Systems Integrator: Graphic Designer

Arcfield
Full-timeβ€’McLean, United States

πŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: Systems Integrator: Graphic Designer

Company: Arcfield

Location: McLean, Virginia, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Operations Support / Creative Services (within a Government Contractor context)

Date Posted: 2026-09-01T17:01:00

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • This role is critical for enhancing internal communications and executive-level messaging through sophisticated graphic design and visual storytelling.

  • The position requires a strong ability to translate complex technical and organizational narratives into clear, impactful visual assets for senior leadership and the broader workforce.

  • It involves developing and executing brand strategies for internal communication campaigns, ensuring consistency and professionalism across all visual materials.

  • A key aspect is providing direct support to a Front Office Communications Team, acting as a liaison and subject matter expert for graphic design needs.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: While the title is "Systems Integrator: Graphic Designer," the description strongly indicates a role focused on graphic design, visual communication, and executive support within a government contractor environment, rather than traditional IT systems integration. The "Systems Integrator" part of the title may refer to integrating visual communication strategies into existing organizational systems or processes. The role is highly specialized in visual communication for executive audiences.

πŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Design and produce high-quality visual materials, including placemats, PowerPoint presentations, and infographics, tailored for executive audiences and to communicate senior leadership objectives.

  • Develop and implement comprehensive brand strategies to support enduring internal communication campaigns, ensuring brand consistency and message clarity.

  • Collaborate effectively with various organizational components to identify, understand, and visually represent complex concepts for diverse stakeholders.

  • Create a wide spectrum of graphic design products, maintaining a high standard of quality and aesthetic appeal that aligns with executive communication needs.

  • Manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks effectively to meet competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

  • Represent the Front Office professionally in all interactions, fostering strong working relationships with internal partners and stakeholders.

  • Apply sound judgment and professionalism in all communications, ensuring clarity and accuracy in visual and written content.

  • Adapt to changing mission requirements and support a dynamic office environment, demonstrating flexibility and resilience.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for not just creative design skills, but also strong project management, stakeholder management, and the ability to work within a secure government contracting environment, which often involves strict protocols and clearance requirements.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Graphic Design, Communications, Visual Arts) is required.

  • Advanced degrees (Master's or PhD) are also considered and may influence the experience requirements. Experience:

  • A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience is required.

  • This includes at least 3 years of experience specifically working with the Customer (referring to the government agency or client).

  • Demonstrated experience providing C-suite-level and/or executive support is essential. Required Skills:

  • Graphic Design Expertise: Proficiency in creating high-impact visual assets, including presentations, infographics, and branding materials.

  • Presentation Software Proficiency: Advanced skills in Microsoft PowerPoint for creating executive-level presentations.

  • Brand Strategy Development: Ability to devise and implement brand strategies for internal communication campaigns.

  • Communication & Collaboration: Excellent organizational, planning, written, and oral communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

  • Project Management: Strong time management and project management skills, including planning, tracking, and reporting, to manage multiple competing priorities and deadlines.

  • Problem-Solving: Critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills applicable to distilling complex information and improving processes.

  • Executive Support Acumen: Proven experience supporting senior leadership, understanding their communication needs and preferences.

  • Security Clearance: Must possess and be able to maintain a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance with a Polygraph.

Preferred Skills:

  • Visual Storytelling: Ability to translate complex or technical narratives into easily understandable graphics and visual stories.

  • Customer Domain Knowledge: Prior experience within the customer's domain, including enterprise IT and/or mission support, is highly desirable.

  • Process Improvement Acumen: Ability to apply critical thinking to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions and approaches to problems.

  • Familiarity with Specific Tools: Experience with customer-specific access management, travel, and action planning tools.

  • Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a dynamic, challenging, and fast-paced environment.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph is a significant gatekeeper for this role, indicating it operates within a highly sensitive government intelligence or defense sector. The experience requirements are structured with specific years tied to degree levels (BS 10-12, MS 8-10, PhD 5-7), suggesting a tiered approach to evaluating candidates based on their educational attainment and cumulative experience.

πŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Visual Communication Case Studies: Showcase examples of complex information (technical, strategic, organizational) effectively translated into compelling visual formats (presentations, infographics, reports).

