Senior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer

Company: Peraton

Location: Linthicum, Maryland, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Government & Public Sector

Date Posted: May 08, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Serve as a Senior Graphic Designer, creating compelling visual communications for a critical government client within the Department of Defense (DoD).

• Apply advanced design principles, including visual hierarchy, color theory, and typography, to ensure clarity and impact in all visual assets.

• Collaborate closely with diverse, integrated teams, including strategic communication and public affairs, to align visual content with mission objectives and security protocols.

• Maintain and enforce strict security awareness, branding, and style guidelines throughout all design outputs, ensuring compliance with military communication protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically tailored for a Senior Graphic Designer with a strong background in the DoD sector, requiring an active security clearance and deep understanding of military culture and communication standards. The emphasis on "missions of consequence" and "strategic communication" within Peraton's mission highlights the critical nature of this design position.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute high-impact graphic design solutions for a variety of media, including print, digital, and multimedia presentations, ensuring alignment with client branding and security requirements.

• Create visual assets that effectively convey complex information, support strategic communication objectives, and enhance the overall mission of the client.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including subject matter experts, writers, and project managers, to translate ideas and requirements into visually engaging designs.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment without compromising quality or productivity.

• Present design concepts and rationale clearly and persuasively to stakeholders, including senior leaders, to gain buy-in and ensure strategic alignment.

• Maintain and update design templates, style guides, and asset libraries to ensure consistency and facilitate efficient workflow for the broader team.

• Conduct photo editing, manipulation, and integration to enhance visual narratives and support communication goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize not just artistic creation but also strategic application of design within a strict government and military context. The need to manage competing deadlines and present concepts persuasively points to a senior-level expectation of project ownership and client-facing skills.

ുകൾ Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Associate's degree and 10+ years of relevant graphic design experience; OR

• Bachelor's degree and 8+ years of relevant graphic design experience; OR

• Master's degree and 6+ years of relevant graphic design experience; OR

• PhD with 3+ years of relevant graphic design experience.

Experience:

• Majority of experience in graphic design specifically within the Department of Defense (DoD) or equivalent government agencies.

Required Skills:

• Adobe Creative Suite (Expert Level): Mastery of InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop is essential for all design production.

• Design Principles Mastery: Deep understanding of Visual Hierarchy, Color Theory, Typography, Composition, and Imagery.

• Illustration & Photo Editing: Proficient in digital illustration, technical illustration, and advanced photo editing techniques.

• Microsoft Office Suite Proficiency: Ability to create reports, presentations, and documents using Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, and collaborate via Teams and SharePoint.

• Security Awareness: Ability to understand and adhere to strict security protocols, communication protocols, and branding guidelines.

• Communication & Presentation Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present design concepts persuasively to diverse stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Motion Graphics & Animation: Experience with Adobe After Effects, Cinema 4D, or similar software.

• Video Editing: Ability to edit and assemble video footage.

• 3D Modeling & Rendering: Experience with software like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max.

• Web Design Fundamentals: Working knowledge of HTML, CSS, and basic JavaScript/jQuery.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Systems: Experience with DAM platforms.

• Prior experience working with DAF Public Affairs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive list of required artistic and technical skills, coupled with the specific mention of DoD experience and security clearance, indicates a highly specialized and senior-level role. The "plus" for motion graphics and animation suggests a desire for advanced multimedia capabilities to enhance communication strategies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstration of DoD/Government Design Standards: Showcase projects that clearly adhere to military branding, security protocols, and communication requirements.

• Process Improvement Case Studies: Include examples of how design solutions have improved communication clarity, efficiency, or stakeholder engagement within a government context.

• System Integration Examples: Highlight designs created for or integrated with government systems (e.g., internal portals, training platforms, presentation software).

• ROI/Impact Demonstration: Provide examples where design work has demonstrably contributed to mission success, enhanced understanding, or achieved specific communication objectives.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Be prepared to discuss your design workflow, from initial concept and briefing to final delivery and iteration, highlighting how you optimize for efficiency and quality.

• Collaboration & Feedback Integration: Demonstrate how you incorporate feedback from diverse teams and stakeholders into your design process to ensure successful outcomes.

