Technical Order Graphic Designer II

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Technical Order Graphic Designer II

Company: BAE Systems

Location: Hill AFB, Utah, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Operations Support / Technical Documentation

Date Posted: 2026-02-21

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role demands a specialized blend of graphic design expertise and a deep understanding of technical documentation standards, specifically within the defense and aerospace sector, focusing on the sustainment of critical weapon systems.

• The position requires meticulous attention to detail in creating and maintaining technical orders, ensuring compliance with government regulations, and employing advanced graphic design principles for clarity and efficacy.

• Success in this role hinges on the ability to translate complex technical information into easily digestible visual formats, utilizing industry-standard software and adhering to strict configuration management protocols.

• Candidates will be instrumental in supporting the readiness and reliability of the US Air Force ICBM program, contributing directly to national security objectives through high-quality technical documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The original job title "Technical Order Graphic Designer II" and the company's focus on the "US Air Force ICBM program" strongly indicate this is not a typical revenue or sales operations role. Instead, it aligns with technical documentation, operations support, or engineering support functions requiring specialized graphic design skills within a government contracting environment. The "II" designation suggests an intermediate level of experience.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Adhere strictly to all graphic, editing, and quality standards, ensuring full compliance with applicable government regulations, policies, processes, procedures, and guidelines for technical documentation.

• Determine the optimal size, arrangement, and visual presentation of instructive materials based on available space, established layout principles, and aesthetic design concepts to enhance comprehension.

• Assist team members in the accurate reproduction of drawings and illustrations using the Adobe Creative Suite, specifically leveraging proficiency in Photoshop and Illustrator.

• Review final layouts and compositions, providing expert suggestions for improvements to enhance clarity, accuracy, and compliance with technical order specifications.

• Maintain rigorous configuration management by organizing, updating, and safeguarding baselines, source materials, and revision histories for all technical documentation.

• Develop and refine technical order content, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and adherence to the latest specifications and directives for effective communication to end-users.

• Manage the complete lifecycle of graphic design projects for technical orders, from initial concept and design through to final delivery, consistently meeting tight deadlines and prioritizing workload effectively.

• Collaborate effectively within a team environment while also demonstrating the capability to work independently with minimal supervision, ensuring project continuity and quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: Responsibilities are heavily focused on technical production, adherence to government standards, and specific software use (Adobe Creative Suite) for creating and managing technical documentation. This differs significantly from typical GTM operations roles that focus on CRM, sales processes, forecasting, and pipeline management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED with 7+ years of directly related experience.

• Associate's Degree (AA) with 5+ years of directly related experience.

• Bachelor's Degree (BS) with 3+ years of directly related experience.

Experience:

• Demonstrable experience in editing, generating new content, or updating technical drawings and illustrations in accordance with established practices and styles.

• Proven experience in performing text and graphic composition for the page makeup process, leading to final technical order reproduction copies.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in graphic design principles and their application in technical documentation.

• Expertise in using the Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop and Illustrator, for image manipulation, illustration, and layout.

• Strong understanding of layout principles and aesthetic design concepts relevant to technical publications.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration and documentation review.

• Ability to manage projects from concept to final delivery, meeting tight deadlines and prioritizing workload effectively.

• Adaptability, flexibility, and an eagerness to learn in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of technical data management policies and procedures.

• Familiarity with the Air Force Technical Order Management system and its operational requirements.

• A Bachelor's degree is preferred but not mandatory if compensated by significant demonstrable experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements are tiered based on educational attainment, a common practice in roles requiring specialized technical skills where practical experience can substitute for formal degrees. The emphasis on "directly related experience" points to the need for specific domain knowledge in technical illustration and documentation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a track record of successfully creating and managing technical documentation, including examples of complex technical orders or manuals.

• Showcase proficiency in graphic design and layout, highlighting how visual elements enhance the clarity and usability of technical information.

• Include examples that illustrate adherence to strict style guides, government regulations, and quality standards within technical publications.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of workflow processes used for creating, reviewing, and approving technical documentation, emphasizing efficiency and accuracy.

• Detail experience with configuration management processes for technical orders, including version control, baseline management, and change tracking.

• Illustrate methods used for ensuring quality and compliance in technical documentation, including review cycles, proofreading, and validation steps.

📝 Enhancement Note: A portfolio is critical for a graphic design role, especially in a technical and regulated environment. The focus should be on demonstrating adherence to standards, technical accuracy, and effective visual communication within the context of technical orders.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $72,150 - $122,655 per year

Explanation of Range: This salary range is based on BAE Systems' market pay structures for this role. The actual salary offered will be determined by various factors including business considerations, local market conditions, internal equity, and candidate qualifications (skills, education, experience).

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance.

• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for managing healthcare expenses.

• 401(k) Savings Plan for retirement planning.

• Disability Coverage (Short-term and Long-term).

• Life and Accident Insurance.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and professional support.

• Legal Plan services.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays.

