UX / UI Designer at Visionist, Inc.

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX / UI Designer Company: Visionist, Inc. Location: Columbia, Maryland, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: User Experience (UX) / User Interface (UI) Design Operations Date Posted: August 18, 2025 Experience Level: Senior (10+ Years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

Spearhead the design and enhancement of user experiences for analytic tools, aligning with mission objectives.
Drive user-centered design methodologies, integrating qualitative and quantitative research into the product development lifecycle.
Collaborate closely with development teams to translate user needs and business requirements into intuitive and effective user interfaces.
Champion best practices in UX/UI design, information architecture, and usability testing to optimize product structure and user flow.
Contribute to the visual design and presentation services for the software development portfolio, ensuring a cohesive and engaging user journey.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is crucial for bridging the gap between complex analytical tools and their end-users within the Intelligence Community. The emphasis on "PRIME contract" suggests a significant, long-term government project, requiring a deep understanding of user needs in a high-stakes environment. The mention of "visualization and presentation services" indicates a need for strong graphic design and data visualization skills alongside core UX/UI competencies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including fellow Designers and Software Developers, to create comprehensive UX artifacts and deliver expert UX guidance.
Design and execute qualitative and quantitative research studies, such as user surveys, in-depth interviews, and usability tests, working alongside multiple UX practitioners to derive strategic user insights.
Develop detailed wireframes and user flow diagrams to facilitate early evaluation of product structure and user journeys prior to development commencement.
Evaluate and produce robust information architectures that define appropriate product structure, navigation, and layout for complex applications.
Conduct heuristic evaluations of user interfaces, applying established UX principles to identify areas for improvement and ensure adherence to usability standards.
Develop workshop materials and facilitate UX design methodologies to effectively elicit user feedback and synthesize actionable UX artifacts.
Create user surveys and organize focus groups to gather critical feedback from system end-users, informing design decisions and iterative improvements.
Research and document detailed user requirements, including user profiles, frequent tasks, workflows, and user scenarios, to drive strategic modifications and enhancements.
Direct and conduct usability testing sessions, closely collaborating with the application design team to identify and resolve usability issues.
Provide expert UX/UI design expertise throughout all phases of the software development lifecycle: analysis, design, implementation, and deployment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a senior-level UX/UI Designer who is expected to lead research initiatives, mentor junior team members (implied by "multiple UX practitioners"), and take ownership of the entire UX process from discovery to deployment. Experience across the full SDLC is a key expectation for this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Cognitive Psychology, Experimental Psychology, Human Factors Engineering, Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Business Process Engineering, or a closely related technical or behavioral science field.

Experience:

A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience specifically in User Experience (UX) Design.
Demonstrated experience across all phases of the usability and software engineering lifecycle, including analysis, design, implementation, and deployment.
Proven track record of working collaboratively with application developers, product designers, and process engineers to create detailed user interface design specifications.
Extensive experience in designing and conducting user surveys and organizing focus groups to gather end-user feedback.
Strong experience in researching and documenting user requirements, including user profiles, task analysis, workflow mapping, and scenario development.
Substantial experience in directing and conducting usability testing, with a focus on translating findings into actionable design improvements.

Required Skills:

UX Design Strategy: Ability to define and execute comprehensive UX strategies that align with business goals and user needs.
User Research Methodologies: Proficiency in conducting a variety of qualitative (interviews, usability testing, focus groups) and quantitative (surveys, analytics) research.
Information Architecture (IA): Expertise in structuring content, navigation, and labeling systems for complex applications.
Wireframing & Prototyping: Skill in creating low-fidelity wireframes and interactive prototypes to visualize product concepts and user flows.
Usability Testing: Experience planning, conducting, and analyzing usability tests to identify and resolve user interface issues.
Heuristic Evaluation: Ability to perform expert reviews of interfaces based on established usability principles.
User Requirements Gathering: Proficiency in eliciting, documenting, and prioritizing user needs through various research techniques.
Cross-functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with developers, product managers, and other stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

