Product Designer / UI Artist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer / UI Artist

Company: CommIT Enterprises, Inc

Location: North Charleston, South Carolina, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Design / UI/UX Operations

Date Posted: April 30, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years Professional Experience

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for driving digital modernization initiatives, focusing on the user experience and visual design of mission-critical systems for Department of Defense (DoD) customers.

• It requires a strong blend of user research, service design, UI/UX design, and business analysis, operating within an Agile product delivery framework.

• The position involves close collaboration with Product Managers, Engineers, and Cybersecurity teams to create intuitive, mission-focused solutions grounded in validated user needs and integrated with DevSecOps practices.

• Success in this role hinges on transforming complex user requirements and existing workflows into streamlined, effective digital products, ensuring development efforts are aligned with user needs and cybersecurity constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Product Designer / UI Artist," the responsibilities and qualifications strongly indicate a focus on UX/UI design within a product development lifecycle, particularly in a government contracting environment. The emphasis on user research, workflow analysis, Agile methodologies, and collaboration with engineering and cybersecurity teams places this role firmly within the realm of Operations, specifically GTM Operations and Product Operations, where user-centric design directly impacts product adoption and mission success.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive user research, including user interviews, persona development, and usability testing, to deeply understand user needs and validate design assumptions.

• Lead service design activities such as journey mapping, workflow analysis, and future-state design, utilizing collaborative tools like Miro, Lucidchart, or Figma FigJam to visualize and refine processes.

• Develop detailed wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity UI/UX visual designs using industry-standard tools like Figma, Sketch, or comparable design software.

• Perform thorough current-state and future-state analysis to map existing workflows and define modernized, user-centric solutions that enhance mission effectiveness.

• Synthesize information from diverse sources, reconcile conflicting inputs, and clearly articulate true user needs to guide design and development efforts.

• Decompose complex requirements into actionable, traceable user stories and engineering tasks, ensuring alignment with product vision and Agile sprint planning.

• Analyze and redesign existing processes to improve mission workflows, system usability, and overall operational efficiency for DoD users.

• Apply strong analytical and logical thinking to solve technical challenges and design effective, intuitive system solutions.

• Partner closely with Product Managers to prioritize features, shape product vision and strategy, and develop outcome-oriented product roadmaps.

• Support backlog management, user story refinement, and Agile metrics tracking using Jira and Confluence, ensuring transparency and progress visibility.

• Define Minimum Viable Products (MVPs), identify and test critical assumptions, and adapt product direction based on user insights and data gathered through prototypes and analytics.

• Collaborate effectively with Engineers practicing modern software development methodologies, including test-driven development, pair programming, and CI/CD within DevSecOps toolchains.

• Actively participate in Agile ceremonies (e.g., sprint planning, daily stand-ups, retrospectives) within a blended Lean, Scrum, and XP framework.

• Coordinate with Cybersecurity teams to address Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M) items and integrate Risk Management Framework (RMF) and Zero Trust security constraints into designs.

• Maintain a foundational understanding of cloud architecture principles and their implications for design decisions and system performance.

• Document research findings, design decisions, workflows, and other product artifacts meticulously in Confluence for knowledge sharing and project continuity.

• Ensure clear correlation between defined requirements, engineering tasks, and desired mission outcomes through robust traceability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a deep involvement in the product development lifecycle, from initial research and conceptualization through to detailed design and ongoing collaboration with engineering and security. This requires not just design skills but also strong analytical, strategic, and communication abilities, typical of senior roles in product operations or UX strategy within organizations supporting complex government or enterprise systems.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, Design) or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• A minimum of ten (10) years of professional experience with research, design, and development of computer and network software or specialized utility programs, with a strong focus on user interface and user experience.

• Proven experience applying modern software development methodologies such as Agile, DevOps, or DevSecOps in a professional setting.

• Demonstrated experience working within the Department of Defense (DoD) or similarly regulated environments, understanding compliance and security requirements.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in User Research methodologies, including user interviews, persona creation, and usability testing.

• Proficiency in Service Design principles and techniques, such as journey mapping and workflow analysis.

• Advanced skills in UI/UX Design, including wireframing, prototyping, and creating high-fidelity visual designs.

• Strong command of design tools such as Figma, Sketch, or comparable alternatives.

• Deep understanding and practical application of Agile development methodologies (Scrum, Lean, XP).

• Experience with collaboration and project management tools like Jira and Confluence for backlog management and documentation.

• Familiarity with DevSecOps principles and how they influence design and development processes.

• Solid analytical and problem-solving skills for technical challenges and workflow optimization.

• Experience in requirements analysis and decomposition for software development.

Preferred Skills:

• Agile Developer or Certified Scrum Developer certification.

• Experience with cloud architecture concepts and their impact on UI/UX design.

