Senior/Staff Product Designer (Defense & Security)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior/Staff Product Designer (Defense & Security) Company: Skylight Location: United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Product Design / Government Services Operations Date Posted: February 16, 2026 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• This role demands a Senior/Staff Product Designer to drive the creation of digital solutions for government agencies, focusing on improving public services within the defense and security sectors.
• The position requires a deep understanding and application of human-centered design principles, lean-agile methodologies, and user research to inform product strategy and development.
• The designer will act as the primary user advocate, translating complex user needs and business requirements into elegant, scalable, and accessible user interfaces and end-to-end product flows.
• Collaboration is key, working closely with product managers, engineers, and stakeholders to ensure the right products are built, fostering empathy for both government workers and the general public.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Defense & Security" specialization implies a need for understanding complex, often regulated, user environments. This may involve designing for high-stakes situations where usability, security, and accessibility are paramount, requiring a nuanced approach to user research and design solutions that cater to specific operational needs and compliance standards.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of generative and evaluative user research to deeply understand user needs, pain points, and opportunities within the government and defense/security context.
• Define and articulate end-to-end user flows, information architecture, and system interactions that are scalable, adhere to design principles, and meet accessibility standards.
• Design simple, elegant, and thoughtful user interfaces, leveraging visual design elements (branding, iconography, typography, microinteractions) to create intuitive and effective user experiences.
• Apply a lean-agile design process, incorporating frequent iterations, feedback loops, and rapid prototyping to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with product vision.
• Contribute significantly to product strategy decisions by aligning design efforts with agile methodologies, championing user needs, and balancing business objectives with user experience.
• Facilitate workshops, design sprints, and stakeholder presentations to build shared understanding and drive consensus on product direction and design rationale.
• Uphold and evangelize human-centered design principles, promoting empathy for end-users (government workers and the public) to ensure solutions are user-centric and impactful.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including product managers and engineers, to ensure seamless integration of design into the development lifecycle.
• Effectively communicate design rationale and user insights to diverse audiences, including clients, stakeholders, and internal teams, adapting communication style as needed.
• Demonstrate product design leadership by driving excellence in design execution, mentoring junior designers, and contributing to the continuous improvement of Skylight's design practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Senior/Staff" title and the "Defense & Security" focus, responsibilities will extend beyond individual contribution to include strategic influence, mentorship, and potentially leading design initiatives for complex government projects. This involves not just execution but also shaping design direction and ensuring successful client engagements within a regulated sector.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. Experience: 5-10 years of professional experience in product design, with a strong portfolio showcasing end-to-end product development and user-centered design solutions. Experience in government contracting or defense/security sectors is highly advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to plan, conduct, synthesize, and share generative and evaluative user research to inform product and design direction.
• Expertise in defining scalable, end-to-end interaction flows, incorporating key design principles, intentional information architectures, common design patterns, and accessibility standards (WCAG).
• Demonstrated skill in creating simple, elegant, and thoughtful user interfaces through the effective application of visual design elements (branding, illustration, iconography, typography, microinteractions).
• Strong understanding of various design processes (e.g., Double Diamond) and the ability to produce compelling documentation for storytelling that fosters user empathy among teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to contribute to product strategy by aligning design with lean/agile methodologies, acting as the primary voice for users, balancing user and business needs, and crafting mental models for product opportunities.
• Excellent facilitation and communication skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale effectively to diverse groups (users, teammates, stakeholders, clients).
• Demonstrated product design leadership through driving excellence in design execution and contributing to team success.
• Experience working effectively in a professional services environment, including effective client communication.
• A strong passion for improving public outcomes through innovative government services.
• Alignment with Skylight’s core values, demonstrating a collaborative and mission-driven work approach.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience working in the civic tech space or within government agencies.
• Experience working in a remote-team environment.
• Familiarity with defense and security sector specific user needs and design constraints.
• Experience with complex system design and integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior/Staff" designation implies a need for strategic thinking, leadership potential, and the ability to mentor. The "Defense & Security" context suggests a need for meticulous attention to detail, understanding of compliance, and experience with potentially sensitive data or high-stakes user environments. Accessibility (WCAG) is crucial for government work.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing 1-2 strong work samples that highlight end-to-end product design experience, from research and strategy to final UI implementation.
• Samples should demonstrate a clear understanding of user-centered design principles, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to translate complex requirements into elegant solutions.
• For this role, portfolio pieces should ideally reflect experience with complex systems, user research in challenging environments, and the ability to balance user needs with business/government objectives.
• Include case studies that detail your design process, the challenges faced, your contributions, and the measurable impact of your work, focusing on user outcomes and efficiency improvements.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase your ability to document and articulate design processes, including research methodologies, ideation techniques, and iteration strategies.
• Provide examples of how you have used design documentation (e.g., user journey maps, wireframes, prototypes, style guides) to facilitate team understanding and drive product development.
• Demonstrate experience in adapting design processes to lean-agile frameworks and the specific constraints of government projects.
• Highlight how you ensure accessibility and inclusive design practices are integrated throughout your design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirement specifically asks for work samples that "best showcases your work" and "highlight your skills and experience in relation to the qualifications outlined." For a Senior/Staff role in Defense/Security, this means prioritizing projects demonstrating strategic impact, complex problem-solving, and leadership. Documentation of process is vital for demonstrating how you achieve these outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $150,000 - $203,000 per year (for Senior Product Designer and Staff Product Designer levels respectively, as determined by interview process). Benefits:

• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• Robust insurance plans: Short-term and long-term disability, Life and AD&D insurance.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options for healthcare and dependent care.
• Generous 401(k) plan with a dollar-for-dollar match up to 10% of salary, with no vesting period.
• Ample paid time off: Approximately 25 days per year, plus 11 federal holidays.
• Family support: Up to 12 weeks of paid time off for new parents (birth, adoption, foster).
• Performance-driven rewards: Annual salary increases, performance bonuses, spot bonuses, and stock options.
• Additional incentives: Business development/sales bonuses and referral bonuses.
• Professional development: Annual $2,000 allowance for learning and skill enhancement.
• Technology allowance: Annual $750 for tech-related purchases.
• Company merchandise: Annual $100 swag budget.
• Charitable giving: Dollar-for-dollar donation matching up to $500 per year.
• Work environment: Flexible, remote-friendly culture empowering public good initiatives.

Working Hours: Full-time, exempt position. Standard working hours are assumed to be approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered due to the remote nature of the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary ranges provided are specific to the Senior and Staff Product Designer levels, indicating a clear progression path. The benefits package is extensive, with a notable emphasis on financial well-being (401k match, bonuses, stock options), professional growth ($2k allowance), and family support. The remote work environment is a key component of the "care package."

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Consultancy / Government Services / Technology Company Size: Skylight is a growing team, part of the "public interest technologists" movement, focused on leveraging design and technology for government agencies. While specific numbers aren't provided, the mention of a "growing team" suggests a dynamic, mid-sized organization, likely with a strong emphasis on mission and impact over traditional corporate structures. Founded: The founding date is not specified, but the company presents itself as a modern digital consultancy at the forefront of civic tech innovation.

Team Structure:

• The design team is integrated within project-based squads, working collaboratively with Product Managers, Engineers, and other practitioners.
• Designers act as the primary user advocate, influencing product strategy and ensuring user needs are central to development.
• Reporting structures are likely project-oriented, with designers potentially reporting to a Design Lead or Director within the consultancy, and functionally to project leads.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a core tenet, emphasizing shared understanding and collective ownership of product vision and execution.

Methodology:

• Skylight employs a lean-agile approach, prioritizing iterative development, continuous feedback, and rapid problem-solving.
• Human-centered design principles are fundamental, driving empathy for users and ensuring solutions are user-centric and effective.
• Data analysis and user research are critical inputs for strategic decision-making and design validation.
• Workflow planning and optimization are key to delivering efficient and impactful public services.
• Automation and efficiency practices are likely integrated where appropriate to streamline processes for government agencies and their constituents.

Company Website: https://skylight.digital

📝 Enhancement Note: Skylight's focus on "government agencies deliver better public services" and being "at the forefront of a civic movement" indicates a mission-driven culture. This attracts individuals passionate about public impact, likely fostering a collaborative, user-centric, and agile environment. The "Defense & Security" aspect suggests a professional, detail-oriented, and security-conscious approach within this broader mission.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at the Senior/Staff Product Designer level, indicating a significant level of experience and responsibility. It implies leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and the ability to mentor others. The designer is expected to influence product strategy, drive design excellence, and effectively manage client relationships within complex government projects. Reporting Structure: Designers typically work within cross-functional project teams, collaborating closely with Product Managers and Engineers. They may report into a Design Lead or Director within Skylight, with functional oversight on specific client engagements. Operations Impact: The impact of this role is directly tied to improving the effectiveness and efficiency of government services, particularly within the critical defense and security sectors. Success means creating digital tools that enhance public safety, streamline bureaucratic processes, and improve the user experience for citizens and government employees alike, leading to tangible improvements in public outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized areas of product design, user research, and potentially UX strategy within government contexts. Mentorship from senior leaders and exposure to diverse government challenges.
• Leadership Development: Progression to Principal Product Designer or leadership roles within design teams, managing larger projects, client relationships, and potentially mentoring junior staff.
• Industry Specialization: Further developing expertise in civic tech, defense, and security sectors, becoming a go-to subject matter expert for Skylight’s government clients.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining broader experience in product management, engineering collaboration, and client-side stakeholder management within complex government ecosystems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "Senior/Staff" and the "Career Pathways framework" on their careers page (linked in the job description) strongly suggest a structured approach to career development at Skylight. The growth opportunities are geared towards becoming a design leader and expert in the public sector technology space.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a fully remote position, offering significant flexibility and the ability to work from anywhere within the United States. Office Location(s): While the role is fully remote, the company is based in the United States. All work must be conducted within the U.S., excluding U.S. territories. This is crucial for client engagement and potential security clearance requirements.

