Graphic Designer - Object Based Intelligence

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Object Based Intelligence

Company: Bigbear.ai

Location: Washington, DC, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Media / Technology / Government & Public Sector

Date Posted: April 01, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for transforming complex analytical insights into visually compelling and easily digestible intelligence products, demanding a strong foundation in graphic design principles and advanced software proficiency.

• The Graphic Designer will collaborate closely with analysts to understand intricate requirements, translating them into effective visual communications for high-visibility intelligence outputs.

• Responsibilities extend to the creation of cartographic products, interactive graphics, video content, and marketing materials, all while adhering to strict government-specified technology and IC published standards.

• A key aspect of this position involves leveraging user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) expertise to develop engaging and intuitive interactive graphics and web products that enhance data comprehension.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the description, particularly "Object Based Intelligence" and collaboration with "analysts," strongly suggests a specialization within a government contracting or defense intelligence context, requiring a TS/SCI clearance. The focus on "intelligence products" and "IC published standards" further solidifies this.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive graphic design and layout solutions for a wide array of intelligence products, including illustrations, image editing, and advanced pre-publication techniques.

• Produce high-quality cartographic products, interactive graphical content, and video content tailored to specific analytical requirements and government standards.

• Integrate graphics seamlessly with text, audio, and video components to support dynamic, multimedia, and high-visibility finished intelligence products.

• Apply user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) expertise to design and develop interactive graphics and web-based products that enhance user engagement and information accessibility.

• Ensure all graphic outputs comply with government-specified technology and Intelligence Community (IC) published standards, such as the D3 Style Guide.

• Manage font libraries and utilize advanced pre-publication techniques to maintain design consistency and professional quality across all deliverables.

• Create analytic product templates and marketing content that effectively communicate complex information and the company's capabilities.

• Produce dynamic content, including podcasts or audio segments, and provide a strong user experience/user interface perspective for web products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a specialized graphic design function within the intelligence community, emphasizing the conversion of analytical data into visual intelligence products. The mention of "Government-specified technology" and "IC published standards" indicates a need for adaptability to specific client requirements and industry best practices.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 3 to 8 years of progressive experience in professional graphic design, with a strong emphasis on digital media and visual storytelling.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated proficiency in graphic design software, including Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, AfterEffects, Premiere, and Flash).

• Experience with Apple Final Cut Pro X and Apple Mac hardware platforms.

• Ability to produce cartographic products and interactive graphical content.

• Strong understanding of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) principles for web and multimedia products.

• Expertise in integrating graphics with text, audio, and video for comprehensive intelligence products.

• Familiarity with IC published standards, such as the D3 Style Guide, for dynamic content creation.

• Experience with font management and advanced pre-publication techniques.

Preferred Skills:

• 5+ years of experience specifically supporting DoD or IC as a Graphic Designer.

• 5+ years of experience utilizing advanced features within the Adobe Creative Suite and other interactive graphic enabling software.

• Experience with Map Publisher and MS Office Suite.

• Familiarity with podcast or audio segment production.

• Knowledge of any other interactive graphics enablers, languages, or tools specified by government clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The TS/SCI clearance requirement is a critical qualification that significantly narrows the candidate pool and implies the sensitive nature of the work. The preferred experience with DoD/IC further emphasizes this specialization.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a diverse range of graphic design projects, with a strong emphasis on visual communication of complex data and analytical insights.

• Demonstrations of proficiency in creating intelligence products, including cartographic maps, interactive graphics, and multimedia presentations.

• Examples of UX/UI design for web products and interactive interfaces.

• Case studies detailing the process of transforming raw analytical information into visually compelling and accessible outputs.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to document design processes, including workflows for concept development, design execution, and final product delivery.

• Experience in explaining the rationale behind design choices and how they support the communication objectives of intelligence products.

• Documentation of how design solutions were adapted to meet specific client requirements and technical constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the nature of intelligence work, a portfolio is not just about aesthetics but also about the designer's ability to translate complex, often classified, information into understandable visuals. The emphasis should be on clarity, accuracy, and adherence to strict guidelines.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers with 3-8 years of experience in Washington, DC, and the requirement for an active TS/SCI clearance, the estimated salary range is between $80,000 and $120,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and holidays.