• Technical Implementation Standards: Show experience in preparing files for various output methods (print, web, digital) and ensuring technical correctness according to industry and client standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior role in a government contracting environment, a portfolio is crucial not just for showcasing artistic talent but also for demonstrating an understanding of process, compliance, and impact within a highly regulated context. Applicants should be ready to articulate their design process and its effectiveness in solving specific client challenges.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $112,000 - $179,000 Annually

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) with company match.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and continuing education to enhance design skills and industry knowledge.

• Discretionary Bonus: Potential for additional performance-based bonuses.

• Overtime Pay & Shift Differential: May be eligible depending on project needs and specific role demands.

Working Hours:

• Full-time, onsite attendance required Monday through Friday. Standard business hours are expected, totaling approximately 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a target and can vary based on the specific factors mentioned. The benefits package is typical for a large defense contractor like Peraton, emphasizing stability and comprehensive support for employees. The on-site requirement is clearly stated.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: National Security, Information Technology, Mission Capability Integration

Company Size: Large (10,000+ employees)

Founded: Peraton was formed in 2017 through the acquisition of Harris Corporation's government IT services business, but its roots trace back much further through legacy companies. This history provides a foundation of experience in serving government clients.

Team Structure:

• Strategic Communication Team: This role is part of a larger strategic communication team, working alongside writers, project managers, and other communication specialists.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Expect to collaborate with diverse and integrated teams across Peraton and potentially client organizations, requiring strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.

• Reporting Structure: While not explicitly detailed, senior roles typically report to a manager or director within the communication or creative services department, with direct interaction with client stakeholders.

Methodology:

• Mission-Focused Design: Design work is driven by the overarching mission of Peraton and its clients, emphasizing clarity, accuracy, and impact.

• Security-First Approach: All creative processes and outputs must adhere to stringent security protocols and government compliance standards.

• Data-Driven Insights (Implicit): While a design role, understanding how design impacts audience perception and mission success implies a need to consider data and feedback to inform creative decisions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Peraton's positioning as a "next-generation national security company" implies a culture of innovation, problem-solving, and dedication to critical missions. The large company size suggests established processes and a wide range of available resources and career paths.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Graphic Designer

Reporting Structure:

Operations Impact:

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into Lead Designer, Art Director, or management roles within creative teams.

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in areas like motion graphics, UI/UX design for government platforms, or specialized illustration.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to transition into related roles within program management, client relations, or strategic communications based on acquired skills and experience.

• Advanced Security Clearances: Opportunities to work on projects requiring higher-level security clearances, opening doors to more sensitive and impactful work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The senior designation and the nature of Peraton's work suggest significant opportunities for growth, both within the design discipline and into broader leadership or specialized roles, particularly for individuals who can demonstrate advanced skills and a deep understanding of the government contracting environment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Professional office environment supporting government contracts.

Office Location(s): Linthicum, Maryland, with specific details on office amenities and accessibility to be provided during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with diverse teams, suggesting an open, team-oriented workspace designed to facilitate communication and brainstorming.

• Technology-Rich: Access to industry-standard design software, hardware, and potentially specialized government-approved IT systems.

• Security-Conscious: The workspace will be designed to meet strict security requirements, potentially involving secure areas and protocols for handling sensitive information.

Work Schedule:

• Strictly on-site, Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week. While the core hours are standard, the need to manage competing deadlines may require flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on an on-site role in Linthicum, MD, with a focus on collaboration and security, paints a picture of a professional, government-contracting environment. Applicants should be prepared for a structured workday and a team dynamic that prioritizes both creative output and operational security.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR and/or hiring manager review of application, resume, and portfolio.

• Technical Interview: Assessment of graphic design skills, software proficiency, and understanding of design principles through technical questions and portfolio review.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely present a selection of their work, explaining their process, design choices, and the impact of their designs, particularly those relevant to DoD contexts.

• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Evaluation of communication skills, teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within Peraton and the client environment.

• Security Clearance Verification: Confirmation of active Secret clearance status.

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

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Prioritize projects that demonstrate experience with DoD, government agencies, security protocols, and complex information design.

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly outline the problem, your approach, the tools used, your role, and the outcome/impact.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Include examples that showcase your mastery of Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, as well as any preferred skills like motion graphics.

• Emphasize Compliance: Clearly articulate how your designs met specific client requirements, branding guidelines, and security constraints.

• Prepare for Discussion: Be ready to discuss your design philosophy, how you handle critique, and how you manage competing priorities.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential design challenges that may test your ability to work under pressure, incorporate feedback quickly, and adhere to specific constraints (e.g., branding, security).

• Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, focusing on how your work supports strategic objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize both technical design skills and the ability to apply them within the unique constraints of a government/military client. A well-curated portfolio that speaks to this specific context is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite (Expert): InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop are non-negotiable.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Word, PowerPoint, Excel for document creation and reporting.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, SharePoint for team communication and file sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Other Potential Tools:

• Motion Graphics: Adobe After Effects (preferred).

• Video Editing: Premiere Pro or similar (preferred).

• 3D Modeling: Blender, Maya, 3ds Max (sometimes required).

• Web Technologies: HTML, CSS, JavaScript (working knowledge for web design elements).

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is the core technical requirement. Familiarity with collaboration tools and DAM systems is also important for seamless integration into team workflows. The mention of web technologies and 3D modeling indicates a versatile design role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: Dedication to supporting critical national security missions and client objectives.

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding the highest ethical standards and maintaining the trust of clients and colleagues, especially concerning security.

• Excellence: Striving for high-quality, innovative, and effective solutions in all aspects of work.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within diverse teams to achieve shared goals.

• Security Consciousness: Prioritizing security protocols and awareness in all tasks and communications.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teamwork: Emphasis on working closely with strategic communicators, subject matter experts, and potentially client personnel.

• Feedback-Driven: Openness to receiving and incorporating constructive feedback to refine designs and ensure alignment with objectives.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining clear and consistent communication regarding project status, challenges, and creative solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Peraton's culture is deeply rooted in national security values. The graphic designer must embody these values, demonstrating reliability, a commitment to mission success, and a strong sense of responsibility, particularly concerning security and client trust.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Strict Security Protocols: Balancing creative freedom with stringent government security and branding guidelines can be challenging.

• Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Managing expectations and design requirements from various stakeholders with potentially differing priorities.

• Rapidly Evolving Requirements: Adapting to shifting project scopes, deadlines, and client needs in a dynamic government contracting environment.

• Maintaining Innovation within Constraints: Finding creative solutions that are both novel and compliant with established protocols.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Certifications: Pursuing certifications in specialized design areas (e.g., motion graphics, UI/UX).

• Government/Military Briefings: Gaining deeper insights into the client's mission, culture, and communication challenges to inform design strategy.

• Leadership Training: Developing skills for team leadership, project management, and client relations.

• Industry Conferences: Attending design and government contracting events to stay abreast of trends and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers the challenge of applying high-level creative skills in a demanding, mission-critical environment. The growth opportunities are substantial for those who can demonstrate adaptability, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to continuous learning within the national security sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design for a highly regulated industry with strict branding and security constraints. How did you ensure compliance while still delivering an effective design?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and outcome.)

• "How would you approach designing a visual campaign to communicate a complex technical or military concept to a diverse audience?" (Focus on audience analysis, simplification, and visual storytelling.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Peraton's mission and working within the national security sector?" (Show genuine interest in Peraton's work and connect it to your career goals.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs, especially from stakeholders with differing opinions?" (Demonstrate collaboration, adaptability, and professionalism.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select DoD/Govt-Relevant Projects: Showcase 3-4 of your strongest pieces that directly align with the job description's requirements (security, military culture, strategic communication).

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the client's challenge, your design process, your specific contributions, the tools used, and the measurable impact or outcome.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about your software proficiency, design principles, and file preparation techniques.

• Highlight Security/Compliance Aspects: Explicitly mention how your designs met specific security, branding, or regulatory requirements.

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your presentation to ensure clarity, conciseness, and confidence. Be ready to answer questions on the fly.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only artistic talent but also the ability to operate effectively within the specific constraints and mission-driven culture of a government contractor like Peraton. A strong portfolio showcasing relevant experience is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Peraton careers portal.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience with DoD clients, active security clearances, and mastery of Adobe Creative Suite, emphasizing achievements and responsibilities relevant to the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your most relevant design projects (especially those with government/military context) and prepare a concise presentation that explains your process and impact. Ensure it is easily accessible (e.g., via a link).

• Prepare for Technical & Behavioral Interviews: Practice articulating your design process, explaining your portfolio pieces, and answering questions about your experience with security protocols and collaborative environments.

• Research Peraton & the Client: Understand Peraton's mission, values, and the specific nature of the client's work to demonstrate your alignment and interest.

⚠️ 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.