Junior UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior UX Designer

Company: ECS Tech Inc

Location: Falls Church, Virginia; Fairfax, Virginia; Arlington, Virginia (On-site)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Government Technology

Date Posted: May 19, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-3 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This entry-level UX Designer role focuses on human-centered design for mission-critical government platforms, specifically the War Data Platform (WDP).

• Responsibilities include supporting the design of user interfaces and overall user experience across multiple security classification environments (Unclassified, Secret, Top Secret).

• The role involves hands-on experience with UX deliverables such as wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes using industry-standard tools.

• Collaboration with software engineers and participation in Agile development sprints are key components of this position.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Junior UX Designer," the context of designing for enterprise-scale government platforms with direct impact on mission effectiveness suggests a role with significant responsibility, even at an entry level. The emphasis on security clearances (Secret, TS/SCI) also indicates a high-stakes, mission-critical environment typical of defense contracting.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support the design and enhancement of user interface components for the War Data Platform (WDP) Core Integration Platform across Unclassified, Secret, and Top Secret environments.

• Assist in developing wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes using Figma and Adobe XD to translate complex mission workflows into clear, user-friendly designs.

• Aid senior UX staff in executing user research initiatives and developing research artifacts, including research reports, journey maps, and use case summaries.

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of enterprise design systems and component libraries, ensuring alignment with WDP visual standards and platform engineering constraints.

• Participate actively in design reviews, gather stakeholder feedback, and iterate on layouts to improve usability, navigation clarity, and data visualization effectiveness for dashboards and mission applications.

• Collaborate closely with software engineers and front-end developers during Agile sprints to support the implementation of UI specifications, interaction flows, and style guidelines, ensuring adherence to Section 508 and Department of War (DoW) UX standards.

• Support user testing activities by preparing prototype materials, meticulously documenting user feedback, and recommending iterative improvements based on test results.

• Develop basic UI documentation, workflow diagrams, and interface mappings to facilitate multi-enclave deployment efforts.

• Contribute to initiatives aimed at improving task flow efficiency, ensuring usability consistency, and driving the adoption of WDP Core Integration capabilities across all supported environments.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support the UX design team and the broader project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on core UX deliverables and a collaborative, Agile development process. The emphasis on Section 508 compliance and DoW UX standards indicates a need for thorough understanding of accessibility and government design guidelines.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a background in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, Computer Science, or a related field is implied by the role and typical industry requirements.

Experience: 0–3 years of experience in UX design, user interface design, human-computer interaction, or a closely related discipline. This includes relevant academic projects, internships, portfolio work, or lab-based experience.

Required Skills:

• Current Secret security clearance, with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret (TS) security clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).

• Foundational proficiency with UX design and prototyping tools such as Figma or Adobe XD.

• Demonstrated ability to produce wireframes, mockups, or interactive prototypes for web-based or data-intensive applications.

• Familiarity with key UX deliverables, including user journey maps, research plans, empathy maps, service blueprints, stakeholder maps, user flows, storyboards, interaction models, wireframes, prototypes, and testing plans.

• Understanding of how these UX deliverables are utilized in the design process.

• Basic understanding of Agile development methodologies and their application in design and development cycles.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for government or defense-related platforms.

• Familiarity with data visualization techniques and best practices for complex datasets.

• Exposure to enterprise design systems and component library development.

• Experience participating in user research activities and synthesizing findings.

• Understanding of human-computer interaction principles in complex system design.

• Ability to translate complex technical requirements into intuitive user interfaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: The security clearance requirement is paramount and non-negotiable. The "0-3 years" experience range suggests a strong emphasis on a candidate's portfolio and demonstrated skills over years of formal employment. The preferred skills point towards candidates who can quickly integrate into a specialized environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A demonstrated portfolio showcasing the candidate’s UX design experience is a critical requirement.

• The portfolio should clearly illustrate the candidate's ability to apply UX principles to solve design problems.

• Showcase individual contributions to projects, highlighting the design process from ideation to final output.

• Include examples of wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes created using tools like Figma or Adobe XD.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to articulate their understanding of UX process documentation, including research plans, user journey maps, and workflow diagrams.

• The portfolio should ideally demonstrate how the candidate documents their design process, from initial concept to final implementation.

