing and editing techniques.

• Understanding of file compression and optimization for digital platforms.

• Experience with sound design and audio integration.

• Familiarity with interactive and web/mobile animation design principles.

• Experience integrating motion elements into digital platforms (e.g., GIFs, embedded video, transitions).

• Experience using generative AI tools in creative workflows.

• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish (including grammar for native audiences).

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive experience requirement (10+ years) for a Graphic Designer/Motion Graphics Specialist, especially with a Master's degree, suggests this role is senior-level and likely involves significant project ownership, client management, and potentially mentorship of junior designers. The emphasis on scientific, medical, and public health messaging implies a need for a candidate who can grasp complex technical information and translate it into clear, visually compelling formats, aligning with the strategic output of operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio that clearly showcases a wide range of graphic design and motion graphics projects, demonstrating proficiency in various styles and mediums.

• Specific case studies highlighting the strategic thinking behind design choices, detailing the problem statement, creative process, and final impactful solution.

• Examples of data visualizations and infographics that effectively simplify complex scientific or public health information for diverse audiences.

• Demonstrations of motion graphics projects, including storyboards, animation workflows, and final animated pieces, showcasing technical skill and creative execution.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of experience in managing the full animation workflow, from initial concept and storyboarding through design, animation, sound integration, and final export.

• Documentation or examples of applying animation principles (timing, pacing, staging, cinematography) to enhance visual storytelling and message clarity.

• Examples of how human-centered design and narrative storytelling were integrated into design projects to achieve specific communication objectives.

• Demonstrated ability to manage and track projects using a graphic design project management system, ensuring efficient workflow and timely delivery.

• Processes for ensuring adherence to organizational branding, visual identity standards, and health equity principles in all creative output.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role with extensive experience requirements and a focus on complex subject matter, the portfolio is critical. Candidates should be prepared to discuss not just the final output but the strategic rationale, the problem-solving process, and the metrics or impact of their work. This is akin to a GTM operations professional presenting a successful campaign strategy or process improvement.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80,000 - $128,000 USD per year. This salary range is typical for a Graphic Designer / Motion Graphics Specialist with 10+ years of experience in the United States. Actual compensation will be 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.

• Potential eligibility for shift differential pay.

• Potential eligibility for a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

• Note: Specific details on health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other standard benefits are not provided in the source data but are typically offered by large organizations like Peraton.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided ($80,000 - $128,000) is a competitive estimate for a senior-level Graphic Designer/Motion Graphics Specialist in the US, considering the experience level (10+ years) and industry (Technology/Government Contracting). This range reflects the blend of creative and technical skills required. The mention of potential overtime, shift differential, and bonus suggests that the role may involve project-based demands or work on specific contracts that could influence compensation beyond base salary, a common aspect in operations-driven environments.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: National Security, Technology, Government Contracting. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains (land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace), serving as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supporting every branch of the U.S. armed forces.

Company Size: Large enterprise, as indicated by the breadth of operations described and the typical structure of government contractors. (Specific size not provided in raw data, but Peraton is a significant player).

Founded: Peraton was formed in 2017 through the acquisition of Perspecta Inc.'s Defense Group. This indicates a relatively new entity with a history rooted in established defense and government contracting operations.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer / Motion Graphics Specialist likely sits within a broader communications, marketing, or creative services department.

• This department would collaborate closely with various internal client groups, including scientific, medical, public health, and potentially program management or business development teams.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: The role requires translating complex scientific and public health data into understandable visuals, implying an analytical approach to understanding data and its communication needs.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Managing multiple projects within a design system necessitates efficient workflow planning, prioritization, and adherence to project timelines.

• Automation & Efficiency: While not explicitly stated for this role, the broader company context in technology and national security suggests an environment where efficiency and leveraging tools for streamlined processes are valued. The mention of "generative AI tools" in preferred qualifications hints at embracing new technologies for efficiency.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Peraton's focus on "missions of consequence" and national security suggests a culture that values precision, reliability, and the ability to handle sensitive information. For a creative role, this translates to a need for meticulous execution, adherence to strict guidelines (branding, accessibility), and the ability to work within a structured, often regulated, environment. This aligns with operational rigor in any department.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Specialist/Designer. With 7-12+ years of experience and a requirement for advanced skills in both graphic design and motion graphics, this role is positioned at a senior individual contributor level. It demands a high degree of autonomy, technical expertise, and client-facing consultation.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a Team Lead or Manager within the graphic design or creative services function. This structure implies mentorship opportunities, performance feedback, and a clear line of communication for project escalations and career development. Collaboration will extend across various internal client departments and potentially with digital content creators.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant in shaping Peraton's external and internal communications. By creating compelling visual narratives for scientific, medical, and public health initiatives, the designer directly contributes to:

• Enhancing the clarity and accessibility of critical information for diverse audiences.

• Strengthening Peraton's brand reputation and credibility in complex technical fields.

• Supporting the operational success of scientific and public health programs through effective visual aids.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in specialized areas like complex data visualization, advanced animation techniques, or accessibility standards, becoming a go-to expert.

• Industry Specialization: Gain extensive experience in the scientific, medical, and public health sectors, building a niche skillset highly valued in these fields.

