UX Designer – DOD Secret Clearance Required

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer – DOD Secret Clearance Required

Company: DXC Technology

Location: Washington, DC Metro (Hybrid)

Job Type: Part-Time

Category: Technology / Creative & Media / Government & Public Sector

Date Posted: January 11, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (2-3 days onsite)

🚀 Role Summary

• Design intuitive, user-centered interfaces for Department of Defense (DOD) enterprise applications, prioritizing usability, accessibility, and visual appeal within a hybrid work model.

• Leverage Human-Centered Design (HCD) principles, conducting comprehensive user research, prototyping, and usability testing to meet stringent federal security and operational standards.

• Develop and document modular, responsive UI components adhering to U.S. Web Design System (USWDS) 3.0 and DOD-specific branding, ensuring WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 compliance.

• Integrate advanced analytics, in-app guidance, and AI-powered support tools to enhance user experience and enable real-time decision-making for DOD personnel.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is specifically for a UX Designer with a critical requirement for a DOD Secret Clearance, indicating work on sensitive government projects. The hybrid nature of the role necessitates strong self-management and communication skills to bridge onsite and remote collaboration effectively. The emphasis on USWDS 3.0 and compliance standards points to a need for adherence to established federal design frameworks.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth user research, including interviews, surveys, workshops, and usability studies, with DOD personnel such as Soldiers, HR professionals, and commanders to identify pain points and gather functional requirements.

• Develop detailed user personas and journey maps that accurately reflect the operational environments and user needs within the DOD context.

• Apply Human-Centered Design (HCD) methodologies throughout the entire design lifecycle, from initial ideation and research through prototyping and iterative usability testing.

• Create high-fidelity interactive prototypes, wireframes, and user interfaces utilizing industry-standard design tools like Figma and Adobe XD.

• Maintain comprehensive documentation of all design artifacts, including wireframes, style guides, and workflow diagrams, within contract management tools and navigate DOD governance processes for approvals.

• Implement continuous UX improvement strategies by establishing feedback loops with users and tracking key usability metrics such as System Usability Scale (SUS) scores and task success rates.

• Design and develop modular, responsive UI components that align with the U.S. Web Design System (USWDS) 3.0 and specific DOD branding guidelines.

• Ensure all designs are mobile-first and fully accessible, meeting WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 compliance standards for both web and mobile platforms.

• Integrate analytics and reporting tools (e.g., Kibana, Oracle Analytics) to provide real-time insights and enhance decision-making capabilities within the application.

• Implement in-app guidance solutions (e.g., Oracle Guided Learning) and AI-powered support features (e.g., Oracle Digital Assistant) to streamline user training and onboarding processes.

• Guarantee that all design solutions strictly adhere to DOD cybersecurity, accessibility, and audit requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a strong focus on user research within a specific government context (DOD), requiring the designer to understand unique user groups and operational demands. The emphasis on documentation and governance is critical for government contracting roles. The integration of specific tools like USWDS, Kibana, and Oracle products indicates a need for practical, hands-on experience with these platforms.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of dedicated experience in User Experience (UX) design, with a significant portion focused on enterprise-scale applications.

• Proven track record of applying Human-Centered Design (HCD) principles in practical project settings.

Required Skills:

• Active DOD Secret Clearance and U.S. Citizenship are mandatory.

• Advanced proficiency in UX design software, specifically Figma and Adobe XD.

• Deep understanding and practical application of the U.S. Web Design System (USWDS) 3.0.

• Demonstrated ability to design for accessibility (WCAG 2.1 AA) and Section 508 compliance.

• Strong capability in creating mobile-first and responsive user interfaces.

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills for effective cross-functional teamwork.

• Proven experience in documenting design artifacts and navigating government approval processes.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with analytics and reporting platforms such as Kibana and Oracle Analytics.

• Hands-on experience with in-app guidance and training tools like Oracle Guided Learning.

• Familiarity with integrating AI-powered support solutions, including chatbots like Oracle Digital Assistant.

