Sr. UX Designer II (6433)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. UX Designer II (6433)

Company: MetroStar

Location: Tysons Corner, VA, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Visual Design / GTM Operations Support

Date Posted: April 27, 2026

Experience Level: 7+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the visual identity and brand strategy for a critical data brokerage solution, focusing on UI design and the establishment of a comprehensive design system.

• Translate complex technical requirements into high-fidelity mockups and foundational UI components, ensuring a premium and modern aesthetic.

• Develop and own the creation of external marketing materials (decks, graphics) to drive program adoption and communicate value across a community.

• Collaborate closely with UX Leads and data engineering teams to deliver a product that is both functionally logical and visually inspiring.

• Drive user-centered design principles to refine and enhance product features, ensuring usability and a seamless user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role focuses heavily on the visual and branding aspects of UX design, with a significant GTM (Go-To-Market) component through the creation of marketing materials. The "Sr. UX Designer II" title, combined with leading brand identity and design systems for a "data brokerage solution," suggests a need for strong strategic design thinking and the ability to influence product direction. The requirement for a TS/SCI w/CI Poly clearance indicates work within a government or sensitive sector, implying a need for robust security awareness and potentially experience with government-specific design standards.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the Visual Design Lead for a large IT/data modernization program, defining and executing the visual strategy.

• Lead the development of the brand identity and the front-end UI kit for a new data brokerage solution, ensuring consistency and scalability.

• Create externally facing marketing materials (presentations, graphics, etc.) to effectively communicate program value and drive solution adoption.

• Own and execute the visual "look and feel" of the product's Interface and Interaction Design, ensuring a cohesive and appealing user experience.

• Actively participate in the Agile development process, delivering high-fidelity visual solutions to complex user and business challenges.

• Contribute to the foundational design system, which will serve as the basis for solving client missions and future product development.

• Be responsible for the overall visual design strategy, graphic identity, and high-fidelity prototyping activities, ensuring alignment with project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic design leadership, hands-on execution of visual design elements, and a critical role in GTM support through marketing collateral creation. The emphasis on "design system architecture" and "UI Kits from scratch" points to a need for deep expertise in creating scalable design frameworks, not just applying existing ones.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Design, Fine Arts, or a related field.

Experience: 7+ years of experience with a strong focus on visual design, branding, and UI systems.

Required Skills:

• Active TS/SCI w/CI Poly Security Clearance.

• Proven ability to apply user-centered design principles to define brand identity, build foundational UI systems, and enhance the overall visual appeal of digital products.

• Exceptional visual design abilities, supported by a portfolio demonstrating logo creation, color theory, and typography.

• Demonstrated success building Design System Architecture and UI Kits from scratch.

• Strong proficiency in high-fidelity UI design, visual design comps, and responsive web design.

• Experience with information architecture and creating user-friendly, scalable design structures.

• Ability to design and translate complex data into clean, professional data visualizations and dashboard interfaces.

• Strong skills in iconography, vector graphics, and overall visual storytelling.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience supporting graphic design needs for marketing materials.

• Experience working within Agile development methodologies.

• Understanding of UX research principles and how they inform visual design decisions.

• Familiarity with accessibility standards and best practices in UI design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 7+ years of experience and the specific mention of building Design System Architecture and UI Kits "from scratch" indicate this is a senior-level role demanding a high degree of autonomy and expertise. The explicit mention of Figma as a required tool is a key technical requirement. The TS/SCI w/CI Poly clearance is a non-negotiable prerequisite.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 7 years of professional design work, with a strong emphasis on visual design, branding, and UI systems.

• Demonstrations of logo creation, color theory application, and typographic systems.

• Case studies detailing the process of building Design System Architecture and UI Kits from scratch, highlighting the challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Examples of high-fidelity UI designs, visual design comps, and responsive web design projects.

• Visualizations of how complex data was translated into clean, professional data visualizations and dashboard interfaces.

Process Documentation:

• Documentation of how user-centered design principles were applied to define brand identity and enhance product visual appeal.

