Senior Graphic Designer

About the Role

This senior graphic designer position is based onsite at DARPA’s headquarters in Arlington, VA. The role involves serving as a creative partner and consultant to DARPA program managers, military leadership, academic researchers, and commercial partners. While the team has access to state‑of‑the‑art production equipment (3D printers, laser engravers, high‑speed presses), the focus is on graphic services, including program branding, visual storytelling, digital media, and print layouts. Travel up to 10% may be required, and the position requires the ability to obtain a Secret security clearance.

Key Responsibilities

• Meet with diverse clients—including military officers, academic researchers, and commercial industry partners—to understand scientific or technological concepts and target audiences.
• Guide clients in developing visual identities that align with program goals while maintaining DARPA’s institutional brand and mission.
• Conceptualize and produce graphics optimized for both print and digital mediums such as screen presentations, websites, social media, brochures, and large‑scale event signage.
• Collaborate with the web development team to ensure graphics are responsive and perform well across desktop and mobile interfaces.
• Provide mentorship, constructive feedback, and creative direction to junior designers.
• Ensure all digital design outputs comply with Section 508 accessibility standards.
• Engage in full‑lifecycle collaboration from project intake through final proofing, managing timelines ranging from rapid‑response requests to multi‑week branding campaigns.

Requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Federal or DoD Secret security clearance (candidates with an active Secret or higher clearance are preferred).
• High school diploma or GED.
• 10 + years of experience in graphic design.
• Comprehensive portfolio demonstrating expertise in visual layout, typography, branding, infographics, and responsive digital design.
• Expert‑level proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Practical, hands‑on familiarity with federal accessibility standards (Section 508) for digital and PDF assets.
• Strong active‑listening, questioning, and consulting skills; ability to translate complex technical or scientific concepts into clear visual narratives.
• Proven experience collaborating directly with web developers and interactive media teams.
• Willingness and ability to work 100 % onsite at DARPA’s headquarters in Arlington, VA.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active and maintained Secret (or higher) 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.
• Experience with video production, podcast recording, or live streaming.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance.
• Personal and family sick time plus company‑paid holidays.
• Eligibility for a discretionary variable incentive bonus.
• Parental leave and adoption assistance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Basic life and supplemental life insurance.
• Health Savings Account, dental/vision, and dependent‑care flexible spending accounts.
• Short‑term and long‑term disability coverage.
• Student loan pay‑down program.
• Tuition reimbursement, personal development, and learning opportunities.
• Skills development and certifications.
• Employee referral program.
• Corporate‑sponsored events and community outreach.
• Emergency back‑up childcare program.
• Mobility stipend.