• Familiarity with Risk Management Framework (RMF) and Zero Trust security models.

• Experience with data analytics and visualization tools to inform design decisions.

• A strong portfolio showcasing end-to-end product design projects, particularly in complex or regulated environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive experience requirement (10+ years with Master's, 14+ with Bachelor's) combined with the specific mention of DoD and regulated environments indicates a senior-level role. The emphasis on Agile, DevSecOps, and collaboration with cybersecurity points towards a need for operational fluency in these areas, not just design execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is essential, showcasing a strong track record in UI/UX design, user research, and service design.

• Include case studies that detail the problem, your design process, the solutions you developed, and the impact of your work, with a focus on measurable improvements.

• Demonstrate experience in creating wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs for complex systems, preferably within regulated environments like DoD.

• Highlight your ability to translate user needs and business requirements into intuitive and effective user interfaces.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to have experience in documenting design processes, user research findings, and workflow analyses.

• This includes creating clear and concise documentation for journey maps, user flows, wireframes, and final UI designs, likely using tools like Confluence.

• The ability to decompose requirements and articulate them in a traceable manner for engineering teams is crucial.

• Experience in conducting and documenting usability testing and incorporating feedback into design iterations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role of this seniority, a robust portfolio is not just preferred but typically a prerequisite. It should not only display aesthetic design skills but also a deep understanding of the design process, user-centric methodologies, and the ability to articulate the business value and impact of design decisions, especially in a government contracting context where traceability and compliance are paramount.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Product Designer / UI Artist with 10+ years of experience, particularly in the Washington D.C. metro area (a common hub for DoD contractors) or similar high-cost-of-living regions, a competitive salary range would typically fall between

$120,000 to $170,000 USD per year.

• This estimate considers the required education, extensive experience, specialized skills in Agile and DevSecOps, and the necessity of a Secret clearance and Security+ certification.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans.

• Retirement Savings Plan (e.g., 401(k)) with potential company match.

• Paid Time Off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

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

• Opportunities for career advancement within a growing company.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

• Life and disability insurance.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours per week.

• The role is described as "On-site," indicating a requirement for physical presence at the North Charleston, SC office for the majority of working hours.

• While adherence to standard business hours is expected, some flexibility might be available depending on project needs and team coordination, but the primary work arrangement is on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on national averages for senior UX/UI roles in the US, adjusted for the specialized government contracting sector and the specific location. The requirement for a Secret clearance and Security+ certification often commands a premium in compensation. Benefits are standard for a full-time professional role in the US technology sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology Services & Consulting, with a specialization in supporting the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This industry segment demands high levels of compliance, security, and mission focus.

Company Size: CommIT Enterprises is a Certified Veteran-Owned Small Business (CVOSB). While the exact employee count isn't provided, "Small Business" typically implies fewer than 500 employees, suggesting a potentially more agile and close-knit work environment compared to large corporations.

Founded: Established in 2001, CommIT Enterprises has over two decades of experience providing innovative technical engineering and data science services, indicating a stable and experienced organization.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer/UI Artist will likely be part of a Product Development team, working closely with Product Managers, Business Analysts, Software Engineers, and Cybersecurity specialists.

• Reporting structure will likely be to a Product Manager or a Design Lead, with significant cross-functional collaboration across various engineering and mission-support teams.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes Agile product delivery, utilizing methodologies such as Lean, Scrum, and XP.

• Data-driven decision-making is a core component, with an expectation to leverage user research, usability testing, and analytics to inform product strategy and design.

• A focus on digital modernization and IT modernization suggests an iterative approach to improving existing systems and developing new solutions.

• A strong emphasis is placed on understanding and meeting validated user needs, ensuring that technology solutions directly support mission objectives.

Company Website: www.commitent.com

📝 Enhancement Note: As a CVOSB supporting government clients, CommIT Enterprises likely fosters a culture of integrity, dedication, and mission-accomplishment. The "Small Business" designation suggests opportunities for direct impact and visibility across projects. The emphasis on Agile and DevSecOps indicates a forward-thinking approach to software development within a regulated environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the design and operations spectrum. It's beyond a junior or mid-level designer, requiring significant experience in user research, service design, and UI/UX implementation, coupled with an understanding of complex development processes and regulatory environments. The role requires an individual who can not only execute but also influence product strategy and roadmap.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer/UI Artist will likely report to a Product Manager or a Lead Designer. They will work collaboratively with engineers, cybersecurity professionals, and potentially business analysts, forming a cross-functional product team. This structure emphasizes collaboration and shared ownership within the product development lifecycle.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is substantial. By designing intuitive and effective digital solutions for DoD customers, the Product Designer/UI Artist directly contributes to the success and efficiency of critical military operations and veteran services. Their work ensures that complex systems are usable, accessible, and aligned with mission objectives, thereby improving operational outcomes and user satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like government UX, cybersecurity-integrated design, or service design for complex enterprise systems.