• Retirement savings plan with company match (e.g., 401(k)).

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications.

• Life insurance and disability coverage.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule is typically 40 hours per week.

• While on-site, there may be occasional flexibility required to meet project deadlines, especially given the nature of intelligence product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is a projection based on typical compensation for similar roles requiring a TS/SCI clearance in the Washington D.C. area. The specific benefits package should be confirmed with BigBear.ai.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Decision Intelligence, National Security, Government Contracting.

Company Size: BigBear.ai operates as a medium to large-sized enterprise, indicated by its public trading status (NYSE: BBAI) and diverse workforce. This size suggests a structured environment with established processes but also potential for agility and cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: BigBear.ai has a history rooted in providing advanced analytics, evolving into a significant player in the AI and decision intelligence space. This background implies a culture that values innovation, technical expertise, and a mission-driven approach.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a broader Analytics or Intelligence Solutions team, working closely with data scientists, analysts, and project managers.

• Reporting structure will likely be to a Creative Lead, Design Manager, or a Program Manager overseeing intelligence product development.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven design, where visual solutions are grounded in analytical insights and user needs.

• Agile or iterative design processes are common, allowing for quick adaptation to evolving requirements and feedback from analysts and stakeholders.

• A strong focus on security protocols and compliance with government standards in all aspects of design and data handling.

Company Website: https://bigbear.ai/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on AI and decision intelligence for national security suggests a culture that is highly professional, security-conscious, and mission-oriented.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-level to senior individual contributor position within the creative and technical services division. It requires a blend of specialized design skills and an understanding of the government/intelligence sector's unique needs.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a manager who oversees creative services or specific intelligence product development programs. Collaboration will extend across multiple project teams and analytical departments.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the clarity, effectiveness, and accessibility of critical intelligence products. High-quality visuals enhance decision-making speed and accuracy for national security clients.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like cartographic design, interactive visualization, video production, or UX/UI for intelligence platforms.

• Leadership Potential: Advancement into roles such as Senior Graphic Designer, Lead Designer, or Creative Director within specific programs or across the organization.

• Cross-Functional Development: Potential to move into roles that bridge design and project management, or data visualization strategy, particularly within the AI and decision intelligence domains.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path is strongly tied to excelling within the government contracting and intelligence sectors, leveraging the TS/SCI clearance and specialized design skills.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site in Washington, DC, implying a traditional office environment within a secure facility, likely accommodating government contracting requirements.

Office Location(s): Washington, DC, offers access to a hub of government agencies and defense contractors, facilitating direct collaboration and a dynamic professional network.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be equipped with high-performance workstations and industry-standard design software, including specialized tools for intelligence product creation.

• Collaboration spaces will be available for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and client presentations.

• A secure work environment is paramount, with strict protocols for data handling and access control.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week is expected, with potential for overtime to meet critical project deadlines common in the defense and intelligence sectors. Adherence to security protocols and access times may also influence the schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and the TS/SCI clearance suggest a secure and controlled work environment, typical for defense and intelligence contractors.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications, experience, and design capabilities.

• Technical Interview: Discussion focused on graphic design skills, software proficiency (especially Adobe Creative Suite), and understanding of UX/UI principles. Candidates may be asked to walk through specific projects in their portfolio.

• Portfolio Review: In-depth presentation and discussion of selected portfolio pieces, focusing on design process, problem-solving, and the ability to translate complex information into visual formats. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their role and contributions to each project.

• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Questions assessing collaboration skills, problem-solving approaches, ability to work under pressure, and understanding of the intelligence community's needs.

• Security Clearance Verification: Confirmation of active TS/SCI clearance status.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate your portfolio to highlight projects most relevant to intelligence products, data visualization, and complex information design.

• For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process, the tools used, and the impact of your solution.

• Be prepared to discuss your experience with government standards or similar highly regulated environments.

