UX Engineer, Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET), Walsh School of Foreign Service (SFS)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Engineer, Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET)

Company: Georgetown University

Location: Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Technology / Software / Data & Analytics / Science & Research / Education

Date Posted: April 14, 2026

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design, develop, and implement user-friendly and accessible websites and dynamic interfaces for research-driven digital products, focusing on the Emerging Technology Observatory (ETO).

• Lead end-to-end UX improvements, from initial user research and prototyping through to final implementation and release, ensuring alignment with CSET's brand and mission.

• Collaborate closely with data scientists, software engineers, research fellows, and the communications team to drive cohesive UI/UX enhancements across all digital platforms.

• Implement and maintain WCAG accessibility compliance for all digital products, ensuring broad usability.

• Monitor trends in emerging technologies like AI, ML, and biotechnology to inform design decisions and product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within an academic research environment, specifically focusing on emerging technologies and national security. The "UX Engineer" title suggests a blended role with strong front-end development capabilities alongside core UX responsibilities, rather than a pure design role. The emphasis on "Data Team" indicates a data-centric approach to product development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Build, test, and deploy front-end code, primarily using React (and potentially other frameworks like Astro), for ETO websites and other CSET digital products.

• Conduct user research, including interviews and usability testing, to gather insights and translate them into actionable UX recommendations and product priorities.

• Coordinate with internal teams (Data, Communications) and external web vendors to ensure consistent and visually appealing UI/UX across CSET's digital presence.

• Partner with stakeholders to identify and prioritize features that meet user needs and align with CSET's strategic goals and brand identity.

• Implement design and usability improvements on wireframes, prototypes, beta releases, and production-ready products and interfaces.

• Develop and execute comprehensive usability and accessibility testing plans, ensuring adherence to WCAG standards.

• Streamline digital publication workflows, including the integration of interactive data visualizations into CSET's research outputs.

• Stay abreast of advancements in AI, ML, biotechnology, and national security policy to inform the design and content of digital products.

• Contribute to CSET's organizational development, participating in internal working groups, seminars, and discussions, and mentoring colleagues.

• Uphold CSET's mission, values, and inclusive culture through daily work and interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on development role requiring not just design but also the ability to translate designs into functional code. The mention of "interactive data visualizations" and "digital publication workflows" suggests a need for skills in presenting complex data in an accessible and engaging manner, crucial for a research organization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree required.

Experience: A minimum of 7 years of combined user interface design and development experience is necessary. Graduate coursework in a relevant field can be counted towards this experience.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in core front-end web technologies: Javascript, HTML, and CSS.

• Extensive experience with modern JavaScript frameworks, particularly React (including ecosystems like Gatsby, Next.js, or similar).

• Demonstrated experience using design and prototyping tools such as Figma or comparable software for collaborative design workflows.

• Experience working within cloud-hosted environments (e.g., Google Cloud Platform - GCP, Amazon Web Services - AWS, or similar).

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively in a highly collaborative team setting, working with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• High adaptability and flexibility to navigate evolving requirements and priorities in a dynamic research environment.

• Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills, essential for stakeholder engagement and documentation.

• Strong motivation, intellectual curiosity, and a self-driven work ethic.

• Alignment with CSET's mission, values, and culture, demonstrated through application materials and interview interactions.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with front-end testing methodologies and Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) workflows.

• Experience with SQL and Python, or a strong interest and aptitude for learning these technologies.

• Experience working within Google Cloud Platform (GCP), or a demonstrated interest in acquiring this expertise.

• Proven ability to write clear and effective technical documentation.

• Experience collaborating on code repositories using platforms like GitHub.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 7 years of experience alongside a Bachelor's degree suggests a need for seasoned professionals. The explicit mention of "React (via Gatsby, Next.js, or similar) or Astro" points towards a modern front-end stack. The emphasis on legal eligibility and absence of sponsorship is critical for international candidates.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase end-to-end UX improvements, detailing the problem, your process (research, design, iteration), and the impact of your solutions.

