Senior UX/UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX/UI Designer

Company: Steampunk

Location: McLean, Virginia, US

Job Type: Other

Category: Operations Technology / Design

Date Posted: 2026-07-29

Experience Level: Mid-Senior (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the application of Human-Centered Design (HCD) principles and the Design Intelligence™ framework for government clients, addressing complex user experience challenges.

• Drive UX initiatives from discovery through detailed interface design, encompassing research, prototyping, iterative development, visual design, and comprehensive testing (user, usability, accessibility).

• Act as the primary advocate for the end-user, ensuring their needs are central to proposed solutions and implemented effectively.

• Facilitate workshops and client engagements to uncover pain points, define opportunities, validate hypotheses, and articulate a compelling experience vision.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior UX Design Lead, indicating a significant level of autonomy and responsibility in client engagements and project execution. The emphasis on "Design Intelligence™ framework" and "government clients" suggests a specialized, potentially consultative, approach within the federal sector, demanding strong client management and strategic design thinking beyond typical UX/UI tasks.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead all discovery process phases to gain a deep understanding of client missions, goals, stakeholders, user ecosystems, current state journeys, user segments, and program objectives.

• Conduct and facilitate client workshops and user interviews to identify pain points, define opportunities, validate hypotheses, and co-create a shared vision for user experiences.

• Strategically utilize and create artifacts such as journey maps, service blueprints, personas, ecosystem maps, and experience maps to inform and shape user-centered design solutions.

• Execute comprehensive user research and testing methodologies, translating complex user needs and insights into actionable, implementable digital experience designs.

• Foster close collaboration and effective communication with stakeholders and users within a cross-functional, agile delivery team environment.

• Understand, respect, and design within the technical, platform, and operational constraints of client environments.

• Design intuitive, elegant, and accessible user interfaces, employing a test-and-learn iterative process to refine and optimize designs.

• Ensure the highest quality standards are met for all deliverables across a diverse portfolio of projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic client consultation, deep user advocacy, and hands-on design execution. The emphasis on "Design Intelligence™ framework" implies a proprietary methodology that candidates are expected to adopt and lead. The inclusion of "writing user stories and story pointing" in the qualifications suggests a direct contribution to the Agile development process, beyond just design handoffs.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Degree or equivalent experience in Human-Centered Design (HCD), Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), UX Design, or a related field.

• A relevant professional certification will be considered in lieu of a degree. Experience:

• 3+ years of professional UX and UI design experience, focused on creating viable solutions for multi-platform digital products.

• Demonstrated experience working within the Agile delivery framework, specifically on scrum teams, and integrating research and design into technical sprints.

• Experience in a project-based environment, managing multiple priorities and deliverables. Required Skills:

• Current DEA Public Trust clearance.

• Proven experience working with Design Intelligence™ (or similar structured design frameworks).

• Comprehensive knowledge and demonstrated experience in primary and secondary user research (user interviews, discovery workshops, heuristic evaluations, card sorting).

• Ability to translate research insights into user personas, journey maps, site maps, ecosystem maps, information architecture, and interface designs.

• Thorough knowledge and demonstrated experience in UI design, including wireframing, low and high-fidelity prototyping, moderated and unmoderated user testing, and accessibility testing.

• Knowledge and practical experience with Section 508 compliance requirements.

• Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma, and Zeplin.

• A natural curiosity for problem-solving coupled with strong analytical skills.

• Excellent written communication and presentation skills, with a collaborative approach. Preferred Skills:

• Previous work experience in or with the federal government.

• Previous work experience in a consulting role.

• Experience working on a cross-functional Salesforce implementation team.

• Desire to stay current with evolving industry tools and best practices, with the ability to recommend new approaches.

• Experience collaborating effectively within multi-disciplinary delivery teams (service designers, technologists, data scientists, engineers, solution architects, change managers).