• Examples of information architecture strategies used to create user-friendly and scalable design structures.

• Explanation of the workflow for translating technical requirements into high-fidelity mockups and UI components within an Agile framework.

• Demonstrations of collaboration with engineering and UX leads throughout the design and development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role, not just for showcasing past work but for proving the ability to build foundational design elements (design systems, UI kits) from the ground up. The emphasis on translating complex data into visualizations is a specific requirement that should be well-represented.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $128,000 - $165,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.

• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays.

• Parental Leave and dependent care support.

• Flexible work arrangements (though this role is primarily on-site, flexibility may apply to work hours or specific arrangements).

• Professional development opportunities, including company-paid training and/or certifications.

• Employee assistance and wellness programs.

• Referral bonuses.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, typically aligned with standard business hours in the Eastern Time Zone (America/New York).

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a senior-level UX Designer role in the Tysons Corner, VA area, especially considering the specialized security clearance requirement. The benefits package is comprehensive and aligns with what is expected for a full-time professional role in the technology sector. The mention of flexible work arrangements, despite the on-site requirement, suggests potential for hybrid or flexible scheduling within the on-site context.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology Services, Government Contracting, Data & Analytics.

Company Size: MetroStar is a mid-sized company, likely employing between 200-500 employees based on typical staffing for organizations with this level of specialized government contracting. This size often offers a balance between the resources of a larger enterprise and the agility and close-knit feel of a smaller organization.

Founded: MetroStar was founded over two decades ago, indicating a stable and established company with a long-standing presence in the IT services and government contracting market.

Team Structure:

• The UX team is likely integrated within project teams, working closely with Agile development squads, product owners, and data engineering professionals.

• This role reports to a UX Lead or a Design Manager, with direct collaboration expected with technical leads and program managers.

Methodology:

• Agile methodologies are central to project execution, requiring designers to adapt to iterative development cycles and provide timely design solutions.

• Data-driven design is implicitly important, given the "data brokerage solution" context, necessitating an understanding of how to visualize and present complex data effectively.

• User-centered design principles are foundational, guiding the creation of intuitive and effective interfaces.

Company Website: https://metrostar.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: MetroStar's culture is explicitly described as "obsessed with our people," emphasizing a people-first approach. This, combined with a two-decade legacy, suggests a stable, employee-focused environment that values growth and customer success. The company's mission, "A passion for our people. Value for our customers," underscores this dual focus.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior II level position, indicating a significant level of expertise, autonomy, and responsibility. It suggests the individual will be a key contributor, potentially mentoring junior designers, and influencing design strategy for major projects. This role is beyond entry-level or mid-level, requiring seasoned professionals capable of leading design initiatives.

Reporting Structure: The Sr. UX Designer II will likely report to a UX Lead or a Design Manager within the program or department. They will work closely with cross-functional teams, including developers, data engineers, and project managers, requiring strong collaboration and communication skills.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is substantial. By leading the visual identity and design system for a data brokerage solution, the designer directly influences the usability, adoption, and perceived value of a critical product. The creation of marketing materials also directly supports Go-To-Market strategies, driving program adoption and client engagement. The role is pivotal in ensuring the technical solution is not only functional but also desirable and easy to use, thereby contributing to client success and MetroStar's reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in design systems, data visualization, or specific government sector design challenges.

• Leadership: Transition into a Lead UX Designer, Design Manager, or Architect role, overseeing larger teams and more complex projects.

• Skill Expansion: Develop expertise in UX research, product strategy, or even front-end development principles to enhance cross-functional understanding.

• Client Engagement: Take on more direct client-facing roles, leading design workshops and strategy sessions.

• Mentorship: Guide and mentor junior UX designers, contributing to the growth of the design practice within MetroStar.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Sr. UX Designer II" title, coupled with leading design systems and brand identity, strongly suggests a path towards design leadership or senior technical specialization. The security clearance requirement also positions candidates for further opportunities within government-focused projects.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is designated as On-site, implying a traditional office environment within MetroStar's facilities in Tysons Corner, VA. This setting is conducive to in-person collaboration, team building, and direct mentorship.