• Include examples of responsive design and implementation across various devices and screen sizes.

• Demonstrate proficiency in creating interactive prototypes and wireframes that led to implemented features.

• Highlight experience with accessibility standards (WCAG) and how you ensured compliance in your projects.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you document design decisions, user flows, and interaction patterns.

• Showcase your approach to user research, including methodologies used and how findings were synthesized.

• Detail your experience with front-end development workflows, including version control (e.g., Git) and testing procedures.

• Illustrate how you collaborate with engineers and stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation of UX designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application explicitly requires a design portfolio. Candidates should prepare to present case studies that not only showcase visual design but also the underlying research, problem-solving, and development processes that led to successful outcomes. The emphasis on "shipped product links" suggests a preference for demonstrable impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80,429.00 - $157,238.93 annually.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: This salary range is based on Georgetown University's stated pay range for this position. Compensation will be determined by factors including candidate qualifications, experience, education, skills, certifications, University business needs, and external market factors. For Washington D.C., this range is competitive for a hybrid UX Engineer role with the specified experience level, aligning with mid-level to senior technical positions in higher education and research institutions.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Disability Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Retirement Savings Plan (e.g., 403(b))

• Tuition Assistance (for eligible employees and dependents)

• Work-Life Balance Benefits (e.g., paid time off, holidays)

• Employee Discounts

• An array of voluntary insurance options

Working Hours: The standard workweek is 40 hours. The position is designated as Hybrid, requiring at least 2-3 days per week in the CSET office in Washington D.C.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role allows for some flexibility while ensuring in-person collaboration. The comprehensive benefits package is typical for a large university employer and offers significant value beyond base salary.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education / Research / Technology Policy

Company Size: Georgetown University is a large, historic institution with thousands of employees. CSET operates as a specialized research center within the university, likely fostering a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment. Its size as a research center allows for focused work while benefiting from the broader university infrastructure.

Founded: Georgetown University was founded in 1789, establishing a long-standing tradition of academic excellence and public service. CSET is a more recent initiative, focusing on contemporary security challenges, suggesting a blend of historical gravitas and forward-thinking research.

Team Structure:

• The UX Engineer will be part of CSET's Data Team, which includes data scientists and software engineers, indicating a technically oriented and collaborative team structure.

• This role reports to the Director of Data Science and Research, suggesting a clear reporting line within the data and analytics function.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is central, as evidenced by the role's placement within the Data Team and focus on user research and analytics.

• Agile or iterative development methodologies are likely employed, given the emphasis on continuous improvement, testing, and deployment of digital products.

• A strong focus on user-centered design principles, ensuring that research findings directly inform product development and enhancements.

Company Website: https://cset.georgetown.edu/

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of a university research center implies a mission-driven environment focused on impactful analysis and dissemination of knowledge. The culture likely values intellectual rigor, collaboration, and a commitment to nonpartisan research.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This UX Engineer role is positioned at a mid-level to senior technical contributor level. It demands significant autonomy in managing UX projects from conception to deployment and requires a blend of design thinking and hands-on development skills. The role is critical for translating complex research into accessible digital tools and platforms.

Reporting Structure: The UX Engineer reports directly to the Director of Data Science and Research, indicating a senior position within the Data Team with direct access to leadership for strategic alignment and project oversight.

Operations Impact: The UX Engineer's work directly impacts CSET's ability to disseminate its research findings and analysis on emerging technologies. By creating user-friendly, accessible, and engaging digital platforms like the Emerging Technology Observatory (ETO), this role enhances CSET's reach, influence, and impact on policymakers, researchers, and the public. Effective UX design can drive user engagement, data utilization, and overall project success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific front-end frameworks (e.g., advanced React patterns, performance optimization), accessibility standards, or data visualization techniques.

