UX/UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Designer Company: DevTech Systems, Inc. Location: Arlington, Virginia (Remote) Job Type: Contractor Category: UX/UI Design, Data Visualization, Government Contracting Date Posted: December 15, 2025 Experience Level: 5-10 years Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on enhancing the usability, usefulness, and visual appeal of data-driven decision support products for humanitarian assistance (HA) initiatives.
• The UX/UI Designer will be instrumental in translating complex data into comprehensible and actionable visual formats for government decision-makers.
• Key responsibilities include developing a cohesive UI/UX design strategy, creating wireframes, prototypes, and final visual designs, and ensuring adherence to accessibility standards.
• The position demands close collaboration with data analysts and a deep understanding of user needs within the humanitarian aid sector to improve targeting and decision-making in crisis settings.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within a government contracting environment (US Department of State) and requires a strong understanding of how design impacts critical decision-making in humanitarian aid. The emphasis on "decision support products" and "humanitarian assistance" highlights the need for design to be not just aesthetically pleasing but highly functional and impactful in potentially life-saving scenarios.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• User Experience (UX) Design Strategy: Develop and conceptualize a comprehensive UI/UX design strategy for the team's data products, ensuring consistency across the portfolio and alignment with decision support needs for Humanitarian Assistance (HA) staff.
• Visual Design & Prototyping: Produce high-quality UX design solutions including wireframes, visual graphics, flow diagrams, storyboards, site maps, and interactive prototypes.
• Data Visualization Integration: Collaborate closely with data analysts to ensure that visual outputs are accurate, comprehensible, and effectively communicate complex data to diverse audiences, supporting informed decision-making.
• User Interface (UI) Element Design: Design and refine UI elements such as navigation menus, search boxes, tabs, and widgets for digital assets, optimizing for clarity and ease of use.
• Usability & Accessibility: Ensure all elements of the online user experience are optimized for usability, usefulness in decision-making, and exceptional visual design, while strictly adhering to accessibility standards.
• User Research & Analysis: Contribute to UX research and analysis to gather insights about target end-users and their decision support needs, informing design iterations.
• Testing & Iteration: Test UI elements like calls-to-action, banners, page layouts, and page flows for landing pages, iterating based on feedback and performance data.
• Global Sensitivity: Design with sensitivity to global audiences and varying connectivity environments, ensuring designs are effective and accessible worldwide.
• Continuous Learning: Engage in ongoing learning about the Humanitarian Assistance (HA) sector to ensure design decisions reflect real-world constraints, ethical considerations, and stakeholder perspectives.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work effectively within a diverse team, demonstrating flexibility and taking on adjacent responsibilities as needed to ensure project goals are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "design with sensitivity to global audiences and varied connectivity environments" is crucial for a government contracting role focused on humanitarian aid. This implies a need for adaptable designs that perform well on lower bandwidth connections and are culturally sensitive.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A Bachelor's degree in Computer or Information Science.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: While a degree in Computer or Information Science is listed, candidates with degrees in related fields such as Graphic Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or Information Architecture, coupled with extensive relevant experience, may also be considered. The emphasis is on demonstrable design proficiency and technical understanding.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of UI/UX design experience for digital products or services.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: The "5-10 years" AI-derived experience level suggests that candidates with more than 5 years, particularly those with experience in government projects, complex data visualization, or humanitarian sectors, will be highly competitive.

Required Skills:

