Senior UX Researcher/Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Researcher/Designer Company: Oddball Location: Remote (United States) Job Type: Full-Time Category: User Experience (UX) Design & Research Date Posted: November 3, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years) Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead user research initiatives, including interviews, usability testing, and surveys, to gather critical user insights for a federal health platform.
• Translate research findings into intuitive and user-centric experience designs, encompassing wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity visuals.
• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams (Product, Engineering, Data, Compliance) to ensure design solutions align with technical capabilities, accessibility standards (Section 508), and federal health requirements.
• Define, track, and analyze key UX metrics such as task success rates, error rates, and user satisfaction to drive iterative design improvements and demonstrate measurable user impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on improving a federal health platform, which implies a need for deep understanding of government regulations, security protocols, and potentially complex user workflows within the healthcare domain. The emphasis on Section 508 compliance is a critical aspect for any roles involving federal digital services.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive user research using diverse methodologies (interviews, contextual inquiry, usability testing, surveys) to deeply understand user needs, pain points, and behaviors within the federal health platform context.
• Develop and present research findings and actionable insights to stakeholders, influencing product strategy and design decisions.
• Create detailed user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity visual designs for web and mobile interfaces, ensuring a cohesive and intuitive user experience.
• Collaborate closely with front-end engineers to ensure accurate implementation of designs, maintain design system consistency, and provide necessary specifications for development.
• Champion accessibility and inclusive design principles, ensuring compliance with Section 508, WCAG standards, and relevant federal health guidelines throughout the design process.
• Define and monitor key UX performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics, using data to inform design iterations and measure the effectiveness of implemented solutions.
• Contribute to and maintain the growth of the UX design system and component library, promoting consistency and scalability across the federal health platform.
• Partner with Product Managers to define product requirements and user stories, ensuring user needs are at the forefront of development cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "ensure consistency with a Microsoft Dynamics 365 / .NET-based backend environment" suggests the need for designers to understand system limitations and leverage existing frameworks or components where appropriate, rather than designing in a vacuum. This requires a practical approach to design, balancing ideal user experience with technical feasibility.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, Psychology, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in UX Research and UX Design, with a demonstrable track record in complex, enterprise-level, or federal health/digital service environments.
• Proven experience in leading and executing user research studies from planning to analysis, and translating findings into impactful design solutions.
• Hands-on experience in creating a range of design deliverables, including user journey maps, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and detailed design specifications.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with front-end engineering teams, understanding technical constraints and ensuring design fidelity during implementation.

Required Skills:

• User Research: Expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies (interviews, usability testing, surveys, field studies).
• UX Design: Proficiency in wireframing, prototyping, and visual design for web and mobile applications.
• Design Tools: Advanced proficiency with industry-standard design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).
• Accessibility Standards: In-depth knowledge of Section 508, WCAG guidelines, and inclusive design principles.
• Collaboration & Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale and influence cross-functional stakeholders.
• System Context: Comfort and experience in understanding and designing within data and system-driven environments, specifically mentioning adaptability to Dynamics 365 and .NET backend constraints.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with federal government projects or navigating government procurement and compliance processes.
• Familiarity with modern design systems and component libraries, and experience contributing to their development.
• Understanding of federal health domain specifics, regulations, and user needs.
• Experience defining and tracking UX metrics and using data analytics to inform design decisions.
• Knowledge of Agile/Scrum development methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 5+ years of experience and expertise in federal health/digital services strongly indicates a need for candidates who can operate independently, lead research and design efforts, and navigate complex stakeholder environments with minimal supervision. The emphasis on impacting "measurable user impact" suggests a focus on outcomes beyond just aesthetics or adherence to process.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5 years of combined UX research and design work, with a clear emphasis on complex enterprise or federal health projects.
• Demonstrate a clear process for how research insights were translated into design solutions, highlighting the iterative nature of the design and research process.
• Include examples of wireframes, prototypes, high-fidelity mockups, and detailed design specifications that were implemented.
• Showcase projects where user impact was measured and improved, referencing specific UX metrics and the resulting business or user outcomes.
• Provide evidence of working within system constraints (e.g., Dynamics 365, .NET) and adapting designs accordingly.