• Knowledge of DOD cybersecurity, accessibility, and audit standards beyond general compliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement for a DOD Secret Clearance and U.S. Citizenship is paramount. The experience level (3+ years) suggests a mid-level designer capable of independent work. The specific tooling requirements (Figma, Adobe XD, USWDS) are non-negotiable and form the technical foundation of the role. Familiarity with DOD-specific processes is a significant advantage.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3 distinct projects demonstrating a full UX design lifecycle, from discovery and research to final UI delivery.

• Include detailed case studies for each project, highlighting the problem statement, user research methods employed, design process, key design decisions, and final outcomes.

• Present interactive prototypes or high-fidelity mockups that clearly illustrate user flows, interactions, and the overall user experience.

• Demonstrate practical application of accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA, Section 508) and responsive design principles within your project examples.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of user research documentation, such as interview summaries, persona documents, and journey maps.

• Wireframes and user flow diagrams that illustrate the logical progression of user tasks within an application.

• Style guides or component libraries that define visual elements, typography, and interaction patterns.

• Documentation of usability testing plans, methodologies, and findings, including identified issues and proposed solutions.

• Evidence of collaboration with developers and product managers throughout the design and implementation phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a government-contracting role like this, a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating compliance with federal standards and structured design processes. The emphasis on documentation and government governance implies that candidates should be prepared to show how they translate user needs into approved, deployable design solutions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan with company matching (e.g., 401k).

• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Professional development opportunities, including training and certifications relevant to UX and government contracting.

• Potential for overtime compensation for hours worked beyond standard part-time hours, if applicable.

Working Hours:

• Standard part-time work schedule, typically around 20-24 hours per week, with flexibility.

• Expectation of 2-3 days per week onsite at client locations within the Washington D.C. Metro area.

• Core working hours will likely align with standard business operations, with potential for some flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on market data for UX Designers in the Washington D.C. area, factoring in the DOD Secret Clearance requirement, which often commands a premium. The part-time nature means benefits might be prorated or structured differently than full-time roles, but standard benefits are still expected. The hybrid aspect requires clear communication about onsite days.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology / Government Services. DXC Technology operates at the intersection of enterprise technology modernization and government contracting, providing mission-critical IT solutions and services to public sector organizations, including the Department of Defense. This dual focus requires a blend of commercial best practices and strict adherence to government regulations and security protocols.

Company Size: Large Enterprise. DXC Technology is a global IT services company with tens of thousands of employees worldwide. This large scale suggests established processes, extensive resources, and opportunities for career growth across various projects and business units, but also potential for navigating larger organizational structures.

Founded: 2017 (merger of CSC and Enterprise Services of Hewlett Packard Enterprise). This relatively recent founding date as DXC itself reflects a dynamic environment focused on integration and transformation. The company has a long heritage through its predecessor companies, bringing decades of experience in IT services.

Team Structure:

• The UX Design team likely operates within a larger digital transformation or IT services division, potentially structured by client accounts or specific project needs.

• Designers may report to a UX Lead or a Program Manager, with close collaboration with Business Analysts, Developers, and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from the DOD client side.

Methodology:

• The team likely employs a hybrid approach to design methodology, integrating Agile development principles with the structured requirements of government projects.

• Data-driven decision-making is critical, utilizing user research, analytics, and feedback loops to inform design iterations and improvements.

• Emphasis on process optimization and adherence to established frameworks like HCD and USWDS is key to delivering compliant and effective solutions.

Company Website: https://www.dxc.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: DXC's position as a major government contractor means the company culture will heavily emphasize security, compliance, and structured processes, alongside innovation. Understanding how commercial UX best practices integrate with federal requirements is key to succeeding here.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Designer. This role represents a significant step for a UX Designer with 3-5 years of experience. It offers the opportunity to work on high-impact government projects, gain specialized experience in defense sector applications, and deepen expertise in federal design standards and clearance requirements.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will likely report to a UX Lead or a Project Manager within a dedicated program team. Collaboration will be extensive with cross-functional teams including developers, business analysts, and DOD stakeholders. This structure emphasizes project-based work and close team integration.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's work will directly influence the usability, efficiency, and adoption of critical DOD enterprise applications. By creating intuitive and accessible interfaces, the role contributes to improved operational effectiveness, user satisfaction, and potentially mission success for military and civilian personnel. The integration of analytics and guidance tools further enhances the direct impact on user performance and decision-making.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX for government/defense sector applications, HCD within regulated environments, and advanced accessibility compliance.

