Senior UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Designer

Company: Tria Federal

Location: Woodlawn, Maryland, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Human-Centered Design

Date Posted: June 22, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid (Requires on-site presence at least once a week in Windsor Mill, MD)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end human-centered design efforts for a significant federal healthcare quality and payment modernization initiative.

• Drive the creation of usable, accessible, and equitable digital experiences for hundreds of thousands of healthcare professionals and administrative users nationwide.

• Collaborate within multidisciplinary agile teams to translate complex policy and regulatory requirements into intuitive workflows and scalable experience patterns.

• Contribute to the growth and strategic direction of Tria Federal's Human Experience (HX) Practice, focusing on AI-augmented service delivery within the public sector.

• Design meaningful public-sector systems that directly impact policy implementation, operational efficiency, and digital transformation for millions of Americans.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a mission-driven federal contracting environment, emphasizing the direct impact of design on public services and a strong focus on compliance and accessibility. The integration of AI into design workflows is a key differentiator for this role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the entire UX design lifecycle, from initial discovery and concept ideation through to implementation and ongoing optimization of digital services.

• Translate intricate federal policies, regulatory mandates, and business objectives into user-friendly workflows, interaction models, and robust, scalable experience architectures.

• Develop and refine comprehensive design artifacts, including user flows, task models, information architecture, wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, interactive prototypes, journey maps, and service blueprints.

• Partner closely with UX Researchers to integrate qualitative and quantitative user insights seamlessly into the design process and decision-making.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with Product Managers, Engineers, and federal stakeholders to ensure design is embedded within agile delivery cycles and strategic roadmap planning.

• Champion accessibility standards, inclusive design principles, and adherence to Section 508 and WCAG 2.1 (or higher) compliance throughout the design and development process.

• Ensure that design solutions are equitable, cater to diverse user populations, and effectively support complex professional workflows within the healthcare domain.

• Contribute to, maintain, and evolve design systems to ensure consistency, scalability, and maintainability across all product offerings.

• Conduct thorough reviews of implemented solutions to verify fidelity to design intent and adherence to usability best practices.

• Evaluate AI-enabled features and workflow automation systems for usability, transparency, trustworthiness, explainability, and the presence of appropriate human oversight mechanisms.

• Clearly document and articulate design rationale to a wide range of audiences, including technical teams, business stakeholders, and executive leadership.

• Actively contribute to the maturation of Tria's overall design capabilities and standards across various programs.

• Assist in the development of reusable design frameworks, playbooks, templates, and best-practice standards.

• Mentor junior designers across different project engagements and promote design consistency across the organization.

• Participate actively in internal knowledge-sharing forums, communities of practice, and capability-building initiatives to foster a strong design culture.

• Support proposal development, solution shaping, and thought leadership activities related to human-centered design, AI-enabled services, and digital modernization efforts.

• Help position Tria Federal as a recognized leader in AI-augmented, mission-driven human experience delivery within the federal sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of core UX design execution and strategic contributions to the company's design practice, with a significant emphasis on AI integration and federal sector nuances.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 5+ years of progressive experience in UX design, product design, or human-centered design for complex digital systems.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in end-to-end UX design for complex digital systems, with a focus on enterprise, B2B, healthcare, civic technology, or other highly regulated environments.

• Proficiency in creating detailed user flows, information architecture diagrams, wireframes, and high-fidelity prototypes using industry-standard design tools, with a strong emphasis on Figma.

• Demonstrated experience working within Agile development methodologies and collaborating effectively with sprint teams using tools such as Jira and Confluence.

• Solid understanding of accessibility compliance, specifically Section 508 and WCAG 2.1 (or higher) standards, and the ability to apply these principles in design.

• Experience in designing and contributing to the development and maintenance of design systems and reusable component libraries.

• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a clear capacity to evaluate design alternatives and articulate trade-offs effectively to various stakeholders.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with a meticulous attention to detail.

• Proven ability in facilitation, storytelling, and stakeholder engagement to effectively communicate design vision and rationale.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Federal Position of Trust clearance designation.

• Must reside in and be able to perform work within the United States.

• Must have lived in the United States for at least 3 of the last 5 years to meet clearance eligibility requirements.

• Ability to work on-site in Windsor Mill, MD, at a minimum of once per week. Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience supporting federal healthcare quality reporting, payment systems, or large-scale public digital service programs.

• Experience specifically designing for clinical or administrative healthcare professionals and understanding their unique workflow needs.

• Demonstrated experience designing AI-enabled systems, decision-support tools, or workflow automation platforms.

• Familiarity with prompt engineering concepts and their application in accelerating design productivity.

• Experience contributing to ResearchOps, DesignOps, or internal capability-building initiatives within a design team.

