Senior Graphic Designer (Cleared)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer (Cleared)

Company: Kentro

Location: Arnold, MO, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Design / Government & Public Sector Technology

Date Posted: April 16, 2026

Experience Level: 8-12 years (or equivalent academic experience)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on the intersection of graphic design, user experience (UX), and front-end development within a government sector context.

• Responsibilities include conceptualizing and prototyping complex web and mobile applications, adhering to modern programming and UI/UX design best practices.

• Requires deep technical understanding of web technologies, APIs, content management systems (specifically SharePoint), and DevOps tools for compliant code deployment.

• The position demands strong visual design skills, proficiency in industry-standard design software, and the ability to translate scientific concepts into user-friendly digital products.

📝 Enhancement Note: While titled "Senior Graphic Designer," the responsibilities and required skills clearly indicate a hybrid role that bridges graphic design with front-end development and UX/UI expertise, particularly within a federal government contracting environment. The "Cleared" designation is paramount.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design innovative and intuitive user interfaces for complex web and mobile applications, transforming abstract concepts into functional digital experiences.

• Conceptualize, design, and prototype user experiences in close collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and robust functionality.

• Leverage extensive knowledge of various scientific disciplines, programming, APIs (e.g., REST, SOAP), and web service technologies to inform design decisions.

• Research and implement modern web technologies and UI/UX design patterns to enhance workflow efficiency and create cutting-edge user interfaces.

• Develop and maintain reusable libraries of design assets and information for future project utilization.

• Troubleshoot and resolve customer issues related to content management systems, including permissions, API integrations, and web parts.

• Utilize DevOps systems and tools (e.g., Git, Jenkins) to ensure compliant code and adherence to development best practices.

• Apply findings from web usability testing (e.g., user profiles, heuristic evaluations) to refine application and website development.

• Implement and manage web styling languages and applications (e.g., XML, XSLT, CSS, Web Services, REST) across multiple systems, with a specific emphasis on Microsoft SharePoint.

• Possess and apply technical knowledge of SharePoint administration, including SQL Server Administration, Windows Server Administration, and Active Directory control.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities blend traditional graphic design with significant duties in UX/UI design, front-end development support, and system administration, particularly for SharePoint. This indicates a need for a candidate who can operate across multiple technical domains.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated proficiency in web design software such as Adobe Master Collection CS6/Adobe Creative Cloud, Sketch, or InVision Studio.

• Proven experience designing products for front-end development, including creating wireframes, low and high-fidelity mock-ups, and clickable prototypes.

• Expertise in applying best practices for improving web accessibility, usability, and technical implementation using tools like Figma, Sketch, InVision, Axure, Framer, or Adobe XD.

• Skill in creating, editing, organizing, and storing various digital file formats (e.g., TIFF, GIF, PNG, PDF, JPG, SVG, HTML, CSS).

• Strong understanding of JavaScript and other browser-based technologies for interface development.

• Familiarity with APIs (e.g., REST APIs, SOAP, XML) and web service technologies.

• Experience with DevOps systems and tools such as Git and Jenkins.

• Proficiency in SharePoint administration and its associated technical infrastructure.

• Knowledge of SQL Server Administration, Windows Server Administration, and Active Directory.

Preferred Skills:

• Demonstrated experience implementing industry standards for user experience methodologies, design technical resources, and web best practices.

• Experience researching or implementing 18F US Web Design Standards Framework.

• Experience researching or implementing best practices for web accessibility, usability, or technical implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a senior-level individual with a broad technical skillset beyond traditional graphic design, encompassing UX/UI, front-end concepts, and system administration. The clearance requirement is non-negotiable.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of graphic design and UX/UI design projects, demonstrating proficiency in creating wireframes, mock-ups, and prototypes.

• Include case studies that illustrate the design process from concept to final product, emphasizing problem-solving and user-centered design principles.

• Highlight projects involving web application design, mobile application design, and user interface development.

• Demonstrate experience with SharePoint customization or design elements, if applicable.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process, including how you gather requirements, conduct user research, iterate on designs, and collaborate with development teams.

• Articulate your approach to ensuring web accessibility and usability in your designs.

• Explain your experience with DevOps tools and methodologies in the context of design asset integration or workflow.

• Detail your experience in troubleshooting and resolving user issues within content management systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical, not just for visual design but for demonstrating the entire UX/UI design lifecycle and technical integration capabilities. Candidates should be ready to discuss their methodologies in detail.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive healthcare benefits package.

• Paid time off (PTO) for rest and rejuvenation.

• Supplemental benefits to enhance coverage.

• 401k retirement plan with a valuable employer match.

