Senior UX Designer (Secret or TS Clearance Required)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Designer (Secret or TS Clearance Required)

Company: ICF

Location: Reston, Virginia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Digital Transformation

Date Posted: September 8, 2026

Experience Level: 5+ Years Professional Experience

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive human-centered design principles to modernize legacy federal systems and digital products within Agile, DevSecOps environments.

• Translate complex user needs, technical constraints, and mission requirements into intuitive and accessible UX/UI solutions for enterprise users.

• Conduct and leverage usability testing and user research to inform iterative design improvements and enhance user satisfaction.

• Utilize UX metrics and data analytics to guide design decisions, measure outcomes, and contribute to product roadmap prioritization.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional delivery teams, including developers, product owners, and engineers, to ensure seamless integration of UX into the development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on UX/UI design within the federal government sector, emphasizing a strong need for understanding and adherence to government standards like Section 508 and the US Web Design System (USWDS). The hybrid nature and requirement for a Secret or TS clearance are critical factors for potential candidates.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design end-to-end user experiences, including user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity UI designs and specifications.

• Ensure all designs comply with federal UX/UI standards, including Section 508 accessibility requirements and project-specific design systems (e.g., NBIS UI/UX Playbook).

• Support and actively participate in usability testing sessions, observing users, capturing qualitative insights, and translating findings into actionable design updates.

• Collaborate with product teams to validate design concepts and iteratively refine user experiences based on research and feedback.

• Implement and analyze UX measurement tools to track user behavior, feature adoption, and workflow completion rates, informing data-driven design decisions.

• Work within Agile (SAFe) delivery teams, participating in sprint planning, design reviews, and PI demos to ensure UX is a core component of development.

• Ensure designs are technically feasible within CI/CD pipelines and align with system architecture and constraints.

• Contribute to and apply shared UI components, patterns, and design systems to maintain consistency across enterprise applications.

• Produce clear UX/UI documentation, including design specifications, interaction patterns, and user guidance for internal and external stakeholders.

• Support the development of training materials and user-facing documentation to facilitate system adoption and user proficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on design role with a strong emphasis on collaboration within a federal Agile/DevSecOps framework. The requirement to support modernization efforts and integrate with existing government design systems and accessibility standards is a key differentiator.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred. Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in user experience design, interaction design, or a closely related field.

• Experience designing for complex, multi-step workflows or enterprise applications is highly desirable.

• Experience working on federal or highly regulated systems (e.g., DoD, security, or identity platforms) is a significant advantage.

• Proven experience supporting the modernization of legacy systems into cloud-based platforms. Required Skills:

• Active Secret security clearance, with eligibility to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance.

• Demonstrated proficiency in designing end-to-end user experiences, including user flows, wireframes, and prototypes.

• Strong understanding and application of human-centered design principles.

• Experience with usability testing and integrating user research findings into design solutions.

• Familiarity with federal UX/UI standards, particularly Section 508 accessibility.

• Ability to work effectively within Agile or iterative delivery environments. Preferred Skills:

• Top Secret security clearance.

• Working knowledge of Figma for design and prototyping.

• Familiarity with the U.S. Web Design System (USWDS).

• Strong collaboration and communication skills across cross-functional teams (design, engineering, product).

• Ability to articulate design decisions clearly and adapt based on stakeholder feedback.

• Experience collaborating with developers in Agile or iterative delivery environments.

• Familiarity with UX analytics and behavioral measurement tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The clearance requirement is paramount and non-negotiable. The emphasis on Figma, USWDS, and experience with federal systems points to a need for candidates who can hit the ground running within established government digital service frameworks.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of UX/UI design projects, demonstrating a clear process from research and ideation to final design and iteration.

• Include case studies that highlight problem definition, user needs analysis, design solutions, and measurable outcomes.

• Projects should ideally demonstrate experience with complex workflows, enterprise applications, or government/regulated systems.

• Demonstrate ability to adhere to design systems, accessibility standards (Section 508), and cross-functional collaboration. Process Documentation:

• Examples of user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity UI designs.

• Documentation of usability testing methodologies, participant feedback, and how insights influenced design changes.

• Evidence of contributing to or utilizing design systems and style guides.

• Case studies detailing how data and analytics informed design decisions and led to improved user experience metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates are expected to present a portfolio that not only showcases design skills but also a robust, user-centered design process, with a strong emphasis on federal compliance and iterative improvement.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The estimated salary range for this position in Reston, Virginia (and surrounding metro DC area) is $98,614.00 - $167,644.00 USD annually. This range is based on full-time employment and considers factors such as relevant work experience, skills, certifications, geographic location, and education. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and holidays.

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

• Professional development opportunities, including training and certifications.