• Leadership: Potential to move into Senior UX Designer roles, lead design efforts on larger projects, or mentor junior designers as experience grows.

• Skill Expansion: Develop proficiency in advanced analytics tools, AI-driven UX solutions, and cross-platform design strategies.

• Project Variety: Gain exposure to a range of DOD applications and functional areas, broadening industry knowledge and portfolio diversity.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a specialized career path within government UX design. The growth opportunities are tied to gaining deeper domain expertise and mastering the unique challenges of designing for a government client, particularly within the DOD.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. The role combines remote work with mandatory onsite days at client locations within the Washington D.C. Metro area. This requires adaptability and the ability to work effectively in both environments.

Office Location(s): Washington, DC Metro area. Specific client sites will vary, requiring flexibility and potential travel within the region. Candidates within 25 miles of a DXC office are expected to be onsite two days per week, suggesting a distributed team model with designated collaboration hubs.

Workspace Context:

• Onsite days will likely involve working within government client facilities or dedicated DXC project spaces, fostering direct collaboration with team members, clients, and end-users.

• Remote work will require a dedicated home office setup conducive to focused design work and participation in virtual meetings and collaboration sessions.

• Access to standard office technologies, high-speed internet, and collaboration tools will be essential for both remote and onsite work.

Work Schedule: Standard part-time, likely 20-24 hours per week. While flexible, the onsite requirement means coordination around specific days and times will be necessary to maximize collaboration and client engagement. This schedule requires efficient time management to balance project tasks with personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and DOD client requirement mean the work environment is highly structured and requires adherence to government site protocols on designated onsite days.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, including clearance status, citizenship, and general UX experience.

• Technical Interview: A session with UX leads or senior designers to discuss your design process, UX philosophy, and problem-solving approach. Expect questions about your experience with HCD, research methodologies, and specific tools.

• Portfolio Review: Presentation of your design portfolio, focusing on 1-2 relevant projects that demonstrate your skills in enterprise application design, USWDS, accessibility, and responsive design. Be prepared to walk through your design decisions and rationale.

• Client/Stakeholder Interview: This may involve meeting with DOD stakeholders or program managers to assess your understanding of government requirements, your ability to collaborate with diverse teams, and your fit within the project culture.

• Final Offer: Based on successful completion of all preceding stages.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose projects that best align with enterprise application design, government projects (if possible), and demonstrate proficiency in USWDS, accessibility, and responsive design.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the challenges you faced, your design solutions, and the measurable impact or outcome.

• Highlight Compliance: Emphasize how your designs met specific requirements, such as accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA, Section 508) and DOD security protocols.

• Showcase Process: Detail your user research methods, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing phases. Explain why you made certain design choices.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design rationale, how you handle feedback, and your experience working within constraints.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: You may be given a short design challenge or asked to critique an existing interface. Focus on applying HCD principles, identifying usability issues, and proposing iterative improvements.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would approach specific UX challenges common in government applications, such as integrating complex data, ensuring user adoption, or meeting strict compliance mandates.

• Collaboration Simulation: Prepare to discuss how you would collaborate with developers, business analysts, and DOD stakeholders, manage conflicting feedback, and advocate for user needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for government roles often involves multiple stages and a strong emphasis on demonstrating compliance and structured problem-solving. A well-prepared portfolio that highlights relevant skills and processes is critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: For UI design, prototyping, and collaborative design workflows. Expect to demonstrate advanced proficiency.

• Adobe XD: Another key tool for wireframing, prototyping, and design, often used alongside or as an alternative to Figma.

• U.S. Web Design System (USWDS) 3.0: Essential for designing interfaces that align with federal standards. Familiarity with its components, guidelines, and implementation is crucial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Kibana: For analyzing log data and visualizing system performance metrics, often used for understanding application usage and identifying issues.

• Oracle Analytics: A comprehensive business intelligence tool for creating dashboards, reports, and performing data analysis to support decision-making.

CRM & Automation:

• Oracle Guided Learning: An in-app guidance solution for user onboarding, training, and providing contextual help within applications.