• Technical Leadership: Potentially lead UX initiatives for new research projects or platforms, mentor junior team members, and contribute to the strategic direction of CSET's digital products.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain deeper understanding of data science, research methodologies, and policy analysis through close collaboration with CSET fellows and researchers.

• Professional Development: Access to university-provided training, workshops, and potentially opportunities to attend industry conferences related to UX, front-end development, and emerging technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a unique opportunity to blend technical UX/development skills with a high-impact mission in technology policy. Growth is likely to be focused on deepening technical expertise and taking on more complex projects within the research context.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is designated as Hybrid, requiring candidates to work from CSET's D.C. office at least 2-3 days per week. This suggests a modern office setting designed for collaboration and focused work, integrated within Georgetown University's Capitol Campus.

Office Location(s): 500 First St NW 7th Floor, Washington, D.C. This location is near Union Station, offering good accessibility via public transportation.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and team structure emphasize in-person collaboration with data scientists, engineers, researchers, and communications staff.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office technology, development tools, and potentially specialized software for design, data analysis, and research dissemination.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for informal discussions, brainstorming sessions, and formal team meetings, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas.

Work Schedule: The standard schedule is 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement allows for flexibility in balancing remote and in-office work, accommodating focused tasks and collaborative needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid setup is a key feature, balancing the need for collaborative, in-person interaction with the flexibility of remote work. Proximity to Union Station is a significant advantage for commuting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Submission of Resume/CV, Cover Letter, and Design Portfolio. The cover letter should specifically address interest in CSET and the role.

• Phone Screen: An initial conversation to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Take-Home Exercise: Candidates who proceed will be required to complete a practical exercise designed to evaluate their UX and front-end development skills.

• Technical/Team Interviews: Likely involve deeper dives into technical skills, problem-solving approaches, and collaboration style with members of the Data Team and potentially other CSET staff.

• Final Interview: May involve discussion with senior leadership to confirm alignment with CSET's mission and team dynamics.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Effectively: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate the required skills (React, Figma, user research, accessibility, data visualization).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, design, development, testing), the challenges you overcame, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Showcase Process: Include wireframes, user flows, research insights, and iterative design stages to demonstrate your thinking.

• Highlight Development: If possible, link to live products or provide code snippets/repositories that showcase your front-end implementation skills.

• Accessibility Focus: Explicitly detail how you addressed and implemented WCAG accessibility standards in your work.

• Conciseness: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and provides clear, concise descriptions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Scope: Anticipate a challenge that requires both UX design thinking and front-end development skills, likely involving data presentation or an interactive component.

• Focus on Process: Be prepared to explain your design and development process, not just the final output.

• Time Management: Practice working within time constraints, as take-home exercises often have specific deadlines.

• Communicate Clearly: Structure your submission logically, clearly outlining your approach and justifications for design and technical decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a take-home exercise and a strong portfolio emphasizes the practical, hands-on nature of this role. Candidates should prioritize showcasing their ability to deliver functional, user-centered solutions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Front-end Frameworks: React is explicitly mentioned as the primary framework. Experience with associated ecosystems like Gatsby or Next.js, or modern alternatives like Astro, is highly valued.

• Design & Prototyping: Figma is the specified tool for prototyping and collaboration. Proficiency in comparable tools is also relevant.

• Version Control: GitHub is a preferred skill, indicating standard collaborative development workflows.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as required, the role's focus on user research and product improvement implies familiarity with analytics tools for tracking user behavior and product performance.

CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM or automation tools are mentioned as primary requirements for this UX-focused role. The focus is on front-end development and user experience for research platforms rather than sales or marketing automation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is modern and focused on front-end development. Proficiency in React and Figma is critical. Experience with cloud environments (GCP/AWS) and version control (GitHub) is also a significant plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Intellectual Curiosity: A deep drive to understand and analyze complex issues in emerging technologies and national security.

• Collaboration & Inclusivity: A commitment to working together across diverse teams and backgrounds, fostering an inclusive environment.