• Proficiency with a broader range of design and research tools, including Miro, Dovetail, UserTesting, and Optimal Workshop.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements clearly delineate between essential skills for federal UX design and those that provide a competitive advantage, particularly in specialized areas like healthcare and AI. The residency and clearance requirements are critical for federal roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5 years of UX design experience, with a clear emphasis on complex digital systems and regulated environments.

• Case studies demonstrating proficiency in the entire UX design process: user research synthesis, information architecture, wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity design.

• Examples of contributions to or utilization of design systems and component libraries.

• Projects that highlight adherence to accessibility standards (Section 508, WCAG) and inclusive design principles.

• Evidence of designing for B2B, enterprise, or government clients, showcasing an understanding of complex user needs and business requirements.

• Demonstrations of using Figma as a primary design tool. Process Documentation:

• Include examples of how you've translated complex requirements (policy, regulatory) into user-centered design solutions.

• Showcase your approach to working within Agile sprints, including collaboration with engineers and product managers.

• Provide examples of how you incorporate user feedback and research insights into iterative design processes.

• Detail your experience with accessibility compliance and how you ensure it in your designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX role, especially in the federal sector, the portfolio is crucial. It needs to demonstrate not just design execution but also strategic thinking, process adherence, and the ability to handle complex, regulated requirements. The AI design aspect should ideally be reflected in at least one case study.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior UX Designers in the Maryland/DC metropolitan area with federal contracting experience and the specified requirements, an estimated salary range is $110,000 - $150,000 per year. This range is an estimate and may vary based on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and the company's internal compensation structure.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Investment in employee well-being, including support for physical, mental, and financial health.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan.

• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

• Support for obtaining and maintaining U.S. Federal Position of Trust clearance.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week. The role is hybrid, requiring at least one day per week in the Windsor Mill, MD office, offering flexibility for the remaining workdays.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on standard US federal contracting UX designer roles in the specified region and experience level. Benefits are inferred from the company description's emphasis on employee well-being.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government & Public Sector, Technology Services, Healthcare Technology. Tria Federal specializes in providing digital services and technology solutions to federal agencies, with a strong focus on health and public safety. The recent acquisition of Softrams positions Tria firmly within the public health sector, offering opportunities to reshape digital experiences for millions of Americans.

Company Size: Tria Federal is a growing organization, and Softrams' integration suggests a significant combined workforce, likely in the mid-to-large enterprise bracket for government contractors. The company values its veteran workforce, indicating a culture that respects service and mission-driven work.

Founded: Tria Federal has been operating for two decades, indicating a stable and experienced presence in the federal IT space. Softrams was acquired in November 2024.

Team Structure:

• The Senior UX Designer will be part of Tria's Human Experience (HX) Practice, which functions as a center of excellence for design capabilities.

• They will work within multidisciplinary agile delivery teams, collaborating closely with Product Managers, Engineers, and UX Researchers.

• The role requires interaction with federal stakeholders, implying a need for clear communication and understanding of government client dynamics.

• The HX Practice likely has a leadership structure that supports mentorship and capability development. Methodology:

• Agile delivery methodologies are central to the team's workflow, requiring close integration of design within sprint cycles.

• A strong emphasis is placed on human-centered design principles, ensuring that user needs and experiences are paramount.

• The company is actively exploring and integrating AI into design processes, indicating an innovative and forward-thinking approach to service delivery.

• Compliance with federal standards (Section 508, WCAG) is a fundamental aspect of the design methodology.

Company Website: https://triafed.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be mission-focused, veteran-friendly, and committed to employee well-being, with a strategic push towards AI-augmented design within the federal government space.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior UX Designer role, indicating a position of significant responsibility and influence. It requires independent work, leadership in design initiatives, and mentorship capabilities. The role demands not just execution but also strategic input into the company's design practice and service offerings.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Designer will report into the Human Experience (HX) Practice lead or a designated design manager within the practice. They will also work closely with project leads and product managers on specific delivery teams.

Operations Impact: The design work directly impacts the usability and effectiveness of critical federal healthcare systems. This means influencing policy implementation, improving operational efficiency for healthcare providers, and contributing to the digital transformation of public services that affect millions of Americans. The role's impact extends beyond a single product to shaping the user experience of national-scale initiatives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: Potential to grow into a Lead UX Designer, Design Manager, or Principal Designer role within the HX Practice, overseeing larger initiatives or teams.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in AI-augmented design, federal healthcare systems, or accessibility consulting.

• Cross-functional Development: Experience in government contracting, agile methodologies, and stakeholder management provides a strong foundation for broader GTM or program management roles within Tria.

• Mentorship & Capability Building: Actively contributing to the HX Practice offers opportunities to shape design standards, mentor peers, and influence company-wide design strategy.

