Junior Graphic Designer – Print Specialist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Graphic Designer – Print Specialist

Company: The MITRE Corporation

Location: McLean, Virginia, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: June 01, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days on-site)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on creating high-quality visual assets for both digital and print mediums, ensuring brand consistency across all materials.

• Responsibilities include operating and maintaining large-format printing equipment, requiring a blend of design and technical aptitude.

• The position involves close collaboration with a creative lead and senior designers to execute creative strategies and maintain brand integrity.

• Candidates will gain exposure to emerging AI-assisted creative tools, emphasizing workflow optimization and efficient asset development.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Junior Graphic Designer," the inclusion of "Print Specialist" and operating a 60" plotter indicates a specialized role with hands-on production responsibilities beyond typical graphic design. The focus on "Communications and External Affairs (CXA)" suggests the role supports broader organizational messaging and brand management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain large-format printing equipment (e.g., 60" plotter), including setup, calibration, routine maintenance, and quality control.

• Design and produce a variety of creative assets, such as digital graphics, print collateral, environmental signage, and presentation materials, adhering to established brand guidelines.

• Prepare and output files for both web and print distribution, ensuring optimal quality and format for each channel.

• Assist in the development and upkeep of brand guidelines, presentation templates, and other visual identity assets.

• Manage and organize digital assets, including stock photography and in-house image libraries, ensuring efficient retrieval and usage.

• Support the creative team with file management, asset archiving, and workflow optimization tasks.

• Juggle multiple design projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, adapting to shifting priorities.

• Contribute innovative design concepts and creative solutions while upholding high visual and production standards.

• Proactively identify and respond to evolving project needs and schedules, working both independently and collaboratively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility of operating and maintaining large-format printing equipment, including the ability to lift up to 50lbs, is a significant hands-on aspect of this role, differentiating it from a purely conceptual design position. Training will be provided for this technical function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design or a related creative field.

Experience: 1-2 years of professional experience in a graphic design role, with a demonstrated understanding of print production processes.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• Experience with operating and maintaining large-format printing equipment (e.g., plotters), including basic troubleshooting and calibration.

• Strong understanding of typography, layout, and visual hierarchy.

• Ability to apply and maintain brand guidelines consistently across various media.

• Experience in preparing files for both digital distribution and professional print production.

• Excellent visual problem-solving skills and a keen eye for detail.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively in a dynamic environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly PowerPoint, Word, and Excel, for creating integrated communication materials.

• Exposure to or interest in emerging AI-assisted creative tools for ideation and workflow enhancement.

• Experience with virtual collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom.

• Knowledge of current design trends, branding principles, and visual communication best practices.

• Ability to lift up to 50lbs for equipment operation and material handling.

• Basic understanding of production workflows for both print and digital assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Preferred Qualifications" highlight a forward-thinking approach by mentioning AI-assisted creative tools and virtual collaboration platforms, suggesting MITRE is adopting modern workflows. The physical requirement for lifting is a practical consideration for a print specialist role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A strong portfolio demonstrating a range of graphic design skills, with a specific emphasis on print design and production examples.

• Showcase of ability to adapt designs to meet brand standards and project objectives across different mediums (digital and print).

• Examples of problem-solving through design, illustrating creative thinking and visual storytelling capabilities.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of understanding and applying design workflows, from concept development to final asset delivery.

• Examples of how you've managed project timelines and adapted to feedback or changing requirements.

• Demonstration of an organized approach to file management and asset organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Junior Graphic Designer role with print specialization, the portfolio should not only showcase aesthetic ability but also practical execution, including file preparation for print and an understanding of production workflows. Demonstrating an ability to manage projects and adapt to feedback is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $78,800 - $118,200 Annually. The midpoint for this role is $98,500.

Benefits:

• Competitive Benefits package, details available on MITRE's benefits portal.

• Exceptional professional development opportunities for career growth.

• Access to advanced training and resources for skill enhancement.

• Potential for involvement in impactful, nation-serving projects.

• Collaborative work environment that fosters innovation and teamwork.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement requiring 4 days on-site per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is comprehensive for a junior to mid-level graphic design role in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, considering the employer's reputation and the specialized nature of the print production aspect. The emphasis on professional development aligns with MITRE's mission and employee growth focus.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Research and Development (R&D), Government Contracting, Not-for-Profit. MITRE operates federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs) for government agencies, focusing on public interest without commercial conflicts. This unique position means projects often have significant national impact.

