Senior UX/UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX/UI Designer

Company: Steampunk

Location: McLean, Virginia, United States

Job Type: Other

Category: UX/UI Design & User Experience

Date Posted: February 27, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Leads the application of human-centered design principles and methodologies to solve complex user experience challenges for government clients.

• Drives the end-to-end UX/UI design process, from initial discovery and research through to detailed interface design, prototyping, iteration, and testing.

• Acts as the primary advocate for the end-user, ensuring their needs and perspectives are integrated into proposed solutions and technical implementations.

• Collaborates within an Agile delivery framework, contributing to sprint planning, user story creation, and story point estimation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw job title is "Senior UX/UI Designer", the description emphasizes "Senior UX Design Lead" and "guiding government clients," indicating a role with significant leadership and client-facing responsibilities beyond typical individual contributor duties. The focus on "Design Intelligence™ framework" and "human-centered methods" points to a strategic, process-oriented approach to UX within a consulting or agency-like environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the discovery process to deeply understand client missions, goals, stakeholder landscapes, user ecosystems, current state journeys, user segments, and program objectives.

• Facilitate and conduct workshops and interviews to effectively frame pain points, identify opportunities, define actionable insights, validate hypotheses, and articulate a compelling user experience vision.

• Utilize and integrate UX artifacts such as journey maps, service blueprints, personas, and ecosystem/experience maps to strategically craft and refine the user experience.

• Execute comprehensive user research and usability testing, translating user needs and feedback into practical, implementable digital experience designs.

• Foster strong collaboration and communication with stakeholders and users within a cross-functional, Agile team environment.

• Understand and adhere to the technical, platform, and operational constraints of given environments, ensuring designs are viable and implementable.

• Design intuitive, elegant, and accessible user interfaces, leveraging a test-and-learn approach to drive continuous improvement and iteration.

• Ensure the highest quality standards are met for all UX/UI deliverables across a diverse range of projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic client guidance, hands-on design execution, and team collaboration within a government sector context. The emphasis on "Design Intelligence™ framework" suggests a proprietary methodology that candidates will be expected to learn and apply.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Degree or equivalent experience in Human-Centered Design (HCD), Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), and/or UX Design.

Experience: 6+ years of professional UX and UI experience designing viable solutions for multi-platform digital products.

Required Skills:

• Ability to obtain a U.S. government Public Trust Security Clearance.

• Proven experience conducting primary and secondary user research, including user interviews, discovery/co-creation workshops, heuristic evaluations, and card sorting.

• Demonstrated ability to translate research insights into actionable UX artifacts such as personas, journey maps, site maps, ecosystem maps, and information architecture.

• Expertise in UI design, including wireframing, low-fidelity and high-fidelity prototyping, and conducting moderated/unmoderated user testing.

• Thorough knowledge and demonstrated experience with accessibility testing and 508 compliance requirements.

• Experience working within a Scrum team in an Agile delivery framework, including integrating research and design into technical sprints.

• Proficiency in writing user stories and participating in story pointing exercises.

• Proficient use of design and prototyping tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma, and Zeplin.

• A natural curiosity for problem-solving coupled with strong analytical skills.

• Excellent written communication and presentation skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Previous work experience in or with the federal government.

• Previous work experience in a consulting role.

• Experience working on a cross-functional Salesforce implementation team.

• Ability to make recommendations for adopting evolving industry tools and best practices.

• Experience collaborating within multi-disciplinary teams including service designers, technologists, data scientists, engineers, solution architects, and change managers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Public Trust Security Clearance is critical and should be a primary consideration for applicants. The extensive list of required UX/UI skills and tools, combined with preferred government and consulting experience, indicates a senior-level role demanding a broad and deep skill set.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory, showcasing your design ideology, methodologies, the tools you utilize, your core skills, and your craft.

• Demonstrate how you apply human-centered design principles to solve complex problems, with clear examples of your thought process and decision-making.

• Include case studies that detail the discovery, research, design, and testing phases of projects, highlighting your role and contributions.

Process Documentation:

• Clearly articulate your approach to user research, including methods for participant recruitment, interview protocols, and data analysis.

• Detail your prototyping process, from selecting the appropriate fidelity to conducting user testing and iterating on designs based on feedback.

• Document your experience integrating UX/UI design into Agile sprints, including how you collaborate with development teams, write user stories, and participate in sprint ceremonies.