• Discount perks program for various services and products.

• Education reimbursement for certifications, degrees, and professional development courses.

• Opportunities for continuous professional growth and networking.

• Commitment to incorporating fun through activities like happy hours, holiday events, fitness/wellness events, and annual celebrations.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, likely around 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on project demands and team needs. Given the on-site nature, typical business hours are expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation considering the Senior level, specific technical skills, and the critical TS/SCI clearance requirement, which significantly impacts compensation in the cleared job market. The benefits package emphasizes professional development and work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Information Technology and Services, Government Contracting. Kentro operates within a sector that requires high levels of security, precision, and reliability, supporting federal customers.

Company Size: Kentro is a growing company, recognized on Inc. 5000's list, indicating a dynamic environment with opportunities for impact. Their ISO certifications and CMMI ratings suggest a structured and quality-focused approach to operations.

Founded: While the founding date isn't explicitly stated, Kentro's recognition on growth lists suggests it's an established but rapidly expanding entity.

Team Structure:

• The role operates within a team supporting a federal customer, implying a structured hierarchy and adherence to client-specific protocols.

• Collaboration is expected with internal teams and external application users, suggesting a cross-functional team environment.

Methodology:

• Data-driven Design: Emphasis on applying results from usability testing and user feedback to refine designs and improve user experience.

• Agile/DevOps Integration: Utilization of DevOps tools (Git, Jenkins) points to an agile development environment where design is integrated into the continuous integration/continuous deployment pipeline.

• Process Optimization: A focus on creating efficient, reusable design libraries and improving workflow efficiency through modern web technologies.

Company Website: https://kentro.us

📝 Enhancement Note: Kentro positions itself as an innovative and collaborative company dedicated to customer missions and employee growth. The company's multiple ISO certifications, CMMI ratings, and CMMC Level 2 certification highlight a strong commitment to quality, security, and process maturity, which is crucial for government contracting roles.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior role, indicating a high level of autonomy, expertise, and the expectation to mentor junior staff or lead design initiatives. It requires a deep understanding of graphic design, UX/UI principles, and their application within complex technical environments.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Graphic Designer will likely report to a Design Lead, Program Manager, or a Director of Technical Services, with direct interaction with client stakeholders and development teams.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the usability, accessibility, and effectiveness of critical government applications, contributing to mission success through intuitive and efficient user interfaces. Design decisions influence user adoption, productivity, and overall client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like UX research, UI design systems, front-end development integration, or accessibility standards.

• Leadership: Transition into a Lead Designer, Design Manager, or Architect role, overseeing design strategy and team development.

• Technical Skill Expansion: Develop advanced skills in SharePoint development, DevOps practices, or other relevant federal IT technologies.

• Mentorship: Guide and mentor junior designers, contributing to the growth of the design practice within Kentro.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain experience working on diverse projects across different federal agencies or technology stacks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title and the blend of design, development, and government contracting context suggest significant opportunities for career advancement, both in design leadership and broader technical roles within the company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is strictly On-site in Arnold, MO, indicating a traditional office-based work environment.

Office Location(s): Arnold, Missouri, United States. This location is specific to the government customer's site or a Kentro facility supporting that customer.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment will likely be collaborative, with team members working closely on projects.

• Access to standard office technology, design software, and potentially specialized government-approved hardware/software will be provided.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with development teams, project managers, and potentially client representatives will be frequent.

Work Schedule:

• A standard full-time schedule (likely 40 hours per week) is anticipated. While some flexibility might exist, the on-site nature and government contract requirements generally mean adherence to core business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and the nature of government contracting suggest a structured and potentially secure work environment with direct collaboration among team members.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, clearance status, and interest.

• Technical Interview: May involve a panel of designers, developers, or project managers to discuss design philosophy, technical skills (JavaScript, SharePoint, DevOps), and problem-solving approaches.

• Portfolio Review: A critical stage where candidates present their work, discussing design process, challenges, and outcomes. Expect in-depth questions about specific projects.

• Customer/Security Interview: For cleared positions, this may involve a more in-depth discussion about experience, background, and suitability for a sensitive environment.

• Final Interview: With hiring manager or senior leadership to assess cultural fit and overall suitability.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your graphic design, UX/UI, web application design, and SharePoint experience relevant to government or complex enterprise systems.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process, the technologies used (JavaScript, CSS, APIs), the challenges faced, and the measurable impact or outcome.

• Highlight Process: Demonstrate your understanding of usability testing, wireframing, prototyping, and how you incorporate user feedback.

• Technical Integration: Be prepared to discuss how your designs integrate with development workflows (DevOps, Git) and specific platforms like SharePoint.

