Senior Product Designer - Clearance Required

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer - Clearance Required

Company: LMI

Location: Newport News, Virginia, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Design / User Experience (UX) Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-19

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the end-to-end product design lifecycle for complex, data-intensive applications within a U.S. Army enterprise data environment.

• Translate intricate operational requirements and user needs into intuitive and effective software solutions, focusing on user experience (UX) and workflow optimization.

• Collaborate closely with software engineers, data engineers, product leaders, and government stakeholders to ensure successful product discovery, design, and delivery.

• Lead user research initiatives, usability testing, and design validation to inform product strategy and iterative improvements.

• Develop and maintain a consistent design system, contributing to the modernization of legacy platforms and ensuring adherence to federal usability, accessibility, and security standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw job description focuses on Product Design, the context of "enterprise data environment," "operational needs," and "workflow optimization" within a government (U.S. Army) setting strongly implies a need for robust UX operations and a focus on the practical application and efficiency of designed solutions. This role requires not just aesthetic design but deep consideration of how designs integrate into existing complex systems and improve user productivity and data utilization.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the product design process for data-intensive applications and intricate operational workflows, ensuring user-centricity and mission alignment.

• Conduct in-depth user research and interviews with Army personnel and stakeholders to deeply understand their goals, operational constraints, and current working methodologies.

• Develop comprehensive product concepts, detailed user flows, interactive prototypes, and precise interaction designs that simplify complex data and processes.

• Foster strong partnerships with product management and engineering teams to collaboratively define requirements, navigate technical tradeoffs, and ensure the successful delivery of high-quality, usable software.

• Plan, execute, and analyze user research studies and usability testing sessions to validate design concepts and gather actionable feedback for iterative design improvements.

• Architect clear and intuitive user experiences that effectively represent complex data, streamline intricate processes, and support critical decision-making.

• Contribute to the development and evolution of a unified design system, promoting consistency, reusability, and efficiency across multiple applications.

• Support the strategic modernization or replacement of functionalities currently managed by legacy platforms, ensuring a smooth transition and improved user adoption.

• Integrate accessibility standards (e.g., Section 508) and federal security requirements into the design process from inception to delivery.

• Utilize user feedback, product performance data, and operational metrics to continuously refine and enhance deployed capabilities, driving ongoing efficiency and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are typical for a Senior Product Designer, but the emphasis on "operational workflows," "data-intensive applications," and "simplifying complex data, processes, and technical capabilities" within a government context highlights the 'operations' aspect of this design role. The candidate will be responsible for optimizing how users interact with systems to perform their duties effectively, which is a core tenet of UX/Product Operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Product Design, Interaction Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), or a closely related field; or equivalent demonstrable professional experience. Experience:

• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience in designing digital products, with a strong focus on complex enterprise applications and data-rich interfaces.

• Proven experience in conducting user research, translating findings into actionable product decisions, and iterating on designs based on feedback and data.

• Demonstrated success in collaborating with software engineering teams throughout the entire product development lifecycle, from ideation to deployment and iteration.

• Experience designing software solutions specifically for operational, logistics, readiness, or enterprise data use cases is highly beneficial. Required Skills:

• Product Design & Interaction Design: Expertise in creating intuitive user interfaces, defining user flows, and crafting detailed interaction specifications for complex applications.

• User Research & Usability Testing: Proficiency in planning and executing various research methodologies (e.g., interviews, surveys, usability tests) to gather user insights and validate design decisions.

• Prototyping & Wireframing: Advanced skills in using modern collaborative design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD) to create interactive mockups and detailed wireframes.

• Systems Thinking: Ability to understand and design for complex interconnected systems, considering the broader ecosystem of applications and user workflows.

• Data-Rich Interface Design: Experience designing effective visualizations and interfaces for complex datasets, enabling users to easily interpret and act upon information.

• Active Secret Clearance: A mandatory requirement for this position, indicating a need for trustworthiness and eligibility for access to sensitive government information.

Preferred Skills:

• Design Systems: Experience in creating, extending, or contributing to design systems to ensure consistency and efficiency across multiple products.

• Agile Methodologies: Familiarity with working within integrated product teams using iterative software development practices (e.g., Scrum, Kanban).

• Accessibility Standards (Section 508): Knowledge of and experience implementing federal accessibility guidelines to ensure products are usable by all individuals.