• Paid Parental Leave, Military Leave, and Bereavement Leave.

• Applicable federal and state sick leave entitlements.

• Employee recognition program with monetary or non-monetary awards.

• Other potential incentives based on position level and job specifics.

• Discounts on home, auto, and pet insurance.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week (Full-Time)

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a specialized design role with significant experience requirements in a defense contractor setting. The benefits package is robust, reflecting standard offerings for full-time employees in a large corporation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Defense, Aerospace, and Security

Company Size: Large Enterprise (BAE Systems plc is a global entity; the U.S. subsidiary is substantial)

Founded: BAE Systems plc was formed in 1999 through the merger of British Aerospace and Marconi Electronic Systems. The U.S. subsidiary, BAE Systems, Inc., operates as a major defense contractor.

Team Structure:

• This role likely sits within a technical documentation or engineering support department, potentially part of a larger program management or engineering division dedicated to the ICBM program.

• The team may consist of technical writers, other graphic designers, engineers, and program managers, requiring close collaboration to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Methodology:

• Operations are guided by stringent government standards, contractual requirements, and established defense industry best practices for technical documentation and configuration management.

• Emphasis is placed on accuracy, reliability, and adherence to established processes to ensure the safety and effectiveness of critical defense systems.

• Workflow involves rigorous review cycles, quality assurance checks, and strict change control protocols to maintain the integrity of technical orders.

Company Website: https://jobs.baesystems.com/global/en

📝 Enhancement Note: BAE Systems operates in a highly regulated and mission-critical sector. The culture is expected to be disciplined, process-oriented, and focused on delivering high-quality, reliable solutions for government clients.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Technical Designer II, indicating an intermediate professional level. This role requires specialized skills and a solid foundation of experience, moving beyond entry-level tasks to more complex design and management responsibilities.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a lead within the technical documentation or engineering support team, who oversees the program's documentation requirements. This lead will likely report to higher management within the program or a dedicated documentation department.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is on the sustainment, readiness, and operational effectiveness of the US Air Force's ICBM weapon system. Accurate and clear technical orders are crucial for maintenance, repair, and safe operation, directly contributing to mission success and national security.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Advance to Senior Technical Order Graphic Designer, focusing on more complex systems, leading design initiatives, or becoming a subject matter expert in specific documentation areas.

• Management: Transition into roles like Documentation Lead, Technical Publications Manager, or Project Manager, overseeing teams, projects, and documentation strategies.

• Skill Development: Deepen expertise in advanced graphic design software, explore technical illustration for new technologies, or gain knowledge in related fields like technical writing, data management, or program management.

• Cross-functional Roles: Opportunities may exist to move into program support, systems engineering liaison roles, or project coordination positions, leveraging understanding of technical documentation requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Career progression in this field typically involves deepening technical expertise, taking on leadership responsibilities, or expanding into related project management or systems engineering areas within the defense sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site role located at Hill AFB, Utah, implying a professional office environment within a military installation or a government contractor facility.

Office Location(s): Hill Air Force Base, Utah (84056), specifically within the Davis County region. This location suggests an environment integrated with military operations and defense contractors.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is likely collaborative, requiring interaction with technical writers, engineers, and other designers to ensure documentation accuracy and compliance.

• Access to advanced design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially specialized technical documentation tools will be standard.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with Air Force personnel and program stakeholders will be present, fostering a mission-focused environment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is likely 40 hours per week, operating within business hours typical of a government contractor on a military base. Flexibility may be limited due to the critical nature of the program and contractual obligations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working on a military base and for a major defense contractor often means a structured, secure, and mission-driven environment. Emphasis is placed on adherence to protocols and contributing to national defense objectives.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience, technical skills, and alignment with the Technical Order Graphic Designer II requirements.

• Technical Assessment: Potential technical exercises or a detailed portfolio review to evaluate graphic design proficiency, understanding of technical documentation standards, and familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite.

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Questions focused on problem-solving, teamwork, adaptability, project management, and how you handle compliance and quality assurance in a demanding environment.

• Team/Manager Interview: Discussion with the hiring manager and potential team members to assess cultural fit, communication style, and ability to integrate into the existing team structure.

• Final Rounds: May involve interviews with higher-level management or program leads to confirm suitability for the critical ICBM program support.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate your portfolio to showcase examples directly relevant to technical documentation, technical illustrations, and complex instructional graphics.

• Structure your case studies to highlight your process: problem identification, design solution, tools used (especially Adobe Creative Suite), adherence to standards, and the impact of your design.

• Be prepared to discuss your rationale behind design choices, especially concerning clarity, compliance, and user comprehension for technical manuals.

• Include examples demonstrating experience with configuration management or version control if possible.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for a design challenge that may involve creating a graphic or illustrating a technical concept under a time constraint.

• Practice explaining complex technical information visually and articulating your design process clearly and concisely.

