Graphic Designer (UX)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer (UX)

Company: Sciolex Corporation

Location: Chantilly, Virginia, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience (UX) / User Interface (UI) Design, Graphic Design, Creative & Media

Date Posted: July 14, 2025

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop intuitive User Interfaces (UI) and engaging User Experiences (UX) for a variety of web and mobile applications, directly contributing to the usability and effectiveness of critical government systems.

• Create visually compelling graphics, icons, and other design assets that enhance user comprehension and align with established branding guidelines and industry best practices.

• Conduct thorough user research and iterative usability testing to gather actionable insights, ensuring design decisions are data-driven and user-centric.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with cross-functional teams, including developers, product managers, and subject matter experts, to translate complex project requirements into seamless design solutions.

• Develop comprehensive design documentation, including wireframes, interactive prototypes, and detailed mockups, to clearly articulate design concepts, functionality, and user flows to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a blend of creative design talent and a strategic understanding of user-centered design principles within a defense contracting environment. The emphasis on user research and collaboration suggests a significant impact on product development lifecycle.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop user interfaces (UI) and user experiences (UX) for web and mobile applications, focusing on intuitive navigation and efficient task completion for end-users.

• Create visually appealing graphics, icons, and other design elements that support various projects, ensuring consistency with Sciolex Corporation's brand identity.

• Conduct user research, including interviews, surveys, and persona development, and perform usability testing to gather insights and inform design decisions.

• Collaborate closely with developers, product managers, and other stakeholders to ensure designs align with technical feasibility, project requirements, and user needs.

• Develop wireframes, prototypes, and mockups using industry-standard tools to effectively communicate design concepts and functionality to technical and non-technical audiences.

• Ensure all designs adhere to branding guidelines, style guides, and industry best practices for UX/UI and graphic design.

• Stay current with emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in UX/UI design and graphic design to continuously improve design quality and innovation.

• Provide constructive feedback and guidance to other team members on design-related matters, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

• Maintain and update design documentation, including style guides, design specifications, and asset libraries, ensuring a single source of truth for design assets.

• Assist with other design-related tasks and special projects as needed, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to contribute across the design spectrum.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on design role with a strong emphasis on the entire UX/UI lifecycle, from research and conceptualization to final asset creation and documentation. The need to collaborate with developers and understand technical constraints is crucial.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, User Experience Design, Computer Science, or a closely related field.

• Alternative: An additional 4 years of relevant acquisition experience per level may substitute for a Bachelor's degree, indicating a preference for practical, demonstrable expertise.

Experience:

• Mid-level experience (2-5 years) as a UX/UI designer or graphic designer, with a strong portfolio showcasing relevant work.

Required Skills:

• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance with a Counter-Intelligence Polygraph: This is a critical, non-negotiable requirement for this role, indicating the sensitive nature of the projects.

• Proficiency in industry-standard design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD), Sketch, Figma, or similar platforms.

• Strong understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, enabling effective collaboration with developers and an appreciation for front-end implementation constraints.

• Proven ability to create visually appealing graphics, icons, and other design elements.

• Experience in developing wireframes, prototypes, and mockups to effectively communicate design concepts.

• Solid understanding of user research methodologies and usability testing principles.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with user research and usability testing methodologies.

• Familiarity with Agile methodologies and project management tools (e.g., Jira, Asana).

• Knowledge of accessibility standards and guidelines (e.g., WCAG).

• Experience in designing for government or defense-related projects.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen eye for detail.

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions clearly.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

• A commitment to quality and delivering high-fidelity design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The clearance requirement is paramount. The "Desired Qualifications" suggest that candidates with prior defense industry experience and familiarity with Agile/accessibility will have a significant advantage. The alternative to a degree emphasizes practical skills and experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a strong understanding of UX/UI design principles and graphic design execution.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the problem statement, your design process (including research and ideation), your role, the solutions implemented, and the measurable impact or outcomes.

• Examples of UI design for web and mobile applications, showcasing intuitive layouts and user flows.

• Visual design assets such as icons, logos, and branding elements that highlight aesthetic quality and brand consistency.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrations of how you gather user feedback and incorporate it into design iterations.

• Examples of how you collaborate with developers and product managers to ensure design feasibility and successful implementation.

• Documentation of your process for creating and maintaining style guides and design systems.

• Evidence of your approach to staying updated on design trends and incorporating new technologies or methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio is critical for validating design skills and process. The emphasis on defense projects means demonstrating an ability to design for complex, often technical, user bases is important. Quantifiable results in portfolio case studies will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Covering medical needs for employees and their families.