• Legacy Application Modernization: Experience in redesigning or updating functionalities of existing, complex enterprise applications.

• U.S. Army or DoD Customer Support: Prior experience working with or supporting Department of Defense (DoD) customers, particularly the U.S. Army, is highly advantageous.

• Familiarity with Enterprise Platforms: Exposure to platforms like AWS, Palantir Foundry, or Army Vantage can be beneficial for understanding the existing technology landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5-10 years" AI-derived experience level aligns well with the "seven or more years" requirement and the "Senior" title. The emphasis on "data-intensive applications," "operational workflows," and "federal usability" are critical aspects that differentiate this from a standard consumer product design role. The Secret Clearance is a paramount qualification that will filter candidates significantly.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a strong track record of designing impactful digital products, with a specific emphasis on enterprise applications and data-driven solutions.

• Demonstrated ability to articulate the design process, from initial problem definition and user research through to final delivery and iterative improvements.

• Evidence of systems thinking, illustrating how designs integrate into larger workflows and ecosystems.

• Examples of successful product delivery, including case studies that highlight the impact of your design decisions on user efficiency, operational effectiveness, or business outcomes.

• Prototypes and design artifacts that clearly communicate interaction design principles, user flows, and visual design execution for complex functionalities. Process Documentation:

• Detailed case studies or project descriptions that outline your approach to understanding user needs and translating them into design solutions for complex operational environments.

• Documentation of user research methodologies employed, including how findings were synthesized and used to inform design iterations.

• Examples of how you collaborated with engineering and product teams, illustrating your role in the agile development process and your ability to navigate technical constraints.

• Evidence of contributions to or use of design systems, showcasing your understanding of component-based design and maintaining visual/interaction consistency.

• Demonstrations of how you've addressed accessibility and security requirements within your design process for government or enterprise clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Product Designer role, especially in a government context, the portfolio needs to go beyond visual flair. It must demonstrate a rigorous design process, a deep understanding of user needs in operational settings, and the ability to deliver tangible improvements through design. The "systems thinking" and "data-intensive applications" aspects are key differentiators.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $111,426 - $192,890 per year

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage to support employee well-being.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) or similar plan with potential company match, crucial for long-term financial planning.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay to ensure work-life balance.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and attendance at industry conferences to enhance skills in product design, UX, and related fields.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Financial protection for employees and their families.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Support services for personal and work-related challenges.

• Potential for Bonuses/Incentives: Performance-based rewards may be offered.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time workweek, typically 40 hours.

• While the role is on-site, there may be some flexibility in daily start/end times, subject to team and project needs, allowing for effective management of design sprints and collaborative sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and aligns with senior-level design roles in the U.S., particularly those requiring security clearances. The benefits are standard for a full-time position at a company like LMI, a government contractor. The note about flexibility in working hours is an assumption based on typical corporate environments but acknowledges the on-site requirement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology and Management Consulting Services for Government Clients. LMI operates within the U.S. federal sector, focusing on defense, space, intelligence, and other critical government agencies. This industry context means a strong emphasis on mission impact, security, compliance, and delivering tangible value to public service.

Company Size: LMI is a mid-to-large-sized organization, employing over 1,000 individuals. This size allows for structured career paths and established processes while maintaining a degree of agility and collaborative spirit. For operations professionals, this often means access to robust internal support systems and a clear hierarchy, alongside opportunities to influence processes within defined frameworks.

Founded: LMI was founded in 1961. This long history signifies stability, deep domain expertise, and established relationships within the government contracting space. It suggests a company that values long-term growth, strategic planning, and a commitment to its mission.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The role is embedded within a team responsible for developing and deploying software solutions for the U.S. Army. This team likely includes Product Managers, Software Engineers, Data Engineers, QA Testers, and potentially other UX/UI Designers or Researchers.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The Senior Product Designer will work closely with various stakeholders, including end-users (Army personnel), product leadership, and engineering teams. Collaboration is key to translating complex needs into functional designs and ensuring successful implementation.

• Reporting: The Senior Product Designer likely reports to a Design Lead, UX Manager, or Product Lead, with direct engagement from government program managers and stakeholders.

