Junior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Graphic Designer

Company: REI Systems

Location: Sterling, Virginia, United States

Job Type: Other

Category: Creative / Design Operations

Date Posted: September 30, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is focused on leveraging design principles and AI-enabled tools to create compelling visual assets for marketing, internal communications, and proposal efforts within a government contracting technology firm.

• The Junior Graphic Designer will be responsible for conceptualizing and executing a variety of digital and print materials, ensuring brand consistency while exploring innovative design solutions.

• Collaboration with experienced designers and internal stakeholders is key, requiring strong communication and teamwork skills to translate complex information into engaging visual narratives.

• This position offers opportunities for professional development, skill enhancement in design and emerging technologies, and growth within a dynamic creative services team.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Junior Graphic Designer," the responsibilities and required skills suggest a role that bridges creative design with operational support for marketing and GTM (Go-To-Market) initiatives, particularly within the government sector. The emphasis on AI-enabled tools and translating complex technical content into visuals points to a need for efficiency and modern design practices relevant to operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design a diverse range of marketing collateral, including social media graphics, digital banners, landing pages, print materials, event banners, and presentations, adhering to brand guidelines.

• Conceptualize and develop visually compelling marketing campaigns across multiple platforms and mediums to promote REI Systems.

• Transform complex technical and proposal-related content into modern, intuitive, and visually effective graphics from initial concept through final delivery.

• Collaborate closely with internal partners and experienced designers to understand project objectives, target audiences, and key messages, translating them into impactful visual communications.

• Explore and implement multiple creative approaches, thoughtfully utilizing new tools, technologies, and AI-enabled workflows to enhance design concepts, improve efficiency, and solve creative challenges.

• Take proactive ownership of assigned projects, identifying next steps, communicating needs or roadblocks, and ensuring projects are completed from concept to finalization.

• Effectively manage multiple projects and competing priorities simultaneously, ensuring all deadlines are met within a fast-paced environment.

• Clearly articulate creative ideas and present design work to internal and external stakeholders, justifying design decisions and strategic rationale.

• Actively contribute to the team's creative process by sharing ideas, providing constructive feedback, and iterating on concepts to achieve optimal outcomes.

• Maintain a high degree of accuracy, attention to detail, and strong time management skills, particularly in a deadline-driven environment.

• Understand and advocate for the REI Systems corporate brand, ensuring consistency across all projects, products, and websites, while also exploring innovative creative approaches within established brand standards.

• Continuously develop and refine skills in graphic design, visual storytelling, emerging technologies, and creative problem-solving through hands-on project work, feedback, and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and operational efficiency, crucial for a design role supporting a technology and government contracting firm. The emphasis on AI tools and transforming complex technical content aligns with modern GTM and marketing operations needs.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Fine Arts, or a related creative field is preferred. Equivalent professional experience may be considered in place of a degree.

Experience: Approximately 1–3 years of relevant design experience. Internships, freelance work, and other relevant professional experience will be considered.

Required Skills:

• Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• A strong portfolio showcasing foundational skills in marketing, typography, layout, visual hierarchy, composition, and digital or print design is mandatory.

• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.

• Strong self-management, organization, and follow-through capabilities.

• Proactive communication skills to convey questions, roadblocks, or changes impacting project requirements or timelines.

• Meticulous attention to detail.

• Collaborative spirit and comfort working in fast-paced environments.

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.

• Proactive, resourceful, and willing to take initiative and ownership of tasks.

• Curiosity and commitment to continuous learning, with a willingness to experiment with new ideas, tools, technologies, and creative approaches.

• Receptiveness to creative feedback and a willingness to iterate and explore alternative solutions.

• Comfort in asking questions and seeking guidance when needed.

• Strong understanding of design principles, processes, and best practices, with the ability to apply sound design judgment and explain the rationale behind creative decisions. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Federal government or technology-related work.

• Familiarity with WordPress, Divi, or HubSpot platforms.

• Experience with Adobe Premiere or After Effects for video editing and motion graphics.

• Videography or photography experience.

• Experience contributing to proposal teams and developing proposal graphics.

• Experience creating technical solution graphics for client presentations and proposals.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize foundational design competencies and software proficiency, alongside crucial operational skills like project management and proactive communication, which are essential for an efficient design operations function. The preferred skills indicate areas where additional expertise can significantly benefit the team and company.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio link or work samples demonstrating strong foundational skills in marketing, typography, layout, visual hierarchy, composition, and digital or print design is a mandatory requirement for consideration.

• Showcase a variety of projects that highlight your ability to translate client needs and complex information into clear, compelling visual communications.