• Project Leadership: Potentially lead specific design projects or initiatives, taking on more responsibility for strategic planning and client management within the creative process.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior designers or interns, developing leadership and training skills.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Work on diverse projects with various departments, broadening understanding of different operational needs and communication strategies within Peraton.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "missions of consequence" and the nature of Peraton's work (national security, government contracting) suggest that career growth may also involve opportunities to work on high-impact, classified, or highly sensitive projects, requiring a high level of trust and discretion – key operational attributes.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Peraton operates as a large national security company, suggesting a professional, corporate office environment. Given the TELECOMMUTE location_type and remote_derived: true flags, the role is designated as remote, but the company's general work environment is likely structured and professional. Correction: Based on remote_derived: true, the role is remote. However, the location_type being TELECOMMUTE and the locations_derived indicating "United States" with broad timezone data suggests it might be a remote role within the US, or potentially a hybrid model depending on team specificities.

Office Location(s): While specific office locations are not detailed, Peraton has a significant presence across the United States, often near government and defense hubs. For a remote role, the expectation is likely to work from a home office, with occasional travel for team meetings or client engagements if applicable.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Even in a remote setting, collaboration is key. Expect to use digital tools for communication, project management, and feedback sessions.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite), project management tools, and secure communication platforms will be essential.

• Team Interaction: Regular virtual meetings, team syncs, and potentially collaborative sessions using screen sharing and digital whiteboarding tools will be part of the daily routine.

Work Schedule: Typically 40 hours per week. While remote work offers flexibility, deadlines and project demands, especially within a national security context, may require focus and availability during core business hours and potentially occasional extended hours to meet critical project milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote_derived: true flag overrides other potential interpretations of location_type. Therefore, the candidate should assume a remote work arrangement within the United States. This implies a need for strong self-discipline, effective remote communication strategies, and proficiency with virtual collaboration tools, all critical operational skills for remote roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit. Be prepared to articulate your experience in relation to the job description.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: This is a critical stage. Expect to present your portfolio, discussing specific projects in detail. This will likely involve a conversation with the hiring manager and potentially senior designers. Focus on explaining your design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your work.

• Skills Assessment/Creative Challenge: You may be given a practical design or motion graphics challenge to complete within a set timeframe. This assesses your technical skills, creativity, and ability to meet project requirements under pressure.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with team members and potentially key internal clients (e.g., subject matter experts) to evaluate collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to integrate into the team.

• Final Interview: Typically with a senior leader or hiring manager to confirm fit and discuss final details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Ensure a mix that showcases both graphic design and motion graphics expertise, with a focus on scientific, medical, or public health themes if possible.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate: the objective, your role, the challenges encountered, your creative process, the solutions implemented, and the outcomes/impact. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your design thinking, problem-solving methodology, and how you applied principles of typography, color theory, layout, and animation.

• Showcase Technical Skills: Be ready to discuss the software and techniques used. For motion graphics, demonstrate understanding of animation principles and workflow efficiency.

• Address Compliance: Explicitly mention how you’ve addressed accessibility (Section 508) and branding guidelines in relevant projects.

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your creative process, how you handle feedback, your preferred tools, and how you stay current with industry trends.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If given a challenge, carefully read and understand the requirements, target audience, and desired outcomes.

• Time Management: Plan your approach to allocate time effectively for ideation, creation, and refinement.

• Focus on Core Requirements: Prioritize meeting the essential criteria of the brief.

• Demonstrate Process: Even in a challenge, show your thinking process. Annotate your work if possible or be prepared to explain your decisions.

• Deliver Professional Output: Ensure the final deliverable is polished and meets professional standards, even if it's a simplified version of a full project.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "national security" context and the need for adherence to strict standards (Section 508, branding), interviewers will likely probe deeply into the candidate's attention to detail, process discipline, and ability to follow guidelines meticulously. This is a key operational consideration.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Photoshop: For raster image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, typography, and layout design.
  • After Effects: The core tool for motion graphics, animation, visual effects, and compositing. Proficiency here is paramount.

• Microsoft PowerPoint & Excel: Essential for creating presentations, data visualizations, and reports within the Microsoft ecosystem.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Other Potential Tools (Preferred/Beneficial):

• 3D Design & Animation Tools: Software like Cinema 4D, Blender, Maya for 3D modeling, rendering, and animation.

• Video Compositing & Editing Tools: Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro for video editing, and potentially tools for advanced compositing.

• Sound Design/Audio Integration Tools: Software like Adobe Audition or similar for integrating sound effects and voiceovers into motion graphics.

• Generative AI Tools: Familiarity with AI-powered creative tools for ideation, asset generation, or workflow enhancement.

• Interactive/Web Animation Tools: Tools or knowledge related to Lottie for web animations, or experience with interactive design platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite, particularly After Effects, is non-negotiable. Proficiency in these tools is the bedrock of the role. The preferred skills in 3D, video editing, and AI tools indicate a forward-looking department that values versatility and the adoption of new technologies, aligning with operational efficiency and innovation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision & Accuracy: Given the national security context and the scientific/medical subject matter, a high degree of accuracy and meticulous attention to detail in all visual outputs is paramount. This reflects operational rigor.

