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Defense Illustrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Neros Technologies

Concept Artist

Torrance, CA · On-site

$103K - $144K/yr

Experience working in defense, aerospace, robotics, frontier technology or hardware development is preferred * Experience illustrating for physical events, print, and team wear * Experience with ...

Karman Space & Defense

Drafter

Mukilteo, WA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical ... Supports proposals and presentations with CAD models and illustrations. * Generates Bills of ...

Agile Defense

Graphic Designer

Washington, DC · On-site

$90K - $95K/yr

Adobe Creative Cloud Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat Professional). * Proficiency ... Equal Opportunity Employer Agile Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Veterans and individuals ...

GDR Defense

Graphic Designer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

... Defense Health Agency, and Department of Defense brand and communication standards. Key ... Advanced proficiency with Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. * Knowledge of print ...

Agile Defense

Graphic Designer

Washington, DC

$90K - $95K/yr

About Agile Defense At Agile Defense we know that action defines the outcome and new challenges ... Advancedexpertisein Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and Microsoft ...

SEACORP

Graphic Designer I, II, III, IV

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Create and revise 2D and 3D content using Rapid Illustrator in support of defense docs (IETMs, manuals, training manuals). * Advise technical writers and illustrators on appropriate graphic type ...

Karman Space & Defense

Senior Design Engineer

Decatur, AL · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical ... models and illustrations. * Generates bills of materials and complete drafting packages for ...

Long Wave, Inc.

Graphic Artist

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

$117K - $140K/yr

Long Wave Inc. is seeking a Graphic Artist to develop, modify, and maintain technical illustrations and graphical content supporting Department of Defense (DoD) technical publications. The Graphic ...

Long Wave Inc.

Graphic Artist

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

$117K - $140K/yr

Long Wave Inc. is seeking a Graphic Artist to develop, modify, and maintain technical illustrations and graphical content supporting Department of Defense (DoD) technical publications. The Graphic ...

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Defense Illustrator information

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$32.5K

$59.3K

$96K

How much do defense illustrator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense illustrator in the United States is $59,345.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $68,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a defense illustrator?

Defense Illustrators are specialized professionals who create visual representations for military and defense-related projects. They produce technical drawings, diagrams, schematics, and visual aids to support the design, analysis, and communication of defense systems and equipment. Their work is essential for conveying complex technical information to engineers, military personnel, and decision-makers. Defense Illustrators often use advanced software tools to create accurate and detailed illustrations that comply with strict security and confidentiality requirements.

How does a defense illustrator typically collaborate with engineers and analysts on defense projects?

Defense Illustrators work closely with engineers and analysts to translate complex technical concepts into clear, accurate visual representations such as diagrams, schematics, and technical manuals. Collaboration usually involves participating in project meetings, reviewing technical specifications, and iterating on drafts based on team feedback. Effective communication and attention to detail are essential, as illustrators must ensure accuracy and compliance with industry standards. This teamwork not only helps streamline project workflows but also ensures that critical information is conveyed accurately to end-users, such as military personnel or contractors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a defense illustrator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Defense Illustrator, you need strong artistic skills, attention to detail, and a background in technical drawing or graphic design, often supported by a relevant degree or military experience. Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite, CAD programs, and familiarity with secure file handling is typically required. Excellent communication, adaptability, and the ability to work under tight deadlines are valuable soft skills. These abilities ensure accurate, secure, and effective visual communication of complex defense concepts and equipment.

What is the difference between Defense Illustrator vs Defense Graphic Designer?

AspectDefense IllustratorDefense Graphic Designer
Required CredentialsTypically a degree in illustration, fine arts, or related field; proficiency in digital illustration toolsSimilar credentials; often a degree in graphic design or visual arts; strong portfolio required
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, defense contractors, military projectsGovernment agencies, defense contractors, military communication teams
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily used for detailed technical illustrations, concept art, and visualizations in defenseUsed for branding, informational graphics, and visual communication in defense contexts

Defense Illustrators focus on creating detailed technical and conceptual artwork for military and defense projects, often requiring specialized illustration skills. Defense Graphic Designers handle visual communication, branding, and informational graphics within defense organizations. While both roles require similar credentials and work environments, their primary focus and output differ, with illustrators emphasizing detailed artwork and designers focusing on visual communication and branding.

What are popular job titles related to Defense Illustrator jobs?

For Defense Illustrator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Defense Illustrator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,345 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Concept Artist

Torrance, CA • On-site

Neros Technologies
See more jobs at Neros Technologiesexternal

$103K - $144K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Who we are
Neros is a defense technology company rebuilding America's drone industrial base. We design and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are tested in combat, iterated at startup speed, and built at massive scale. Our team culture is fast, hands-on, and obsessed with closing the gap between design and deployment.
As drones transform the character of warfare, Neros is delivering the systems America and its allies needs to compete on the modern battlefield and deter future conflicts, or else win them. We're building a lean Marketing organization of creatives and operators who want to move fast, take extreme ownership, build a brand from the ground up, and tell the Neros story.
What you will be doing
We're looking for aConcept Artist to lead the visual imagination of the company - you'll own the art direction, concepting, and illustration of how our systems are deployed, and build creative that resonates across military end users, government procurement, and the public at large.
You'll define our illustration styles spanning marketing, technical guides, and concept of operations presentations. You'll get deeply immersed in our current and future products, as well as the battlefield realities that American and allied warfighters encounter.
This role straddles visual development, art direction, technical illustration, and storytelling.
Responsibilities
  • Own 2D and 3D art direction for product concepts and illustrations spanning our Marketing channels, customer presentations, and technical guides
  • Define how Neros visually depicts current and future product capabilities, as well as the warfighter scenarios where they're employed
  • Define our concept of operations illustration style, rendering how our systems are employed across mission profiles, operational scenarios, deployment sequences, and battlefield constraints
  • Evolve our visual design language across illustration surfaces: cutaways, callouts, sequences, diagrams, TTP, hero illustrations, etc
  • Translate technically complex product specs and features into intuitive visuals
  • Work collaboratively with brand marketing to art direct and execute artworks for customer-facing content like social media, motion graphics, merchandising and large scale trade shows and events
  • Manage multiple concurrent concept projects of varying scope and complexity

You should have the following
  • 5+ years as concept artist in games, film or entertainment
  • Expert knowledge in 2D illustration and conceptual storytelling with 3D tooling experience like ZBrush, Blender, Rhino, Unreal Engine or Keyshot
  • Enthusiasm to join a low-structure, high velocity startup where you'll lean on your judgment and creative instincts more than pre-defined process
  • Demonstrated experience in executing 2D concept design, storyboarding and visual storytelling
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • High attention to detail and ability to document work processes and establish systems
  • A portfolio showcasing a range of design styles in 2D and 3D. Projects that clearly delineates where you were sole creative owner versus shared responsibility, and what specific deliverables you owned in group efforts

Nice to have
  • Experience working in defense, aerospace, robotics, frontier technology or hardware development is preferred
  • Experience illustrating for physical events, print, and team wear
  • Experience with technical visualization specifically for defense tech or military hardware
  • Experience working cross functionally with other teams like marketing or brand design
  • 3D modeling or technical animation experience

US Salary Range
$103,500 - $144,500 USD
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are considered part of Neros' total compensation package.
We're an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all applicants without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

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