Process Documentation:

• Clearly articulate your research process from planning and recruitment to analysis and synthesis.
• Explain your design process, including ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and user testing phases.
• Detail how you ensure and document accessibility compliance (Section 508, WCAG) in your design artifacts.
• Illustrate how you collaborate with engineering and product teams, including your approach to handoffs and implementation reviews.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of a "Strong portfolio demonstrating both research and design outcomes—showing how you moved beyond design to measurable user impact" is a critical requirement. This means candidates must be prepared to present case studies that not only show the final designs but also the journey, the challenges, the research that informed decisions, and the quantifiable results of their work.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $100,000 – $140,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Fully Remote: Work from anywhere within the United States.
• Annual Stipend: An annual allowance to support professional development or personal needs.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Includes health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Company Match 401(k) Plan: Financial support for retirement savings.
• Flexible PTO: Paid time off that can be taken as needed.
• Paid Holidays: Observance of national holidays.

Working Hours:

• A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with flexibility to accommodate research needs and project deadlines. The remote nature allows for some autonomy in scheduling, provided work is completed and collaboration remains effective.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of $100,000 - $140,000 for a Senior UX Researcher/Designer in a fully remote US-based role aligns with industry benchmarks for experienced professionals in this field. The range accounts for variations in cost of living across the US and the specific expertise required for federal health platforms. The inclusion of an annual stipend is a valuable perk often seen in tech and design-focused companies.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Federal Government Contracting / Technology Services / Digital Transformation Company Size: The provided data does not specify company size, but typical "small company" mentions in startup/growth environments suggest it could range from 50-250 employees, allowing for significant individual impact. Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the company's focus on modernizing federal services implies a relatively established entity with a forward-thinking approach.

Team Structure:

• The UX team likely consists of a mix of researchers and designers, possibly specializing in different areas or projects.
• This role reports into a UX Lead or Director, with close collaboration expected with Product Managers, front-end Engineers, and potentially Data Analysts/Scientists.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a core tenet, requiring strong communication and partnership across diverse disciplines to deliver integrated solutions.

Methodology:

• Oddball emphasizes user-centric design, data-driven decision-making, and a culture of continuous learning and growth.
• Processes likely involve Agile methodologies, iterative design, and a strong focus on delivering value to federal clients and end-users.
• Emphasis is placed on making a "big impact at a small company," suggesting a proactive and ownership-driven work environment.

Company Website: oddball.io

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission to "improve the daily lives of millions of people by bringing quality software to the federal space" highlights a strong purpose-driven culture. For operations professionals, this translates to working on impactful projects with significant reach and the potential for long-term career development within the government contracting sector.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level individual contributor role. It requires seasoned expertise in both UX research and design, with the ability to lead projects and mentor junior team members. The scope involves shaping the user experience of a critical federal health platform, indicating a high level of responsibility and autonomy.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Researcher/Designer will likely report to a UX Manager or Director. They will work closely with Product Managers and engineering leads, requiring strong cross-functional collaboration and the ability to influence without direct authority.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is centered on improving the user experience of a federal health platform, directly affecting beneficiaries' ability to manage claims and reimbursements. Success in this role will lead to increased user satisfaction, improved efficiency in claims processing, and greater accessibility to health services, demonstrating significant operational and human impact.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in federal health UX, accessibility, or specific research methodologies.
• Leadership: Transition into a Lead UX Designer/Researcher role, managing projects or a small team.
• Mentorship: Guide and mentor junior UX professionals within the organization.
• Strategic Influence: Contribute to higher-level product strategy and UX vision for the federal health sector.
• Skill Expansion: Develop skills in related areas such as product management, service design, or data analysis within the federal context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "small company" context implies that individuals can have a disproportionately large impact. For a Senior role, this means opportunities to shape processes, define best practices, and take on significant ownership, which are valuable for career progression in operations and design fields.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This offers maximum flexibility and autonomy, allowing professionals to design their workspace and manage their time effectively.