• Provide examples of how you ensure accessibility and 508 compliance throughout the design and development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio is heavily emphasized. Candidates should prepare to present detailed case studies that not only showcase final designs but also the entire process, decision-making, and user-centric rationale behind them, particularly in the context of government projects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $110,000 - $170,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package (details available on the Steampunk website, link provided).

• Employee-owned company structure, offering potential for shared ownership and rewards.

• Opportunities for professional development and growth within the federal contracting industry.

• Participation in an innovative work environment focused on "Design Intelligence™."

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with potential for project-driven demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided, which is a significant advantage for candidates. The mention of being an "employee owned company" is a key differentiator and should be highlighted in the benefits section as it implies unique compensation and engagement models beyond standard benefits. The salary estimate is based on explicit information provided by the company.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Federal contracting, focusing on Homeland Security, Federal Civilian, Health, and DoD sectors.

Company Size: Not explicitly stated, but the company focuses on "investing in our employees" and "outstanding contributions to our growth," suggesting a dynamic and growth-oriented environment. The mention of "employee owned company" often implies a culture of shared responsibility and high employee engagement.

Founded: Information not provided in the raw data, but the company presents itself as a "Change Agent" in the Federal contracting industry.

Team Structure:

• Works within cross-functional teams that include service designers, technologists, data scientists, engineers, solution architects, and change managers.

• Operates within an Agile delivery framework, likely structured around Scrum teams.

Methodology:

• Utilizes Steampunk's proprietary "Design Intelligence™" process, which incorporates human-centered methods to solve complex user experience challenges.

• Employs a "test and learn" process for designing and iterating on interfaces.

• Focuses on shared accountability and delivering impactful solutions for federal clients.

Company Website: http://www.steampunk.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Steampunk positions itself as an innovative "Change Agent" in the federal contracting space, leveraging its unique "Design Intelligence™" process. The employee-owned structure is a significant cultural aspect, fostering a sense of ownership and shared success.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior UX/UI Designer, with "Lead" responsibilities implied by the role's duties. This position is mid-to-senior level, requiring significant experience and the ability to guide clients and teams.

Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a UX/UI Manager, Director of Design, or Program Manager, depending on the specific project and organizational structure within Steampunk. The role involves collaboration with various technical and strategic leads.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the success of government client missions by improving user experience, system usability, and accessibility of digital products. This leads to increased user adoption, efficiency, and effectiveness of government services.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Senior UX Design Lead or Principal UX Designer roles, managing larger projects or client relationships.

• Opportunities to specialize in specific areas of UX, such as research leadership, interaction design, or accessibility consulting.

• Potential to take on mentorship roles for junior designers within the organization.

• Development of expertise in federal government projects and the "Design Intelligence™" framework, leading to specialized career paths.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant growth potential within a specialized niche (federal government UX) and through Steampunk's unique methodologies. The transition from individual contributor to a lead role guiding clients is a clear progression path.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site in McLean, Virginia. The description implies a collaborative, project-driven environment typical of consulting firms serving government clients.

Office Location(s): McLean, Virginia. This location offers proximity to government agencies and related contractors in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.

Workspace Context:

• Highly collaborative environment requiring close interaction with cross-functional teams (technologists, data scientists, engineers, etc.).

• Access to industry-standard design and prototyping tools (Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma, Zeplin).

• Expected to engage in workshop facilitation and client-facing presentations.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time, on-site work schedule, likely Monday to Friday. While the core hours are expected, the project-based nature might require flexibility during critical phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in McLean, VA, is crucial. This location is a hub for federal contracting, suggesting a work environment familiar with government project cycles, security protocols, and client engagement styles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of resume and portfolio by a recruiter or hiring manager.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, discussing their design process, problem-solving approach, and impact on projects. Expect detailed questions about case studies.

• Technical/UX Interview: In-depth discussion on UX principles, research methodologies, design tools, Agile experience, and 508 compliance. May include a design challenge or practical exercise.

• Client/Stakeholder Interview: Potential interview with a government client representative or Steampunk leadership to assess client-facing skills, communication, and fit with the "Design Intelligence™" framework.

• Security Clearance Verification: Process to confirm eligibility or initiate the clearance process.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills and experience, particularly those with government or complex project contexts.

• For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process followed, the tools used, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes.

• Be prepared to discuss your design rationale, user research findings, and how you incorporated feedback.

• Highlight your experience with accessibility and 508 compliance, providing specific examples.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for potential design challenges that test your problem-solving skills, ideation, and ability to work within constraints.

• Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, as if presenting to stakeholders or a development team.

• Review common UX heuristics, usability testing methods, and accessibility guidelines (WCAG, 508 compliance).