Workspace Context:

• The remote environment fosters autonomy and requires strong self-management skills.
• Collaboration tools and digital communication platforms are essential for maintaining team cohesion and project momentum.
• Employees are encouraged to create productive home office setups, supported by a technology allowance.
• Opportunities for virtual team building and social interaction are likely to foster a sense of community despite the distributed nature of the workforce.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time, exempt position. While specific hours are not detailed, the remote nature allows for flexibility in structuring the workday, provided deliverables are met and team collaboration windows are respected. The focus is on output and impact rather than rigid adherence to a 9-to-5 schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "fully remote" nature is a significant aspect of the work environment. This implies a culture that trusts employees to manage their time and work effectively, supported by robust digital collaboration tools. The requirement to work within the US and potential for security clearances are key considerations for this remote setup, especially within defense and security contexts.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit resume and a portfolio of 1-2 work samples. Ensure portfolios are accessible (password-free or with provided details).
• Initial Screening: Review of application and portfolio for alignment with qualifications.
• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: This may involve a practical design exercise or a deep dive into portfolio case studies to assess problem-solving skills, design process, and strategic thinking. Preparation should focus on articulating your contributions and impact.
• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Conversations with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially clients/stakeholders to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit. Focus on how you advocate for users and influence product strategy.
• Leadership/Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership to evaluate overall fit, leadership potential, and alignment with Skylight's mission and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 1-2 pieces that best represent your skills for this specific role – focusing on complex problem-solving, user research, end-to-end design, and ideally, work with significant impact.
• Tell a Story: For each sample, clearly articulate the problem, your role and process, the challenges encountered, your specific contributions, the design decisions made, and the measurable outcomes (user impact, business goals, efficiency gains).
• Showcase Process: Don't just show final screens; demonstrate your thinking, research insights, iteration, and rationale behind design choices. Include wireframes, user flows, research findings, and prototypes if relevant.
• Highlight Leadership: For Senior/Staff roles, emphasize instances where you influenced strategy, mentored others, or led design initiatives.
• Accessibility Focus: If possible, highlight how you incorporated accessibility (WCAG) into your designs, especially relevant for government work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Research Skylight's work, their clients (government agencies), and the challenges of designing for public services, defense, and security.
• Practice Articulation: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio and design process concisely and clearly. Practice explaining complex design decisions and their impact.
• User-Centricity: Emphasize how you prioritize and advocate for the user throughout the design and development lifecycle.
• Agile/Lean Mindset: Be ready to discuss how you adapt your process within agile environments and balance user needs with business/project constraints.
• Client Communication: Prepare examples of how you effectively communicate with clients and stakeholders, manage feedback, and build consensus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description explicitly links to Skylight's "join page" and "Career Pathways framework," suggesting candidates should familiarize themselves with these resources. The portfolio requirement is emphasized, and specific advice is given on what to include and how to present it, indicating it's a critical part of the evaluation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping Software: Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop), and potentially prototyping tools like InVision or Principle. Figma is often a primary tool for collaborative design systems.
• User Research & Analysis Tools: Experience with tools for conducting user interviews, usability testing, surveys, and synthesizing research findings. This could include platforms like UserTesting.com, SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, or even structured note-taking and analysis methods.
• Collaboration & Project Management: Familiarity with tools like Jira, Asana, Trello for managing tasks and workflows, and communication platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams for team collaboration.
• Documentation & Knowledge Sharing: Tools for creating and sharing design documentation, style guides, and design systems, such as Confluence, Notion, or dedicated design system platforms.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analyst role, understanding how to interpret user analytics (e.g., from Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude) to inform design decisions is beneficial.
• Ability to work with data to measure the impact of design changes.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the core product design role, but understanding how user interfaces interact with backend systems and data management processes (like CRMs) can be helpful for context.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the responsibilities point towards a modern digital product design stack. Figma is a strong contender for collaborative design and prototyping. Given the government context, tools that support accessibility compliance and robust documentation will be highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A core value is using "design and technology to help government agencies deliver better public services" and playing a part in a "civic movement." This means a strong focus on public good and social impact.
• User-Centricity & Empathy: A commitment to understanding and advocating for the public and government workers, promoting empathy for their needs and experiences.
• Lean-Agile & Iterative: Embracing a flexible, iterative approach to product development, focusing on continuous improvement and rapid feedback.
• Collaboration & Shared Understanding: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and collective ownership of product vision and execution across disciplines.
• Excellence & Impact: Striving for high-quality design and demonstrable positive outcomes for public services.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers work seamlessly within multidisciplinary teams (PMs, Engineers), acting as a cohesive unit to deliver solutions.
• Open Communication: Encouraging direct and honest feedback, fostering an environment where design rationale is discussed openly.
• Process Iteration: A culture that embraces experimentation and refinement of processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Knowledge Sharing: Actively sharing insights, best practices, and learnings across teams and projects to elevate the collective skill set.

