Illustrator/Graphic Designer Job at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab in West La

Overview

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 Illustrator/Graphic Designer within our Multimedia Design Group to support our Naval Innovation Programs. 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 an Illustrator, you will join an interdisciplinary design team of thoughtful designers, illustrators, video producers, animators and other creative staff members, help craft effective visual communications, and manage multiple projects within design specifications and budget restrictions. You will collaborate with technical investigators and leaders across the Laboratory and external government-facing clients, work closely with the program’s art director to help define a product’s vision, and independently provide guidance on design intentions. You will gauge timelines, participate in visual and technical problem-solving, execute special design projects, create compelling design concepts and narratives, and create original concept art for futuristic technology. Travel approximately 20% of the time.

Minimum qualifications, responsibilities and expectations are described below.

Responsibilities

• Join an interdisciplinary design team of designers, illustrators, video producers, animators and other creative staff members.
• Help craft effective and impactful visual communications.
• Prioritize and manage multiple projects within design specifications and budget restrictions.
• Collaborate with technical investigators and leaders across the Laboratory and external government-facing clients.
• Work closely with the program’s art director to help define a product’s vision.
• Independently provide guidance and suggestions to team members on design intentions.
• Properly gauge timelines required to complete the work.
• Actively participate in visual and technical problem-solving.
• Execute special design projects, such as team logos for events and materials.
• Create compelling design concepts and narratives.
• Create original concept art for futuristic technology capabilities and environments.
• Travel approximately 20% of the time.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in design, communications or a related field, or equivalent years of experience.
• 5+ years of professional experience, including demonstrated expertise in graphic design and illustration.
• Strong fundamental illustration skills: composition, perspective, anatomy, draftsmanship and/or color theory.
• Proficiency with form, composition, distribution and detail to convey information effectively.
• Proficiency using Adobe products, with emphasis on drawing, digital painting and photo-bashing.
• Ability to storyboard and guide project teams through the process.
• Online portfolio with current, up-to-date work.
• Experience collaborating with staff at all levels of a matrixed organization; strong communication and integrity.
• Self-motivation and the ability to assess situations to make timely decisions and communicate clearly.
• Experience on both Mac and Windows platforms.
• Eligibility to obtain Interim Secret clearance by start date with potential for TS/SCI; U.S. citizenship required.

Preferred qualifications

• Knowledge and experience with DoD platforms.
• Experience in AR/VR, 3D, audio, motion graphics, VFX and/or simulations.
• UI/UX design experience.
• Data visualization experience.

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. We solve complex challenges, pioneer new technologies, and value a culture that supports growth, authenticity and collaboration.

We celebrate diverse perspectives, encourage creativity and bold ideas, and offer generous benefits including a robust education assistance program, strong retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to protected characteristics. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation during the hiring process; contact accommodations@jhuapl.edu if needed.

The referenced pay range is based on good faith belief at posting. Actual compensation may vary. For salaried employees, benefits include retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability and more. This posting may include bonuses or other compensation per internal policy. Additional compensation may include sign-on or relocation benefits.

Minimum Rate
$62,900 Annually

Maximum Rate
$180,300 Annually