• Include examples of work that demonstrate your problem-solving approach and creative thinking.

• Highlight projects that indicate proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and other relevant design tools.

• Showcase any projects that involved collaboration with stakeholders or working within brand guidelines. Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a requirement for submission, candidates are expected to be able to articulate their design process, from initial brief interpretation and concept development to final asset delivery and iteration.

• Be prepared to discuss how you manage project workflows, prioritize tasks, and incorporate feedback to ensure efficient and effective project completion.

• Demonstrate an understanding of how design processes integrate with broader marketing and GTM strategies, and how efficiency is achieved.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a portfolio is critical for design roles. The enhancement focuses on what kind of projects and skills this portfolio should demonstrate, aligning with the operational aspects of design work, such as process efficiency and stakeholder collaboration.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 - $75,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Employee Ownership: 100% employee-owned (ESOP) - direct share in company growth and success.

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance; Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions.

• Retirement: 401(k) plan with a company match of 50% on the employee’s first 5% of contributions.

• Insurance: Company-paid life and disability insurance.

• Work-Life Balance: Hybrid work arrangement, generous Paid Time Off (PTO), and 11 paid holidays.

• Professional Growth: Wellness programs, mental health support, and professional development opportunities.

• Bonuses: Potential for annual performance-based bonuses.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week. Occasional overtime may be required to meet deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and competitive for a junior-level design role in the specified region. The benefits package is robust, with a unique emphasis on employee ownership (ESOP) and strong support for work-life balance and professional development, which are highly attractive to operations professionals seeking a stable and growth-oriented environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology and Government Contracting. REI Systems specializes in delivering technology solutions, application modernization, grants management, case management systems, government data analytics, and advisory services. They operate with a "Mindful Modernization®" approach.

Company Size: The company description doesn't explicitly state size here, but LinkedIn data often places companies like REI Systems in the 501-1000 employee range, indicating a mid-to-large size organization with established processes and a significant market presence.

Founded: Founded in 1981, REI Systems has a long history of providing technology solutions, particularly to federal agencies, suggesting a stable and experienced organization with deep industry knowledge.

Team Structure:

• The Creative Services team is part of a larger organization, likely supporting various departments including marketing, proposals, and internal communications.

• The Junior Graphic Designer will report to more senior designers or a Creative Services Manager, working within a collaborative team environment.

• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with marketing teams, proposal writers, technical experts, and other internal stakeholders to understand project requirements and deliver effective visual solutions. Methodology:

• The company utilizes a "Mindful Modernization®" approach, focusing on aligning strategic objectives with measurable outcomes through people, processes, and technology. This suggests a methodical and results-oriented operational framework.

• The Creative Services team is expected to embrace AI and emerging technologies to enhance ideation, design exploration, and workflow efficiency.

• A strong emphasis is placed on continuous learning, experimentation, and adapting to evolving technology and creative practices.

Company Website: www.REIsystems.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history, focus on government technology solutions, and adoption of a structured methodology like "Mindful Modernization®" indicate a stable yet forward-thinking environment. The integration of AI tools into the creative process is a key differentiator, suggesting that operational efficiency and innovation are highly valued.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level to junior-level position (0-2 years experience), designed for individuals early in their graphic design careers. It serves as a foundational role within the Creative Services operations.

Reporting Structure: The Junior Graphic Designer will likely report to a Senior Graphic Designer, a Creative Lead, or a Creative Services Manager, who will provide guidance, mentorship, and project oversight.

Operations Impact: While not directly a revenue-generating role, the Graphic Designer's work directly impacts REI Systems' brand perception, marketing effectiveness, proposal success rates, and internal communication clarity. High-quality visuals are critical for winning government contracts and conveying the company's technological expertise and professionalism. The efficiency and creativity of the design operations function contribute to overall GTM strategy success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas such as proposal graphics, digital marketing design, video production, or UI/UX design.

• Technology Adoption: Become proficient in leveraging AI-enabled design tools and workflows, positioning for future roles in design operations and digital transformation.

• Advanced Design Capabilities: Progress to designing more complex campaigns, leading design aspects of major proposals, or contributing to branding initiatives.

• Mentorship and Leadership: Potential to move into senior design roles, mentor future junior designers, or even transition into design management or operations leadership roles within Creative Services.

• Industry Exposure: Gain experience working with federal government clients, understanding their unique design and communication needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role provides a solid platform for early-career designers to develop core competencies and operational skills. The company's emphasis on emerging technologies and clear growth paths suggests that ambitious individuals can advance their careers significantly within REI Systems.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work arrangement. This involves a combination of remote work and in-office presence.