• Portfolio of Work: A robust portfolio showcasing professional UI/UX design work for both web and mobile platforms is essential.
• Design & Prototyping Tools: Proficiency with design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe CC, or similar.
• Technical Software Proficiency: Working knowledge of Sketch, InVision, Visio, HTML, CSS (SCSS), iOS, Android, Design Systems, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Teamwork & Independence: Ability to function effectively as a team player while also working independently with minimal supervision.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, crucial for collaborating with analysts and stakeholders.
• Time Management: Strong multi-tasking and time-management skills, with the ability to effectively prioritize tasks in a dynamic environment.
• Interpersonal Skills: Excellent interpersonal skills for effective collaboration within a diverse team.
• Team Collaboration: Proven ability to work well within a diverse and cross-functional team environment.
• Security Clearance: Must be a U.S. citizen to qualify for the required U.S. government security clearance for this project.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for government agencies or in the public sector.
• Familiarity with data visualization principles and tools.
• Understanding of humanitarian aid or international development sectors.
• Experience with accessibility standards (WCAG).
• Knowledge of Design Systems and their implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on U.S. citizenship and security clearance is a critical requirement for this role, reflecting the sensitive nature of the work with the Department of State. Candidates should be prepared to undergo background checks.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstration of UX/UI Process: The portfolio must clearly illustrate the candidate's design process, from initial research and conceptualization through wireframing, prototyping, and final visual design.
• Data Visualization Case Studies: Include case studies that specifically highlight experience in designing effective data visualizations, showcasing how design improved comprehension and decision-making.
• Web & Mobile Design Examples: Showcase a range of projects for both web and mobile platforms, demonstrating adaptability across different screen sizes and user contexts.
• Tool Proficiency Showcase: Evidence of proficiency with industry-standard design and prototyping tools (Figma, Sketch, Adobe CC, InVision, etc.) should be apparent through the submitted work.
• Accessibility Integration: Projects that demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG compliance) are highly valued.

Process Documentation:

• User-Centered Design Documentation: Portfolio pieces should reflect documentation of user research findings, personas, user journey maps, and usability testing results.
• Design Rationale: Clearly articulate the design rationale behind key decisions, explaining how choices were made to meet user needs and project objectives.
• Collaboration Evidence: Where possible, showcase projects that involved significant collaboration with developers, data analysts, or other stakeholders, highlighting communication and integration strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio is not just a collection of pretty pictures; it's a demonstration of a structured, user-centered design process applied to complex data. Candidates should highlight how their designs directly contributed to improved usability and decision-making outcomes, especially in data-intensive contexts.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for UX/UI Designers with 5-10 years of experience in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, and considering the government contracting sector, an estimated annual salary range for this position would be $90,000 - $130,000 USD. This range is highly dependent on the candidate's specific experience, portfolio strength, and the final security clearance level.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: This estimate is derived from analyzing salary data for UX/UI Designers in the Washington D.C. area, factoring in the specialized skills required for data visualization and government contracting. For a remote position, the cost of living adjustments might be considered, but typically, government contracts in this region adhere to established pay scales.

Benefits:

• Contractor Benefits: As a contractor, benefits may vary but typically include:
  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance options.
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays.
  • Retirement Savings Plan (e.g., 401(k)).
  • Professional Development Opportunities and Training.
  • Potential for Performance Bonuses.
• Remote Work Flexibility: The primary benefit is the ability to work fully remotely, offering significant flexibility.
• Meaningful Work: Opportunity to contribute to critical humanitarian assistance efforts through impactful design.
• Government Clearance: The process of obtaining a government security clearance can be a valuable asset for future career opportunities.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours, typically 40 hours per week.
• While the role is fully remote, flexibility may be available to accommodate different time zones and personal needs, provided core collaboration hours and project deadlines are met.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: Given the nature of government contracting and the mission-critical aspect of humanitarian aid, responsiveness during core business hours (Eastern Time) is likely expected, even with remote flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology Consulting, Government Contracting, Data Analytics, International Development. DevTech Systems, Inc. specializes in innovative, data-driven solutions for governments, civil society, and the private sector, focusing on strengthening public financial systems and unlocking investment. Company Size: DevTech Systems, Inc. is a mid-sized firm, likely employing between 50-250 employees. This size often balances the resources and stability of a larger organization with the agility and collaborative spirit of a smaller one. Founded: The company was founded in 2009, indicating over a decade of experience in delivering complex solutions.