Office Location(s): United States. While fully remote, candidates must be authorized to work in the US, and certain roles may require US citizenship and the ability to obtain a federal background investigation/security clearance.

Workspace Context:

• The remote environment fosters a self-directed and results-oriented culture.
• Access to digital collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Zoom, project management software) is essential for seamless team interaction.
• Opportunities for virtual team building, knowledge sharing sessions, and design critiques will be crucial for maintaining team cohesion and fostering innovation.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week. Flexibility is expected, especially for user research activities which may need to accommodate participant availability. Effective communication and time management are key to success in a remote setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote nature of this role requires strong self-discipline, proactive communication, and excellent time management skills. For operations professionals, this environment often demands meticulous organization and the ability to maintain high productivity without direct, in-person supervision.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest in the role and company mission.
• Portfolio Review & Skills Assessment: A dedicated session with the hiring manager and/or senior UX team members to deep-dive into your portfolio. Expect questions about your research process, design decisions, collaboration experiences, and how you've achieved measurable user impact.
• Design/Research Challenge (Potential): You may be asked to complete a take-home exercise or a live design/research problem-solving session to evaluate your practical skills, problem-solving approach, and ability to think critically under pressure.
• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers and Engineering Leads to assess collaboration skills, technical understanding, and ability to integrate UX into the broader product development lifecycle.
• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership (e.g., Head of Product, CTO) to confirm fit, discuss long-term vision, and address any remaining questions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-4 strong projects that best showcase your senior-level UX research and design capabilities, particularly those relevant to complex systems or federal/healthcare contexts.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, design, testing), the constraints you faced, your key contributions, and the measurable outcomes and impact.
• Highlight Research-to-Design Link: Explicitly demonstrate how user research findings directly informed your design decisions and led to improved user experiences and quantifiable results.
• Showcase Iteration: Include examples of how user feedback and data led to design iterations and improvements.
• Address Accessibility: Be prepared to discuss your process for ensuring Section 508 compliance and inclusive design.
• Quantify Impact: Use metrics (user satisfaction scores, task completion rates, error reduction, efficiency gains) to demonstrate the value of your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a challenge is presented, thoroughly understand the prompt and constraints.
• Outline your approach clearly, whether for research or design. For research, focus on methodology and insight generation. For design, focus on user flows, key screens, and rationale.
• Be prepared to articulate your thought process, assumptions, and trade-offs.
• Practice presenting your solution concisely and effectively within the allotted time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the focus on federal health platforms and Section 508 compliance, expect interviewers to probe deeply into your understanding and application of these requirements. Be ready with specific examples of how you've navigated these challenges in previous roles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD (Proficiency in at least one is essential).
• User Research Platforms: Tools for conducting remote interviews and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Zoom, Google Meet).
• Survey Tools: For gathering quantitative data (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Google Forms).

Analytics & Reporting:

• UX Analytics Tools: Experience with tools that track user behavior and provide insights into task completion and user flows (specific tools may vary, but understanding the principles is key).
• Data Visualization Tools: Ability to interpret and potentially contribute to dashboards that display UX metrics (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, or built-in reporting within other platforms).

CRM & Automation:

• Microsoft Dynamics 365 / .NET Ecosystem: While not a direct user of these for design, understanding their capabilities, limitations, and how they influence front-end development and user interfaces is crucial. Familiarity with how CRM/backend systems impact UX is a significant advantage.
• Collaboration & Project Management: Tools like Jira, Confluence, Asana, Slack, Microsoft Teams are standard for cross-functional collaboration and workflow management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "Microsoft Dynamics 365 / .NET-based backend environment" is a key technical context. While the role is UX, understanding how designs will integrate with and be constrained by these specific technologies is vital for a Senior Designer. Proficiency in Figma is increasingly becoming the industry standard for collaborative design.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the end-user, particularly beneficiaries of federal health services.
• Impact-Driven: Focus on delivering tangible improvements and measurable outcomes that positively affect users' lives.
• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and partnership across disciplines (Product, Engineering, Data, Compliance).
• Continuous Learning: A culture that encourages professional growth, skill development, and staying abreast of UX best practices and federal regulations.
• Quality & Excellence: Dedication to high standards in design, research, and accessibility, especially within the critical domain of federal health.