Office Location(s): Tysons Corner, Virginia, a major business hub in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, offering accessibility via public transportation and proximity to various amenities.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is likely designed to foster collaboration, with open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and potentially dedicated project spaces.

• Access to industry-standard design tools (e.g., Figma) and necessary hardware/software will be provided.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with UX team members, development teams, and program leadership are inherent in an on-site environment, facilitating real-time feedback and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, typically during business hours. While the role is on-site, MetroStar mentions "Flexible work arrangements" as a benefit, which may translate to some flexibility in daily start/end times or occasional remote work days if approved by management, though the primary expectation is on-site presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement for this role, especially with a TS/SCI w/CI Poly clearance, is common in government contracting where secure facilities and direct collaboration are paramount. Tysons Corner is a strategic location for such roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and resumes, focusing on experience, qualifications, and the mandatory security clearance.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be asked to submit a portfolio. This is a critical step where the hiring team assesses visual design skills, system thinking, and experience with the required tools and processes. Be prepared to discuss your design decisions, the impact of your work, and your process for building design systems from scratch.

• Technical Interview: This may involve a design challenge or a deep dive into your portfolio projects, focusing on problem-solving, design rationale, and technical proficiency in tools like Figma.

• Behavioral/Team Fit Interview: Interviews with the UX Lead, potential team members, and hiring managers to assess collaboration skills, communication style, cultural fit with MetroStar's values, and ability to work within an Agile environment.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment and overall fit for the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight "From Scratch" Projects: Explicitly showcase examples where you built design systems, UI kits, or brand identities from the ground up. Detail your thought process, the initial research, and the iterative steps taken.

• Demonstrate Data Visualization Skills: Include specific projects where you translated complex data into clear, impactful visualizations and dashboard interfaces. Explain your approach to making data understandable and actionable.

• Showcase Visual Design Expertise: Ensure your portfolio is visually polished and demonstrates strong typography, color theory, and iconography.

• Explain Your Process: For each project, articulate your design process, including how you applied user-centered principles, collaborated with stakeholders, and leveraged tools like Figma.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, present metrics or outcomes that demonstrate the positive impact of your design work (e.g., improved user engagement, increased adoption, streamlined workflows).

Challenge Preparation:

• Design System Exercise: Be prepared for a potential exercise or discussion focused on how you would approach building or extending a design system for a new product.

• Data Visualization Challenge: Practice designing a dashboard or visualizing a hypothetical dataset, focusing on clarity, hierarchy, and user needs.

• Agile Scenario: Think about how you would integrate design into an Agile sprint, handle changing requirements, and communicate design progress to a development team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount for this role. Candidates should proactively curate their portfolio to specifically address the requirements of building design systems from scratch and visualizing complex data, as these are highlighted as key differentiators.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency in creating components, variants, auto layout, and design system libraries is expected.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Likely required for graphic design tasks, including logo creation, vector graphics (Illustrator), and potentially photo editing (Photoshop) for marketing materials.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design responsibilities, but understanding how UX design impacts user journeys within CRM or marketing automation platforms can be beneficial for broader GTM strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is explicitly called out as a required tool. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate advanced proficiency in Figma, particularly in its capabilities for building and managing design systems and interactive prototypes.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• People-First: MetroStar's core value is a "passion for our people," suggesting an environment that prioritizes employee well-being, growth, and support.

• Customer Value: A strong commitment to delivering "value for our customers" means a focus on impactful solutions and client satisfaction.

• Excellence & Innovation: As a technology services provider, there's an implicit value placed on technical excellence, innovative problem-solving, and staying ahead of industry trends.

• Collaboration: The nature of government contracting and complex IT projects necessitates a highly collaborative team environment where diverse perspectives are valued.

• Integrity & Security: Given the security clearance requirement, a strong emphasis on integrity, trustworthiness, and adherence to security protocols is paramount.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers must work seamlessly with developers, data engineers, product managers, and potentially clients, fostering open communication and shared ownership.