• Retirement Savings Plan (401k) with Company Match: Supporting long-term financial planning.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays: Including vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.

• Life Insurance and Disability Coverage: Providing financial security.

• Professional Development Opportunities: Including training, conferences, and certifications relevant to UX/UI and graphic design.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Offering confidential support for personal and work-related challenges.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, Sciolex Corporation emphasizes a positive work/life balance, suggesting a commitment to reasonable working hours and flexibility where possible within operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate. The Top Secret/SCI clearance significantly increases the earning potential for this role in the defense industry. Benefits are standard for a company of Sciolex Corporation's size and industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Defense Contractor, Government Services, Systems Engineering, Technical Support, Administrative Assistance. Sciolex Corporation operates within a sector that demands high levels of precision, security, and reliability, impacting the operational culture towards meticulousness and compliance.

Company Size: Over 1,000 employees, indicating a medium-to-large enterprise with established processes and a broad reach across the U.S.

Founded: 18 years ago, signifying a stable and experienced company with a proven track record.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer (UX) will likely be part of a larger engineering, IT, or product development team.

• Reporting structure is expected to be to a Design Lead, Project Manager, or a Department Manager overseeing technical services.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Emphasis on using user research and usability testing data to inform design decisions, ensuring a user-centric approach.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Designing intuitive workflows and user journeys that optimize efficiency and task completion for government users.

• Automation & Efficiency: While not directly an automation role, the design will support efficient user interaction, potentially reducing manual effort and improving system adoption.

Company Website: www.sciolex.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Sciolex Corporation's focus on defense contracting and government service suggests a culture that values integrity, mission focus, and technical excellence. The company's growth from a small SDBVOSB to over 1,000 employees indicates a successful and evolving organizational structure.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Designer (2-5 years of experience). It offers an opportunity to deepen expertise in UX/UI and graphic design within a specialized, high-security sector.

Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a manager or lead who oversees design or technical projects. This provides opportunities for mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals.

Operations Impact: The designer's work will directly impact the usability and effectiveness of critical applications used by government personnel. High-quality UX/UI design can enhance mission success, improve user productivity, and ensure the secure and efficient operation of government systems.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of UX/UI design, such as interaction design, visual design, or user research methodologies within the defense context.

• Leadership: Progress into Senior Designer, Lead UX Designer, or Design Team Lead roles, mentoring junior designers and managing design projects.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to learn new design tools, software, and methodologies, as well as gain deeper insights into government contracting and defense technologies.

• Cross-Functional Roles: Potential to move into related roles like Product Management, Technical Writing, or Project Management, leveraging design understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Top Secret/SCI clearance is a significant career asset that opens doors to many high-impact roles within the defense industry, beyond just design. Growth paths often involve taking on more complex projects and leadership responsibilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site role at Sciolex Corporation's Chantilly, VA location. This implies a traditional office setting conducive to in-person collaboration and adherence to security protocols.

Office Location(s): 4511 Singer Court, Chantilly, VA 20151. This location is in Northern Virginia, a hub for defense contractors and government agencies, offering potential for networking and industry engagement.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect to work closely with a team of designers, developers, and project managers, fostering an environment where ideas are shared and feedback is integral to the design process.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Sketch) and potentially project management and collaboration tools. Secure network access will be paramount.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, design critiques, and project sync-ups will be part of the daily routine, facilitating knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is expected. Given the defense contractor nature, adherence to project deadlines and potential for occasional extended hours during critical project phases may occur, balanced by the company's stated commitment to work/life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is driven by the need for a secure work environment due to the classified nature of the projects. The Chantilly location is strategically positioned for access to government clients and a strong talent pool.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, interest, and clearance status.

• Technical Interview: Discussion with hiring manager and/or senior designers to delve into UX/UI principles, design process, and problem-solving skills. This may include a portfolio review.

• Portfolio Review & Case Study Presentation: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, walking through 1-3 key projects, explaining their role, design decisions, and outcomes.

• On-site/Virtual Interview: Further discussion with team members, potentially including developers and project managers, to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and technical understanding.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership or VP.

• Offer & Background Check: Including verification of clearance and references.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Storytelling: Structure your case studies as narratives. Clearly define the problem, your approach, your specific contributions, the challenges faced, and the results achieved.

• Process Focus: Emphasize your thought process. How did you conduct research? What led you to specific design decisions? Show iterations and how feedback influenced your work.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is visually polished and easy to navigate. Use high-quality mockups and prototypes.

• Quantifiable Results: Whenever possible, include metrics (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion time, increased user satisfaction scores) to demonstrate the impact of your designs.