Graphic Design Proficiency: Mastery of design tools such as Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator), Adobe XD, or PenPot for visual design and asset creation.
508 Compliance: Familiarity with Section 508 accessibility standards and best practices for inclusive design.
Human Factors Engineering: Deeper understanding of human cognitive processes, perception, and interaction principles.
Agile/Scrum Methodologies: Experience working within Agile development environments and contributing to sprint planning and reviews.
Data Visualization: Ability to present complex data in clear, understandable visual formats.
Nielsen Norman Group (NN/g) Training: Participation in NN/g or similar advanced UX training programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The educational requirement is broad, indicating a focus on human behavior and cognitive processes as much as technical design. The 10 years of experience requirement positions this as a senior-level role. The preferred skills like 508 compliance and NN/g training suggest a commitment to high-quality, accessible design within a government context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Case Studies: Showcase 3-5 detailed case studies demonstrating UX/UI design projects from conception to completion, highlighting your specific contributions.
Process Documentation: Illustrate your design process, including user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, usability testing, and iteration.
Problem/Solution Framing: Clearly articulate the user problem or business challenge addressed in each case study and how your design solutions resolved it.
Metrics & Impact: Quantify the impact of your designs whenever possible (e.g., improvements in task completion rates, reduction in errors, user satisfaction scores).
Tool Proficiency Examples: Include examples of deliverables created using design tools like Adobe Creative Cloud, Adobe XD, or PenPot.
Accessibility Focus: Demonstrate understanding and application of accessibility principles (e.g., WCAG, Section 508) in at least one case study.

Process Documentation:

User Research Synthesis: Provide examples of how you synthesize user research findings into actionable insights and design requirements.
Workflow Design: Showcase examples of mapping complex user workflows and information architectures.
Iterative Design: Illustrate how you incorporate feedback from usability testing and stakeholders into design iterations.
Design System Contributions (if applicable): If you have experience with design systems, show how you contributed to their development or utilized them.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, as it will be the primary method for evaluating a candidate's practical UX/UI skills and design process. The emphasis on case studies, process documentation, and quantifiable impact suggests that candidates should be prepared to articulate their design decisions and their outcomes in detail.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $130,000 - $226,000 Annually Disclaimer: The final salary will be determined based on individual factors such as experience, skills, education, contract specifications, and market conditions.

Benefits:

Employee Ownership: As a 100% employee-owned company, you gain a direct stake in the company's success and benefits from its growth.
Retirement Contribution: A competitive 15% retirement contribution, comprising a 5% 401K match and a 10% ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan).
Paid Time Off: Generous 4 weeks of Paid Time Off (PTO) that is never "use or lose."
Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year.
Flexible Work: Options for comp time, overtime, and flexible work hours to support work-life balance.
Parental Leave: 80 hours of paid parental leave, with an additional $8,000 supplemental payment for mothers upon returning from maternity leave.
Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits for individuals and families.
Medical Waiver Benefit: An additional $4,160 per year for employees who waive medical benefits.
Lifestyle Bonus: An annual $600 lifestyle bonus for use on fitness, technology, or HSA contributions.
Performance-Based Compensation: Annual merit increases and performance-based bonuses.
Disability & Life Insurance: Term life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage.

Working Hours:

Standard 40 hours per week, with options for comp time and overtime. Flexible work hours are available, allowing for adaptability in scheduling.

📝 Enhancement Note: Visionist, Inc. offers a highly competitive and comprehensive benefits package, emphasizing employee ownership and long-term financial security. The inclusion of a lifestyle bonus and generous parental leave highlights a focus on employee well-being. The salary range is substantial, reflecting the senior experience level and the specialized nature of the work within the Intelligence Community.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government Contracting / Information Technology / Software Development / Intelligence Community Support. Visionist, Inc. specializes in providing advanced analytic tools and visualization services to support national security objectives. Company Size: 100% Employee-Owned. While specific employee numbers aren't listed, the strong emphasis on employee ownership suggests a culture of shared responsibility and mutual investment. Founded: Over 14 years ago. This indicates a stable company with established processes and a proven track record in its niche market.

Team Structure:

Integrated Project Teams: Expect to work within small, embedded engineering teams that collaborate directly with analysts and clients within the Intelligence Community.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role requires close partnership with Designers, Developers, and Process Engineers to deliver integrated solutions.
Reporting: Likely reports to a UX Lead or a Program Manager overseeing the analytic tool development portfolio, with direct interaction with client stakeholders.

Methodology:

User-Centric Development: A strong emphasis on understanding and integrating user needs throughout the design and development process.
Agile & Iterative: Likely employs Agile or similar iterative development methodologies, allowing for rapid prototyping and continuous feedback integration.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizes both qualitative and quantitative data to inform design choices and measure impact.
Mission-Focused: All work is geared towards solving complex challenges for the Intelligence Community, emphasizing accuracy, efficiency, and security.