Methodology:

• Agile Development: LMI emphasizes agility and collaboration, suggesting that the design team operates within agile frameworks (e.g., Scrum, Kanban) to deliver iterative improvements and respond to evolving requirements.

• Data-Driven Design: The role involves designing for an "enterprise data environment" and using "product performance data" to improve capabilities, indicating a reliance on data analysis to inform design decisions and measure impact.

• User-Centered Design: A core tenet is understanding and translating user needs, emphasizing a user-centered approach throughout the design and development lifecycle.

Company Website: www.lmisolutions.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context is crucial for a government contractor. Understanding LMI's mission, its long-standing presence, and its focus on innovation for government agencies helps frame the expectations for the Senior Product Designer role. The emphasis on "mission-ready AI," "commercial-grade platforms," and "commercial speed" suggests a culture that balances government needs with modern technological approaches.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as "Senior," indicating a position of significant experience and responsibility. A Senior Product Designer is expected to lead design efforts, mentor junior designers, and influence product strategy. In an operations context, this means not only designing intuitive interfaces but also optimizing workflows, improving user efficiency, and contributing to the overall operational effectiveness of the software solutions. The scope includes end-to-end design ownership, from discovery to delivery and iteration, with a focus on complex, data-intensive government applications.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will likely report to a Design Lead, UX Manager, or Product Manager within LMI's technology or solutions division. They will work within cross-functional product teams, collaborating closely with software engineers, data engineers, and product leadership. Direct interaction with U.S. Army stakeholders is also a key component, requiring strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role extends beyond user satisfaction. By simplifying complex data, optimizing workflows, and improving the usability of enterprise applications, the Senior Product Designer directly contributes to the operational efficiency, decision-making capabilities, and mission success of the U.S. Army. This involves ensuring that software is not just functional but highly effective and efficient in real-world operational contexts, potentially leading to cost savings, improved readiness, and enhanced mission outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: As a senior member, there are opportunities to mentor junior designers, lead design initiatives, and potentially move into a Lead Designer or UX Manager role.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as data visualization, complex workflow design, government UX best practices, or accessibility (Section 508).

• Broader Impact: Contribute to larger strategic initiatives, influence LMI's overall design philosophy, and take on design challenges across different government sectors or programs.

• Technical Acumen: Develop a stronger understanding of enterprise data environments, AI/ML applications, and cloud platforms (AWS) relevant to government solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation implies a strategic role. In an operations context, this means the designer is expected to drive process improvements through design and contribute to the overall efficiency of the user's interaction with the system, not just the aesthetic appeal. Growth opportunities should align with advancing these operational responsibilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position, requiring the Senior Product Designer to work from LMI's office in Newport News, Virginia. This environment is typical for government contracting roles where access to secure facilities and direct collaboration with government personnel or classified systems may be necessary.

Office Location(s): Newport News, Virginia. This location is situated in a region with a strong presence of defense and government contracting activities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace is designed to foster collaboration, with opportunities for in-person brainstorming sessions, design reviews, and direct interaction with cross-functional teams. This is crucial for rapidly iterating on designs and solving complex problems.

• Tools and Technology: Access to modern design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch), collaboration platforms, and potentially specialized software relevant to government data environments.

• Team Interaction: Regular touchpoints with software engineers, product managers, data scientists, and potentially direct engagement with U.S. Army stakeholders, facilitating a holistic understanding of project requirements and user needs.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is expected. As an on-site role, adherence to office hours is primary. However, there may be some flexibility in daily start and end times, subject to team needs and project deadlines, to accommodate effective collaboration and workflow management. The nature of government projects might also necessitate occasional extended hours or availability for urgent tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" requirement is critical. For a government contractor like LMI, this often means working within specific security protocols and physical locations conducive to handling sensitive information. The collaborative aspect is paramount for efficient problem-solving in such environments.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements, particularly the Secret clearance and design experience.

• Portfolio Presentation & Technical Interview: A session where you present your portfolio, discussing key projects, your design process, problem-solving approach, and how you've handled complex design challenges, especially those involving data and workflows. Expect questions on user research, interaction design, systems thinking, and collaboration.

• Cross-Functional Team Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential colleagues, including software engineers and product managers, to assess your collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to integrate into an agile team environment.

• Stakeholder/Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager or key stakeholders (potentially including government representatives) to delve deeper into your experience, strategic thinking, and understanding of government/DoD environments. This stage will also confirm clearance eligibility.