📝 Enhancement Note: Skylight's emphasis on "public interest technologists" and "civic movement" suggests a culture that is passionate, purpose-driven, and collaborative. The "Defense & Security" aspect might add an layer of professionalism and rigor, but the overarching culture is likely one of innovation for social good.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex User Needs: Designing for diverse government users (public, civil servants) with varying technical proficiencies, needs, and within regulated environments.
• Navigating Bureaucracy: Working within government agency structures can involve long decision cycles, legacy systems, and specific compliance requirements that differ from typical commercial product development.
• Balancing Stakeholder Interests: Effectively managing the needs and expectations of multiple stakeholders, including agency officials, end-users, and internal project teams, while maintaining a user-centered focus.
• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining strong team cohesion, effective communication, and shared understanding in a fully remote work environment, especially for complex, sensitive projects.
• Security & Compliance: Designing within the stringent requirements of defense and security sectors, which may include data privacy, security protocols, and specific clearance needs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Domain Expertise: Deepen knowledge in civic tech, defense, and security sectors, understanding the unique challenges and opportunities within these domains.
• Advanced Design Leadership: Develop skills in mentoring junior designers, leading complex design initiatives, and influencing product strategy at a senior level.
• Client Engagement Skills: Enhance abilities in client communication, stakeholder management, and consulting within government contexts.
• Continuous Skill Enhancement: Utilize the annual professional development allowance for courses, workshops, conferences, or certifications relevant to product design and the public sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to working in the government sector, particularly in defense and security. The growth opportunities are designed to help individuals navigate these challenges and become leaders in this specialized field, leveraging the company's structured career pathways.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance competing user needs with business or government objectives. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your rationale, compromise, and user advocacy.)
• "Walk us through a complex product you designed from concept to launch. What were the key user research insights, design decisions, and challenges you overcame?" (Highlight your end-to-end process, problem-solving, and impact.)
• "How do you ensure accessibility and inclusivity in your design process, especially when working on government-facing products?" (Demonstrate knowledge of WCAG and inclusive design principles.)
• "Describe your approach to collaborating with product managers and engineers in an agile environment. How do you ensure alignment and shared understanding?" (Emphasize communication, iterative feedback, and cross-functional teamwork.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Skylight's mission to improve public services, and specifically our work in defense and security?" (Connect your passion for public good with the company's goals.)
• "How do you embody or contribute to a human-centered design culture within a team?" (Provide examples of promoting empathy and user advocacy.)
• "How do you handle feedback on your designs, especially from stakeholders who may have different priorities?" (Showcase your ability to receive and integrate feedback constructively.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: For each case study, follow a clear narrative: Problem Statement -> Your Role & Process -> Research & Insights -> Design Solutions & Rationale -> Challenges & Iterations -> Outcomes & Impact.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased user engagement, reduced task completion time, improved efficiency).
• Highlight Leadership: For Senior/Staff roles, emphasize instances where you took initiative, mentored others, or guided strategic design decisions.
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, trade-offs made, and alternative solutions you considered.
• Technical Access: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible and password-free, or provide clear access instructions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation advice focuses on demonstrating strategic thinking, user advocacy, collaboration, and leadership, all within the context of government services. The portfolio presentation strategy is crucial, as it's the primary vehicle for showcasing these skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior/Staff Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.
• Portfolio Customization: Select 1-2 work samples that most effectively demonstrate your end-to-end product design capabilities, strategic thinking, and ability to solve complex problems, ideally with relevance to public services or regulated industries. Ensure these samples clearly articulate your process, challenges, and impact.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in user research, interaction design, visual design, lean-agile methodologies, and leadership. Use keywords from the job description and quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Familiarize yourself with Skylight's mission, values, and the "Career Pathways framework." Practice articulating your design process, leadership contributions, and passion for public service. Be ready to present your portfolio and discuss case studies in detail.
• Company Research: Understand Skylight's work with government agencies, their approach to civic tech, and the unique aspects of designing for defense and security. This will inform your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.