Company Size: Large (over 10,000 employees). This size indicates a stable organization with extensive resources, structured processes, and diverse career paths. For operations professionals, it means opportunities for specialization, cross-functional exposure, and involvement in large-scale initiatives.

Founded: 1958. With a long history, MITRE has established a strong reputation and deep expertise in its core areas, fostering a culture of long-term impact and technical excellence.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Communications and External Affairs (CXA) team, specifically the in-house creative team.

• This team likely comprises senior designers, a creative lead, and potentially specialists in content, strategy, and digital media.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated for design, MITRE's core ethos is data-driven and analytical. This likely translates to design decisions being informed by research, user needs, and strategic objectives.

• Collaborative Innovation: The company emphasizes collaboration and innovation, suggesting a team dynamic where ideas are shared and developed collectively.

• Process Optimization: The mention of workflow optimization and AI-assisted tools points to a commitment to efficiency and leveraging technology to improve creative output.

Company Website: https://careers.mitre.org/us/en

📝 Enhancement Note: MITRE's identity as a not-for-profit FFRDC operator is crucial. It implies a mission-driven environment focused on public service and technical problem-solving rather than profit. This context is vital for understanding the company's culture and the type of impact the creative team aims to achieve.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Junior Designer. This role is positioned at the entry-level, providing foundational experience in graphic design, print production, and corporate branding within a large, mission-oriented organization. It's an excellent starting point for a career in design operations or corporate communications.

Reporting Structure: The Junior Graphic Designer reports to the Creative Lead and works alongside senior graphic designers within the CXA creative team. This provides direct mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals.

Operations Impact: The creative team's work directly supports MITRE's strategic vision and external communications. This junior designer will contribute to projects that communicate MITRE's impact in areas like cybersecurity, healthcare, and defense, influencing public perception and stakeholder engagement.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Develop deep expertise in print production, large-format printing, and brand implementation.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Collaborate with various departments, understanding their communication needs and contributing to diverse projects.

• Mentorship: Receive guidance from senior designers and the Creative Lead, fostering continuous learning and skill refinement.

• Emerging Technology Adoption: Gain hands-on experience with AI-assisted creative tools, positioning for future industry trends.

• Career Progression: Potential to advance to Senior Graphic Designer or specialized roles within the CXA team or other creative functions at MITRE.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on professional development and the structured reporting lines suggest a clear path for growth. The role offers a blend of hands-on technical skills (print) and creative design, providing a well-rounded foundation for a career in corporate creative services or operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site with Hybrid flexibility. The role requires 4 days per week in the McLean, VA office. This indicates a collaborative, in-person work environment designed for teamwork and hands-on access to equipment.

Office Location(s): McLean, Virginia. This location is part of the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, offering access to a vibrant professional community and resources. Specific office details would be provided upon hiring.

Workspace Context:

• Access to industry-standard design software and potentially advanced workstations.

• Hands-on access to a 60" plotter and other printing equipment, requiring a dedicated workspace for production.

• Opportunities for direct collaboration and feedback with the Creative Lead, senior designers, and other CXA team members.

• A professional, mission-focused environment that values technical excellence and impactful work.

Work Schedule: Full-time, standard business hours, with a structured hybrid model. This provides a predictable schedule while allowing for in-person interaction and access to on-site resources.

📝 Enhancement Note: The 4-day on-site requirement is a key aspect of the work environment, emphasizing the need for in-person collaboration and access to specialized printing equipment. This hybrid model balances structured work with opportunities for personal time.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, focusing on qualifications, experience, and portfolio submission.

• Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discuss design choices, and potentially demonstrate proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite or discuss print production concepts.

• Skills-Based Interview: Questions will assess problem-solving abilities, project management skills, collaboration style, and understanding of brand principles.

• Cultural Fit Interview: Evaluation of alignment with MITRE's values, including collaboration, adaptability, and commitment to public service.

• Final Interview: May involve discussion with senior leadership or key stakeholders.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Print Expertise: Showcase specific projects involving print design, large-format printing, and file preparation for production.

• Demonstrate Brand Application: Include examples where you've successfully applied or evolved brand guidelines.

• Showcase Technical Skills: Detail your experience with Adobe Creative Suite and any exposure to printing equipment or workflows.

