Cleared Graphic Designer​/Artist Security Clearance

Position: Cleared Graphic Designer/Artist with Security Clearance
Location: Laurel

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  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 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.
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…