Company Website: www.visionistinc.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Visionist, Inc. cultivates a unique culture centered around employee ownership, which fosters a sense of community and shared purpose. Their focus on the Intelligence Community means the work is mission-critical and requires a high degree of trust, security, and technical expertise. The company appears to value professional development, as evidenced by the mention of Nielsen Norman Group and 508 training opportunities.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior UX/UI Designer position, demanding extensive experience and the ability to lead design initiatives. It signifies a high level of autonomy and responsibility within the UX discipline. Reporting Structure: You will likely report to a senior leader within the UX/UI team or a program manager responsible for the analytic tools portfolio. Collaboration will extend across development teams and directly with client analysts. Operations Impact: Your work will directly influence the usability, effectiveness, and adoption of critical analytic tools used by the Intelligence Community. This has a direct impact on mission success, operational efficiency, and national security.

Growth Opportunities:

Professional Development: Access to Nielsen Norman Group (NN/g) and Section 508 training provides opportunities to deepen expertise in UX research and accessibility.
Leadership Potential: The senior nature of the role and the emphasis on collaboration and research leadership offer a pathway to team lead or management positions within the UX function.
Skill Specialization: Opportunities to specialize further in areas like human factors, data visualization, or specific research methodologies based on project needs and personal interest.
Internal Mobility: As an employee-owned company, Visionist, Inc. may offer internal opportunities for growth into different project areas or roles that align with employee skills and career aspirations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is ideal for an experienced UX/UI designer looking to make a significant impact on mission-critical projects within a supportive, employee-owned environment. The company's investment in training and the senior nature of the role suggest strong potential for career advancement and skill development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work arrangement, allowing for up to 2 days of telework per week. The primary work location is in Columbia, MD. Office Location(s): Columbia, Maryland, USA. This location is central within the Maryland tech corridor, offering access to government clients and a strong tech talent pool.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Design Studio: Expect a dynamic environment where designers work closely with developers and analysts, fostering a culture of shared problem-solving.
Technology Access: Likely equipped with industry-standard hardware and software necessary for UX/UI design, research, and collaboration.
Mission-Critical Focus: The workspace will be geared towards supporting sensitive government projects, implying a need for discretion and adherence to security protocols.
Professional Development Integration: Opportunities for training and skill enhancement are integrated into the work environment.

Work Schedule:

Standard 40-hour work week, with flexible work hours available. This allows for adaptability in managing project deadlines and personal commitments, facilitating focused work periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model offers a balance between focused individual work and collaborative team interaction. The emphasis on flexibility in work hours is a significant perk for professionals who value autonomy in managing their workday.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Recruiter Screen: A phone screen with a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
Team Interview: An interview at Visionist's HQ in Columbia, MD, with members of the Visionist team (likely designers and/or developers) to evaluate technical skills, design process, and collaborative approach.
Portfolio Review: Expect to present your portfolio, discussing your design process, specific project contributions, and the impact of your work. Be prepared to articulate your reasoning behind design decisions.
Cultural Fit Assessment: The interview process will also gauge your alignment with Visionist's employee-owned culture and mission-driven approach.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Storytelling: Structure your portfolio around compelling case studies that tell a clear story: problem, process, solution, and impact.
Process Emphasis: Detail your UX process, from user research and ideation to prototyping and testing. Show your thought process.
Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced errors, increased user satisfaction).
Tool Demonstrations: Be ready to walk through your work in design tools like Adobe XD, Figma, or PenPot.
Tailor to the Role: Highlight projects that showcase experience with complex systems, government clients, or data visualization, if applicable.

Challenge Preparation:

Design Challenge: Be prepared for a potential design exercise or case study discussion that simulates real project scenarios. This might involve analyzing a problem, proposing solutions, or critiquing an existing interface.
Problem-Solving: Focus on demonstrating your ability to break down complex problems, identify user needs, and develop effective design solutions.
Stakeholder Communication: Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, as if explaining it to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare thoroughly for the portfolio review, focusing on demonstrating not just the final output but the strategic thinking and process behind it. The interview process is described as streamlined, indicating efficiency and a focus on key evaluation points.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

UX Design Software: Adobe Creative Cloud (specifically Photoshop, Illustrator), Adobe XD, PenPot. Proficiency in at least one is required.
Prototyping Tools: Figma, InVision, or similar for creating interactive prototypes.
Collaboration Platforms: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, Confluence for team communication and project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

User Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar tools for tracking user behavior on digital products.
Survey Tools: SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Qualtrics for conducting user surveys.
Usability Testing Platforms: UserTesting.com, Lookback, or internal tools for remote and in-person usability studies.