• Potential for bonuses and performance-based incentives.

• Employee assistance program (EAP). Working Hours:

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

• Hybrid work arrangement requires occasional onsite work in the Reston, VA metro area.

• Employees must reside in and perform work within the United States; foreign locations and VPN connections are restricted due to federal contract requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to the US market and the stated experience level. For operations roles, benefits often include robust professional development budgets, which are implied here through "professional development opportunities." The restriction on foreign work locations is critical for federal contract roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology consulting and advisory services, with a significant focus on government clients and digital transformation initiatives.

Company Size: ICF is a large, global company with thousands of employees, offering stability and extensive resources. This size means operations roles can be highly specialized or broadly integrated across diverse projects.

Founded: ICF was founded in 1969, bringing a long history of experience and established methodologies to its client work.

Team Structure:

• The UX Design team is likely part of a larger digital services or consulting division (ICF Next Government).

• Roles will collaborate closely with project managers, business analysts, developers, QA testers, and government client stakeholders.

• Reporting structure will typically be to a UX Lead, Design Manager, or Program Manager, depending on project allocation.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, especially within Agile/DevSecOps teams. Methodology:

• Emphasizes human-centered design and user-centered transformation.

• Operates within Agile frameworks (SAFe mentioned) and DevSecOps environments.

• Focuses on delivering measurable outcomes and supporting clients through complex challenges.

• Adherence to government standards and best practices is paramount.

Company Website: https://www.icf.com/us/en

📝 Enhancement Note: ICF's extensive experience in government contracting implies a structured, process-oriented environment where compliance and adherence to established standards are highly valued. The "ICF Next Government" division specifically targets digital modernization for federal agencies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a "Senior" role, indicating a mid-to-senior level position requiring significant independent contribution and potential mentorship. For UX designers, this means leading design efforts, contributing to strategy, and mentoring junior designers.

Reporting Structure: Reports to a UX Lead or Design Manager, working within specific project teams. The collaboration is highly cross-functional, involving developers, product owners, and government clients.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer directly impacts the usability, efficiency, and adoption of critical federal digital services. Their work influences user satisfaction, mission success, and the overall effectiveness of government platforms.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in federal UX/UI standards, USWDS, and specific government platforms. Opportunities to lead design system development.

• Leadership Potential: Transition into a UX Lead or Design Manager role, managing teams and project portfolios. Opportunity to influence design strategy at a program level.

• Specialization: Focus on specific areas such as accessibility, user research leadership, or UX strategy for complex enterprise systems.

• Project Diversity: Gain experience across various federal agencies and types of digital transformation projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a need for demonstrated leadership in design thinking, process improvement, and problem-solving. Growth opportunities are tied to increasing responsibility within federal projects and potentially moving into management or specialized expert roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment. This means a mix of remote work and occasional in-office presence.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Reston, Virginia, within the metro DC area. This proximity is beneficial for collaborative onsite sessions.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model necessitates structured collaboration tools and intentional in-person meetings for brainstorming, reviews, and team building.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard design software (Figma is preferred), collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Teams), and project management tools.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to interact with diverse government clients and cross-functional teams, fostering a dynamic and challenging work environment.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility expected around project deadlines and sprint cycles common in Agile environments. The hybrid nature allows for some autonomy in managing the remote portion of the work week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid requirement for this federal role means candidates must be comfortable with occasional office visits and understand the implications of working for a government contractor regarding location monitoring and VPN restrictions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, clearance status, and interest.

• Technical Interview: Deep dive into UX/UI design experience, process, and problem-solving skills. This often includes a portfolio review.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely present 2-3 key projects, detailing their role, process, challenges, and outcomes. Focus on federal context if possible.

• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: Assessment of cultural fit, collaboration style, and strategic thinking. May involve scenario-based questions.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Federal Focus: Highlight projects that demonstrate understanding of government constraints, Section 508, and experience with complex enterprise systems.

• Process Clarity: Clearly articulate your design process, from problem identification and user research to solution design and iteration. Use visuals effectively.

• Impact & Metrics: Quantify the impact of your designs whenever possible (e.g., improved task completion rates, reduced error rates, increased user satisfaction).

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with Figma and other relevant design and prototyping tools.

• Collaboration: Showcase how you've worked with developers, product managers, and stakeholders.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for scenario-based questions asking how you would approach specific design challenges within a federal context.

• Practice articulating your design decisions and rationale clearly and concisely.

• Understand the principles of Agile development and how UX integrates into it.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical. For this role, it must demonstrate not just design talent but also the ability to navigate the complexities of government projects, including strict compliance and security requirements.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Preferred tool for design and prototyping. Proficiency is highly desirable.

• Sketch/Adobe XD: Experience with other industry-standard design tools may be acceptable, but Figma is highlighted.