  • Executive-Level Presentation Examples: Demonstrate proficiency in designing high-impact PowerPoint presentations for C-suite or senior leadership audiences.

  • Brand Strategy Integration: Include examples of how visual elements were integrated into internal communication campaigns to reinforce messaging and brand identity.

  • Process Improvement Documentation: If applicable, present instances where design solutions contributed to improved understanding, efficiency, or adoption of organizational processes or initiatives.

Process Documentation:

  • Workflow Design & Optimization: Highlight any experience in designing or optimizing visual communication workflows to improve efficiency and output quality.

  • System Implementation Standards: Showcase how graphic design assets were integrated with specific communication platforms or systems within an organization.

  • Measurement & Performance Analysis: While direct metrics may be difficult for design, demonstrate how the impact of visual communications was assessed or understood (e.g., feedback, engagement, clarity achieved).

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is paramount. It should not just display aesthetic talent but also strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to tailor designs to specific audiences and objectives, particularly for executive-level communication within a government context.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

  • Projected Range: $138,295.88 - $240,469.70 per year.

  • Methodology: This range is based on the provided "Min" and "Max" values, reflecting the company's stated projected compensation. It accounts for the high level of experience (10+ years), advanced degree potential, specific security clearance requirements (TS/SCI with Polygraph), and the strategic importance of the role within a government contracting environment. The wide range allows for significant differentiation based on experience, education, specific customer experience, and the nature of the contract.

Benefits:

  • Health Insurance

  • Life Insurance

  • Paid Time Off (PTO)

  • Holiday Pay

  • Short-Term Disability

  • Long-Term Disability

  • Retirement and Savings Plan (e.g., 401(k))

  • Learning and Development Opportunities

  • Wellness Programs

  • Other optional benefit elections Working Hours:

  • Standard full-time hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week.

  • The role supports a "fast-paced office and adapt to changing mission requirements," suggesting potential for demanding periods and the need for flexibility.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The salary range is substantial, reflecting the high-level security clearance, extensive experience, and specialized skills required. The benefits package is comprehensive, typical for a large government contractor, and caters to employee well-being and long-term financial security.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: Government Contracting / Aerospace & Defense / Information Technology Services. Arcfield operates in sectors that require high security, technical expertise, and reliable support for government missions.

Company Size: Arcfield is a significant player in the government contracting space. While not explicitly stated in the input, companies of this nature typically range from several thousand to tens of thousands of employees, implying a robust organizational structure and resources.

Founded: Arcfield was formed from the merger of Qbase and Information Systems Solutions (ISS) in 2023, building on decades of heritage from its predecessor companies. This suggests a blend of established practices and a forward-looking approach.

Team Structure:

  • Front Office Communications Team: The role is embedded within this team, which directly supports Principals and the Executive Director. This implies close proximity to high-level decision-makers and a focus on strategic messaging.

  • Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a manager within the Front Office Communications Team, with direct interaction and accountability to senior leadership.

  • Cross-functional Collaboration: The role necessitates collaboration with various components within the organization to gather information and distill complex concepts into visuals. This requires strong interpersonal and networking skills.

Methodology:

  • Data-Driven Visuals: Emphasis on using data and complex information to create clear, impactful graphics.

  • Strategic Communication: Focus on aligning visual content with executive objectives and internal communication campaigns.

  • Agile Support: Ability to adapt to changing mission requirements and support a fast-paced office environment.

Company Website: https://careers.arcfield.com

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The company's background as a government contractor is crucial. This means operations within Arcfield are likely characterized by a strong emphasis on security, compliance, process discipline, and supporting national security missions. The culture often values professionalism, discretion, and a commitment to client objectives.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level specialist role, akin to a Senior Graphic Designer or Communications Specialist with a strong executive support component. It's not a traditional "operations" role in the sense of optimizing business processes, but rather a critical operational support function for executive communications.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into a Front Office Communications Team, indicating a direct line of support to executive leadership. This provides high visibility and proximity to decision-making.

Operations Impact: The impact is significant in shaping perceptions, clarifying strategic objectives, and facilitating understanding of complex initiatives among executive teams and the broader workforce. Effective visual communication is key to successful internal alignment and mission execution.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Specialization: Deepen expertise in executive communications, brand strategy for government contexts, or visual information design.