• Familiarity with documenting UI specifications and interaction flows for engineering teams is considered a strength.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role, the portfolio is the primary indicator of capability. It needs to clearly articulate the candidate's thought process, problem-solving skills, and proficiency with design tools, rather than solely relying on years of experience. The focus on complex systems and government platforms means case studies showcasing intricate problem-solving are highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

For a Junior UX Designer with 0-3 years of experience in the Northern Virginia area (Falls Church, Fairfax, Arlington), and requiring a Secret clearance (with the potential for TS/SCI), the estimated annual salary range is typically between $65,000 and $90,000. This range is influenced by the specific security clearance requirements, the highly specialized nature of the War Data Platform project, and the competitive market for UX talent in the D.C. metropolitan area.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

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

• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays.

• Professional development opportunities, including training, certifications, and conference attendance.

• Life insurance and disability coverage.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

Working Hours:

The standard working hours for this full-time position are typically 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, there may be some flexibility in daily start and end times, subject to team and project needs. Adherence to government facility access requirements and project deadlines will be paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for junior UX roles in the Washington D.C. region, adjusted upwards due to the stringent security clearance requirements and the specialized defense industry context. Government contracting often includes robust benefits packages and specific support for clearance maintenance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology / Government Contracting / Defense Technology. ECS Tech Inc operates within the critical intersection of advanced technology and government services, focusing on solutions for defense and intelligence agencies. This context implies a culture that values security, mission accomplishment, and technological innovation.

Company Size: Based on available LinkedIn data, ECS is a medium-to-large enterprise, often indicated by company sizes ranging from 1,001-5,000 employees. This size suggests a structured organization with established processes, but also opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and career advancement.

Founded: While the exact founding date for ECS Tech Inc isn't provided, it's generally known as an established player in the government contracting space, suggesting decades of experience and a stable operational history.

Team Structure:

• The UX design team likely operates as a specialized unit within a larger engineering or program management division focused on the War Data Platform (WDP).

• The Junior UX Designer will report to senior UX staff, implying a mentorship structure and a clear hierarchy for design leadership.

Methodology:

• The team will likely follow Agile development methodologies, with UX integrated into sprint planning and execution.

• A strong emphasis will be placed on human-centered design principles, ensuring usability and effectiveness for warfighters, analysts, and decision-makers.

• Data-driven design decisions will be encouraged, leveraging user research, analytics, and feedback to inform iterations.

• Adherence to established design systems, style guides, and government compliance standards (e.g., Section 508) will be integral to the workflow.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The government contracting environment means the company culture likely prioritizes mission success, security protocols, and adherence to strict compliance requirements. The "AI-First strategy" mentioned in the job description suggests the company is at the forefront of adopting new technologies within the defense sector.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an "Entry-Level" or "Junior" position. It's designed for individuals beginning their careers in UX design. The scope of responsibilities focuses on supporting senior designers and executing defined tasks, rather than leading design strategy independently. It's an opportunity to gain foundational experience in a specialized, high-impact field.

Reporting Structure: The Junior UX Designer will report to senior UX staff. This structure provides direct mentorship, guidance, and oversight, crucial for developing skills and understanding complex project requirements. This reporting line ensures that the junior designer is integrated into a learning environment where feedback and development are prioritized.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role in the sense of sales or revenue operations, the UX impact on the War Data Platform is profound. Effective UX directly translates to improved mission effectiveness, faster decision-making, reduced errors, and increased adoption rates among warfighters and analysts. The success of the WDP, and by extension the DoW's AI-First strategy, is significantly dependent on the usability and efficiency of the platform's interface, making this role critical to operational outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas of UX, such as user research, interaction design, visual design, or data visualization, tailored to the needs of the WDP.

• Security Clearance Advancement: Progression from Secret to Top Secret/SCI clearance opens doors to more sensitive and critical projects within the defense sector.

• Leadership Development: As experience and proficiency grow, opportunities to take on lead design roles for specific features or modules, mentor future junior designers, and contribute more significantly to design strategy.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining invaluable experience with cutting-edge AI technologies and large-scale government systems, making the candidate highly marketable within defense tech.

