Cleared Graphic Designer/Artist

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 58,700 - 146,300; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, MD is looking for a Cleared Graphic Designer/Artist to join the Multimedia Design Group. You will collaborate with scientists, engineers, and mission-focused teams to translate complex ideas into clear visual communications for classified programs.

The role demands a strong portfolio, a bachelor’s degree (or 4 years of equivalent experience), exceptional organization, and mastery of PowerPoint and Adobe Creative Cloud.

Qualifications

• Portfolio demonstrates strong visual design skills across multiple media.
• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Illustration, Communications or related field, or 4 years of equivalent experience.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail while juggling multiple priorities.
• Strong communication, sound judgment and ability to navigate complex situations.
• Proficiency in PowerPoint and Adobe Creative Cloud applications.
• Hold a current Top Secret security clearance and U.S. citizenship.
• Willingness to learn emerging tools and workflows.

Responsibilities

• Join a multidisciplinary team of designers, illustrators, animators, video producers and others.
• Collaborate with staff across levels to develop presentations and communication products with accuracy and clarity.
• Create impactful visual communications that support mission-driven objectives.
• Deliver high-quality creative products while managing schedules and deadlines.
• Balance multiple projects within design requirements and budgets.
• Apply and uphold brand standards while exploring modern design approaches.
• Perform advanced image editing, retouching and asset manipulation.
• Guide design thinking and visual storytelling for non-creative teams.

Skills

Portfolio visuals

Strong communication

Self-motivated collaborator

Attention to detail

Navigate complex situations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design/Illustration/Communications or related field

4 years of equivalent professional experience

Tools

Microsoft PowerPoint

Adobe Creative Cloud

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.

Position Overview

The 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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.
• Be a self‑motivated collaborator with strong communication skills, sound judgment and the ability to navigate complex situations, build consensus and make timely decisions.
• Be proficient in Microsoft PowerPoint and Adobe Creative Cloud applications.
• Hold a current Top Secret security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information, including U.S. citizenship.
• Demonstrate curiosity, adaptability and a willingness to learn emerging tools, technologies and workflows.

Preferred Additional Experience

• 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

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].

Compensation

Minimum Rate: $58,700 Annually
Maximum Rate: $146,300 Annually