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a "Current portfolio demonstrating ideology, methods, tools, skills, and craft" is critical. Candidates should prepare to showcase their end-to-end design process, problem-solving approach, and impact, particularly for complex digital products and potentially government-related projects. The explicit mention of "Design Intelligence™" suggests candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding or experience with structured, proprietary design methodologies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory, showcasing a deep understanding of your design ideology, the methods you employ, the tools you are proficient with, your core skills, and the quality of your craft.

• Include case studies that detail your process from initial discovery and research through to final UI design and testing, highlighting your problem-solving approach for each project.

• Demonstrate your ability to translate complex user needs and client objectives into elegant, functional, and accessible digital product designs.

• Showcase experience with iterative design processes, including prototyping, user testing, and incorporating feedback to refine solutions. Process Documentation:

• Prepare to discuss your experience in documenting and presenting UX processes, including user research findings, journey maps, wireframes, prototypes, and final UI designs.

• Be ready to articulate how you integrate user feedback and research insights into actionable design iterations and development sprints.

• Demonstrate familiarity with documenting compliance requirements, such as Section 508 accessibility standards, within design deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio must be a tangible representation of the candidate's ability to execute the full spectrum of UX/UI responsibilities, from strategic discovery to detailed design and testing, with an emphasis on methodology and demonstrable impact. For this role, showcasing experience with complex systems and client-facing presentations will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $110,000 - $170,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Steampunk is an employee-owned company, suggesting potential for profit-sharing or stock ownership.

• Comprehensive benefits package, with details available on the Steampunk benefits page.

• Participation in the E-Verify program. Working Hours:

• The role is on-site, implying standard business hours. The reference to 40 hours per week suggests a full-time commitment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Senior UX/UI Designer role in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, especially for positions requiring a Public Trust clearance and experience with government clients. The "employee owned company" aspect is a significant benefit that should be explored further during the interview process, as it impacts long-term compensation and company culture.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Federal contracting, focusing on Homeland, Federal Civilian, Health, and DoD sectors.

Company Size: The provided data suggests a medium to large enterprise, with company_size not explicitly stated but company_employees likely in the hundreds or thousands given its presence in federal contracting.

Founded: While the founding date is not provided, Steampunk positions itself as a "Change Agent" utilizing its proprietary "Design Intelligence™ process."

Team Structure:

• The role involves working within cross-functional, multi-disciplinary delivery teams that include service designers, technologists, data scientists, engineers, solution architects, and change managers.

• Collaboration is expected within an Agile/Scrum framework.

• The Senior UX Design Lead will interface directly with government clients, guiding them through the design process. Methodology:

• Core methodology revolves around "Design Intelligence™," a framework that incorporates human-centered methods to solve complex user experience challenges.

• Emphasis on a data-driven, iterative, and test-and-learn approach to design.

• Experience within the Agile delivery framework and scrum teams is essential.

Company Website: http://www.steampunk.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Steampunk's emphasis on being a "Change Agent" and its proprietary "Design Intelligence™ process" suggests a culture that values innovation, proactive problem-solving, and a structured approach to design challenges, particularly within the federal sector. As an employee-owned company, there's likely a strong emphasis on employee contribution and shared success.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior UX/UI Designer, indicating a role requiring significant experience, leadership in design execution, and client-facing capabilities. This is a key individual contributor role with potential for team leadership or specialized expertise development.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly detailed, the role implies reporting to a design lead, program manager, or client stakeholder, with dotted-line reporting likely within an Agile team structure. Collaboration with various technical and business roles is paramount.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the success of government client missions by improving user experience, usability, and accessibility of digital products. This leads to increased efficiency, better data utilization, and improved mission outcomes for federal agencies. The impact is measured through user satisfaction, task completion rates, and adherence to accessibility standards.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to deepen expertise in specific government sectors (Homeland, Federal Civilian, Health, DoD) and complex system design.

• Opportunity to become a subject matter expert in Steampunk's Design Intelligence™ framework and lead its application.