• Formal Training & Certifications: Potential for company-sponsored training programs, workshops, and certifications relevant to UX, Agile, and government-specific technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path here is deeply tied to the defense contracting industry and the specific technologies being developed. Growth is often linked to increased security clearance levels and demonstrated ability to handle complex, mission-critical design challenges.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is explicitly stated as "On-site," requiring the designer to work within government facilities, likely including the Pentagon, Falls Church, and Fairfax locations. This indicates a secure, professional office environment with established protocols and infrastructure.

Office Location(s): The primary work locations are the Pentagon (Arlington, VA), Falls Church, VA, and Fairfax, VA. These are all within the Northern Virginia/Washington D.C. metropolitan area, a hub for government contracting and technology. Access to these facilities will require adherence to stringent security and visitor protocols.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be within a secure government facility, potentially involving assigned desks within open-plan offices or dedicated team areas.

• Access to necessary design software (Figma, Adobe XD) and hardware will be provided.

• Collaboration will occur both in person within team spaces and potentially through secure digital collaboration tools.

• The environment will demand a high degree of professionalism, adherence to security protocols, and focus on mission objectives.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with the possibility of some flexibility in daily hours, subject to facility access requirements and project needs. Occasional overtime may be required to meet critical deadlines, particularly within Agile sprint cycles or in preparation for significant project milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working within government facilities, especially the Pentagon, necessitates a strict adherence to security regulations, dress codes, and access procedures. This environment is typically highly structured and focused on mission delivery.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of applications and resumes, with a strong emphasis on identifying candidates who meet the security clearance requirements and have a relevant portfolio.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio to the hiring team. This is a crucial step where design thinking, problem-solving skills, and tool proficiency are assessed. Be prepared to walk through 2-3 key projects in detail.

• Technical/Skills Interview: An interview focusing on UX principles, design methodologies, and familiarity with specific tools (Figma, Adobe XD). Questions may involve hypothetical design challenges or discussions about past project solutions.

• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Questions designed to assess cultural fit, teamwork abilities, problem-solving approaches, and how candidates handle feedback and collaboration, especially within a government contracting context.

• Security Clearance Verification: Confirmation of current Secret clearance and the ability to obtain TS/SCI is a mandatory part of the process.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your skills relevant to the job description (e.g., complex data visualization, dashboard design, workflow optimization).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the decisions you made, and the outcome or impact. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your thought process, research methods, ideation stages, and how you iterated based on feedback or constraints.

• Showcase Tool Proficiency: Include examples of wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes created in Figma or Adobe XD.

• Address Constraints: If applicable, discuss how you worked within specific project constraints (e.g., security requirements, legacy systems, Section 508 compliance).

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Thinking Exercises: Be prepared for potential whiteboard exercises or take-home assignments that simulate a design problem relevant to a government platform. Focus on breaking down the problem and outlining your approach.

• Data Visualization: Familiarize yourself with best practices for presenting complex data clearly and effectively through charts, graphs, and dashboards.

• Accessibility: Review Section 508 guidelines and be ready to discuss how you incorporate accessibility into your designs.

• Collaboration Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would collaborate with engineers, product managers, and stakeholders in an Agile environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The security clearance is a gating factor. The portfolio review is where candidates truly differentiate themselves. Demonstrating an understanding of government-specific needs (security, accessibility, mission impact) will be highly advantageous.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for collaborative interface design, wireframing, prototyping, and component creation. Proficiency in creating interactive prototypes and managing design systems within Figma is expected.

• Adobe XD: Another key prototyping and design tool. Familiarity with its features for creating user flows, wireframes, and high-fidelity mockups is beneficial.

• Other Prototyping Tools: While Figma and Adobe XD are highlighted, experience with other industry-standard prototyping tools may be advantageous.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this Junior UX role, understanding how UX designs impact user behavior and how to interpret basic analytics to inform design decisions is a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this UX design role, but understanding how user interfaces integrate with backend systems and data management is helpful.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and Adobe XD is critical. The role is hands-on with these tools, and candidates must be able to demonstrate their ability to use them to produce key UX deliverables.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: A strong commitment to supporting the U.S. Department of War's mission and ensuring the effectiveness of warfighters and analysts through superior design.

• Security & Compliance: Upholding the highest standards of security and adhering strictly to all government regulations, including Section 508 accessibility standards.

• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and cross-functional partnerships to achieve project success.

• Excellence & Innovation: Striving for high-quality design solutions and embracing new technologies, such as AI, to enhance user experience and mission outcomes.

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of the end-users (warfighters, analysts, leaders) through empathetic design practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with engineers, product owners, and other stakeholders within Agile sprints to ensure seamless design implementation.

• Feedback-Driven: Openness to constructive criticism and a proactive approach to seeking and incorporating feedback from peers, seniors, and end-users.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing best practices, design patterns, and lessons learned within the UX team and across project teams.

• Process Improvement: A willingness to contribute to the refinement of UX processes and workflows to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is likely to be highly professional, security-conscious, and mission-driven, typical of government contracting environments. Collaboration will be essential, especially given the complexity of the War Data Platform.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Security Environments: Designing effectively across Unclassified, Secret, and Top Secret enclaves requires understanding and adhering to different security protocols and data handling requirements.

• Translating Mission Needs into Design: Accurately understanding and translating the complex operational needs and workflows of warfighters and analysts into intuitive user interfaces.

• Adhering to Strict Standards: Balancing innovative design with stringent government requirements, including Section 508 compliance and established DoW UX standards.

• Working with Legacy Systems & Evolving Tech: Integrating new designs with existing systems while also supporting the adoption of cutting-edge AI technologies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized UX for Defense: Gaining unique experience in UX design for defense and intelligence applications, a niche but critical field.

• AI Integration: Learning how to design user experiences for AI-driven platforms and tools.

• Advanced Security Clearance: Opportunity to obtain and maintain TS/SCI clearance, unlocking access to highly sensitive projects.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced UX designers and engineers within the defense technology sector.

• Professional Certifications: Potential to pursue certifications in UX, Agile, or government-specific technology domains.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly related to the specialized nature of the work. Overcoming these challenges presents significant growth opportunities for a junior designer, particularly in gaining expertise in high-security environments and critical defense technologies.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Walk me through your process for designing a new feature, from initial concept to handoff to development." Be prepared to discuss your approach to user research, ideation, prototyping, and testing.

• Problem Solving: "Describe a time you faced a complex design challenge. How did you approach it, what solutions did you consider, and what was the outcome?" Focus on critical thinking and adaptability.

• Collaboration: "How do you collaborate with engineers and product managers in an Agile environment?" Emphasize communication skills and understanding of development cycles.

• User Advocacy: "How do you ensure the end-user's needs are met, especially when dealing with complex technical requirements or strict constraints?" Highlight your user-centric approach.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "Why are you interested in working on the War Data Platform and for ECS Tech Inc?" Connect your aspirations with the company's mission and the project's impact.

• Security: "Are you comfortable working in a secure government facility and maintaining strict confidentiality?" Be prepared to discuss your understanding of security protocols.

• Teamwork: "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a collaborative culture." Showcase your interpersonal skills and ability to integrate into a team.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the problem, your process, your design decisions (and why), and the final outcome/impact.

• Quantify Impact (If Possible): If you have data on user testing improvements, efficiency gains, or adoption rates, present it. Even qualitative feedback can be powerful.

• Highlight UX Tools: Explicitly show examples of wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes created in Figma or Adobe XD.

• Address Constraints: Be ready to discuss how you navigated project constraints, such as budget, timeline, technical limitations, or security requirements.

• Practice Your Delivery: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it flows logically, stays within time limits, and clearly communicates your value.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be assessing not only your design skills but also your ability to navigate a highly regulated and mission-critical environment. Demonstrating maturity, professionalism, and an understanding of security and compliance will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Junior UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP portal link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and application highlight your experience with Figma and Adobe XD, and tailor your portfolio to showcase relevant projects, especially those involving data visualization, complex interfaces, or workflow optimization.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly state your security clearance status and your ability to obtain TS/SCI. Use keywords from the job description, such as "UX Design," "UI Design," "Figma," "Adobe XD," "Wireframing," "Prototyping," and "Section 508."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving skills, and collaboration approach. Prepare to present your portfolio confidently and answer questions about working in government environments.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with ECS Tech Inc's mission, their work in government contracting, and the strategic importance of the War Data Platform. Understand the company's commitment to AI and defense technology.

⚠️ 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.