Team Structure:

• Reporting: This role reports to the Humanitarian Data, Assessment, & Coordination unit within the Technical Quality & Assurance Division at the Office of Global Food Security (GFS).
• Collaboration: The UX/UI Designer will work integrally with data analysts within the Humanitarian Data, Assessment, & Coordination unit. Collaboration will also extend to broader teams within the GFS and potentially other State Department offices involved in humanitarian assistance.
• Environment: The team is described as "small, fast-moving," suggesting a dynamic and potentially startup-like atmosphere within a larger government contract. This implies a need for adaptability and a proactive approach.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Solutions: The company's core methodology revolves around innovative, data-driven solutions, combining advanced analytics, contextual insight, and blended finance strategies.
• Evidence-Based Impact: DevTech emphasizes evidence-driven impact, suggesting a focus on measurable results and data analysis to inform all aspects of their work.
• Partnership Approach: They work transparently and in close partnership with clients and communities to achieve lasting impact, indicating a collaborative and client-focused operational style.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: DevTech's mission-driven nature, coupled with its focus on data and evidence, suggests a culture that values analytical rigor, a commitment to making a tangible impact, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving. The specific mention of "blended finance strategies" and "public financial systems" indicates a sophisticated understanding of economic development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a specialized individual contributor within a project team. It's a mid-to-senior level design role demanding significant autonomy and expertise in UX/UI design, particularly in the context of data visualization and government applications.

Reporting Structure: The UX/UI Designer will report to a lead within the Humanitarian Data, Assessment, & Coordination unit, likely a Data Lead or Program Manager. This structure facilitates direct collaboration with data analysts and ensures design efforts are aligned with project goals and government requirements.

Operations Impact: The UX/UI Designer's impact is direct and critical: by making complex humanitarian data accessible and understandable, they empower decision-makers at the U.S. Department of State to allocate resources more effectively, improve the targeting of global humanitarian assistance, and ultimately, save lives in crisis settings. The "clarity of how the team’s data graphics are visually presented" is paramount to this impact.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization in Government Contracting: Deepen expertise in designing for government clients, understanding procurement processes, security clearance requirements, and public sector user needs.
• Data Visualization Mastery: Enhance skills in translating complex datasets into actionable insights, becoming a subject matter expert in data-driven design for critical applications.
• Humanitarian Sector Acumen: Develop a nuanced understanding of humanitarian aid operations, challenges, and decision-making frameworks, becoming a valuable asset to organizations in this space.
• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success, opportunities may arise to lead design efforts on future projects or mentor junior designers.
• Cross-functional Skill Development: Gain exposure to data analysis, program management, and international development principles through close collaboration with diverse teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "institutional contractor" status suggests this role is project-based, often with the possibility of extension or transition to other projects within DevTech or the client agency. This offers a unique pathway for career growth within the government contracting ecosystem.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This position is advertised as "Remote OK" with a "Place of Performance" in Washington D.C. This indicates a fully remote work arrangement is authorized, providing flexibility for the employee.

Office Location(s): While the primary place of performance is Washington D.C., the role is fully remote, meaning the designer can work from any location within the United States, provided they can maintain connectivity and adhere to the required work schedule and security protocols.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Collaboration: The work environment will be primarily digital, relying on virtual collaboration tools for communication, project management, and design reviews.
• Tools & Technology: Access to and proficiency with a suite of design and communication tools (Figma, Sketch, Adobe CC, Slack, Microsoft Teams, etc.) will be essential for daily operations.
• Team Interaction: Regular virtual meetings, including stand-ups, design critiques, and stakeholder reviews, will be key to team interaction and project alignment. The team emphasizes "collaboration" and "working well in a diverse team."

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is expected.
• While remote, adherence to core working hours, particularly those aligning with the U.S. Department of State's Eastern Time Zone, will be necessary for effective collaboration and responsiveness.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on flexibility within a structured government contract means candidates should be prepared for potential periods of high demand or specific meeting requirements that might necessitate adjustments to their typical schedule.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process: The interview process for this role will likely involve multiple stages designed to assess design skills, technical proficiency, collaborative abilities, and cultural fit for a government contracting environment.