  • Leadership: Potential to lead design projects, mentor junior designers, or manage communication initiatives.

  • Cross-Functional Roles: Transition into broader communications, strategic planning, or program management roles within government contracting.

  • Learning & Development: Access to training and development programs offered by Arcfield, potentially including advanced design software, communication strategies, or project management certifications.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: While not a typical "Revenue Operations" or "Sales Operations" role, this position offers significant career progression within the specialized field of executive communications and visual strategy, particularly within the high-demand government contracting sector. The growth path emphasizes deepening expertise and potentially moving into leadership or broader strategic roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site position located in McLean, Virginia. This suggests a professional office setting within a government contractor's facility.

Office Location(s): McLean, Virginia, with specific mention of "NSBU" (likely a facility designation). This area is a hub for government contractors and federal agencies.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Environment: The role involves working closely with the Front Office Communications Team and other organizational components, requiring strong interpersonal and collaborative skills.

  • Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard graphic design software (Adobe Creative Suite, etc.) and presentation tools (Microsoft PowerPoint) will be essential. The environment will likely be secure and equipped for handling sensitive information.

  • Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with senior leadership and diverse internal teams, providing valuable exposure and networking potential.

Work Schedule:

  • Standard full-time (40 hours/week) is the baseline.

  • The nature of supporting a "fast-paced office and adapt to changing mission requirements" suggests that occasional extended hours or flexibility may be necessary to meet critical deadlines or support urgent executive needs.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in McLean, VA, is critical. This location is a prime area for defense and intelligence contractors, often requiring candidates to be physically present due to security protocols and the collaborative nature of the work.

πŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: HR or recruiter review to confirm basic qualifications, including clearance status and experience.

  • Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with Christina Barnes (Hiring Manager) to assess fit, experience, and understanding of the role's demands.

  • Technical/Portfolio Review: A critical step likely involving presenting a portfolio of design work. This will assess design skills, strategic thinking, and ability to communicate complex ideas visually. Expect to discuss specific projects, your role, and the impact of your work.

  • Team/Peer Interview: Potential interviews with other members of the Front Office Communications Team or stakeholders to evaluate collaboration style and cultural fit.

  • Final Interview: Possibly with a senior leader to confirm overall suitability and alignment with organizational goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate the required skills: executive presentations, infographic design, brand strategy application, and complex concept visualization.

  • Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the objective, your specific contribution, the challenges faced, the design process, the tools used, and the measurable outcome or impact (even if qualitative, like improved clarity or positive feedback).

  • Highlight Executive Focus: Emphasize projects that were created for senior leadership or C-suite audiences, showcasing your understanding of their communication needs.

  • Showcase Process: Be prepared to discuss your design thinking, how you approach a brief, how you collaborate, and how you handle feedback.

  • Technical Proficiency: Be ready to speak about the software and techniques you used.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Design Challenge: Be prepared for a potential design exercise. This could involve taking a complex piece of information (e.g., a dense report excerpt, a strategic outline) and creating a visual summary or presentation slide. Focus on clarity, impact, and adherence to any given constraints.

  • Situational Questions: Anticipate questions about how you would handle competing deadlines, manage difficult stakeholders, or translate highly technical information into accessible graphics.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is non-negotiable for this role. Candidates should meticulously prepare examples that directly map to the responsibilities and qualifications, particularly showcasing experience with executive-level communication and complex information synthesis.

πŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for graphic design work. Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is expected.

  • Microsoft PowerPoint: Advanced proficiency is critical for creating executive-level presentations, including custom graphics, animations, and data visualization.

  • Microsoft Office Suite: General proficiency with Word, Excel, and Outlook for documentation, data handling, and communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • While not a primary analytics role, understanding how to visualize data effectively in presentations (e.g., charts, graphs in Excel or PowerPoint) is key. CRM & Automation:

  • Not directly applicable to this role's core function, but familiarity with internal communication platforms or content management systems might be beneficial.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements revolve around design and presentation software. The emphasis is on creating polished, professional outputs for executive consumption, rather than data analysis or system management.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Excellence & Precision: A commitment to delivering high-quality, polished visual products that meet exacting standards.

