Web Designer
📍 Job Overview
Job Title: Web Designer Company: ECS Location: Quantico, Virginia, United States Job Type: Full-time Category: Web Development / IT Operations Date Posted: August 15, 2025 Experience Level: 10+ Years
🚀 Role Summary
- Design and develop user-centric SharePoint (Microsoft 365) sites to meet specific government requirements, focusing on functionality, user experience, and strategic alignment.
- Implement a variety of graphics software, techniques, and tools to create engaging user interfaces, site animations, and special effects elements that enhance user interaction.
- Analyze customer needs and software requirements to ensure the feasibility and successful delivery of web design projects within defined timelines.
- Conduct thorough customer testing of newly designed software sites to validate proper functionality and gather feedback for iterative improvements, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Develop and refine software system testing and validation procedures, ensuring robust programming practices and comprehensive documentation for all developed solutions.
📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Web Designer," the core responsibilities heavily lean into SharePoint site development and integration within a government IT environment. The role requires a blend of creative design skills and technical understanding of Microsoft 365, content management systems, and cybersecurity principles pertinent to government operations. The emphasis on "contingent upon contract award" suggests this is a significant project for ECS supporting the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division (DACID).
📈 Primary Responsibilities
- Design and build robust SharePoint (Microsoft 365) sites, ensuring alignment with government operational strategies and user requirements.
- Develop and implement user interfaces, site animations, and special effects elements using advanced graphics software applications, techniques, and tools.
- Analyze customer needs and software requirements to determine design feasibility and scope within project timelines, facilitating effective project management.
- Conduct user acceptance testing (UAT) and customer testing of newly designed software sites to ensure optimal functionality and user satisfaction.
- Develop comprehensive software system testing and validation procedures, including programming and detailed documentation, adhering to cybersecurity and privacy principles.
- Integrate knowledge of cybersecurity, privacy principles, computer networking concepts, protocols, network security methodologies, and Risk Management Framework (RMF) into all design and development activities.
- Leverage expertise in content creation technologies, including wikis, social networking platforms, content management systems (CMS), and blogs, to enhance site functionality and user engagement.
- Debug software systems effectively to identify and resolve technical issues, ensuring smooth operation and data integrity.
- Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and end-users to gather requirements, present design concepts, and ensure successful project delivery.
📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on SharePoint as the primary platform, requiring not just design aesthetics but also functional implementation and adherence to strict government security protocols. The role demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and a deep understanding of user experience within a secure, government-contracting environment.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education:
- Master's/MA in Computer Science with a concentration in web development, coupled with 10 years of relevant experience.
- OR Bachelor's/BS in Computer Science with a concentration in web development, coupled with 12 years of relevant experience.
Experience:
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in web design and development.
- Extensive experience in designing and building SharePoint (Microsoft 365) sites.
- Proven experience in user interface (UI) design, site animation, and special effects implementation.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze customer needs and translate them into functional software requirements.
- Experience in conducting software system testing, validation, programming, and documentation.
- Strong understanding and application of cybersecurity, privacy principles, computer networking concepts, protocols, and network security methodologies.
- Familiarity with Risk Management Framework (RMF) principles and software-related IT security methods.
- Proficiency in software debugging techniques.
- Knowledge of content creation technologies such as wikis, social networking, content management systems (CMS), and blogs.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
Required Skills:
- Web Design & Development: Expertise in visual design principles, user interface (UI) design, and user experience (UX) best practices.
- SharePoint (Microsoft 365): In-depth knowledge of SharePoint site design, customization, and administration within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.
- Graphics Software Proficiency: Skilled in using a variety of graphics software applications, techniques, and tools for web design.
- Cybersecurity & Networking: Understanding of cybersecurity, privacy principles, networking concepts, protocols, and security methodologies.
- Collaboration & Communication: Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills for effective stakeholder engagement.
- Microsoft Certifications: A total of three (3) Microsoft Certifications, comprising at least one (1) role-based Microsoft Certification or three (3) role-based Microsoft Certifications from the specified list.
Preferred Skills:
- Content Management Systems (CMS): Experience with various CMS platforms beyond SharePoint, such as WordPress, Drupal, or Joomla.
- Front-End Development: Familiarity with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and front-end frameworks (e.g., React, Angular, Vue.js) for enhanced interactivity.
- Agile Methodologies: Experience working within Agile or Scrum development environments.
- Government IT Experience: Prior experience working within government contracting or Department of Defense (DoD) environments.
- UI/UX Prototyping Tools: Proficiency with tools like Figma, Adobe XD, or Sketch for creating interactive prototypes.
📝 Enhancement Note: The qualification requirements are stringent, particularly regarding the combination of advanced degrees, extensive experience, and specific Microsoft certifications. Candidates must present a strong case for their web design and SharePoint expertise, coupled with a clear understanding of government security protocols and a valid Top Secret clearance eligibility. The Microsoft certifications required are specific and must be carefully reviewed to ensure compliance.
📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- Showcase a minimum of 3-5 complex web design projects, with a strong emphasis on SharePoint site development and government-focused applications.
- Demonstrate proficiency in UI/UX design, including wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes for web and SharePoint environments.
- Provide detailed case studies for projects, outlining the problem statement, design process, technical implementation (especially SharePoint customization), and achieved user engagement or operational improvements.
- Include examples of visual design elements, animations, and special effects used to enhance user interfaces and overall site aesthetics.
- Highlight experience with content creation technologies and how they were integrated into web designs to support organizational goals.
Process Documentation:
- Present documentation or descriptions of your design and development processes, from initial requirement gathering and analysis to final testing and deployment.
- Detail your approach to user testing and feedback integration within the design lifecycle, emphasizing how you ensure customer satisfaction and functional accuracy.
- Illustrate your methods for collaborating with stakeholders and technical teams, showcasing effective communication and project management throughout the design and build phases.
- Document your understanding and application of cybersecurity principles and IT security methods in the context of web design and SharePoint development.
📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio demonstrating practical application of SharePoint design and development, coupled with an understanding of secure government IT practices, will be critical. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their projects, explaining the strategic decisions behind their design choices and how they addressed specific user and security requirements.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Given the location (Quantico, VA), the extensive experience required (10+ years), the specialized skills (SharePoint, cybersecurity, government contracting), and the need for Top Secret clearance eligibility, the estimated salary range for this position is between $120,000 and $160,000 per year.
📝 Enhancement Note: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior web designers/developers with specialized government IT and security clearance requirements in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific qualifications, certifications, and the final contract value.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- Retirement savings plan with company matching (e.g., 401(k)).
- Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
- Professional development opportunities, including training and certifications relevant to web design, Microsoft technologies, and cybersecurity.
- Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.
- Life insurance and disability coverage.
- Employee assistance program (EAP).
Working Hours:
- Standard full-time employment, typically 40 hours per week.
- Work schedule is expected to align with government operational needs and project deadlines.
- Flexibility may be available, but the role is primarily on-site, requiring consistent presence during core business hours.
📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role in Quantico, VA, implies adherence to the working hours and operational tempo of the government client supported by ECS. Benefits packages for government contractors often include robust health and retirement options to attract and retain specialized talent.
🎯 Team & Company Context
🏢 Company Culture
Industry: Information Technology and Services, Government Contracting. ECS specializes in providing advanced technology solutions and professional services to government and commercial clients, with a significant focus on defense and intelligence agencies. Company Size: ECS is a medium to large-sized company within the government contracting sector, known for its technical expertise and commitment to client success. This size often means a balance of structured processes and opportunities for individual impact. Founded: ECS was founded in 1994, indicating a long-standing presence and experience in the IT services and government contracting landscape. This history suggests stability and a deep understanding of the sector's evolving demands.
Team Structure:
- The Web Designer will likely be part of a larger IT or project team supporting the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division (DACID).
- Reporting structure will involve a project manager or lead, with potential collaboration across various technical disciplines, including cybersecurity specialists, network engineers, and other developers.
- Collaboration will be cross-functional, requiring close interaction with government stakeholders, end-users, and internal ECS technical leads to ensure project alignment and successful implementation of SharePoint solutions.
Methodology:
- Data Analysis & Insights: Emphasis on analyzing user needs and performance metrics to inform design decisions and optimize SharePoint site functionality.
- Workflow Planning & Optimization: Structured approach to designing and building SharePoint sites, focusing on efficiency, user experience, and adherence to security protocols.
- Automation & Efficiency: While not the primary focus for a designer, an understanding of how SharePoint features can be leveraged for workflow automation and efficiency will be beneficial.
Company Website: https://www.ecstech.com/
📝 Enhancement Note: ECS's focus on government contracting means a culture that values security, compliance, and mission-critical support. The team environment is likely to be professional and results-oriented, with a clear understanding of the impact their work has on government operations.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a senior level within the web design and development spectrum, specifically tailored for government IT environments. It requires a blend of creative design talent and technical proficiency in platforms like SharePoint and an understanding of cybersecurity. Reporting Structure: The Web Designer will report to a Project Manager or a Lead Developer within the ECS team supporting the DACID contract. This structure provides clear guidance and oversight while allowing for independent work on design tasks. Operations Impact: The Web Designer's work directly impacts the operational efficiency and effectiveness of the Army Criminal Investigation Division (DACID). By creating intuitive and functional SharePoint sites, the designer facilitates better information management, collaboration, and access to critical data for law enforcement and intelligence activities.
Growth Opportunities:
- Advanced SharePoint Specialization: Deepen expertise in SharePoint Online, Power Platform integration (Power BI, Power Automate), and advanced site customization techniques.
