Join our team and help shape the future of transportation! 

Leidos is hiring an experienced Communications Specialist based at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center's Saxton Transportation Operations Laboratory (STOL) in McLean, Virginia. This advanced research lab and smart garage enable groundbreaking research and testing that allow the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to validate and refine new transportation services and technologies developed by Leidos and our partners. 

About the Role: 

As a Graphic Designer, you will join a team dedicated to creating a variety of deliverables, including graphics, illustrations, layout solutions, and other print and digital media. Your work will support marketing, communications, and training activities that promote cutting-edge advancements in intelligent transportation systems and automated vehicle technologies. These initiatives support the USDOT and their Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office (ITS JPO), Highly Automated Systems Safety Center of Excellence (HASS COE) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

As an individual contributor, you will collaborate with professionals in Transportation, Engineering, Software Development, and Artificial Intelligence to produce marketing, communications, and branding products that advance research, shape the industry's future, and encourage adoption of intelligent transportation systems and automated vehicle technologies. 

Responsibilities Include: 

• Create branding, digital content, illustrations, and data visualizations for technical reports, presentations, social media, and websites, and other deliverables.
• 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.

Required Qualifications: 

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• 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. 

Original Posting Date:

2024-08-13

While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:

Pay Range $49,400.00 - $89,300.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.