Office Location(s): Sterling, Virginia. Employees are expected to be in the Sterling, VA office for 2 days per week, specifically Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Workspace Context:

• The Sterling, VA office likely provides a collaborative workspace designed to foster teamwork and idea-sharing among the Creative Services team and other departments.

• Access to necessary design software, hardware, and potentially shared creative resources will be available in the office.

• The hybrid model allows for focused remote work while ensuring in-person collaboration, feedback sessions, and team building on designated office days.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid model offers flexibility, balancing in-office requirements with remote workdays, which can support efficient workflow management and personal commitments. Occasional overtime may be necessary to meet critical deadlines, a common aspect of operational roles in dynamic environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model, with specific in-office days, provides structure for collaboration while allowing for remote flexibility. This setup is typical for roles that require both independent work and team interaction, common in many operations and creative functions within technology firms.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess foundational design skills, software proficiency, and alignment with role requirements. A portfolio link or work samples are mandatory.

• Technical Interview: This may involve a discussion about your design process, problem-solving approaches, and technical skills, particularly with Adobe Creative Suite. You may be asked to walk through specific projects in your portfolio.

• Design Challenge/Case Study: Candidates might be given a small design task or asked to present a case study from their portfolio, demonstrating how they approach a design problem, their creative rationale, and their ability to translate requirements into visual solutions. This could include discussing how you would approach a complex technical graphic or marketing campaign.

• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: An opportunity to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, communication skills, and overall enthusiasm for the role and company. Discussions may focus on how you handle feedback, work in a team, and your understanding of REI's mission and "Mindful Modernization®" approach.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership, focusing on broader career aspirations and long-term fit within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent the required skills (marketing, typography, layout, visual storytelling, infographics, digital media) and showcase your versatility.

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the objective, your role, the challenges faced, your creative process, the solutions you implemented, and the outcome. Highlight any use of AI tools or efficiency gains.

• Highlight Operations: Emphasize projects that demonstrate your ability to manage deadlines, work collaboratively, respond to feedback, and deliver high-quality assets efficiently.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Provide context for each piece, including the intended audience and medium.

• Tailor to REI: If possible, include work that is relevant to government contracting or technology sectors, or demonstrate an understanding of corporate branding.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a design challenge, ensure you fully grasp the brief, target audience, and objectives. Ask clarifying questions.

• Focus on Process: Articulate your step-by-step approach, from initial concept to final execution. Explain your rationale for design choices.

• Demonstrate Efficiency: Highlight how you would approach the task efficiently, perhaps by leveraging AI tools or established design systems.

• Present Clearly: Prepare to present your work concisely and confidently, focusing on the impact and effectiveness of your design.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice tailored to operations-focused roles, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating process, efficiency, and strategic thinking within the portfolio and interview. The mention of AI tools is crucial for this role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency required in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for creating a wide array of digital and print assets, including marketing collateral, social graphics, and proposal elements.

• AI-Enabled Design Tools: Expected to explore and utilize AI tools for ideation, design exploration, workflow efficiency, and creative problem-solving, demonstrating adaptability and a forward-thinking approach to design operations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this role, understanding how design impacts metrics (e.g., engagement rates for social graphics, conversion rates for banners) would be beneficial. Familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) might be helpful for understanding website design performance if involved in web projects. CRM & Automation:

• Website Platforms: Preferred experience with WordPress, Divi, or HubSpot is listed, suggesting these platforms are used for managing company websites and digital marketing efforts. Proficiency here can aid in design implementation and content management.

• Integration Tools: Not explicitly mentioned, but understanding how design assets integrate into various platforms (CMS, marketing automation, proposal software) is operationally relevant.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite is standard, but the explicit mention of AI-enabled design tools is a key differentiator for this role, highlighting a modern approach to design operations and efficiency. Preferred experience with web platforms like WordPress indicates potential involvement in web design operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Reliability & Innovation: Aligned with REI Systems' mission to deliver reliable, innovative technology solutions. This translates to dependable design execution and a willingness to explore new creative approaches.

• Mission Impact: A focus on ensuring mission impact by aligning design work with client strategic objectives and measurable outcomes, reflecting the "Mindful Modernization®" approach.

• Continuous Learning: Encouragement to experiment with new tools, explore new approaches, and continuously learn as technology and creative practices evolve, particularly with AI.

• Collaboration & Ownership: Designers are encouraged to share ideas, ask questions, experiment, seek feedback, and take ownership of their work, fostering a proactive and team-oriented environment.