• Relevance: Tailor your presentation to highlight projects most relevant to defense or technical applications, showcasing your ability to work with complex requirements.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss hypothetical design challenges, such as improving the UX of a complex government portal or designing a new feature for a secure mobile application.

• Practice articulating your design process and rationale concisely.

• Familiarize yourself with common defense industry technologies and user needs if possible.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize the candidate's portfolio and their ability to articulate their design process and impact. The clearance status will be a primary filter.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, and Adobe XD are essential for graphic design, UI creation, and prototyping.

• Figma/Sketch: Widely used for collaborative UI/UX design and prototyping. Proficiency in at least one of these is expected.

• Prototyping Tools: Tools like InVision, Marvel, or Axure may be used for creating interactive prototypes.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct analytics role, understanding how to interpret user analytics (e.g., from Google Analytics, Hotjar, or custom dashboards) to inform design decisions is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how design integrates with CRM systems to improve user experience for internal teams (e.g., sales or support) could be a plus.

• Familiarity with project management tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello for workflow management and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of core design software is non-negotiable. Experience with collaborative design platforms like Figma and an understanding of how design integrates with development workflows are key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: A strong commitment to supporting government missions and national security objectives.

• Excellence & Integrity: Upholding the highest standards of quality, accuracy, and ethical conduct in all work.

• Collaboration: Fostering teamwork and open communication across diverse teams and disciplines.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to improve solutions.

• Employee Care: Valuing employees, promoting work-life balance, and providing a supportive work environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect to work closely with engineers, project managers, and subject matter experts, requiring clear communication and mutual respect for different expertise.

• Process Review Culture: Openness to design critiques and feedback sessions to refine designs and ensure alignment with project goals.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, design trends, and lessons learned within the design and broader technical teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Sciolex Corporation's values emphasize a blend of mission-driven purpose, professional excellence, and employee well-being. The culture likely supports individuals who are dedicated, team-oriented, and adaptable.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Complex Systems: Adapting to intricate government or defense systems that may have unique user needs and technical constraints.

• Security Requirements: Adhering to strict security protocols and designing within secure environments, which can sometimes influence design flexibility.

• Balancing User Needs with Technical Constraints: Finding optimal design solutions that are both user-friendly and technically feasible within project budgets and timelines.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Technologies: Continuously learning and adapting to new design tools, methodologies, and technological advancements in the defense sector.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to training programs focused on advanced UX/UI techniques, government contracting processes, or specific defense technologies.

• Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend relevant conferences (e.g., UXPA, AIGA, defense industry expos) to network and learn about emerging trends.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential to be mentored by senior designers or technical leads, gaining valuable industry insights and career guidance.

• Certification: Pursuing certifications in UX/UI design or related project management methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around the specialized nature of the defense industry and the need for continuous skill adaptation. Growth opportunities are robust, particularly for those who demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and mission success.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to user research for complex technical applications. How do you gather requirements from stakeholders who may not be design-savvy?

• Explain a time you had to balance conflicting design requirements or stakeholder feedback. How did you navigate this?

Company & Culture Questions:

• Research Sciolex Corporation's mission and recent projects. Be ready to discuss why you are interested in working for a defense contractor.

• How do you contribute to a positive team environment? Describe your ideal collaboration style.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your process, the solution, and the resulting impact (quantifiable if possible).

• Highlight Collaboration: Showcase instances where you worked effectively with developers, product managers, or other stakeholders.

• Demonstrate Technical Understanding: Be ready to discuss how your designs consider technical feasibility, HTML/CSS/JavaScript constraints, and potential implementation challenges.

• Showcase Security Awareness: If possible, discuss how you approach design with security and data sensitivity in mind, even if your portfolio examples are not from classified projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Anticipate questions that probe your understanding of the defense contracting environment, your ability to handle complex technical challenges, and your collaborative skills. Your portfolio presentation should be concise, impactful, and tailored to the role's requirements.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer (UX) position:

• Submit your application through the Sciolex Corporation careers portal via the provided link.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, highlights 2-3 of your strongest, most relevant projects, and clearly articulates your process and impact, especially for technical or complex applications.

• Tailor Your Resume: Optimize your resume to include keywords from the job description (e.g., UX/UI, Graphic Design, Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, User Research, Top Secret/SCI clearance) and quantify your achievements where possible.

• Prepare for Portfolio Presentation: Practice walking through your selected case studies, focusing on storytelling, your specific contributions, and the outcomes achieved. Be ready to discuss your design rationale and collaboration methods.

• Research Sciolex Corporation: Understand the company's mission, services, and values. Prepare to articulate why you are a good fit for their culture and the defense industry.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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