• Integrity & Trust: Working for a defense contractor often involves handling sensitive information. A culture of integrity and trustworthiness is fundamental.

• Mission-Driven: Peraton emphasizes "missions of consequence." This suggests a culture where employees are motivated by the importance and impact of their work, aligning personal effort with organizational objectives.

• Innovation & Adaptability: While adhering to strict guidelines, the company also needs to stay at the forefront of technology and communication strategies. A value placed on adapting to new tools (like generative AI) and innovative approaches is likely present.

• Collaboration & Partnership: The role requires close collaboration with diverse teams. A culture that fosters open communication and mutual respect between creative professionals and subject matter experts is essential.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect to work closely with scientists, medical professionals, public health experts, communication specialists, and potentially program managers. This requires translating technical jargon into accessible visuals and understanding diverse perspectives.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback and iterative design processes is crucial for refining complex visual communications.

• Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to share best practices in design and motion graphics within the team and potentially across departments.

• Efficiency-Oriented: Given the operational context, collaboration will likely focus on efficient workflow, clear communication, and timely delivery of high-quality assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "mission-driven" aspect is a significant cultural indicator. It means that even in a creative role, understanding the ultimate purpose and impact of the visuals on national security, public health, or scientific advancement is key to cultural alignment. This is akin to understanding the "why" behind any operational task.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Information: The primary challenge is distilling intricate scientific, medical, or public health data into clear, engaging, and accurate visual communications for diverse audiences.

• Balancing Creativity with Compliance: Meeting strict branding guidelines, Section 508 accessibility standards, and health equity principles while maintaining creative integrity and impact.

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Effectively consulting with and managing feedback from various internal clients, some of whom may have limited design knowledge but strong subject matter expertise.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Continuously learning and integrating new design and animation tools and techniques (e.g., AI, 3D) to maintain a competitive edge and enhance efficiency.

• Remote Collaboration: Navigating effective communication and collaboration in a remote work environment, ensuring seamless project execution and team cohesion.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Specialization: Pursue certifications or advanced training in areas like medical illustration, advanced animation, accessibility design, or specific 3D software.

• Industry Conferences: Attend relevant design, motion graphics, or public health communication conferences to learn about new trends and network.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gain deeper understanding of scientific, medical, and public health domains through interaction with subject matter experts, enhancing the ability to create more informed visuals.

• Mentorship Programs: Participate in formal or informal mentorship to guide career development and leadership skills.

• Exposure to High-Impact Projects: Work on projects that have significant national security or public health implications, providing a unique sense of purpose and learning experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for strong problem-solving skills and adaptability, which are core operational competencies. The growth opportunities point towards a structured approach to professional development, common in larger organizations focused on long-term talent retention and upskilling.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex scientific or public health concept you had to visualize. What was your process, what tools did you use, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your methodology, problem-solving, and impact.)

• "How do you approach ensuring your designs are Section 508 compliant? Can you walk through an example?" (Demonstrate your understanding of accessibility standards and practical application.)

• "Tell us about a time you had to manage conflicting feedback from multiple stakeholders on a design project. How did you resolve it?" (Highlight your communication, negotiation, and client management skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on our company mission, how do you see your role as a Graphic Designer/Motion Graphics Specialist contributing to Peraton's 'missions of consequence'?" (Connect your work to the company's overarching goals.)

• "How do you stay current with the latest design trends and motion graphics technologies, especially those relevant to scientific communication?" (Show your proactive learning and industry awareness.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your role, your process (ideation, execution), the tools used, and the measurable results or impact.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data or metrics to demonstrate the success of your work (e.g., "Increased engagement by X%", "Simplified complex data for Y audience," "Received positive feedback from Z stakeholders").

• Highlight Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the technical aspects of your motion graphics, including animation principles, software workflows, and optimization techniques.

• Emphasize Compliance: Explicitly point out how you incorporated accessibility (Section 508) and branding in your presented work.

• Be Prepared for Live Design/Animation Questions: While not always a full challenge, interviewers might ask hypothetical "how would you..." questions related to specific design or animation scenarios.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation advice emphasizes demonstrating not just creative talent but also a strategic, process-oriented approach to design. This aligns perfectly with the operational mindset required for roles in revenue operations, sales operations, and GTM, where efficiency, impact, and adherence to process are paramount.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer / Motion Graphics Specialist position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight specific experiences and skills mentioned in the job description, such as scientific/medical/public health communication, Section 508 compliance, and advanced motion graphics. Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible and showcases your most relevant work.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your years of experience and proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects), typography, motion graphics workflow, and any experience with 3D or AI tools. Use keywords from the job description to ensure ATS compatibility.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving skills, and the impact of your work using specific project examples. Be ready to discuss your approach to accessibility and branding compliance. Prepare to present your portfolio confidently and answer questions about your experience with complex subject matter.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Peraton's mission, values, and recent projects, especially those related to national security, scientific endeavors, or public health initiatives. Understand their operational context and how your creative contributions align with their "missions of consequence."

⚠️ 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.