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to ensure qualifications and experience align with the role's requirements.
• Technical Interview: This stage will likely focus on your UX/UI process, design methodologies, and proficiency with specific design tools. Expect to discuss your portfolio in detail and potentially solve design challenges.
• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with members of the Humanitarian Data, Assessment, & Coordination unit and potentially other stakeholders to assess collaborative skills and understanding of the humanitarian context.
• Government Clearance Process: As a U.S. citizen, you will need to undergo a background investigation for a U.S. government security clearance. This process can be lengthy and requires honesty and thoroughness in providing personal and professional information.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Data Visualization: Structure your portfolio to prominently feature projects involving data visualization. Clearly explain the challenge, your design process, the tools used, and the impact of your design on data comprehension and decision-making.
• Showcase Your Process: For each project, walk through your methodology: user research, wireframing, prototyping, user testing, and iterative design. Explain why you made certain design choices.
• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio includes examples that clearly demonstrate your command over tools like Figma, Sketch, Adobe CC, and InVision.
• Address Accessibility: If possible, include projects where accessibility was a key consideration, explaining how you incorporated accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG).
• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with government contracting, data-heavy applications, or humanitarian/social impact initiatives.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: Be prepared for a design exercise or case study. This could involve analyzing a dataset and proposing a visualization strategy, redesigning an existing interface, or solving a specific UX problem related to humanitarian aid data.
• Problem-Solving: Practice articulating your problem-solving approach. How do you break down complex issues? How do you gather requirements? How do you balance user needs with technical constraints?
• Communication: Prepare to clearly articulate your design decisions and their rationale, especially when discussing your portfolio or a design challenge. Practice presenting your work concisely and effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The security clearance process is a significant component. Candidates should be aware that this is a mandatory requirement and will involve a comprehensive background check. Honesty and transparency during this process are paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD), InVision.
• Wireframing & Flow Diagrams: Visio, Balsamiq, or similar tools integrated within the design suites.
• User Research & Testing: Tools for conducting surveys, interviews, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analyst role, an understanding of how data is collected and analyzed will be beneficial. Familiarity with basic data visualization concepts and how analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Tableau, Power BI) might inform design decisions is a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, as the focus is on design for data products rather than sales or marketing automation.

Collaboration & Project Management:

• Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, Asana, Trello (or similar platforms for team communication and project tracking).
• Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) for documentation and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and Sketch is highly sought after in modern UX/UI design. The mention of HTML and CSS suggests a need for designers who understand front-end development principles, enabling them to create designs that are feasible for implementation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in design and data representation, especially critical in humanitarian contexts.
• Innovation: Continuously seeking new and creative ways to present complex data and improve user experiences.
• Evidence-Driven Impact: Ensuring design decisions are informed by data, user research, and lead to measurable improvements in decision-making and assistance delivery.
• Resilience: Adapting to changing project needs and challenges in a dynamic government contracting environment.
• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams, embracing feedback, and fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with data analysts, program managers, and potentially other technical and policy experts within the State Department.
• Feedback Culture: An open environment for constructive feedback on designs is crucial for iterative improvement.
• Knowledge Sharing: Actively sharing design insights, best practices, and user research findings with the team to elevate collective understanding and capability.