• Illustrate Problem-Solving: Select projects where you faced design challenges and explain your process for overcoming them.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): While difficult for design, mention project scope or complexity where relevant.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process, how you handle feedback, and how you manage competing deadlines.

• Familiarize yourself with MITRE's mission, values, and recent projects to understand their communication needs.

• Research current trends in graphic design, print technology, and AI-assisted creative tools.

• Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the team, projects, and growth opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to explicitly demonstrate not only design talent but also the practical skills required for print production and adherence to corporate branding, which are central to the "Print Specialist" aspect of the title.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign are essential.

• Large-Format Printing Equipment: Specifically, a 60" plotter will be operated. Familiarity or a willingness to learn is key.

• Microsoft Office Suite: PowerPoint, Word, Excel for integrated communications and template development.

Analytics & Reporting: While not a primary focus for this design role, understanding how visual assets perform (e.g., engagement metrics for digital graphics) can be beneficial.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to the core design tasks, but understanding how assets integrate into broader marketing or communication campaigns may be helpful.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack is heavily focused on design software and specialized printing hardware. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable, and practical experience or a strong aptitude for operating large-format printers is a defining requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: Commitment to high-quality design and production standards.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with team members and stakeholders to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation: Embracing new technologies and creative approaches, including AI-assisted tools.

• Adaptability: Thriving in a fast-paced environment with evolving project needs.

• Public Interest: Contributing to MITRE's mission of serving the public good through impactful communications.

Collaboration Style:

• The team operates in a hybrid model, requiring effective communication and collaboration both in-person and virtually.

• Expect a culture of constructive feedback and iterative design processes.

• Close partnership with the Creative Lead and senior designers is expected for guidance and project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: MITRE's emphasis on innovation and adaptability, coupled with its mission-driven nature, shapes the team's culture. The "operations" aspect here lies in the efficient and effective production of high-quality visual assets that support the organization's broader goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Rigidity: Ensuring innovative designs adhere strictly to MITRE's established brand guidelines.

• Managing Multiple Projects and Deadlines: Successfully prioritizing and delivering on numerous design requests in a fast-paced environment.

• Technical Operation of Large-Format Printers: Mastering the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of specialized printing equipment.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Integrating new tools like AI-assisted creative software into existing workflows.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Training: Opportunities to deepen skills in specific design software or techniques.

• Print Production Expertise: Gaining hands-on experience and potentially certifications related to large-format printing.

• Exposure to AI Creative Tools: Learning to leverage new technologies for enhanced design ideation and efficiency.

• Mentorship Programs: Guidance from experienced designers to foster career growth and skill development.

• Cross-Functional Projects: Learning about different areas of MITRE's work to inform design strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between creative design and practical production, a valuable skill set in the operations and communications fields. The challenges are framed as opportunities for skill development and career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating a print design from initial concept to final production-ready file."

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across different design projects and mediums?"

• "How would you approach operating and maintaining a large-format plotter if you had no prior experience?"

• "Discuss a time you managed multiple design projects with competing deadlines. How did you prioritize?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for a not-for-profit R&D organization like MITRE?"

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment, especially in a hybrid setting?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project type or skill, clearly labeling each piece.

• Narrative: For each project, explain the objective, your role, the challenges, your design process, and the outcome.

• Technical Focus: For print pieces, be ready to discuss file preparation, color modes (CMYK), resolution, and any specific print considerations.

• AI Integration: If you have relevant examples, be prepared to discuss how AI tools were used to enhance your workflow or ideation.

• Engagement: Be ready to answer questions about your design choices and demonstrate enthusiasm for the role and MITRE.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating both creative talent and practical, operational readiness, particularly concerning print production and adherence to brand standards. Highlighting adaptability and a willingness to learn new technologies is also key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the MITRE Careers portal, ensuring all required fields are completed.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a digital portfolio that prominently features your print design work, including examples of file preparation for production and adherence to brand guidelines. Be ready to discuss your process for each piece.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience with Adobe Creative Suite, any print production experience, project management skills, and familiarity with AI-assisted tools. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common graphic design and behavioral interview questions, focusing on your problem-solving skills, collaborative approach, and understanding of brand execution. Practice presenting your portfolio clearly and concisely.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research The MITRE Corporation's mission, values, recent projects, and the work of their Communications and External Affairs team. Understand how design contributes to their public interest objectives.

⚠️ 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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