• Leadership: Potential to move into a Lead Designer role, mentoring junior designers, or taking on Product Management responsibilities if desired, given the strong overlap in responsibilities.

• Skill Expansion: Growth into areas like UX strategy, product operations, or even business analysis due to the role's requirement to understand business needs and translate them into technical requirements.

• Project Diversity: Exposure to a variety of DoD and VA projects, allowing for continuous learning and adaptation to different mission requirements and technological landscapes.

• Certification: Support for obtaining relevant certifications like Certified Scrum Developer or further advanced design certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a senior Product Designer/UI Artist in a government contracting firm often involves moving into leadership roles, specialized design strategy, or even transitioning into product management, given the comprehensive understanding of the product lifecycle and user needs developed in this position.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is specified as "On-site," indicating a traditional office-based work environment. This suggests a collaborative setting where face-to-face interaction with team members is expected and valued.

Office Location(s): North Charleston, South Carolina. This location is specific and requires the candidate to be based in or willing to relocate to this area.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is likely to be a collaborative office environment conducive to team interaction, brainstorming, and Agile ceremonies.

• Access to modern design tools and technology infrastructure required for UI/UX design, prototyping, and collaboration will be provided.

Work Schedule:

• The standard working hours are expected to be 40 hours per week, aligned with typical full-time employment.

• While on-site, the schedule might offer some flexibility around core working hours, but adherence to project deadlines and team availability for Agile ceremonies is paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in North Charleston, SC, is a key factor. Candidates should be prepared for a physical work presence. This environment is likely designed to foster collaboration and rapid iteration, essential for Agile development and DevSecOps practices.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience alignment. Be prepared to highlight specific projects relevant to DoD or regulated environments.

• Technical Interview / Portfolio Review: This will likely involve a deep dive into your portfolio. Expect to walk through 2-3 key projects, detailing your design process, problem-solving approach, the tools you used, and the outcomes achieved. Focus on your user research, service design, and UI/UX execution.

• Behavioral Interview: Questions will assess your experience with Agile methodologies, cross-functional collaboration, working with engineers and cybersecurity teams, and handling challenging situations. Prepare examples demonstrating your ability to work in a regulated environment.

• Case Study/Design Challenge (Potentially): You might be given a design problem to solve or a scenario to analyze, requiring you to apply your design thinking and problem-solving skills. This could be presented as a take-home assignment or an in-interview exercise.

• Final Interview: Typically with hiring managers or senior leadership to assess overall fit, strategic thinking, and long-term potential within CommIT Enterprises.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your skills in user research, service design, wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity UI design. Prioritize projects that align with the DoD/government sector, if possible.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (emphasizing user-centric methods and Agile integration), the decisions you made, and the measurable impact or outcome.

• Showcase Process: Don't just show final designs. Include wireframes, user flows, personas, journey maps, and research findings to illustrate your thinking.

• Highlight Tools: Explicitly mention the tools you used (Figma, Sketch, Miro, Jira, Confluence) and how they facilitated your work.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved usability scores, reduced task completion times, increased user satisfaction).

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize aspects of your work that relate to mission-critical systems, cybersecurity considerations, and Agile development.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If a design challenge is provided, ensure you fully grasp the problem, the target user, and the constraints (e.g., security, existing systems).

• Think Aloud: If it's an in-interview exercise, articulate your thought process clearly. Explain your assumptions and how you're approaching the problem.

• Focus on Process: Even if you don't have a perfect solution, demonstrating a sound design process is crucial.

• Prioritize and Scope: Recognize that time is limited. Focus on the most critical aspects of the design challenge and be prepared to explain what you would do next if you had more time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a strong portfolio and the potential for a design challenge highlights the practical, execution-oriented nature of this role. Candidates should be ready to defend their design decisions with data and process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (primary expectation), Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision. Proficiency in creating wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity visual designs is essential.

• Collaboration & Service Design: Miro, Lucidchart, FigJam. These tools are crucial for user research, journey mapping, workflow analysis, and collaborative design sessions.

• Project Management & Documentation: Jira, Confluence. Essential for backlog management, user story refinement, task tracking, and documenting design artifacts, research findings, and workflows.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tools are specified as primary requirements for this design role, but an understanding of how user-facing applications integrate with backend systems and workflows may be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is explicitly mentioned as a key tool, alongside Miro/Lucidchart/FigJam for service design. Jira and Confluence are critical for integration into the Agile workflow. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate proficiency in these specific tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: A strong commitment to supporting the mission objectives of DoD and VA customers. This translates to designing solutions that are not just functional but also contribute directly to operational success.

• User-Centricity: Placing the needs and experiences of the end-user at the forefront of all design decisions. This involves rigorous user research and validation.