• Oracle Digital Assistant: A platform for building AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants to enhance user support and streamline interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily geared towards enterprise government applications, with specific emphasis on USWDS, and Oracle products for analytics and guidance. Proficiency in these tools is a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Security First: A paramount value, ensuring all design decisions and practices adhere to stringent DOD security and compliance standards.

• User-Centricity: A commitment to understanding and serving the needs of DOD personnel, ensuring applications are intuitive, accessible, and effective for their mission.

• Collaboration & Communication: Fostering strong partnerships across development, business analysis, and client teams to achieve project goals.

• Excellence & Compliance: Striving for high-quality design outcomes while meticulously following established federal guidelines and governance processes.

• Adaptability & Continuous Improvement: Embracing evolving requirements, technologies, and user feedback to refine designs and processes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to work closely with developers to ensure designs are feasible and implemented correctly, and with business analysts to translate requirements into user experiences.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Proactive communication and engagement with DOD clients and end-users to gather feedback, present designs, and ensure alignment with expectations.

• Process-Oriented: A methodical approach to design, with clear documentation, review cycles, and adherence to established workflows and governance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture within a DOD contractor like DXC will strongly emphasize security, adherence to protocols, and a structured, collaborative approach to problem-solving.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating DOD Governance: Understanding and adhering to complex approval processes, security requirements, and specific DOD design directives can be challenging.

• Balancing User Needs with Constraints: Designing effective user experiences within the strict technical, security, and compliance limitations inherent in government systems.

• Hybrid Work Logistics: Effectively managing collaboration and communication between remote and onsite team members and client stakeholders.

• Diverse User Base: Catering to a wide range of user technical proficiencies and operational roles within the DOD, from frontline soldiers to administrative staff.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized UX Training: Access to training focused on UX for government applications, advanced accessibility, and compliance standards.

• Certification Programs: Opportunities to pursue certifications relevant to UX, HCD, or specific technologies used within the DOD.

• Mentorship: Potential to learn from experienced designers and project leads within DXC Technology, gaining insights into large-scale government IT projects.

• Exposure to Advanced Technologies: Working with emerging technologies like AI-powered assistants and advanced analytics platforms for government use cases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges stem from the unique environment of government contracting, requiring adaptability and a deep understanding of specific protocols and user needs. Growth is tied to mastering this specialized domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience applying Human-Centered Design principles to a complex enterprise application. How did you gather user requirements and incorporate feedback?" (Focus on your process, research methods, and iterative design).

• "How would you approach designing a mobile-first, responsive interface that meets WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 compliance for DOD personnel?" (Highlight your understanding of accessibility standards and responsive design techniques).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working on DOD applications and specifically with DXC Technology?" (Research DXC's mission and values, and connect them to your career goals).

• "How do you handle working in a hybrid environment and collaborating with team members who are both onsite and remote?" (Emphasize your communication strategies and ability to adapt to different work settings).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection: Choose 1-2 projects that best exemplify your skills in enterprise UX, HCD, USWDS, and accessibility.

• Narrative Flow: Structure your presentation around the problem, your role, your process, your solutions, and the results/impact. Use visual aids effectively.

• Demonstrate Rationale: Be prepared to explain why you made specific design decisions, referencing user research, best practices, and project requirements.

• Highlight Compliance: Explicitly point out how your designs addressed accessibility, responsive, and any relevant security or DOD-specific requirements.

• Interactive Elements: If possible, have live prototypes ready or clearly showcase interactive elements within your presentation slides.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be ready to discuss your design process in detail, showcase your understanding of federal design standards, and articulate your experience with specific tools relevant to government projects. Demonstrating an awareness of security and compliance is critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the DXC Technology careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your experience with enterprise applications, user research, HCD, accessibility (WCAG 2.1 AA, Section 508), responsive design, and specific tools like Figma, Adobe XD, and USWDS.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly states your DOD Secret Clearance status, U.S. Citizenship, and quantifies achievements related to UX design impact and process improvements.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions, and prepare to present 1-2 selected portfolio projects with a focus on government or enterprise-level challenges.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with DXC Technology's work in the government sector, their commitment to HCD, and the U.S. Web Design System. Understand the hybrid work model and its implications for collaboration.

⚠️ 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.