  • Discretion & Professionalism: Upholding confidentiality and maintaining a professional demeanor when interacting with senior leadership and handling sensitive information.

  • Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively within the Front Office Communications Team and with various organizational components to achieve shared goals.

  • Adaptability & Resilience: Thriving in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with evolving mission requirements.

  • Integrity: Adhering to ethical standards and company policies, especially within a government contracting context.

Collaboration Style:

  • Proactive & Responsive: Engaging actively with stakeholders to understand their needs and delivering timely, high-quality work.

  • Solution-Oriented: Focusing on providing creative and effective visual solutions to communication challenges.

  • Client-Focused: Representing the Front Office professionally and ensuring client satisfaction with design outputs.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The culture is likely to be professional, mission-oriented, and demanding, typical of a government contractor supporting critical functions. Values such as integrity, discretion, and a strong work ethic are paramount.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Translating Complexity: The primary challenge is distilling highly technical, complex, or abstract information into clear, concise, and visually appealing graphics for diverse audiences, especially executives.

  • Fast-Paced Environment: Supporting a "Front Office" and adapting to "changing mission requirements" means dealing with urgent requests, shifting priorities, and tight deadlines.

  • Maintaining Security: Working within a TS/SCI environment requires strict adherence to security protocols and procedures in all aspects of work.

  • Stakeholder Management: Balancing the needs and expectations of multiple senior stakeholders, each with potentially different priorities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to learn and apply cutting-edge graphic design trends and software features.

  • Executive Communications Mastery: Gaining deep insights into executive communication strategies and best practices within a government context.

  • Cross-Functional Exposure: Working closely with various departments provides exposure to different facets of government operations and mission support.

  • Security & Compliance Training: Continuous learning related to security protocols and compliance within a classified environment.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the high-stakes nature of the role – requiring both creative skill and operational discipline under pressure, within a secure environment. Growth is focused on deepening specialized expertise and navigating the unique demands of government contracting.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you had to translate highly technical information into a simple, compelling visual for an executive audience. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, clarity, and impact.)

  • "How would you approach developing a brand strategy for an internal communications campaign aimed at increasing employee engagement?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking and understanding of branding principles.)

  • "Imagine you have three urgent design requests from different senior leaders with competing deadlines. How would you prioritize and manage these requests?" (Assess project management, prioritization, and communication skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What do you know about Arcfield and its mission in the government contracting space?" (Show research and alignment with the company's purpose.)

  • "How do you ensure professionalism and discretion when supporting C-suite executives?" (Highlight understanding of executive support etiquette and confidentiality.)

  • "Describe your experience working in a secure government environment. What are the key considerations for you?" (Assess awareness of security protocols and compliance.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Tell a Story: For each project, frame it as a narrative: the problem, your solution, the execution, and the results.

  • Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics or specific feedback to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs. If not quantifiable, describe the qualitative impact (e.g., improved clarity, stakeholder satisfaction).

  • Focus on Relevance: Tailor your presentation to highlight projects that most closely align with the job description's requirements, especially executive-level work and complex information synthesis.

  • Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Discuss your software proficiency and design choices.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily emphasize the candidate's ability to demonstrate strategic thinking, problem-solving through design, and experience with executive-level support and secure environments. The portfolio is the primary tool for showcasing these capabilities.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this Systems Integrator: Graphic Designer position:

  • Submit your application through the Arcfield careers portal using the provided URL.

  • Portfolio Customization: Prepare a digital portfolio that specifically showcases projects relevant to executive communications, infographic design, and brand strategy. Prioritize examples that demonstrate the ability to simplify complex information for senior audiences.

  • Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your years of experience, specific experience with executive support, proficiency in design and presentation software, and, crucially, your TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph status. Use keywords from the job description.

  • Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approach, and experience with high-stakes projects. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail and answer situational questions related to managing priorities and supporting senior leadership.

  • Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Arcfield's mission, values, and recent news. Understand the nature of government contracting and the importance of security and discretion in this role.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

Candidates must possess a TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph and a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience. A bachelor's degree in a related field is required, along with demonstrated experience providing executive-level support.