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Graphic Designer - Air and Missile Defense

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)
Laurel, MD Full Time
POSTED ON 9/21/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 9/12/2026
Description

Are you a strong advocate for visual problem-solving, in all its forms?

Are your happiest moments those when you collaborate with teams of scientists, engineers and technical staff who are achieving new heights through their special expertise and perspectives?

Do you enjoy researching design challenges or learning new tools to make the most effective solutions?

Are you interested in creating human-centered, mission-focused visual narratives?

Do you thrive in fast-paced, high-energy environments?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking an experienced Graphic Designer within our Multimedia Design Group to support our Air and Missile Defense Sector! You will provide technical staff, Lab leaders, public relations strategists and external clients with high-quality multimedia products, ranging from presentation design to storyboarding sessions, from creating graphic identifiers to staging design, and from conceptual to technical illustrations.

As a Graphic Designer for AMDS you will...
  • Join an interdisciplinary design section of hardworking designers, illustrators, animators, and other creatives.
  • Help us craft effective and impactful visual communications.
  • Ensure projects are completed with the highest quality and on schedule.
  • Respect branding guidelines while fearlessly exploring cutting edge design techniques.
  • Prioritize and manage multiple projects within design specifications and budget restrictions.
  • Perform retouching and manipulation of images, design/cleanup PowerPoint briefings, create unique images to support communication for AMDS.
  • Guide non-creative teams on design methodologies to help them build interesting and powerful concepts.
  • Collaborate on efforts with technical investigators and leaders across the Laboratory and external government-facing clients.
  • Work closely with senior leadership within the Air and Missile Defense Sector (AMDS)
  • Independently provide guidance and suggestions to team members on design intentions.
  • Properly and accurately gauge timelines required to complete the work.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • A bachelor's degree in graphic design, traditional art, communications, or related field, or equivalent years of experience.
  • 3 years of relevant experience to include demonstrated experience with design, illustration, animation, video, or communications.
  • Familiarity with the military, Department of Defense, and government communications.
  • Excellent organizational skills with high attention to detail.
  • Experience working closely with colleagues to ensure on schedule, seamless workflows, and the delivery of the highest quality products within a cross-functional communications organization.
  • A self-motivated visual storyteller with demonstrated ability to assess situations, collaborate across the organization, make timely decisions, and communicate these decisions clearly, to all levels of the organization.
  • Unquestionable integrity with exceptional communication skills.
  • A portfolio that expresses interest in a wide variety of design disciplines.
  • Have an aptitude for learning and applying new software as required.
  • Proficiency in working with the Adobe Creative Suite and other industry standard design software.
  • The ability to work on both Mac and Windows platforms.
  • Hold an active Top Secret level security clearance and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Knowledge and experience working with efforts involving the DoD platforms.
  • Experience in any of the following areas: AR/VR, 3D, audio, motion graphics, VFX and/or simulations.
  • Experience in UI/UX design and implementation.
  • Experience with data visualization.
  • Hold a TS/SCI clearance.

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.


Minimum Rate

$62,900 Annually

Maximum Rate

$180,300 Annually

Salary : $62,900 - $180,300

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