- Technical Leadership: Progress into roles such as Lead Web Designer, UI/UX Lead, or Technical Lead for IT projects, mentoring junior designers and overseeing complex projects.
- Cybersecurity Integration: Further develop skills in cybersecurity and secure web development practices, potentially moving into roles with a stronger security focus within government IT.
- Project Management: Gain experience in project management methodologies, leading to roles in project coordination or management for IT initiatives.
- Cross-functional Skill Development: Expand knowledge in related IT domains such as cloud computing (Azure), data analytics, and system integration to broaden career options within ECS.
📝 Enhancement Note: The government contracting space offers clear career progression paths, often tied to acquiring new certifications, clearances, and demonstrating expertise on key projects. This role provides a solid foundation for growth within a specialized IT domain critical to national security.
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: The role is on-site, requiring the Web Designer to work from ECS's Quantico, VA office, which likely serves as a hub for supporting government contracts in the region. Office Location(s): Quantico, Virginia. This location is strategic, being near major government installations and defense agencies, facilitating close collaboration with clients.
Workspace Context:
- The workspace will likely be a professional office environment equipped with standard IT infrastructure and necessary software licenses.
- Collaboration will be encouraged, with opportunities to interact with a diverse team of IT professionals, project managers, and potentially government personnel.
- Access to advanced design tools, development environments, and secure network access will be provided to support project requirements.
Work Schedule:
- Standard business hours, Monday through Friday, are typical for on-site roles supporting government contracts.
- Adherence to the specific working hours and operational tempo of the client (DACID) is expected to ensure seamless support.
📝 Enhancement Note: Working on-site in Quantico, VA, for a government contractor like ECS offers a stable and professional work environment. The focus is on delivering mission-critical IT services, so the atmosphere will be dedicated and results-driven.
📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
- Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will conduct an initial phone screening to assess basic qualifications, experience, and interest.
- Technical Interview: Expect a technical interview with hiring managers or senior team members to evaluate your web design skills, SharePoint expertise, understanding of UI/UX principles, and knowledge of cybersecurity.
- Portfolio Review: A dedicated session will be held to review your professional portfolio. Be prepared to discuss your projects in detail, highlighting your design process, technical challenges, and solutions.
- Behavioral/Situational Interview: Questions will focus on your ability to collaborate, problem-solve, manage time, and handle specific work scenarios relevant to government IT projects.
- Final Interview: Potentially a final interview with a senior leader or client representative to assess overall fit, strategic thinking, and alignment with company and project goals.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your most relevant and impactful projects that best showcase your SharePoint design, UI/UX skills, and experience with secure environments.
- Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem you solved, your specific role, the design choices you made, the technologies used (especially SharePoint), and the measurable outcomes or benefits achieved.
- Showcase Process: Walk through your design process – from initial concept and wireframing to final execution and testing. Explain your rationale for design decisions.
- Highlight Security Awareness: If possible, demonstrate how you incorporated security principles or best practices into your designs, even if the projects weren't government-specific.
- Practice Presentation: Rehearse your project walkthroughs to ensure you can present them clearly, concisely, and confidently within the allotted time. Be ready to answer in-depth questions about your work.
Challenge Preparation:
- Be prepared for potential technical challenges or case studies that might involve designing a specific SharePoint page layout, proposing solutions for user data management, or outlining security considerations for a web application.
- Practice articulating your thought process and problem-solving approach, focusing on efficiency, user experience, and adherence to requirements.
- Research common cybersecurity threats and mitigation strategies relevant to web applications and content management systems.
📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be thorough, given the security clearance requirements and the critical nature of the client's operations. A strong, well-prepared portfolio demonstrating practical skills and a clear understanding of the role's demands is paramount.
🛠 Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
- SharePoint (Microsoft 365): Core platform for site design and development. Expertise in SharePoint Online, modern site structures, web parts, and customization is essential.
- Graphics Software: Proficiency in industry-standard design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Figma, Sketch, or similar for creating visual assets, wireframes, and mockups.
- Content Management Systems (CMS): Beyond SharePoint, familiarity with other CMS platforms can be beneficial.
Analytics & Reporting:
- Microsoft Power BI: Likely used for data analysis and creating dashboards to visualize site usage, user engagement, and performance metrics, especially given the Microsoft ecosystem.
- SharePoint Analytics: Understanding of built-in SharePoint analytics features for tracking site activity.
CRM & Automation:
- Microsoft 365 Ecosystem: Familiarity with the broader Microsoft 365 suite, including potential integration points with Teams, OneDrive, and other collaboration tools.
- Workflow Automation Tools: Understanding of how SharePoint workflows or Power Automate can be leveraged to streamline processes within designed sites.
📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily Microsoft-centric. A candidate's ability to leverage the full capabilities of the Microsoft 365 suite, particularly SharePoint and potentially Power BI, will be a significant advantage.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
- Mission Focus: A strong commitment to supporting the mission of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division (DACID) through reliable and effective IT solutions.
- Excellence & Quality: Dedication to delivering high-quality design and development work that meets stringent government standards.
- Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working effectively with colleagues, government stakeholders, and cross-functional teams to achieve shared objectives.
- Integrity & Security: Upholding the highest standards of integrity, discretion, and cybersecurity awareness in all tasks and data handling.
- Continuous Improvement: A mindset of seeking opportunities to enhance processes, user experiences, and technical solutions.
Collaboration Style:
- Cross-functional Integration: Active collaboration with cybersecurity specialists, developers, project managers, and end-users to ensure integrated and secure solutions.
- Process Review & Feedback: Openness to constructive feedback on designs and development work, participating in review sessions to refine deliverables.
- Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share expertise, best practices, and learnings within the team to foster collective growth and efficiency.
📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at ECS, particularly within government contracting roles, will likely emphasize professionalism, adherence to protocols, and a results-driven approach to supporting critical government missions.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
- Security Clearance Requirements: Obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret clearance (T5) is a significant hurdle and ongoing responsibility.
- Government Compliance: Adhering to strict government regulations, cybersecurity protocols (RMF), and specific client requirements for web design and data handling.
- Complex Stakeholder Needs: Balancing the diverse and often stringent needs of various government stakeholders and end-users within a critical operational environment.
- Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with evolving Microsoft 365 features, cybersecurity threats, and web design trends while maintaining compliance.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Microsoft Certifications: Opportunities to obtain or renew a range of Microsoft certifications in Azure, Power Platform, and M365, enhancing technical expertise.
- Cybersecurity Training: Access to training programs focused on government cybersecurity standards, RMF, and secure development practices.
- Project-Specific Learning: Deep dives into the intricacies of Army law enforcement and criminal intelligence operations, providing context for design and development work.
- Mentorship Programs: Potential for mentorship from senior IT professionals within ECS, guiding career development and skill enhancement.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of creative design, advanced technology, and critical government operations, offering substantial professional development and the chance to contribute to national security initiatives.
💡 Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
- Operations Strategy: "How would you approach designing a new SharePoint site for a government agency that needs to streamline case management and reporting, while adhering to strict cybersecurity protocols?" (Focus on user needs analysis, phased design, security considerations, and collaboration with IT security teams.)
- Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting design requirements from different stakeholders. How did you reach a consensus and deliver a solution?" (Emphasize communication, negotiation, and prioritizing based on project goals and constraints.)
- Problem-Solving: "Imagine a key feature in a SharePoint site you designed isn't functioning as expected during user testing. What steps would you take to diagnose and resolve the issue?" (Focus on debugging, testing procedures, collaboration with developers, and user feedback.)
Company & Culture Questions:
- "What interests you about working for ECS and supporting the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division?" (Showcase your understanding of the mission and your desire to contribute to government security.)
- "How do you stay current with web design trends and Microsoft 365 updates, especially within a government contracting context?" (Highlight your commitment to continuous learning and adaptability.)
- "Describe your experience working in a team environment that requires strict adherence to security policies and procedures." (Demonstrate your understanding of compliance and your ability to work within secure frameworks.)
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Structure for Impact: Begin with a brief overview of your career and expertise, then present each project with a clear problem statement, your role and process, technical details (especially SharePoint implementation), and quantifiable results.
- Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly connect the skills demonstrated in your projects to the requirements of this Web Designer role, emphasizing SharePoint proficiency, UI/UX design, and cybersecurity awareness.
- Engage the Audience: Use clear, concise language. Be enthusiastic and prepared to answer detailed questions about your design decisions, technical challenges, and problem-solving approaches. Ensure your presentation is interactive and allows for Q&A.
📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to speak in depth about your SharePoint experience and how you integrate design principles with technical requirements and security considerations. Demonstrating familiarity with government IT environments will also be crucial.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this operations position:
- Submit your application through the ADP application portal.
- Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your extensive experience in web design, specifically with SharePoint (Microsoft 365), and any relevant government or cybersecurity projects.
- Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your years of experience, educational background, required Microsoft certifications, and any experience related to government IT or security clearances. Use keywords from the job description naturally.
- Interview Preparation: Thoroughly review your portfolio and practice presenting your most relevant projects, focusing on your design process, technical execution (especially SharePoint), and problem-solving skills. Prepare to discuss your understanding of cybersecurity principles.
- Company Research: Familiarize yourself with ECS, its mission, and its work in government contracting. Understand the role of the DACID and the importance of the work this position supports.
⚠️ 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.
Application Requirements
Candidates must have a relevant degree and extensive experience in web development, along with completed T5 investigations for Top Secret eligibility. A combination of Microsoft Certifications is also required.