• Prepare to discuss how you ensure accuracy and compliance in your design work, especially when dealing with technical specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely heavily scrutinize technical design skills, adherence to strict standards, and the ability to contribute effectively to a mission-critical defense program. A strong, relevant portfolio is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency required, specifically:

  • Photoshop: For image manipulation, retouching, and complex graphic creation.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, technical illustrations, diagrams, and layout elements.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Especially Word for text integration and PowerPoint for presentations/proposals.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Specialized Tools (Potentially Required/Beneficial):

• Technical Documentation Software: Familiarity with systems used for creating, managing, and publishing technical orders (e.g., specialized authoring tools, content management systems for technical publications).

• Configuration Management Software: Experience with tools or systems used for tracking and managing revisions of technical documents and their associated assets.

• Air Force Technical Order Management System: Direct experience with this system is a strong preferred skill.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. Experience with technical documentation workflows and government-specific systems will significantly differentiate candidates.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: A strong commitment to supporting the U.S. Air Force's mission and ensuring the readiness of critical defense systems.

• Quality & Accuracy: Unwavering dedication to producing high-quality, accurate, and compliant technical documentation.

• Integrity & Compliance: Strict adherence to government regulations, company policies, and ethical standards.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within a team of technical experts, writers, and program managers to achieve common goals.

• Continuous Improvement: Eagerness to learn new techniques, software, and adapt to evolving technical requirements and standards.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a highly collaborative environment where designers work closely with technical writers to translate complex information into clear visual aids.

• Close coordination with engineers and program managers will be necessary to ensure technical accuracy and adherence to project specifications.

• Open communication and feedback loops are crucial for iterating on designs and ensuring final documentation meets all requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture will be deeply influenced by the defense industry's emphasis on precision, security, and mission success. A team player with a strong work ethic and attention to detail will thrive.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Information: Translating highly technical and complex ICBM system information into clear, understandable graphics and layouts.

• Stringent Compliance: Meeting rigorous government regulations, military standards, and specific technical order requirements that are subject to change.

• Tight Deadlines: Managing multiple projects with demanding timelines common in defense contracting, requiring efficient workflow and prioritization.

• Configuration Management: Maintaining absolute accuracy and version control for critical technical documents, where errors can have significant consequences.

• Adapting to Evolving Technology: Keeping pace with updates in design software, documentation standards, and the technological advancements within the ICBM program itself.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to master new features in Adobe Creative Suite and explore emerging graphic design trends relevant to technical illustration.

• Technical Documentation Expertise: Deepen knowledge of technical writing principles, military standards (e.g., MIL-STD), and the intricacies of the Air Force Technical Order Management system.

• Program-Specific Knowledge: Gain in-depth understanding of the ICBM weapon system, enhancing your ability to create more effective and accurate documentation.

• Project Management Skills: Develop skills in managing project timelines, resources, and stakeholder expectations within a defense program context.

• Industry Certifications: Potentially pursue certifications related to technical documentation, graphic design, or project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers the chance to work on highly significant national security projects, providing unique challenges and opportunities for specialized professional growth within the defense sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate highly technical information into a clear visual graphic. What was your process?" (Focus on methodology, tools, and outcome.)

• "How do you ensure your graphic designs comply with strict quality standards and government regulations?" (Highlight adherence to processes, attention to detail, and review practices.)

• "Walk us through a complex technical order project you managed from concept to delivery. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Emphasize project management, problem-solving, and delivery.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about BAE Systems and our role in supporting the US Air Force ICBM program?" (Research the company and the specific program.)

• "How do you approach working within a team that includes technical writers, engineers, and potentially military personnel?" (Discuss your collaborative skills and ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that demonstrate your technical graphic design skills, particularly those related to documentation or complex instruction.

• For each project, clearly articulate the problem or requirement, your design process, the tools you utilized (emphasizing Adobe Creative Suite), and the successful outcome or impact.

• Be prepared to discuss your understanding of layout principles, compliance with standards, and how your designs enhance user comprehension.

• If possible, include an example that touches upon version control or adherence to a specific style guide.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to demonstrate both your technical design prowess and your ability to operate effectively within the stringent, mission-driven environment of defense contracting.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Technical Order Graphic Designer II position:

• Submit your application through the BAE Systems careers portal via the provided link.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight experience directly related to graphic design, technical documentation, Adobe Creative Suite, configuration management, and any defense or aerospace industry exposure. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare your portfolio: Ensure it is easily accessible (e.g., online link) and showcases your most relevant work for technical graphics and documentation. Be ready to discuss each piece in detail.

• Research BAE Systems and the ICBM Program: Understand the company's mission, values, and the critical nature of the program you will be supporting.

• Practice your interview responses: Prepare for technical questions about design processes, software proficiency, and behavioral questions related to teamwork, problem-solving, and adherence to standards.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description provides insights based on industry standards and the provided information. Specific requirements, interview processes, and team dynamics should be confirmed directly with BAE Systems during the application and interview stages.