• Familiarize yourself with Steampunk's "Design Intelligence™" framework if possible, and be prepared to discuss how your approach aligns with it.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize the candidate's portfolio and their ability to articulate their process, especially concerning government projects and accessibility standards. The "Design Intelligence™" framework will likely be a key discussion point.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Zeplin.

• User Research & Testing: Tools for conducting user interviews, surveys, usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms).

• Collaboration & Project Management: Agile tools (Jira, Confluence), potentially Trello, Asana.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Experience with Salesforce is a preferred skill, suggesting potential interaction with CRM data or platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma, Sketch, and the Adobe Creative Suite is a baseline requirement. Experience with Zeplin for handoff and familiarity with Agile project management tools like Jira are also key. The mention of Salesforce as a bonus point indicates potential integration or interaction with that ecosystem.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Human-Centered Design: A core philosophy driving all design decisions, prioritizing user needs and experiences.

• Innovation & Change Agency: A drive to bring "new thinking" and fundamentally change expectations within the federal contracting industry.

• Shared Accountability: A commitment to collective responsibility for solving tough mission challenges.

• Employee Ownership: A culture where employees are invested in the company's success and growth.

• Excellence & Quality: A focus on delivering high-quality results across all projects.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, working within multidisciplinary Agile teams.

• Emphasis on clear communication, stakeholder engagement, and integrating diverse expertise (design, technology, data science).

• Expected to facilitate workshops and co-creation sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes innovation, user advocacy, and employee ownership. Candidates should demonstrate a collaborative spirit and a commitment to delivering high-impact solutions for government clients, aligning with Steampunk's "Change Agent" identity.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating the complex requirements and constraints of government projects, including strict security protocols and accessibility standards (508 compliance).

• Translating diverse user needs and stakeholder requirements into cohesive and effective digital solutions within an Agile framework.

• Adapting to evolving technology stacks and design tools while maintaining high-quality deliverables.

• Effectively communicating design rationale and advocating for user needs to technical teams and non-design stakeholders.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen expertise in human-centered design methodologies and Steampunk's proprietary "Design Intelligence™" framework.

• Gain extensive experience working with federal government clients across various sectors.

• Develop advanced skills in UX research, prototyping, and accessibility design.

• Opportunities for mentorship and leadership growth within an employee-owned company.

• Stay current with industry best practices and emerging design tools and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge lies in applying advanced UX principles within the specific context of federal government contracting, demanding strong adaptability and a thorough understanding of compliance and client needs. Growth opportunities are tied to specialization within this niche and leadership within an employee-owned structure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex UX challenge you faced on a government project and how you leveraged human-centered design to overcome it. What was the outcome?" (Focus on process, user research, and impact.)

• "How do you ensure accessibility and 508 compliance are integrated throughout the design process, not just as an afterthought?" (Be ready with specific methods and examples.)

• "Walk us through a project from your portfolio where you had to balance user needs with technical constraints or stakeholder requirements. How did you manage this?" (Emphasize decision-making and problem-solving.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Steampunk's 'Design Intelligence™' framework? How do you see your skills aligning with it?" (Research the framework and connect your experience.)

• "How do you see yourself contributing to an employee-owned company culture?" (Highlight collaboration, initiative, and shared success.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your presentation around 3-5 key case studies. For each:

  • Problem: Clearly define the user/business problem you were solving.
  • Role: Specify your exact responsibilities and contributions.
  • Process: Detail the steps you took (discovery, research, ideation, design, testing).
  • Solutions: Showcase wireframes, prototypes, and final UI designs.
  • Outcomes: Quantify results where possible (e.g., improved task completion, reduced errors, user satisfaction scores).

• Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your design decisions and rationale.

• Practice your presentation to ensure it flows well and stays within the allotted time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to deeply discuss their portfolio, focusing on process, user advocacy, and measurable outcomes, especially within the context of government work and accessibility. Understanding Steampunk's unique methodologies and culture will be critical for demonstrating fit.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX/UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Steampunk careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and highlights projects demonstrating your expertise in UX/UI design, user research, prototyping, and accessibility, with a preference for government or complex project examples.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize the 6+ years of relevant experience, proficiency in required tools (Figma, Sketch, Adobe Suite), experience with Agile/Scrum, and any federal government or consulting background.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approach, and how you champion user needs. Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail and answer questions about 508 compliance and human-centered design.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Steampunk's "Design Intelligence™" framework, their mission in the federal sector, and their employee-owned structure to better align your responses with their values and approach.

⚠️ 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.