• Accessibility Focus: Showcase examples where you've considered and implemented web accessibility standards.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for a design challenge that might involve creating a wireframe or mock-up for a specific government-related scenario or improving an existing interface.

• Prepare to discuss your approach to UI/UX design principles, web accessibility, and how you would apply 18F US Web Design Standards if relevant.

• Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, as if presenting to a non-design audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount. Candidates must be able to articulate not just their visual design skills but also their understanding of user-centered design, technical constraints, and the government contracting environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Graphic Design Software: Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Sketch, Figma, InVision Studio, Axure, Framer.

• Web Technologies: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, XML, XSLT, Web Services, REST APIs, SOAP.

• Content Management Systems: Microsoft SharePoint (administration and customization).

• DevOps Tools: Git, Jenkins.

• Collaboration & Prototyping: InVision, Figma, Sketch.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Experience with usability testing tools and methodologies for data collection and analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly specified, but understanding of how design impacts user engagement within CRM or workflow automation systems could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in a range of design tools and a strong grasp of web technologies and SharePoint are essential. Familiarity with DevOps tools indicates an integrated development environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: A strong commitment to supporting customer missions, particularly within the federal government.

• Innovation & Collaboration: Fostering an environment where new ideas are encouraged and teamwork is central to success.

• Excellence & Quality: Adherence to high standards, evidenced by ISO certifications, CMMI ratings, and CMMC Level 2.

• Professional Development: Encouragement and support for continuous learning, skill enhancement, and career growth.

• Integrity & Trust: Building trust through reliable performance and ethical conduct.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close collaboration with development teams (DevOps), project managers, and subject matter experts to ensure designs are technically feasible and meet user needs.

• Client-Centric: Working directly with internal and external application users to gather requirements and incorporate feedback.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that likely encourages sharing best practices in design, usability, and technology implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Kentro emphasizes a culture of collaboration, innovation, and dedication to client success, underpinned by strong quality and security standards. Expect a professional and mission-oriented environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design & Technical Constraints: Creatively designing within the specific technical limitations and security requirements of federal systems.

• User Adoption in Complex Environments: Designing intuitive interfaces for users who may have varying technical proficiencies or be accustomed to legacy systems.

• Staying Current: Keeping pace with rapidly evolving web design, UX/UI trends, and DevOps practices while working within established government frameworks.

• Security Compliance: Adhering to strict security protocols and clearance requirements inherent in government contracting.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX/UI Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in user research, interaction design, and design systems.

• Technical Skill Enhancement: Gaining in-depth knowledge of SharePoint development, APIs, DevOps, or other relevant federal IT technologies.

• Industry Certifications: Pursuing certifications relevant to design, UX, or government IT security.

• Mentorship Programs: Learning from senior team members and potentially mentoring junior designers.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of federal projects can broaden experience and skill sets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents challenges common in government contracting but also offers significant growth potential through specialized training and exposure to critical technology initiatives.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a new user interface for a complex web application, from initial concept to final deliverable." (Focus on UX/UI process, wireframing, prototyping, DevOps integration).

• "How would you ensure a web application meets accessibility standards, and what tools or methods do you use to verify this?" (Highlight web accessibility, usability testing, specific tools).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working with federal clients and supporting Kentro's mission?" (Show research into Kentro's values and government contracting).

• "How do you approach collaboration with developers and project managers, especially when integrating design into a DevOps pipeline?" (Demonstrate teamwork and understanding of development workflows).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project, clearly stating the client/context, the problem, your role, the solution, and the outcomes. Use visual aids effectively.

• Narrative: For each project, tell a compelling story about the design journey. Explain your rationale behind key design decisions, especially those involving JavaScript, SharePoint, or API integrations.

• Technical Depth: Be ready to discuss the specific tools and technologies used, including Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma, Sketch, and how your designs were implemented or integrated.

• Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., improved user satisfaction, reduced task completion time) or describe the qualitative impact on user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared for technical questions, a deep dive into your portfolio, and discussions about your approach to collaboration and problem-solving within a government contracting context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided job link on Kentro's careers portal.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight experience in graphic design, UX/UI, web design, JavaScript, SharePoint, DevOps, and any government/cleared work. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare your portfolio: Ensure it effectively showcases your relevant design and UX skills, with clear case studies demonstrating your process and impact. Be ready to present it confidently.

• Research Kentro: Understand their mission, values, and commitment to quality (ISO, CMMI, CMMC). Familiarize yourself with their work in the government sector.

• Practice your interview responses: Be ready to articulate your experience with APIs, web accessibility, usability testing, and your approach to collaborative development environments.

⚠️ 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.