• Final Offer: Based on successful completion of all interview stages.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Process, Not Just Polish: For this role, demonstrating your thought process, problem-solving skills, and how you arrived at design solutions is more critical than just showing final mockups. Detail your user research, ideation, iteration, and collaboration.

• Highlight Data & Workflow Expertise: Emphasize projects that involved designing for complex data visualization, operational workflows, or enterprise applications. Clearly articulate how you simplified complexity and improved user efficiency.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or outcomes that demonstrate the positive impact of your designs (e.g., improved task completion time, increased user adoption, reduced errors, enhanced decision-making).

• Tailor to Government Context: If you have prior government or DoD experience, highlight it. Show an understanding of federal usability, accessibility (Section 508), and security considerations.

• Be Prepared for Technical Depth: Discuss your proficiency with design tools and your experience working with engineering teams.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: You may be given a design challenge or case study to complete, either as a take-home assignment or an in-interview exercise. This will likely involve analyzing a complex problem, proposing a design solution, and presenting your rationale.

• Focus on Strategy: Prepare to discuss your strategic approach to design problems, how you prioritize features, and how you balance user needs with technical constraints and business objectives.

• Communication Skills: Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, especially when explaining complex concepts to non-designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a government contractor with a clearance requirement will be thorough. The portfolio review is particularly important for demonstrating practical application of design principles in complex, operational settings. The "Secret Clearance" requirement will likely be a gatekeeper for all stages.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Proficiency with modern, collaborative design tools is essential. Expect to use:

  • Figma: Widely used for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration.
  • Sketch: Another popular choice for UI design, often used in enterprise settings.
  • Adobe XD: Used for UI/UX design and prototyping.

• User Research Tools: Experience with tools for conducting remote research, usability testing, and synthesizing findings. This could include:

  • UserTesting.com / Lookback: For remote usability testing and user interviews.
  • Miro / Mural: For collaborative whiteboarding, affinity mapping, and brainstorming.

• Project Management & Collaboration: Familiarity with tools used by engineering and product teams.

  • Jira / Confluence: For agile project management, bug tracking, and documentation.
  • Slack / Microsoft Teams: For team communication and coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytics role, understanding how to interpret and utilize data is key.
  • Google Analytics / Adobe Analytics: For understanding user behavior on web-based applications.
  • Tableau / Power BI: For visualizing performance data and dashboards, especially relevant for data-intensive applications.

CRM & Automation:

• Less direct involvement, but understanding the context of enterprise systems is valuable.
  • Salesforce / Microsoft Dynamics: Understanding CRM principles and data flow can be helpful in enterprise contexts.
  • Integration Tools (e.g., Zapier, MuleSoft): Awareness of how different systems connect and exchange data.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "data-intensive applications" and "enterprise data environment" suggests that familiarity with tools that can handle and visualize large datasets, or integrate with such platforms, would be highly advantageous. The mention of AWS, Palantir Foundry, and Army Vantage in preferred qualifications points towards a need to understand these large-scale government/enterprise data platforms.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Oriented: A strong dedication to supporting the U.S. Army's mission and contributing to national security objectives. This means prioritizing effectiveness, reliability, and user success in operational contexts.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Valuing the use of data and analytics to inform design choices, measure impact, and drive continuous improvement in software solutions.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where cross-functional teams work together seamlessly, sharing knowledge and supporting each other to achieve common goals.

• Innovation & Agility: Embracing new technologies and methodologies to deliver modern, efficient solutions at a pace that meets government needs, balancing innovation with rigorous security and compliance standards.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding the highest ethical standards and taking responsibility for the quality and impact of designs and delivered products.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Product Teams: Working as a core member of agile teams, where designers, engineers, and product managers collaborate daily to define, build, and refine features.

• Open Communication: Encouraging direct and honest feedback, fostering an environment where design challenges and solutions can be openly discussed and debated constructively.

• User-Centric Feedback Loops: Regularly engaging with end-users and stakeholders to gather feedback, validate assumptions, and ensure designs are meeting real-world operational needs.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in design reviews, sharing best practices, and contributing to the collective learning and growth of the design and product teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a government contractor, the culture often blends corporate professionalism with a strong sense of public service. Values like integrity, mission focus, and collaboration are paramount. The "operations" aspect means efficiency and data-driven improvements are not just buzzwords but core to how work is performed and success is measured.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Government Systems: Designing for intricate, often legacy, U.S. Army enterprise data environments requires deep systems thinking and the ability to simplify highly complex functionalities and data structures.