• Advancement into lead design roles, management positions, or specialized consulting tracks within Steampunk.

• Continuous learning and development through exposure to cutting-edge federal IT projects and evolving design methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a strong path for career growth within the federal contracting space, particularly for those interested in specializing in user experience for government-critical systems. The combination of design leadership and client-facing responsibilities provides a solid foundation for future advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is specified as "On-site," indicating a traditional office-based work environment.

Office Location(s): McLean, Virginia, US. This location is within the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, a hub for federal government contracting.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is described as collaborative, involving multi-disciplinary teams and direct interaction with government clients.

• Access to standard design tools and technologies (Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma, Zeplin) is expected.

• The work involves solving complex challenges, suggesting a dynamic and intellectually stimulating atmosphere.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on client and project needs, though primarily on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working on-site in McLean, VA, offers proximity to numerous government agencies and defense contractors, providing ample opportunities for networking and project exposure within the federal sector. The collaborative nature of the work suggests an environment where team members actively contribute ideas and solutions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of resume and portfolio for relevant experience, skills, and clearance.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will be expected to present their portfolio, detailing their design process, methodologies, and project outcomes. This is a critical stage to assess design thinking, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills.

• Technical/Behavioral Interviews: Discussions will cover UX/UI principles, user research techniques, Agile/Scrum experience, 508 compliance knowledge, and how candidates handle complex client challenges.

• Client/Stakeholder Interviews: Potential for interviews with government clients or senior leadership to assess cultural fit and ability to manage client relationships.

• Final Evaluation: Assessment of overall fit with Steampunk's culture, Design Intelligence™ framework, and ability to deliver high-quality UX/UI solutions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically, ideally by case study, detailing the problem, your role, the process, the solution, and the impact.

• Showcase Your Process: Clearly articulate your design methodology, emphasizing human-centered research, iterative prototyping, and user testing. Highlight how you've applied frameworks like Design Intelligence™.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, include metrics or qualitative results that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved task completion, user satisfaction scores, adherence to 508 compliance).

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects relevant to government clients, complex digital products, and experience with Agile environments. Highlight your understanding of 508 compliance and accessibility.

• Visual Polish: Ensure your portfolio is visually appealing, well-organized, and easy to navigate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential design challenges or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills, ability to think on your feet, and approach to designing for complex user needs.

• Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, especially when explaining trade-offs or constraints.

• Familiarize yourself with Steampunk's Design Intelligence™ framework and how your experience aligns with its principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and presentation suggests that practical demonstration of skills and process is paramount. Candidates should be prepared to "walk through" their work, explaining their rationale and decision-making at each stage, especially concerning user research, problem-solving, and iterative design.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.), Sketch, Figma, Zeplin. Candidates should be proficient in at least one of the primary UI/UX design tools (Sketch/Figma) and capable of using others.

• Collaboration: Experience with tools used in Agile/Scrum environments (e.g., Jira, Confluence) is expected for integrating with technical sprints.

• User Research & Testing: Familiarity with various user research methodologies and potentially associated tools for conducting interviews, usability tests, and surveys.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as a primary requirement for this UX role, an understanding of how user behavior analytics and reporting tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, Hotjar) inform design decisions is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Experience with Salesforce is listed as a bonus point, indicating potential exposure to CRM environments and related implementation projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and Sketch is almost certainly expected for a modern UX/UI role. Zeplin is a common tool for design handoff, so familiarity with its functionality is important. The bonus mention of Salesforce suggests that understanding how UX integrates with CRM platforms could be a significant advantage, especially for federal clients leveraging such systems.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Mission Focus: A strong commitment to understanding and supporting the critical missions of government clients.

• Human-Centered Design: Prioritizing user needs, empathy, and iterative testing throughout the design process.

• Innovation & Change: Embracing new thinking and proactively seeking ways to improve processes and outcomes ("Change Agent").

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively within diverse, multi-disciplinary teams and fostering open communication.