• Industry Recognition: Contributing to impactful federal projects can lead to professional recognition and thought leadership opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Senior UX Designer in a federal contracting firm often involves increased leadership, strategic contribution to the practice, and specialization in government-specific design challenges, including emerging tech like AI.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Tria Federal operates with a hybrid work model. While the company has a primary office in Baltimore, MD (near Woodlawn), and headquarters in Arlington, VA, many roles are remote. However, this specific Senior UX Designer position requires a minimum of one day per week on-site in Windsor Mill, MD, indicating a hybrid setup for this role.

Office Location(s): The primary office relevant to this role is in Windsor Mill, MD. Tria Federal also has a presence in Arlington, VA. The company supports remote employees across 40+ states.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model allows for a balance between focused remote work and collaborative in-office sessions.

• The on-site requirement in Windsor Mill, MD, facilitates direct collaboration with local project teams, federal counterparts, and fellow designers within the HX Practice.

• The company's emphasis on employee well-being suggests an environment that supports a healthy work-life balance.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology is implied, given the nature of the role and the company's focus on digital services.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week. The hybrid arrangement provides flexibility, allowing designers to structure their week to optimize both individual deep work and collaborative team sessions, with a mandatory minimum of one day per week in the Windsor Mill office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role, combined with the on-site requirement in Windsor Mill, MD, suggests a need for local candidates or those willing to commute regularly. This structure supports both focused design work and essential in-person collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and resume, focusing on experience with complex digital systems, federal/regulated environments, Figma proficiency, and accessibility knowledge.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: Expect a deep dive into your portfolio. You'll be asked to walk through 2-3 relevant projects, explaining your design process, challenges, solutions, and the impact of your work. This stage will also assess your understanding of AI-augmented design and your ability to apply it. Questions will focus on your approach to translating complex requirements, accessibility, and collaboration.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: You may meet with other UX designers, researchers, product managers, and potentially federal stakeholders. These interviews will assess your collaboration style, communication skills, problem-solving approach, and cultural fit within Tria Federal and the HX Practice.

• Final Interview: A final discussion with senior leadership to confirm alignment on role expectations, career growth, and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your experience with complex federal or regulated systems, end-to-end design processes, and ideally, any work involving AI or innovative design methodologies.

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the problem, your role, your process, the challenges faced, the solutions you designed, and the measurable impact or outcomes of your work. Quantify results whenever possible.

• Highlight Process: Detail your methodology for user research, ideation, iteration, collaboration, and how you ensured accessibility and compliance.

• Showcase AI Integration: If possible, include a project that demonstrates how you've leveraged AI tools to enhance your design workflow, generate ideas, or prototype solutions. Be ready to discuss your approach to responsible AI use in design.

• Accessibility is Key: Ensure at least one project prominently features your commitment to and execution of accessibility standards (Section 508, WCAG).

• Prepare to Discuss: Be ready to articulate your design decisions, trade-offs, and how you handle constructive feedback.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: You might be given a small design exercise or asked to critique an existing interface, focusing on usability, accessibility, and potential AI enhancements.

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions about how you would handle conflicting stakeholder requirements, design for complex regulations, or integrate AI ethically into a user experience.

• Communication Practice: Rehearse explaining your design rationale clearly and concisely, as if presenting to both technical and non-technical audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical application of skills through portfolio review and potential design challenges, with a strong focus on federal requirements, AI integration, and collaborative problem-solving.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (primary tool), Miro (collaboration, whiteboarding).

• Collaboration & Documentation: Jira, Confluence (Agile project management and documentation).

• User Research & Analysis: UserTesting, Dovetail, Optimal Workshop (or similar platforms for usability testing, research synthesis, and information architecture).

Analytics & Reporting: While not explicitly listed as a primary responsibility for UX, an understanding of how design impacts user behavior and key performance indicators (KPIs) is beneficial. Familiarity with analytics platforms to understand user engagement and identify areas for design improvement would be a plus.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to this UX role, but awareness of how design interfaces with backend systems and workflows is important.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specified tools highlight a modern UX design workflow, with a strong emphasis on Figma for design and prototyping, and standard Agile tools for collaboration. Familiarity with a range of research and ideation tools is also valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A core value is the commitment to serving the health and safety of veterans, service members, and civilians through technology.

• Innovation: Encouraging the exploration of AI and emerging technologies to push boundaries and develop next-generation solutions.

• Veteran Support: Proudly employing and supporting military veterans, valuing their unique contributions and mission-first mindset.

• Customer-Centricity: Building intuitive and usable services that address real-world needs and reduce administrative burdens for users.

• Excellence & Quality: Dedication to delivering high-quality digital services and technological solutions.