CRM & Automation:

While not explicitly mentioned as a primary focus for this UX/UI role, familiarity with CRM systems (like Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms (like HubSpot) can be beneficial for understanding the broader customer journey and data flow within a business.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is proficiency in industry-standard UX/UI design tools. Experience with collaboration and analytics platforms will enhance a candidate's effectiveness within the team and project workflows. Familiarity with government-specific tools or platforms may also be advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Employee Ownership: A core value driving shared success, accountability, and a strong sense of community.
Mission Focus: Dedication to solving critical challenges for the Intelligence Community, emphasizing impact and national security.
Innovation & Expertise: Valuing continuous learning, skill development, and the application of cutting-edge UX/UI principles.
Collaboration: Fostering a supportive environment where teamwork and open communication are paramount.
Integrity & Trust: Upholding the highest standards of professionalism and discretion, particularly within the government contracting space.

Collaboration Style:

Integrated Teams: Expect a highly collaborative environment where designers work hand-in-hand with developers, analysts, and project managers.
Feedback-Driven: A culture that encourages constructive feedback and iterative improvement based on user insights and team input.
Knowledge Sharing: Active participation in sharing best practices, design patterns, and lessons learned within the UX community and across project teams.
Client-Centric: A commitment to understanding and meeting the specific needs of Intelligence Community clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The employee-ownership model significantly shapes the company culture, promoting a strong sense of shared purpose and mutual respect. The mission-critical nature of the work instills a culture of dedication and high performance.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Complex User Needs: Designing for sophisticated analytic tools used by highly skilled professionals in the Intelligence Community requires deep understanding and empathy.
Security Requirements: Adhering to strict government security protocols and clearance requirements.
Rapid Technological Evolution: Staying abreast of advancements in UX/UI design, research methodologies, and relevant technologies within a dynamic sector.
Balancing User Needs with Technical Constraints: Effectively translating user requirements into feasible designs within the context of existing systems and development capabilities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Specialized Training: Access to Nielsen Norman Group (NN/g) and 508 accessibility training provides deep dives into advanced UX principles and inclusive design.
Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced UX practitioners and potentially mentor junior designers as you grow within the company.
Project Diversity: Exposure to a variety of projects and analytic tools, allowing for a broad range of experience and skill development.
Industry Engagement: Potential to attend industry conferences or workshops relevant to UX, human factors, and government contracting.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex challenges within a specialized industry, supported by company-provided training and a collaborative environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

UX Strategy: "How would you approach designing a new visualization dashboard for [specific type of intelligence data]? What research methods would you prioritize?" (Focus on your process, user research, and data visualization considerations.)
Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "Describe a time you had to persuade stakeholders to adopt a UX recommendation that was initially met with resistance. How did you handle it?" (Highlight communication, empathy, and data-backed arguments.)
Problem-Solving: "Walk us through a challenging UX problem you encountered and how you solved it. What was the outcome?" (Emphasize your analytical skills, design thinking, and ability to iterate.)

Company & Culture Questions:

Visionist's Mission: "What interests you most about Visionist's work supporting the Intelligence Community?" (Show genuine interest in the mission and the company's role.)
Employee Ownership: "How do you think being part of an employee-owned company might influence your approach to your work?" (Reflect on teamwork, shared responsibility, and long-term impact.)
Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your UX designs? Can you provide an example of how your work led to a measurable improvement?" (Prepare to discuss metrics and ROI.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Concise Storytelling: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, the process you followed, the solutions you designed, and the measurable results.
Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is visually appealing and easy to navigate. Highlight key deliverables such as wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and final UI designs.
Process Focus: Emphasize your design methodology and how you incorporate user feedback and research throughout the lifecycle.
Interactive Demo: If possible, be prepared to demonstrate key aspects of your portfolio projects live, showcasing interactivity and your design rationale in real-time.
Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges faced, and how you would apply your experience to Visionist's projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of UX principles, a robust design process, strong communication skills, and a genuine interest in Visionist's mission and culture.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX / UI Designer position:

Submit your application through the provided Jobvite link: https://jobs.jobvite.com/visionist/job/oU9jxfwD
Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your experience in complex system design, user research, and collaboration within technical environments. Showcase case studies relevant to analytical tools or data visualization if possible.
Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 10+ years of UX design experience, your educational background, and proficiency in required design tools. Quantify achievements with metrics where appropriate.
Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approach, and collaboration skills. Prepare specific examples for common behavioral and situational questions. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail.
Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Visionist, Inc.'s mission, values, and the type of work they do for the Intelligence Community. Understand the benefits of employee ownership and how it fosters their culture.

⚠️ 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.

UX / UI Designer