Senior UX/UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX/UI Designer

Company: Steampunk

Location: McLean, Virginia, United States

Job Type: Other

Category: User Experience (UX) & User Interface (UI) Design

Date Posted: November 4, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead government clients through Steampunk's Design Intelligence™ framework, applying human-centered design principles to complex user experience challenges.

• Plan and execute end-to-end UX initiatives, encompassing discovery, user research, prototyping, iteration, visual design, and comprehensive testing (usability, accessibility).

• Serve as the primary advocate for the customer, ensuring their needs are thoroughly understood and integrated into proposed digital solutions within an agile environment.

• Drive innovation and efficiency by leveraging cutting-edge design methodologies and tools to create impactful, practical, and scalable solutions for federal clients.

• Foster a collaborative and empowered team environment focused on mission-driven excellence and continuous improvement within the federal contracting industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is explicitly for a "Senior UX Design Lead," indicating a leadership component beyond individual contribution. The focus on "government clients" and "Design Intelligence™ framework" suggests a specialized application of UX principles within the federal sector, requiring an understanding of government contracting nuances and potentially complex regulatory environments. The emphasis on "agent of change" and "explosive collision of human-centered design and traditional government contracting" highlights Steampunk's unique approach and suggests candidates should be comfortable driving transformation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and execute all phases of the discovery process, deeply understanding client missions, stakeholder needs, user ecosystems, current state journeys, user segments, and program objectives.

• Facilitate workshops and conduct interviews to effectively frame pain points, identify opportunities, define actionable insights, validate hypotheses, and articulate a compelling user experience vision.

• Strategically leverage and integrate key UX artifacts such as journey maps, service blueprints, personas, ecosystem maps, and experience maps to inform and craft exceptional user experiences.

• Conduct rigorous user research and testing, translating complex user needs and feedback into implementable, user-centric digital experiences that align with client goals.

• Collaborate effectively within a cross-functional, agile delivery team, communicating stakeholder and user needs clearly to ensure seamless integration of design into technical sprints.

• Understand, embrace, and design within the specifications and constraints of given technologies, platforms, and operational environments, ensuring practical and feasible solutions.

• Design intuitive, elegant, and accessible interfaces, employing a test-and-learn approach to iterative refinement and continuous improvement.

• Ensure the highest quality standards are met for all deliverables across a diverse portfolio of projects, maintaining Steampunk's reputation for excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities detail a comprehensive UX lifecycle ownership, from initial discovery and research to final interface design and testing. The mention of "service blueprints," "ecosystem maps," and "program objectives" suggests a need for a strategic, systems-thinking approach beyond just screen design. The integration into "technical sprints" and "scrum team" emphasizes the practical application of UX within an Agile development process.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Human-Centered Design (HCD), Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), and/or UX design.

Experience: 6+ years of professional UX and UI design experience, with a proven track record of designing viable solutions for multi-platform digital products.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated experience in comprehensive user research methodologies, including user interviews, discovery workshops, co-creation sessions, heuristic evaluations, and card sorting.

• Proven ability to translate user research insights into practical UX artifacts such as personas, journey maps, site maps, ecosystem maps, and information architecture.

• Expertise in UI design principles, including wireframing, low-fidelity and high-fidelity prototyping, and the creation of visually compelling interfaces.

• Hands-on experience conducting moderated and unmoderated user testing and accessibility testing to ensure inclusive and effective digital experiences.

• Thorough knowledge and practical application of Section 508 compliance requirements for federal projects.

• Experience working effectively within a Scrum team in an Agile delivery framework, including contributing to user stories and story pointing.

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

• Strong analytical skills coupled with a natural curiosity for problem-solving and a desire to stay abreast of evolving industry tools and best practices.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a collaborative nature and strong presentation abilities.

• Experience working in a project-based environment with a focus on delivering high-quality, client-centric solutions.

• Must possess an active Secret Clearance. Preferred Skills:

• Previous work experience in or with the federal government, demonstrating an understanding of government contracting environments and processes.

• Previous consulting experience, showcasing adaptability and client-facing expertise.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for an active Secret Clearance is critical and should be a primary filter for applicants. The emphasis on "multi-platform digital products" suggests experience with responsive design and diverse user interfaces. The specific mention of "Section 508 compliance" is vital for federal roles. The inclusion of "user stories and story pointing" highlights the candidate's need to integrate directly into the Agile development workflow.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing your design ideology, methodologies, preferred tools, honed skills, and craftsmanship in UX/UI design.