• Agile Cadence: Collaboration will occur within the iterative cycles of Agile sprints, with frequent stand-ups, reviews, and feedback sessions.

• Design System Community: Contributing to and upholding the design system requires a collaborative approach, where designers share best practices, provide feedback, and ensure consistency across the product suite.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated mission and culture guide emphasize a supportive environment with a strong focus on professional development and client success. This suggests a culture that values both individual contributions and collective achievements.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality: Ensuring the "premium, modern aesthetic" does not compromise the usability and clarity of a complex data brokerage solution.

• Designing for Data Complexity: Effectively visualizing and presenting intricate data sets in an intuitive and actionable manner for diverse user groups.

• Building from Scratch: Establishing a robust design system and UI kit for a new product requires significant strategic thinking, foresight, and rigorous execution.

• Government Sector Constraints: Navigating potential legacy systems, specific security requirements, and diverse user needs within a government IT modernization program.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring buy-in and consistent application of design standards across multiple development teams and stakeholders.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Systems: Deepen expertise in scalable design system architecture, governance, and integration.

• Data Visualization Mastery: Become a specialist in designing effective and compelling data visualizations for complex datasets.

• Government Sector UX: Gain specialized knowledge in designing for government clients, understanding their unique user needs and compliance requirements.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to mentor junior designers, lead design initiatives, and potentially move into management or lead architect roles.

• Industry Conferences & Training: Access to professional development, training, and certifications relevant to UX, visual design, and government IT.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the core responsibilities of the role, particularly the emphasis on building a design system and handling complex data visualization in a sensitive environment. The growth opportunities align with advancing expertise in these specialized areas.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for building a design system and UI kit from scratch. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on your structured approach, decision-making, and ability to create scalable foundations.)

• "How do you approach translating complex data into user-friendly visualizations and dashboard interfaces? Walk me through an example." (Highlight your data storytelling skills, understanding of user needs for data, and design tools.)

• "Imagine you're tasked with defining the brand identity for a new data brokerage solution. What steps would you take, and what key elements would you prioritize?" (Demonstrate your strategic branding thinking and understanding of visual language.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "MetroStar emphasizes 'A passion for our people. Value for our customers.' How does this resonate with your professional values and approach to design?" (Connect your work ethic and design philosophy to the company's mission.)

• "Describe your experience working in an Agile development environment. How do you collaborate with developers and product managers?" (Provide concrete examples of your integration into Agile teams.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio piece, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your process, the solution, and the impact. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) implicitly.

• Emphasize Design System Contributions: Dedicate specific slides or sections to showcase your design system work, detailing component creation, style guides, and governance.

• Showcase Data Visualization Examples: Prepare to walk through your data visualization projects, explaining the data sources, the insights derived, and how the design made the information accessible.

• Highlight Figma Proficiency: Be ready to demonstrate your Figma skills, perhaps by sharing your screen to show component libraries or interactive prototypes.

• Address the "From Scratch" Aspect: Clearly articulate how your projects demonstrate the ability to build foundational design elements, not just work within existing frameworks.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily focus on demonstrating the specific skills highlighted in the job description: building design systems from scratch, data visualization, and strong visual design execution within an Agile and potentially secure government context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your resume and portfolio through the MetroStar careers page or the provided application link.

• Tailor your resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 7+ years of experience in visual design, branding, and UI systems, specifically mentioning experience building design systems and UI kits from scratch. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate your portfolio: Focus on projects that demonstrate your expertise in visual design, logo creation, typography, color theory, creating design systems/UI kits from scratch, and translating complex data into visualizations. Prepare to discuss your process and impact.

• Prepare for interview questions: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approach, and how you would contribute to MetroStar's mission and culture, particularly regarding the Tysons Corner project.

• Research MetroStar: Understand their company culture, values, and recent projects, especially those related to government IT modernization. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their strategic goals.

⚠️ 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.