Graphic Designer

$49,400 - $89,300/Yr

Leidos - McLean, VA

Full-time

McLean, VA

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Communications Specialist role at Leidos involves creating various deliverables, including graphics, illustrations, and digital media, to support marketing and communications for intelligent transportation systems and automated vehicle technologies. This position is based at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center's Saxton Transportation Operations Laboratory in McLean, Virginia, and requires collaboration with professionals across multiple disciplines to advance research and promote cutting-edge advancements in transportation.

Responsibilities

• Create branding, digital content, illustrations, and data visualizations for technical reports, presentations, social media, and websites.
• Maintain, update, and ensure adherence to established brand guidelines, ensuring consistency across all design and communication materials.
• Ensure graphical components comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, staying updated with accessibility standards and best practices.
• Collaborate with web developers to oversee and update digital content while applying responsive design principles.
• Identify and implement improved design processes and methodologies to enhance the effectiveness of graphical communications and stakeholder engagement.
• Build and maintain trust with FHWA, ITS JPO, and HASS COE teams through clear communication, regular check-ins, and follow-through on commitments.
• Stay informed on industry trends, mentor junior designers, and lead design review sessions to maintain high-quality standards.
• Manage larger design projects, ensuring timely and budget-compliant completion.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in computer graphics, animation, communications, or a related discipline with 2+ years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree with less than 2 years of experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a public trust security clearance (which includes three years of immediate residency in the US).
• Must have a digital portfolio demonstrating creative execution of recent work.
• Excellence in graphic design, data visualization, illustration, and layout design, and brand development.
• Strong understanding of design principles, including color theory, typography, and layout design.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint) and Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Lightroom).
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, adapt to changing priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality design.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and clients.
• Valid driver's license and ability to pass a DMV background check.

Nice-to-haves

• Advanced understanding or experience in the transportation industry, engineering, automated vehicle technologies, Cooperative Driving Automation, intelligent transportation systems, or emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
• Experience as a Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act subject matter expert, ensuring content is compliant as it relates to accessible documents and electronic media.
• Knowledge of web design and development.