• Inclusion & Opportunity: Fostering a culture where all employees can thrive professionally and personally, with opportunities for growth and development.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to work seamlessly within multidisciplinary agile teams, collaborating closely with Product Managers, Engineers, and Researchers.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Proactive communication and engagement with federal clients and internal leadership are crucial for successful project delivery and design advocacy.

• DesignOps & ResearchOps: Contribution to and utilization of DesignOps and ResearchOps practices to streamline workflows, build reusable assets, and enhance overall design capability.

• Knowledge Sharing: Active participation in communities of practice, internal forums, and capability-building initiatives to share best practices and promote learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture emphasizes a blend of mission-oriented work, technological innovation (especially AI), strong support for veterans, and a collaborative, inclusive environment that values continuous learning and professional growth.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Federal Requirements: Designing within highly regulated environments with strict policies and compliance mandates (Section 508, WCAG) requires meticulous attention to detail and strategic problem-solving.

• Integrating AI Responsibly: Balancing the potential of AI in design workflows with the need for human-centered judgment, privacy, security, and ethical considerations in a public-sector context.

• Stakeholder Management: Effectively communicating complex design concepts and advocating for user-centered approaches with diverse stakeholders, including government officials who may have varying levels of technical understanding.

• Balancing Design Fidelity with Agile Constraints: Ensuring high-quality, accessible user experiences are delivered within rapid agile development cycles and potentially tight project timelines.

• Shaping Emerging Practices: Contributing to the development and standardization of AI-augmented design and DesignOps within Tria Federal.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI in Design Specialization: Deepen expertise in leveraging AI tools for design acceleration, generative design, and creating AI-enabled user experiences.

• Federal Domain Expertise: Gain in-depth knowledge of healthcare policy, payment systems, and the unique challenges of designing for government agencies.

• Design Leadership & Mentorship: Opportunities to lead design initiatives, mentor junior designers, and contribute to the strategic growth of the HX Practice.

• Advanced Accessibility Training: Continuous learning on evolving accessibility standards and best practices for complex digital systems.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Potential support for attending relevant UX, government technology, or AI conferences, and pursuing professional certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents challenges common to federal contracting, particularly around compliance and stakeholder management, with a unique opportunity to pioneer AI integration in design. Growth is tied to both specialized skill development and leadership within the HX Practice.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you translated a complex regulatory or policy requirement into a user-centered design solution. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and impact).

• "How would you approach designing an AI-enabled feature for healthcare professionals, considering trust, explainability, and user oversight?" (Assess understanding of AI ethics, user needs, and federal context).

• "Walk me through a project where you had to manage conflicting requirements from multiple stakeholders (e.g., engineers, product managers, clients). How did you reach a consensus and deliver a successful design?" (Evaluate collaboration, negotiation, and communication skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for Tria Federal and specifically within the federal government sector?" (Show genuine interest in public service and the company's mission).

• "How do you see your role contributing to Tria's Human Experience Practice and its goal of leading in AI-augmented design?" (Demonstrate understanding of the practice's goals and your potential contribution).

• "Describe your experience working in an Agile environment. How do you ensure design remains a priority within sprint cycles?" (Assess adaptability and collaboration within Agile frameworks). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, clearly outline: The Problem/Challenge, Your Role & Responsibilities, Target Users, Design Process & Tools Used, Key Design Decisions & Rationale, Accessibility Considerations, AI Integration (if applicable), Outcomes & Impact.

• Storytelling: Frame your projects as narratives that highlight your problem-solving approach and the value you bring. Emphasize your role and contributions.

• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals of your work (wireframes, mockups, prototypes) and explain them clearly.

• Metrics: Quantify the impact of your designs whenever possible (e.g., improved task completion time, reduced errors, increased user satisfaction scores).

• AI Discussion: Be prepared to discuss your experience using AI tools in your workflow, the benefits, and any ethical considerations you navigated.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of federal UX nuances, practical application of design processes, effective communication, and a forward-thinking approach to AI in design.

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📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Tria Federal careers portal linked via Greenhouse.

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight experience with federal projects, complex digital systems, healthcare (if applicable), Section 508/WCAG compliance, Figma, and any AI-related design work. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 impactful case studies that best demonstrate your senior-level UX skills, focusing on regulated environments and showcasing your design process, problem-solving abilities, and impact. Ensure accessibility and AI integration are visible where possible.

• Prepare for the Interview: Practice articulating your design process, decision-making, and project outcomes. Be ready to discuss your experience with AI tools and your approach to federal government design challenges. Research Tria Federal's mission and their focus on AI and public service.

• Address Clearance Requirements: Be prepared to discuss your residency history and ability to obtain a U.S. Federal Position of Trust clearance.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.