• Impact & Mission-Driven: A focus on producing nonpartisan, high-quality analysis that informs policy and public understanding.

• User-Centricity: Prioritizing the needs of users (researchers, policymakers) in the design and development of digital products.

• Continuous Learning: An expectation that team members will stay current with technological advancements and research trends.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect close collaboration with data scientists, researchers, communications specialists, and external vendors, requiring strong communication and partnership skills.

• Iterative Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on designs, code, and research outputs to drive continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Active participation in team discussions, seminars, and internal working groups to share insights and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is shaped by its academic research mission and its focus on critical technology policy issues. Expect a rigorous, collaborative, and mission-oriented environment where intellectual contribution is highly valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Research: The primary challenge will be to design and develop user interfaces that effectively communicate complex technical and policy information from CSET's research to diverse audiences.

• Balancing User Needs and Technical Constraints: Harmonizing user experience goals with the technical realities of front-end development and the specific requirements of a research institution.

• Staying Ahead of Emerging Technologies: Continuously learning about rapidly evolving fields like AI and biotechnology to ensure digital products remain relevant and insightful.

• Hybrid Work Dynamics: Effectively collaborating and maintaining productivity within a hybrid work model, ensuring seamless integration between remote and in-office contributions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen Technical Expertise: Opportunities to master advanced React patterns, explore new front-end technologies, and refine skills in accessibility and data visualization.

• Exposure to Policy Research: Gain in-depth knowledge of national security implications of emerging technologies, fostering a unique interdisciplinary skill set.

• Mentorship: Learn from experienced data scientists, researchers, and senior technical staff within CSET and Georgetown University.

• Professional Development: Access to university-wide training programs, workshops, and potential support for attending relevant industry conferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology research and effective digital communication, offering significant intellectual and professional growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you took a complex research topic and made it accessible through UX design and front-end development. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your user research, design choices, development implementation, and measurable impact.)

• "How do you ensure accessibility (WCAG compliance) in your front-end development? Can you walk us through an example from your portfolio?" (Demonstrate your practical understanding and commitment to inclusive design.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in CSET's mission and the specific focus on emerging technologies and national security?" (Research CSET's recent work and articulate how your skills align with their goals.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with non-technical stakeholders, such as researchers or communications teams?" (Provide specific examples of successful cross-functional collaboration and communication strategies.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the problem, your role, the solution (design and development), the impact, and key learnings.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (mockups, wireframes, screenshots, live links) to support your explanations.

• Highlight Process Over Perfection: Emphasize your problem-solving methodology, research insights, and iterative design process, not just the polished final product.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data or metrics to demonstrate the success of your work (e.g., increased engagement, reduced bounce rates, improved task completion).

• Be Ready for Technical Deep Dives: Prepare to answer questions about your code, design decisions, and the technologies you used.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expect interview questions that probe your technical skills, your process, your ability to collaborate, and your understanding of CSET's mission. Your portfolio is a critical component, so be prepared to discuss it in detail.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the Georgetown University Workday portal.

• Prepare a comprehensive Design Portfolio: Ensure it includes case studies detailing your UX/UI design and front-end development process, highlighting projects that showcase React, Figma, user research, and accessibility (WCAG) compliance.

• Tailor your Cover Letter: Specifically address your interest in CSET's mission and the role of a UX Engineer in translating complex research into accessible digital products.

• Optimize your Resume/CV: Clearly list your years of experience, proficiency in required technologies (Javascript, HTML, CSS, React, Figma), and any relevant experience with cloud platforms and version control.

• Practice your Portfolio Presentation: Be ready to walk through 2-3 key projects, detailing the problem, your approach, your development process, and the impact, during interviews.

• Research CSET's Work: Familiarize yourself with CSET's research areas (AI, biotechnology, national security) and specific projects like the Emerging Technology Observatory (ETO) to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding.

⚠️ 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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