Collaboration Style:

• Oddball promotes a collaborative environment where ideas are shared openly and feedback is integral to the process.
• Expect to work closely with product managers to define requirements, engineers to ensure feasibility and implementation, and potentially compliance officers to ensure adherence to federal standards.
• A proactive approach to communication and problem-solving is valued, especially in a remote setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: Oddball's stated value of "making big changes happen and improve the daily lives of millions of people" suggests a culture that is both ambitious and socially conscious. For operations roles, this means a focus on scale, efficiency, and the human impact of technological solutions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Federal Complexity: Working within the constraints of federal regulations, security protocols, and legacy systems requires adaptability and a deep understanding of compliance requirements like Section 508.
• Balancing User Needs with Technical Constraints: Designing for a Dynamics 365/.NET environment means finding elegant solutions that are both user-friendly and technically feasible within existing infrastructure.
• Demonstrating Measurable Impact: Quantifying the success of UX initiatives in a large-scale federal platform can be challenging but is a key requirement for this role.
• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining strong team cohesion and effective communication in a fully remote setting requires deliberate effort and excellent organizational skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Federal UX: Gain deep expertise in designing for government services, including understanding procurement processes and unique user demographics.
• Advanced Accessibility: Become a go-to expert in Section 508 and WCAG compliance, a highly sought-after skill.
• Cross-functional Skill Development: Enhance understanding of product management, software development lifecycles, and data analytics within the federal context.
• Mentorship: Benefit from working with experienced professionals and potentially mentor junior team members.
• Industry Events: Opportunities to attend relevant conferences or training sessions focused on UX, federal technology, or accessibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of roles in government contracting but are framed by Oddball as opportunities for growth and impact. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they approach and overcome these specific types of challenges in their interviews.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design for a complex, data-driven system with significant technical constraints. How did you ensure a positive user experience?" (Focus on your process, compromise, and user advocacy.)
• "Walk us through a project where your user research directly led to a significant change in product direction or design. What was the impact?" (Highlight your research methodology, insight generation, and outcome quantification.)
• "How do you approach ensuring Section 508 compliance in your design process? Can you give an example of a challenge you faced and how you resolved it?" (Demonstrate your knowledge of standards and practical application.)
• "How do you collaborate with engineering teams to ensure your designs are implemented accurately and efficiently, especially when working with specific backend technologies like .NET?" (Focus on communication, handoff, and partnership.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about working for Oddball, and specifically on federal health platforms?" (Research Oddball's mission, values, and recent projects.)
• "How do you contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment, especially in a remote setting?" (Provide examples of your proactive communication and team support.)
• "How do you prioritize competing user needs, business requirements, and technical limitations?" (Showcase your strategic thinking and decision-making process.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, clearly define the problem, your role, the process, the solution, and the outcome/impact. Use a narrative approach.
• Focus on Research-to-Design: Emphasize the connection between your research findings and the design decisions you made. Show the "why" behind your design.
• Quantify Success: Present metrics and data that demonstrate the positive impact of your work. If exact numbers aren't available, explain the intended impact and how success would be measured.
• Accessibility: Be prepared to discuss how accessibility was integrated into your designs and any specific challenges or solutions related to it.
• Technical Context: Briefly touch upon how you considered the technical environment (e.g., Dynamics 365/.NET) in your design process.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time and focus on the most impactful aspects of your projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you have translated user research into actionable design improvements, especially within environments that have technical or regulatory constraints. Your ability to articulate your process and quantify impact will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Researcher/Designer position:

• Submit your application and resume through the Oddball careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and prominently features projects that align with the requirements of this role, particularly those involving complex systems, federal/healthcare domains, and measurable user impact.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords from the job description, such as "UX Research," "UX Design," "Section 508," "Dynamics 365," "federal health," "usability testing," "prototyping," and specific design tools. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your UX process, research methodologies, and design decision-making. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions and be ready to walk through your portfolio projects in detail.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Oddball's mission, values, and work in the federal sector. Understand their approach to technology and user experience to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ 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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