• Agile & Iterative: Embracing flexibility, continuous improvement, and rapid iteration in the design and development process.

• Collaboration: Working effectively in cross-functional teams, valuing diverse perspectives, and fostering open communication.

• Integrity & Compliance: Adhering to strict security protocols, regulatory requirements (RMF, Zero Trust), and ethical standards inherent in government contracting.

• Innovation: Seeking out and applying modern design principles and technologies to create effective and forward-thinking solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect close collaboration with Product Managers, Engineers, and Cybersecurity teams, requiring clear communication and mutual understanding of roles and objectives.

• Data-Driven Dialogue: Design discussions will likely be informed by user research data, usability testing results, and performance metrics, fostering objective decision-making.

• Agile Teamwork: Participation in daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospectives, contributing to a transparent and cooperative team dynamic.

• Feedback Loops: An open culture for providing and receiving constructive feedback on designs and processes to drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on mission, user-centricity, and compliance is paramount in this role, reflecting the culture of organizations supporting government clients. Expect a professional, process-oriented, and collaborative environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Strict Regulations: Designing intuitive interfaces while adhering to stringent DoD security requirements (RMF, Zero Trust) and compliance mandates can be complex.

• Integrating with Legacy Systems: Modernizing digital solutions often involves interfacing with older or complex legacy systems, requiring creative design solutions.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent understanding and buy-in on design decisions across diverse teams (product, engineering, cybersecurity) can be challenging.

• Demonstrating ROI for Design: Quantifying the impact of design improvements in a government context, where mission success often trumps immediate financial ROI, requires careful measurement and communication.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Technologies: Staying current with rapid advancements in design tools, methodologies, and government IT modernization trends.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Opportunities to pursue advanced training in areas like UX strategy for government applications, accessibility standards (e.g., Section 508), or specific cybersecurity design principles.

• Industry Conferences: Participation in relevant design, technology, and government contracting conferences to stay abreast of industry best practices and emerging trends.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior design or product leaders within CommIT Enterprises, or to mentor junior team members.

• Advanced Tool Proficiency: Deepening expertise in advanced features of design and collaboration tools, and potentially exploring new tools as they emerge.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gaining deeper insights into engineering practices (DevSecOps, CI/CD) and cybersecurity frameworks through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for roles in government contracting, requiring adaptability and a strong understanding of complex constraints. The growth opportunities are geared towards specialization and leadership within the design and operations domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Problem Solving: Be prepared to discuss your approach to designing a new feature or improving an existing one. Expect questions like: "Walk me through your process for designing X," or "How would you approach redesigning a complex government portal for improved usability?" Focus on your user research, iterative design, and how you incorporate feedback.

• Agile & Collaboration: Questions will probe your experience working in Agile environments and collaborating with diverse teams. Examples: "How do you collaborate with engineers and product managers in an Agile sprint?" or "Describe a time you had to resolve a design conflict with a stakeholder."

• User Research & Validation: Expect questions about your methods for understanding users and validating designs. For instance: "What are your preferred methods for user research in a remote or secure environment?" or "How do you ensure your designs meet actual user needs, not just perceived ones?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• DoD/Government Experience: "Describe your experience working with government clients or in highly regulated industries. What are the key considerations?"

• Team Dynamics: "How do you contribute to a positive and productive team environment?" or "How do you handle constructive criticism on your designs?"

• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your design work?" Be ready to discuss metrics and qualitative feedback.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your presentation logically: introduce the project, define the problem, explain your role and process, showcase your designs (wireframes, prototypes, final UI), detail the outcomes, and reflect on lessons learned.

• Focus on "Why": For each design decision, explain the "why" behind it, linking it back to user needs, business goals, or technical constraints.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly call out your proficiency in user research, service design, UI/UX, and specific tools like Figma, Miro, Jira, and Confluence.

• Quantify Impact: Use data points and metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness of your solutions.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to ensure it's engaging, informative, and within the allotted time. Be prepared to answer questions beyond your prepared material.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a strong understanding of the design process, the ability to articulate design decisions, practical experience with required tools, and a cultural fit within a government contracting environment that values collaboration, compliance, and mission impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer / UI Artist position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the CommIT Enterprises careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight experience in user research, service design, UI/UX design, and your proficiency with tools like Figma, Miro, Jira, and Confluence. Specifically emphasize any experience with DoD or regulated environments.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your years of experience, educational background, and specific accomplishments related to software design and development methodologies (Agile, DevSecOps). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approach, and how you collaborate within cross-functional teams. Prepare to walk through 2-3 key portfolio projects in detail.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with CommIT Enterprises, its mission, its work with DoD and VA, and its commitment to Agile and DevSecOps. Understand the importance of security clearances and certifications for this role.

⚠️ 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.