• Balancing User Needs with Strict Requirements: Navigating the balance between user-centric design principles and stringent government requirements, including security protocols, accessibility standards (Section 508), and specific operational mandates.

• Modernizing Legacy Platforms: Undertaking the challenge of updating or replacing outdated systems, which involves understanding existing user behaviors, technical debt, and ensuring a smooth transition for users accustomed to older interfaces.

• Data Visualization for Critical Decisions: Creating effective data visualizations that support critical decision-making for military operations, where accuracy, clarity, and speed are paramount.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent understanding and alignment on design goals and execution across diverse teams (engineering, product, stakeholders) with potentially different priorities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX/UI Skills: Deepening expertise in areas like advanced interaction design, data visualization, UX strategy, and human-computer interaction within defense contexts.

• Government Sector Expertise: Gaining extensive knowledge of U.S. Army operational workflows, data environments, and specific government contracting processes and regulations.

• Design System Mastery: Becoming a key contributor or leader in developing and maintaining robust design systems for large-scale enterprise applications.

• Leadership and Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior designers, lead design sprints, and potentially take on leadership roles in future projects or teams.

• Emerging Technologies: Exposure to and application of emerging technologies like AI and machine learning in government solutions, as LMI focuses on "mission-ready AI."

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are specific to the government contracting domain and the nature of enterprise data solutions. Growth opportunities should align with deepening expertise in these specialized areas and advancing into leadership roles within that context.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to simplify a highly complex data visualization or workflow for a non-technical audience. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on data simplification, user empathy, and measurable impact.)

• "How do you approach designing for users with strict operational constraints and established workflows? Provide an example of a design solution you implemented in such an environment." (Demonstrate understanding of operational contexts, user research, and iterative design.)

• "Discuss your experience collaborating with software engineers and product managers. How do you handle disagreements or technical limitations that impact your design?" (Highlight communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills within cross-functional teams.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about LMI's mission and its work with the U.S. Army? How does your design philosophy align with supporting government operations?" (Show research into LMI, its values, and an understanding of mission-critical design.)

• "How do you ensure accessibility (e.g., Section 508 compliance) and security are integrated into your design process from the outset?" (Assess awareness of federal requirements and proactive design practices.)

• "Describe your experience working on enterprise applications or with data-intensive systems. What are the unique challenges and considerations compared to consumer-facing products?" (Evaluate understanding of the specific domain and its complexities.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with a high-level overview of your role and the project's objective. Then, dive into the problem statement, your research process, design exploration, key decisions, and finally, the solution and its outcomes.

• Focus on "Why" and "How": For each project, clearly articulate why you made certain design choices and how you arrived at them. Explain the user research, data insights, or stakeholder feedback that informed your decisions.

• Showcase Process Artifacts: Include wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and research synthesis to illustrate your journey. Don't shy away from showing iterations or challenges you overcame.

• Quantify Results: If possible, present metrics that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improvements in task completion, user satisfaction scores, efficiency gains).

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design decisions, your collaboration with engineers, and how you handled trade-offs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions for this role will heavily lean towards practical application in complex, government-oriented environments. The emphasis will be on process, problem-solving, and the ability to deliver functional, efficient designs that meet stringent requirements.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-focused design position:

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

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most relevant projects that showcase your experience with enterprise applications, data-intensive design, complex workflows, and ideally, government or defense-related projects. Ensure your portfolio clearly articulates your design process, user research methodologies, and the impact of your work.

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords from the job description, such as "Product Design," "Interaction Design," "User Research," "Data-intensive Applications," "Systems Thinking," "Section 508," and "Secret Clearance." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio Presentation: Practice walking through your chosen portfolio projects, focusing on how you solved problems, collaborated with teams, and delivered successful outcomes. Be ready to discuss your design rationale and defend your decisions.

• Research LMI & the U.S. Army Context: Understand LMI's mission, its role as a government contractor, and the general operational context of the U.S. Army. This will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate cultural fit and domain understanding.

⚠️ 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.