• Prototyping Tools: InVision, Axure, or built-in Figma prototyping.

Analytics & Reporting:

• UX Analytics Tools: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, Hotjar, or similar platforms for tracking user behavior and performance metrics.

• Data Visualization Tools: Ability to interpret data from analytics and present findings clearly.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how UX impacts user engagement within broader digital platforms is key. Familiarity with collaboration and project management tools like Jira, Confluence, Slack, and Microsoft Teams is essential for Agile environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma proficiency is a strong preference, indicating the company's likely investment in this tool for its design workflows. Experience with analytics tools is important for demonstrating a data-driven approach to UX.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Human-Centered Design: Prioritizing user needs and experiences in all design decisions.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within cross-functional teams and with diverse stakeholders.

• Excellence & Quality: Commitment to high-quality design, adherence to standards, and continuous improvement.

• Integrity & Compliance: Upholding ethical standards and adhering to government regulations, security protocols, and accessibility requirements.

• Innovation: Driving digital transformation and modernizing systems to meet evolving user and mission needs.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively participating in Agile ceremonies and collaborating closely with development and product teams to ensure design feasibility and alignment.

• Feedback-Driven: Open to constructive criticism and iterative design based on user testing, stakeholder input, and team reviews.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to design best practices, documentation, and potentially mentoring junior team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely reflects a blend of consulting agility and government sector rigor. Values will center on user advocacy, technical excellence, and a strong sense of mission in serving federal clients.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Federal Bureaucracy: Adapting designs to complex requirements, long approval cycles, and diverse stakeholder needs within government agencies.

• Modernizing Legacy Systems: Transforming outdated systems into modern, user-friendly platforms while managing technical debt and integration complexities.

• Security & Compliance: Ensuring all designs meet stringent security protocols and accessibility standards (Section 508) without compromising user experience.

• Hybrid Collaboration: Effectively contributing and collaborating in a hybrid work model, ensuring seamless communication and teamwork.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Federal UX Specialization: Gaining deep expertise in government UX frameworks, standards, and best practices.

• Advanced Design Skills: Mastering advanced Figma techniques, interaction design patterns, and potentially exploring motion design or UX strategy.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to lead design initiatives, mentor junior designers, and contribute to strategic planning for federal digital services.

• Industry Certifications: Pursuing certifications relevant to UX, Agile, or government contracting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are specific to the federal contracting environment, requiring resilience and adaptability. Growth opportunities are geared towards specialization and leadership within this niche.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex federal system you've worked on. What were the key UX challenges, and how did you address them?" (Focus on process, user needs, and outcomes.)

• "How do you ensure Section 508 compliance in your designs? Can you walk me through an example?" (Demonstrate understanding of accessibility standards.)

• "How do you balance user needs with technical constraints and client requirements in a government project?" (Highlight problem-solving and negotiation skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for ICF and specifically on federal digital transformation projects?" (Show genuine interest in ICF's mission and client base.)

• "How do you approach collaboration within an Agile/DevSecOps team, especially in a hybrid environment?" (Emphasize teamwork and communication.)

• "How do you stay current with UX trends and government digital service best practices?" (Demonstrate commitment to continuous learning.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Use a clear narrative for each project: Problem -> Research -> Solution -> Impact.

• Visuals: Ensure high-quality visuals of wireframes, mockups, and prototypes.

• Role Clarity: Clearly define your specific contributions to each project, especially if it was a team effort.

• Federal Context: If possible, tailor examples to resonate with government work, even if they are personal projects.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present within a given timeframe (e.g., 15-20 minutes).

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who understands the unique demands of working on federal contracts, including the importance of security, compliance, and iterative development within an Agile framework.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Designer position:

• Submit your application directly through the ICF careers portal at [careers.icf.com/us/en/job/R2602354/Senior-UX-Designer-Secret-or-TS-Clearance-Required].

• Tailor your resume: Emphasize your 5+ years of UX/UI design experience, specifically highlighting any work on federal, government, or complex enterprise systems. Integrate keywords like "human-centered design," "Agile," "DevSecOps," "Section 508," and "Figma."

• Prepare your portfolio: Curate 2-3 strong case studies that showcase your design process, problem-solving skills, and ability to deliver user-centered solutions, ideally with federal or regulated system experience. Be ready to discuss your role, challenges, and outcomes.

• Research ICF and ICF Next Government: Understand their mission, client base, and recent projects. Familiarize yourself with the U.S. Web Design System (USWDS) and federal accessibility standards.

• Practice your interview responses: Prepare to discuss your experience with Figma, Agile methodologies, usability testing, and your approach to complex design challenges within a secure and compliant environment.

⚠️ 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.