• Quality & Excellence: Delivering high-quality, elegant, and accessible solutions.

• Ownership & Accountability: As an employee-owned company, there's a likely emphasis on individual and collective responsibility for success.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, working closely with service designers, technologists, data scientists, engineers, solution architects, and change managers.

• Integration into Agile/Scrum teams requires close, continuous communication and feedback loops.

• Expected to engage directly with clients, facilitating workshops and presenting design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Steampunk's identity as a "Change Agent" and an "employee owned company" points to a culture that values impact, innovation, and employee engagement. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to thrive in a collaborative, client-facing environment that prioritizes solving complex problems for the federal government.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Government Requirements: Understanding and designing within the unique constraints, regulations, and user bases of federal agencies.

• Balancing User Needs with Technical/Client Constraints: Finding elegant solutions that satisfy user requirements while adhering to project budgets, timelines, and technical limitations.

• Driving Adoption of Design Intelligence™: Effectively championing and implementing Steampunk's proprietary design framework with diverse government clients.

• Cross-Functional Team Integration: Ensuring seamless collaboration and communication between design and technical teams within an Agile process.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Tools & Best Practices: Continuously learning and adapting to new design technologies and methodologies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialization in Federal UX: Developing deep expertise in designing for government sectors, understanding specific user groups and mission objectives.

• Mastering Design Intelligence™: Becoming a leader in applying Steampunk's unique design framework.

• Exposure to Advanced Technologies: Working with data scientists, engineers, and architects on cutting-edge federal IT projects.

• Consulting Skills Development: Enhancing client management, presentation, and strategic advisory capabilities.

• Mentorship and Leadership: Opportunities to mentor junior designers and potentially lead design initiatives or teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant challenges related to the federal sector's unique landscape, but these are directly tied to substantial growth opportunities in specialization, leadership, and consulting within a forward-thinking organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you guided a client through a complex UX challenge using a human-centered approach. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on Design Intelligence™, research, iteration, client collaboration).

• "How do you ensure accessibility (e.g., Section 508 compliance) is integrated throughout your design process, not just as an afterthought?" (Demonstrate practical knowledge and proactive approach).

• "Walk me through your portfolio. Choose a project that best demonstrates your problem-solving skills and ability to deliver impact for a complex digital product." (Be ready to discuss every stage, your rationale, and quantifiable results). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Steampunk's Design Intelligence™ framework, and how does your experience align with it?" (Research the framework; connect your methods).

• "How do you approach collaboration within a cross-functional Agile team, especially when there are differing opinions on design?" (Highlight communication, compromise, and advocacy for user needs).

• "As an employee-owned company, what does 'ownership' mean to you in a professional context?" (Show engagement, responsibility, and commitment to company success). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• The Narrative Arc: Frame each case study as a story: the problem, your approach, the challenges, your solutions, and the measurable impact.

• Highlight Your Role: Be explicit about your contributions, especially in team settings.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (wireframes, prototypes, user flows, final designs) to illustrate your points.

• Focus on Process: Explain why you made certain decisions, linking them back to user research, client goals, or design principles.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, trade-offs, and how you handle feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their experience with government clients, their understanding of Section 508 compliance, and their ability to articulate and apply a structured design methodology like Steampunk's Design Intelligence™. Being able to "sell" their design vision and process will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX/UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided career portal link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio clearly highlights your experience with federal clients, human-centered design, Agile methodologies, and 508 compliance. Prepare at least 2-3 detailed case studies that showcase your end-to-end process.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords from the job description, such as "UX Design," "UI Design," "User Research," "Prototyping," "Agile," "Scrum," "508 Compliance," and "Design Intelligence™." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio walkthrough, focusing on articulating your design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your work. Prepare answers to common UX interview questions and specific questions about Steampunk's methodology.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Steampunk, its "Design Intelligence™" framework, and its focus on the federal sector. Understand their mission and values to articulate your cultural fit and enthusiasm for their work.

⚠️ 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.