Senior Graphic Designer

Guidehouse • Arlington, VA

10d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an exceptionally creative, strategic, and collaborative Senior Graphic Designer to join our team onsite. This role goes beyond standard design work; you will serve as a creative partner and consultant to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA) program managers, military leadership, academic researchers, and commercial partners. While our team has access to state-of-the-art onsite production equipment (such as 3D printers, laser engravers, and high-speed production presses), this position will focus heavily on Graphic Services. You will lead the design of program branding, visual storytelling, digital media, and print layouts, while providing creative guidance to junior design staff.

Requirements

• Must be able to OBTAIN and MAINTAIN a Federal or DoD "SECRET" security clearance; candidates must obtain approved adjudication of clearance prior to onboarding with Guidehouse. Candidates with an ACTIVE "SECRET" or higher-level clearance are preferred.
• High school diploma/GED
• TEN (10) or more years' experience in graphic design.
• Experience needs to include: A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating exceptional talent in visual layout, typography, branding, infographics, and responsive digital design.
• Expert-level proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
• Practical, hands-on familiarity with federal accessibility standards (Section 508 compliance guidelines) for digital and PDF assets.
• Outstanding active listening, questioning, and consulting skills.
• Ability to translate highly complex, technical, or scientific concepts into clear, impactful visual narratives.
• Proven experience collaborating directly with web developers and interactive media teams.
• Ability to work 100% onsite at DARPA’s headquarters in Arlington, VA

Nice To Haves

• An ACTIVE and MAINTAINED "SECRET" Federal or DoD security clearance
• Bachelor's degree
• Experience with Adobe After Effects or Premiere Pro.
• Familiarity with 3D modeling or preparing assets for high-resolution 3D printing.
• Basic knowledge of digital photography, studio lighting, or photo editing workflows.
• Familiarity with video production, podcast recording, or live streaming.

Responsibilities

• Client Consultation & Creative Partnering: Meet with diverse clients (including military officers, academic researchers, and commercial industry partners) to understand their scientific or technological concepts. Ask insightful questions to uncover who their target audience is and what key message they need to convey.
• Strategic Brand Stewardship: Guide clients on how to develop visual identities that align with their specific program goals while strictly maintaining DARPA's institutional brand, reputation, and overarching mission.
• Graphic Development: Conceptualize and build graphics optimized for successful rendering across both print and digital mediums, including high-profile screen presentations, websites, social media, brochures, and large-scale event signage.
• Web Team Collaboration: Collaborate seamlessly with the web development team to ensure graphics are optimized for responsive digital environments, translating beautifully from full-screen desktop browsers to mobile interfaces.
• Mentorship and Creative Direction: Provide constructive feedback, creative guidance, and professional direction to junior designers on the team to elevate their work and support their skill development.
• Accessibility Standards: Ensure all digital design outputs conform to Section 508 compliance guidelines, making visual communications accessible to all audiences.
• Full-Lifecycle Collaboration: Engage with projects from initial intake through final proofing, managing realistic timelines (ranging from rapid-response requests to multi-week branding campaigns).

Benefits

• Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays
• Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus
• Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Basic Life & Supplemental Life
• Health Savings Account, Dental/Vision & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Student Loan PayDown
• Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities
• Skills Development & Certifications
• Employee Referral Program
• Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach
• Emergency Back-Up Childcare Program
• Mobility Stipend

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: High school or GED