• Evidence of your ability to apply human-centered design principles throughout the entire product development lifecycle, from discovery to interface design.

• Case studies demonstrating successful navigation of complex user experience challenges, particularly within digital product environments.

• Examples that clearly illustrate your process for conducting user research, synthesizing findings, and translating them into actionable design solutions.

• Demonstrations of your UI design capabilities, including wireframes, prototypes, and final visual designs, highlighting intuitive and accessible interface creation. Process Documentation:

• Showcase your approach to user research, detailing how you identify user needs, conduct testing, and integrate findings into design iterations.

• Provide examples of how you create and utilize UX artifacts such as journey maps, personas, and information architecture to guide design decisions.

• Illustrate your process for prototyping and user testing, demonstrating how you validate designs and iterate based on feedback.

• Evidence of how you ensure designs meet accessibility standards, such as Section 508 compliance, within your workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is a critical requirement, and candidates must demonstrate not just final designs but the "ideology, methods, tools, skills, and craft" behind them. This implies a need for detailed case studies that walk through the problem, process, and solution, with a strong emphasis on user-centricity and research-backed decisions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $110,000 - $170,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications.

• Potential for bonuses and performance-based incentives.

• Access to Steampunk's "Design Intelligence™" framework and innovative work environment.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on project needs and team collaboration within an on-site work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a significant indicator of the role's seniority and the high demand for specialized UX/UI talent, especially within the government contracting sector. The note about salary being "just one aspect of Steampunk's total compensation package" suggests that benefits and other perks may add substantial value. The "40 hours per week" is a standard full-time expectation, but the "potential for flexibility" acknowledges the nature of project-based work.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Federal Contracting, Technology Solutions, Human-Centered Design, Consulting.

Company Size: Steampunk's size is not explicitly stated in the provided data, but its participation in federal contracting across multiple sectors (Homeland, Federal Civilian, Health, DoD) suggests a significant and established organization.

Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the company's description as a "Change Agent" implies a modern, forward-thinking approach to federal contracting.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of a multi-disciplinary delivery team, working closely with service designers, technologists, data scientists, engineers, solution architects, and change managers.

• This collaborative structure operates within an Agile delivery framework, likely utilizing Scrum methodologies.

• The Senior UX Design Lead will guide clients and the team, indicating a leadership position within project teams. Methodology:

• Steampunk utilizes its proprietary "Design Intelligence™" process, which merges human-centered design with traditional government contracting.

• This methodology emphasizes solving complex problems through a deep understanding of user needs and client missions.

• The approach involves an "explosive collision of human-centered design and traditional government contracting," suggesting a disruptive and innovative application of design thinking.

• A core belief is in empowering people to find creative solutions outside their comfort zones, fostering an environment for growth and impactful work.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Steampunk positions itself as a disruptor in the federal contracting space by prioritizing human-centered design. This implies a culture that values innovation, user advocacy, and creative problem-solving over traditional, rigid government contracting approaches. Candidates should be prepared for a dynamic environment that encourages challenging the status quo.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as "Senior," indicating a level of expertise and leadership responsibility beyond junior or mid-level positions. As a "Senior UX Design Lead," the individual is expected to guide clients and teams, mentor junior designers, and contribute strategically to project outcomes. The "5-10 years" experience requirement further solidifies this senior standing.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly detailed, a Senior UX Design Lead typically reports to a Design Director, Program Manager, or a senior leader within the project management or operations team. They, in turn, would likely lead or mentor junior UX/UI designers or contribute significantly to project teams that include various technical and strategic roles. Collaboration is emphasized across a "multi-disciplinary delivery team."

Operations Impact: The role's core function is to ensure user needs are met within proposed solutions, directly impacting the success and adoption of digital products developed for government clients. By applying "Design Intelligence™" and human-centered methods, the Senior UX Design Lead aims to solve complex user experience challenges, leading to more effective, user-friendly, and mission-critical systems. This directly contributes to client satisfaction and the achievement of government objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to lead design initiatives, mentor junior designers, and potentially manage design teams on federal projects.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in human-centered design for government applications, including specific domain knowledge in sectors like Homeland Security, Federal Civilian, Health, or DoD.

• Methodology Mastery: Become a key practitioner and potential evangelist of Steampunk's "Design Intelligence™" framework.

• Consulting Acumen: Develop advanced client management and strategic consulting skills within the federal sector.

