Graphic Design & Technical Communications Intern
STR is seeking a creative, detail-oriented Graphic Design & Technical Communications Intern to support the development of compelling visual communications for complex engineering and technical projects. This role is ideal for a student who enjoys combining graphic design with analytical thinking and has an interest in learning about advanced technologies.
The primary focus of this position will be creating and refining technical presentations, particularly in Microsoft PowerPoint, to help engineers and researchers communicate sophisticated concepts clearly and effectively. The ideal candidate will be curious, collaborative, and comfortable working with technical subject matter experts to understand their work and translate complex information into accessible, visually engaging graphics and presentations.
Additional responsibilities will include supporting corporate branding efforts, maintaining visual consistency across presentation materials, and developing graphics for internal communications and signage.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Presentation Design
- Design, develop, and refine professional PowerPoint presentations for technical, engineering, research, and business audiences.
- Collaborate directly with engineers and researchers to understand complex technical concepts and translate them into clear, effective visual representations.
- Create custom diagrams, illustrations, infographics, and other visual elements that communicate technical information accurately and intuitively.
- Transform dense technical content, including text, data, and conceptual descriptions, into well-organized, visually compelling slides.
- Improve existing presentations for clarity, readability, visual consistency, and overall effectiveness.
- Ensure presentation materials adhere to STR's established visual identity and brand standards.
Graphic Design & Branding
- Develop graphics and visual assets for internal communications, signage, and other corporate branding initiatives.
- Support the creation and maintenance of branded templates and reusable design assets.
- Apply consistent typography, color palettes, layouts, and visual styles across materials.
- Assist in updating and refining presentation and document templates in Microsoft PowerPoint and Word.
- Prepare graphics and design files for both digital and print applications.
Collaboration & Communication
- Work closely with engineers, scientists, and technical staff to understand the purpose, context, and key messages of their work.
- Ask thoughtful questions and demonstrate a willingness to learn unfamiliar technical concepts.
- Present design ideas, incorporate feedback, and iteratively refine visual materials.
- Balance technical accuracy with visual clarity, ensuring designs enhance rather than oversimplify the underlying information.
- Manage multiple assignments and meet project deadlines in a collaborative environment.
Required Qualifications
- Currently pursuing a degree in Graphic Design or a related field.
- Must be a U.S. citizen due to the nature of STR's work and applicable regulations.
- Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint including slide layouts, visual composition, charts, shapes, and presentation formatting.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and document formatting.
- Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
- Strong visual communication skills, including typography, layout, information hierarchy, and composition.
- Demonstrated ability to organize complex information and communicate visually.
- Intellectual curiosity and a willingness to engage with unfamiliar engineering, scientific, or technical subject matter.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to collaborate with people who may not have a design background.
- Attention to detail and an ability to apply brand standards consistently.
- A portfolio that demonstrates graphic design, presentation design, information visualization, or related work.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience developing or modifying PowerPoint templates, Slide Masters, custom layouts, and themes.
- Experience creating or maintaining Microsoft Word templates, including styles, themes, headers, footers, and document formatting standards.
- Experience designing presentations for professional, academic, or research audiences.
- Understanding of corporate brand identity systems and visual style guidelines.
Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will be more than a traditional graphic designer. They will be a visual problem-solver who enjoys understanding how things work.
They do not need to arrive with an engineering background, but they should be excited by the opportunity to learn from engineers and scientists, ask questions, and find creative ways to explain complicated ideas. They should be equally comfortable designing a polished technical presentation, building a clear systems diagram, and applying consistent branding to corporate materials.
Above all, we are looking for someone who recognizes that effective technical design is not simply about making information look attractive – it is about making complex ideas easier to understand without sacrificing technical accuracy.
What You'll Gain
- Hands-on experience communicating advanced engineering and scientific concepts through visual design.
- Opportunities to collaborate directly with engineers, scientists, and technical professionals.
- Experience developing presentation materials for technical and professional audiences.
- Practical exposure to corporate branding, presentation standards, and document template development.
- Portfolio-worthy experience in technical communication, information design, and visual storytelling.
Perks:
- Competitive pay
- Free housing for interns at our Massachusetts site, or bonuses at other sites
- Flexible working hours
- Fun summer activities both in and outside the office
Pay Information
Hourly Range: $25.20-$54.00/hour
The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.
STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, Carlsbad, CA, Atlanta, GA, and Denver, CO. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.
STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.
STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at www.str.us for more info.
STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at [email protected] and provide your contact info.
Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.
Skills Required
- Currently pursuing a degree in Graphic Design or a related field
- U.S. citizenship
- Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, including slide layouts, visual composition, charts, shapes, and presentation formatting
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and document formatting
- Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign
- Strong visual communication skills, including typography, layout, information hierarchy, and composition
- Ability to organize complex information and communicate visually
- Intellectual curiosity and willingness to engage with unfamiliar engineering, scientific, or technical subject matter
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Attention to detail and ability to apply brand standards consistently
- Portfolio demonstrating graphic design, presentation design, information visualization, or related work
- Experience developing or modifying PowerPoint templates, Slide Masters, custom layouts, and themes
- Experience creating or maintaining Microsoft Word templates, including styles, themes, headers, footers, and formatting standards
- Experience designing presentations for professional, academic, or research audiences
- Understanding of corporate brand identity systems and visual style guidelines
What the Team is Saying
STR Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Retirement Support — Retirement support is considered a standout, with a 401(k) featuring a 4% company match plus an additional 6% profit sharing. These employer contributions materially enhance long-term savings before employees’ own deferrals.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage appears broad, including medical and dental plans with STR-paid vision insurance, HSA/HRA contributions, and an EAP covering mental, financial, and legal support. Pharmacy cost-sharing assistance and wellness programs further reinforce overall coverage.
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Parental & Family Support — Parental and family support is evident through paid parental leave for both birthing and non-birthing parents. Some listings also describe family-oriented provisions such as fertility benefits and flexible arrangements depending on role.
STR Insights
What We Do
STR makes the world a safer place by developing technology and applying it to solve emerging national security challenges.
Why Work With Us
We believe in a people-first culture. Yes, we are scientists, engineers, and researchers, but first, we are people. Our environment is designed to foster innovation by encouraging our employees to work collaboratively on things they are passionate about. We also really like to have fun. We believe that working hard and playing hard go hand in hand.
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Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