• Quality & Brand Consistency: Maintaining high standards for quality and brand consistency while exploring new creative avenues.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: Designers are expected to work alongside experienced professionals, share ideas, and provide constructive feedback, fostering a supportive learning environment.

• Cross-Functional: Collaboration with various internal departments (marketing, proposals, technical teams) is essential to understand diverse project needs and ensure design solutions meet strategic goals.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture that embraces seeking and providing feedback to iterate on concepts and improve the final product, indicating a commitment to continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values are deeply integrated with its operational methodology and employee expectations. The emphasis on innovation, continuous learning, and collaboration is crucial for any operations role, ensuring that the team is adaptable and forward-thinking.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Content: A primary challenge will be transforming dense technical information and proposal details into easily understandable and visually appealing graphics.

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Innovation: Successfully maintaining brand integrity while exploring new creative approaches and incorporating emerging technologies like AI will require careful judgment.

• Managing Multiple Priorities: Juggling various projects with different deadlines and stakeholder needs in a fast-paced environment requires strong organizational and time management skills.

• Adapting to New Technologies: Staying current with design trends and effectively integrating AI-enabled tools into workflows will be an ongoing challenge and opportunity.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Hands-on Experience with AI Tools: Direct application of AI in design workflows, providing practical experience with cutting-edge technology.

• Mentorship from Senior Designers: Learning from experienced professionals within the Creative Services team, gaining insights into best practices and advanced techniques.

• Diverse Project Exposure: Working on a wide variety of projects for federal clients offers broad learning experiences and skill development across different design disciplines.

• Professional Development Resources: Access to wellness programs, mental health support, and dedicated professional development opportunities provided by the company.

• Career Advancement: Clear pathways for growth into more senior design roles, specialization, or even leadership positions within the Creative Services department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a junior role in a dynamic environment, offering significant learning opportunities. The company's investment in professional development and clear growth paths make this role attractive for ambitious individuals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a complex technical document and turning it into an infographic or visual representation. Walk me through a specific example from your portfolio." (Focus on process, problem-solving, and output clarity).

• "How do you approach balancing a company's established brand guidelines with the need to create fresh, innovative designs? How would you apply this to REI Systems' brand?" (Assess understanding of brand operations and creative judgment).

• "Imagine you have three urgent design requests from different departments due by the end of the week. How would you prioritize and manage these tasks to ensure all deadlines are met without compromising quality?" (Evaluate project management and time management skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about REI Systems' mission and its 'Mindful Modernization®' approach, particularly concerning technology solutions for federal clients?" (Gauge understanding of company strategy and operational philosophy).

• "How do you see yourself contributing to our Creative Services team, and what are your expectations for collaboration and feedback within a design environment?" (Assess team fit and collaboration style).

• "How do you stay updated on design trends and new technologies, such as AI-enabled design tools, and how would you propose integrating them into our workflow?" (Evaluate curiosity, proactivity, and forward-thinking approach). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project type or by showcasing a range of skills. Start with an overview of your portfolio and then dive into specific examples.

• Storytelling: For each project, tell a story: the client's need/problem, your approach and process, the creative decisions you made (and why), the tools used (mentioning AI if applicable), and the final outcome or impact.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics or qualitative feedback to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs. For example, "This social graphic resulted in a X% increase in engagement," or "This proposal graphic helped secure client buy-in."

• Highlight Collaboration: Discuss how you worked with others, incorporated feedback, and managed revisions.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to ensure it is clear, engaging, and fits within the allotted timeframe.

📝 Enhancement Note: These suggested interview questions and preparation strategies are designed to help candidates demonstrate not just creative talent but also the operational skills, strategic thinking, and adaptability valued in roles supporting GTM and marketing functions. The focus on AI tools and process is paramount.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Junior Graphic Designer position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is tailored to highlight strengths in marketing, typography, layout, visual storytelling, infographics, and digital media. Include examples that demonstrate your ability to translate complex information and your experience with Adobe Creative Suite. If you have experience with AI design tools, make sure to showcase those projects.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your relevant experience (including internships and freelance work), software proficiencies, and any experience with government clients or technology projects. Use keywords from the job description such as "Adobe Creative Suite," "visual storytelling," "AI-enabled tools," and "project management."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, how you handle feedback, and your approach to managing multiple projects. Prepare to discuss your interest in REI Systems and how your skills align with their mission and "Mindful Modernization®" approach. Be ready to present your portfolio and discuss specific projects in detail.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with REI Systems' services, their "Mindful Modernization®" methodology, and their commitment to innovation and employee ownership. Understand their target audience (primarily federal government clients) to better tailor your application and interview responses.

⚠️ 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.