📝 Enhancement Note: DevTech's explicit mention of core values like "integrity, innovation, evidence-driven impact, resilience, and collaboration" provides a clear framework for understanding their operational ethos. Candidates should demonstrate alignment with these values in their responses and portfolio.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Data: The primary challenge will be translating intricate humanitarian data and analytical findings into intuitive and actionable visual designs for non-technical decision-makers.
• Government Bureaucracy & Constraints: Navigating the processes and potential constraints within a large government agency like the Department of State requires patience and adaptability.
• Diverse User Needs: Designing for a global audience with varying levels of digital literacy and access, alongside internal government stakeholders, presents a complex user landscape.
• Rapidly Evolving Sector: The humanitarian aid sector is constantly evolving; staying abreast of new challenges, data sources, and technological advancements is ongoing.
• Security Clearance Process: The time and rigor involved in obtaining and maintaining a security clearance can be a challenge for some.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Humanitarian Sector Expertise: Gain deep knowledge of humanitarian aid operations, data challenges, and the decision-making processes within global crisis response.
• Government Contracting Experience: Develop valuable experience in the government contracting space, which opens doors to many future opportunities.
• Advanced Visualization Techniques: Hone skills in creating sophisticated and effective data visualizations for critical applications.
• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Learn from data analysts, policy experts, and program managers, broadening your understanding of international development and public service.
• Professional Certifications: Opportunities to pursue relevant certifications in UX, UI, or specific government contracting areas.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "adjacent responsibilities" clause in the job description implies that candidates should be prepared for potential scope creep or the need to assist with tasks outside their core design function, a common characteristic of small, fast-moving teams, especially in contracting environments.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Data Visualization: "Describe a complex data visualization project from your portfolio. Walk us through your design process, from understanding the data and user needs to the final deployed solution. How did your design impact decision-making?" (Focus on clarity, user-centricity, and measurable outcomes).
• User Research & Problem Solving: "Imagine you need to design a dashboard for on-the-ground humanitarian aid workers to quickly assess critical needs in a disaster zone. What are the first steps you would take? What user research methods would you employ, and how would you ensure the design is accessible and usable in low-connectivity environments?" (Demonstrate structured problem-solving, user empathy, and practical design considerations).
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "How do you approach collaborating with data analysts who may have different perspectives on how data should be presented? How do you handle feedback from stakeholders who may not have a design background?" (Highlight communication skills, ability to find common ground, and stakeholder engagement strategies).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Understanding DevTech's Mission: "What interests you about DevTech Systems and our work in humanitarian assistance? How do your design values align with our core values of integrity, innovation, evidence-driven impact, resilience, and collaboration?" (Research DevTech's website and recent projects; connect your own values and career goals).
• Government Contracting Context: "What are your expectations or experience working within a government contracting environment? How do you approach working on projects with specific security and compliance requirements?" (Show awareness of the unique aspects of government work).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each portfolio piece as a story: the problem, your approach, the solution, and the outcome. Emphasize the why behind your design decisions.
• Focus on Impact: Quantify impact where possible (e.g., "improved user task completion time by X%," "led to Y% more effective resource allocation"). If quantitative data isn't available, focus on qualitative impact and user feedback.
• Showcase Process, Not Just Polish: While clean visuals are important, demonstrate the depth of your thinking by showing wireframes, user flows, and research insights.
• Be Ready for Live Design: Some interviews might include a live design challenge. Practice thinking aloud and articulating your thought process as you sketch or wireframe.
• Tailor to the Role: Highlight projects that best demonstrate your ability to handle complex data, work with government clients, or contribute to social impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss your experience with accessibility standards (WCAG) in detail, as this is a critical requirement for government projects. Also, be ready to articulate how your design contributes to the overarching mission of improving humanitarian assistance.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Designer position:

• Submit Your Application: Follow the link provided to the DevTech Systems careers portal (bamboohr.com).
• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume highlights your 5+ years of UI/UX design experience, proficiency with key design tools, and any relevant experience with data visualization, government projects, or humanitarian sectors. Use keywords from the job description (e.g., UX Design, UI Design, Data Visualization, Prototyping, Accessibility, Figma, Sketch).
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your skills and experience relevant to this role. Prioritize projects showcasing data visualization, complex digital products, and a clear design process. Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., a personal website or a dedicated portfolio platform).
• Prepare Your Portfolio Walkthrough: Be ready to discuss your portfolio projects in detail during interviews, focusing on your process, design rationale, and the impact of your work. Practice presenting key projects concisely.
• Research DevTech Systems: Familiarize yourself with DevTech's mission, values, and the types of projects they undertake, particularly their work with government agencies and in international development. Understand the context of the U.S. Department of State and the Humanitarian Assistance sector.

⚠️ 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.