Cleared Graphic Designer

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 59,000 - 146,000; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Cleared Graphic Designer/Artist to join the Multimedia Design Group in support of classified programs. You will collaborate with scientists, engineers, and leadership to develop high-impact multimedia products that communicate complex ideas clearly.

You will create executive-level presentations, motion graphics, branding, and visualizations while applying brand standards and exploring new tools and workflows.

Qualifications

• Portfolio demonstrating strong visual design skills across media.
• Possess a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Illustration, Communications, or have 4 years of equivalent professional experience.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with staff across all levels of a matrixed organization to develop compelling presentations and communication products with accuracy, clarity, and integrity.
• Create visual communications that simplify complex ideas and support mission-driven objectives.
• Deliver high-quality creative products while managing schedules, priorities, and deadlines.
• Balance multiple projects within established design requirements, timelines, and budget considerations.
• Apply and uphold brand standards while exploring modern design approaches, emerging tools, and innovative visual techniques.
• Perform advanced image editing and visual asset manipulation to support multimedia deliverables.
• Partner with non-creative teams to guide design thinking, visual storytelling, and concept development.

Skills

Portfolio

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Communication skills

PowerPoint

Adobe Creative Cloud

Security clearance (Secret)

Education

Bachelor's degree or 4 years equivalent in Graphic Design/Illustration/Communications

Tools

Maya

Blender

Job description

Description

Are you a creative problem-solver with a passion for design in all its forms?

Do you thrive at the intersection of creativity and technical innovation, collaborating with scientists, engineers, and mission-focused teams to bring complex ideas to life?

Are you driven to push the boundaries of visual communication, whether through research, emerging tools, evolving workflows, or mastering the latest plugins and technologies?

Do you believe powerful design can simplify complexity, tell compelling stories, and create real impact?

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

Our Communications Department is seeking a Cleared Graphic Designer/Artist to join our Multimedia Design Group in support of classified programs and initiatives. In this role, you will collaborate with technical staff, Laboratory leadership, sponsors, and strategic communications teams to create high-impact multimedia products that communicate complex ideas with clarity and precision.

Our team delivers a wide range of creative solutions, including executive-level presentations, motion graphics and short animations, scripted video content, branding and visual identity systems, staging and environmental design, conceptual and technical illustrations, and detailed OV-1 visualizations that support mission-critical work.

As a Cleared Graphic Designer/Artist you will...

• Join a multidisciplinary team of designers, illustrators, animators, video producers, and other creative professionals focused on delivering exceptional visual communication solutions.
• Collaborate with staff across all levels of a matrixed organization, partnering with technical experts, program teams, and leadership to develop compelling presentations and communication products with accuracy, clarity, and integrity.
• Create impactful visual communications that simplify complex ideas and support mission-driven objectives.
• Deliver high-quality creative products while managing schedules, priorities, and competing deadlines.
• Balance multiple projects simultaneously while working within established design requirements, timelines, and budget considerations.
• Apply and uphold brand standards while exploring modern design approaches, emerging tools, and innovative visual techniques.
• Perform advanced image editing, retouching, and visual asset manipulation to support a wide range of multimedia deliverables.
• Partner with non-creative teams to guide design thinking, visual storytelling, and concept development that elevates communication effectiveness.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Provide a portfolio that demonstrates strong visual design skills, creativity, and technical execution across a range of media.

• Possess a bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Illustration, Communications, or a related field, or have 4 years of equivalent professional experience.

• Demonstrate exceptional organizational skills and strong attention to detail while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Are a self-motivated collaborator with strong communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate complex situations, build consensus, and make timely decisions.

• Are proficient in Microsoft PowerPoint and Adobe Creative Cloud applications.

• Hold an active Secret security clearance. 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.

• Demonstrate curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to learn emerging tools, technologies, and workflows.

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Familiarity with U.S. military programs, Department of Defense sponsors and platforms, hypersonics, autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, or other advanced technical domains.

• Experience in 3D modeling/animation (Maya, Blender).

• Strong capabilities in data visualization, presentation design, sketching, illustration, photobashing, compositing, visual storytelling, or conceptual development.

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 https://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 [e-mail].

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

$58,700 Annually

Maximum Rate

$146,300 Annually