• Technical Skill Expansion: Exposure to a wide range of federal IT projects, potentially involving new technologies, platforms (like Salesforce), and integration challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title and "Lead" designation strongly suggest opportunities for leadership, mentorship, and strategic influence. The emphasis on "Design Intelligence™" and federal sector work implies a path for specialized growth within a unique niche.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "On-site," indicating a traditional office-based work environment. This suggests a collaborative atmosphere where in-person interaction is valued for team synergy and client engagement.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is McLean, Virginia. This area is a significant hub for government contracting and technology firms, offering good accessibility and proximity to federal agencies.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The on-site nature and emphasis on cross-functional teams suggest a workspace designed for collaboration, likely featuring open areas, meeting rooms, and potentially shared design studios.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma, Zeplin) and potentially specialized government-related systems or platforms.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular face-to-face interaction with designers, technologists, data scientists, engineers, and other project stakeholders, fostering a dynamic and integrated team environment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. While on-site, there may be some flexibility within project demands, but a consistent presence is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" requirement is a key factor for candidates to consider. The location in McLean, VA, is strategically relevant for federal contracting roles. The emphasis on collaboration implies an office culture that supports team-based problem-solving and communication.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: Expect to present your portfolio, walking through selected case studies that demonstrate your design process, problem-solving skills, user-centric approach, and impact. Be prepared to discuss your ideology, methods, and tool proficiency.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Questions will assess your experience with human-centered design, Agile methodologies, cross-functional collaboration, client engagement, and ability to work within government constraints.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: Potential exercises may involve problem-solving scenarios, design challenges, or discussions around specific UX/UI techniques and compliance standards (e.g., 508 compliance).

• Final Interview: Likely with senior leadership to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the Senior UX Design Lead role within Steampunk's unique approach.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your end-to-end UX process, problem-solving abilities, and impact. Prioritize projects that align with government or complex digital product design.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the user research conducted, the design process, key decisions made, challenges overcome, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your methodology, including how you conduct research, create artifacts (personas, journey maps), prototype, and test. Demonstrate your understanding of 508 compliance and Agile integration.

• Showcase UI Craft: Include high-fidelity mockups and interactive prototypes, but ensure they are supported by strong UX rationale.

• Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design philosophy, how you handle stakeholder feedback, your experience with government clients, and your approach to accessibility.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Design Intelligence™: Research Steampunk's "Design Intelligence™" framework and how it merges HCD with government contracting.

• Agile & Scrum: Be ready to discuss your experience integrating UX into Agile sprints, writing user stories, and story pointing.

• Government Context: Familiarize yourself with common challenges and requirements in federal IT projects, including security clearances and compliance standards.

• Problem-Solving: Practice articulating your thought process for tackling complex UX challenges and defining user needs in ambiguous environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio presentation and discussion highlights its importance. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their "ideology, methods, tools, skills, and craft" in detail, demonstrating a deep understanding of the UX lifecycle and its application in a government context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma (proficiently used for wireframing, UI design, and high-fidelity prototyping).

• Collaboration & Handoff: Zeplin (for seamless integration with development teams).

• User Research & Testing: Tools for conducting user interviews, usability testing (moderated/unmoderated), and potentially A/B testing platforms.

• Information Architecture: Tools for sitemaps, user flows, and journey mapping.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While specific tools aren't listed, the role implies a need to understand and potentially utilize analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) to inform design decisions and measure user behavior post-launch.

• Experience with data visualization tools could be beneficial for presenting research findings and impact. CRM & Automation:

• Salesforce: Experience working on a Salesforce implementation team is a bonus point, suggesting potential integration or design work within this platform.

• Understanding of workflow automation principles within digital products to enhance user efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, and Figma is a hard requirement. Zeplin is specifically mentioned for development handoff, indicating a need for practical skills in bridging design and engineering. The bonus point for Salesforce implementation suggests that experience with large-scale CRM platforms is highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Human-Centered: A core belief in prioritizing user needs and experiences above all else.

• Client-Focused & Mission-Driven: Dedication to achieving client objectives and supporting critical government missions through effective design.

• Innovative & Disruptive: A commitment to challenging traditional approaches ("Change Agent") and bringing new thinking to federal contracting.

• Empowerment & Growth: Fostering an environment where individuals are empowered to solve problems creatively and grow beyond their comfort zones.

• Excellence & Quality: A drive to produce impactful, practical, and scalable solutions of the highest quality.

• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork and cross-functional synergy to achieve complex goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Works closely with diverse teams (service designers, technologists, data scientists, engineers, architects, change managers) within an Agile framework.

• Agile & Iterative: Embraces iterative development, incorporating feedback and research throughout technical sprints.

• Client Partnership: Engages directly with government clients, acting as a trusted advisor and advocate for user experience.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encourages learning and adaptation to new tools and best practices in a rapidly evolving industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: Steampunk's culture appears to be a blend of innovative tech startup ethos and the rigor required for federal contracting. The emphasis on being a "Change Agent" and empowering employees suggests a dynamic, forward-thinking, and collaborative environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Government Constraints: Designing within the complex regulatory, security, and technical landscapes of federal agencies while maintaining user-centricity.

• Bridging Design & Traditional Contracting: Merging cutting-edge human-centered design principles with established government contracting processes and expectations.

• Diverse Stakeholder Management: Effectively managing the needs and expectations of various government stakeholders, end-users, and internal technical teams.

• Rapidly Evolving Tools & Practices: Staying current with the fast pace of change in UX/UI tools, methodologies, and best practices, particularly in the context of federal technology.

• Maintaining Security Clearance: Adhering to strict security protocols and requirements associated with an active Secret Clearance.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen Federal UX Expertise: Gain specialized knowledge in designing for critical government sectors (Homeland, Civilian, Health, DoD) and understanding their unique user bases.

• Master Design Intelligence™: Become an expert in Steampunk's proprietary framework, potentially leading its application on future projects.

• Advanced Leadership Skills: Develop skills in leading design teams, mentoring junior talent, and influencing project strategy within a federal context.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Work alongside data scientists, technologists, and change managers, broadening understanding of the broader project lifecycle and technological solutions.

• Industry Conferences & Training: Opportunities to attend relevant conferences, workshops, and pursue certifications to stay at the forefront of UX/UI design and federal technology trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around the unique environment of federal contracting and the need to balance innovative design with strict requirements. Growth opportunities are geared towards specialization, leadership, and mastering Steampunk's distinct methodology.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to guiding a government client through the discovery process using human-centered design principles." (Focus on your methodology, stakeholder engagement, and research techniques.)

• "How do you balance user needs with the technical, security, and budgetary constraints inherent in federal projects?" (Highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to find pragmatic solutions.)

• "Walk us through a complex UX challenge you faced in a previous role. How did your 'Design Intelligence™' approach (or a similar framework) help you navigate it, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a detailed case study emphasizing your process and impact.)

• "How do you ensure Section 508 compliance is integrated throughout your design process, not just as an afterthought?" (Demonstrate your technical understanding and proactive approach to accessibility.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Steampunk's mission and its 'explosive collision of human-centered design and traditional government contracting'?" (Show you've researched the company and understand its unique value proposition.)

• "Describe your experience working within an Agile/Scrum team. How do you, as a UX designer, best integrate with engineers and product owners during sprints?" (Emphasize collaboration and understanding of Agile workflows.)

• "How do you see your role as a 'Change Agent' within a federal contracting environment?" (Reflect on your ability to drive innovation and challenge the status quo constructively.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your specific role, the methodology used (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), key design decisions and their rationale, and the final outcomes or impact.

• Showcase Your Process: Don't just show final screens; detail the journey of how you arrived there. Use artifacts like personas, journey maps, and wireframes to illustrate your thinking.

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

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, trade-offs you made, and how you handled user feedback or conflicting stakeholder opinions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their understanding of Steampunk's unique methodology and their ability to apply it within the federal sector. The interview process will likely assess both technical UX/UI skills and the candidate's fit for a "Change Agent" role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX/UI Designer position:

• Submit Your Resume and Portfolio: Ensure your resume highlights your 6+ years of experience, specific UX/UI accomplishments, and any relevant government or consulting background. Your portfolio must be readily accessible and showcase your design ideology, methods, and impact.

• Tailor Your Application: Clearly articulate how your skills and experience align with the requirements, especially human-centered design, Agile methodologies, and Section 508 compliance.

• Prepare Your Portfolio Walkthrough: Practice presenting your selected case studies, focusing on your process, problem-solving, and the tangible results of your work. Be ready to discuss your "ideology, methods, tools, skills, and craft."

• Research Steampunk: Understand their "Design Intelligence™" framework, their mission in federal contracting, and their culture as "Change Agents." This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Confirm Clearance Status: Be prepared to confirm you hold an active Secret Clearance, as this is a mandatory requirement.

⚠️ 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.