• Showcase examples of interactive graphics, cartographic products, and multimedia content.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for a design challenge that might involve interpreting a brief, creating a visual concept, or solving a design problem related to data visualization or intelligence product layout.

• Practice explaining your design choices concisely and justifying them based on strategic objectives and user needs.

• Prepare to discuss how you would adapt your design process to meet strict security protocols and specific client requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh the candidate's portfolio and their ability to demonstrate experience relevant to the intelligence community and secure environments.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, AfterEffects, Premiere, and Flash are essential.

• Apple Ecosystem: Final Cut Pro X and Mac hardware platforms.

• Cartography Software: Tools for producing map-based visualizations (e.g., ArcGIS, Map Publisher).

• Productivity Suites: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint) for integration with text and presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, but familiarity with project management or collaboration tools (e.g., JIRA, Confluence) may be present in the team's workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable, with a strong emphasis on its advanced features for multimedia and interactive content creation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: Dedication to supporting national security objectives through high-quality intelligence products.

• Integrity & Security: Upholding the highest standards of trust, confidentiality, and security.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams, including analysts, engineers, and project managers.

• Excellence: Striving for superior quality and innovation in all design outputs.

• Adaptability: Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies, processes, and evolving client needs.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, requiring close partnership with analysts to accurately represent their findings.

• Cross-functional integration with technical teams to ensure seamless implementation of design elements into final products.

• Open to feedback and iterative design processes to achieve optimal results.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely emphasizes professionalism, technical rigor, and a strong sense of duty, given its role in national security.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Data: The primary challenge is transforming intricate, often abstract, analytical data into clear, concise, and impactful visual representations.

• Security Constraints: Working within strict security protocols and adhering to government-specific standards can limit creative freedom but requires meticulous attention to detail.

• Rapid Evolving Technologies: Staying current with advanced design software, multimedia tools, and intelligence product requirements in a fast-paced technological landscape.

• Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality: Ensuring that designs are not only visually appealing but also highly functional, accurate, and serve the primary purpose of conveying critical information.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Access to training for specialized features within Adobe Creative Suite or new design and multimedia tools.

• Intelligence Community Standards: Deepening knowledge of IC publications and best practices for intelligence product development.

• Specialized Design Workshops: Opportunities to attend workshops focusing on cartography, data visualization, motion graphics, or UX/UI for complex systems.

• Mentorship: Guidance from senior designers or program managers experienced in the defense and intelligence sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly related to the specialized nature of working with intelligence data and within a secure government contracting environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate complex data or technical information into a visual format. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and impact.)

• "How do you ensure accuracy and adherence to style guides when creating sensitive intelligence products?" (Highlight attention to detail, understanding of standards, and security awareness.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for BigBear.ai and specifically supporting the intelligence community?" (Showcase research on the company's mission and your alignment with it.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with analysts or subject matter experts who may not have a design background?" (Demonstrate communication skills and empathy.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that align with the job description, especially those involving data visualization, complex information, or government/defense contexts.

• For each project, clearly define the problem, your specific contributions, the tools and techniques used, and the measurable results or impact.

• Be prepared to discuss your design rationale, problem-solving approach, and how you navigated any challenges.

• Emphasize clarity, accuracy, and the ability to deliver professional-grade products under potentially demanding conditions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their design process, technical skills, and understanding of the unique demands of working within the intelligence community.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the BigBear.ai careers portal via the provided URL.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your submitted portfolio prominently features projects demonstrating your expertise in data visualization, complex information design, cartographic products, and interactive graphics relevant to intelligence or government contexts. Tailor your resume to highlight experience with Adobe Creative Suite and any government/DoD/IC support.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly state your Bachelor's degree, years of relevant experience, and crucially, your active TS/SCI clearance. Quantify achievements where possible, such as improvements in information clarity or efficiency of product delivery.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, explaining your portfolio pieces in detail, and preparing for behavioral questions that assess collaboration and problem-solving skills. Be ready to discuss your understanding of security protocols.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with BigBear.ai's mission, its role in decision intelligence, and the types of clients it serves within national security. Understand the importance of their AI/ML capabilities and how graphic design supports these efforts.

⚠️ 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.

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