Sr. UX Designer (Research Focus)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. UX Designer (Research Focus)

Company: Rocket Communications

Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States

Job Type: Full Time Employment

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Research Operations

Date Posted: May 6, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is central to enhancing the user experience of mission-critical applications and systems within the space industry, demanding a strong emphasis on quantitative user research and human factors.

• The Sr. UX Designer will be responsible for transforming complex user data into actionable insights, directly contributing to the effectiveness and usability of cutting-edge technologies.

• This position requires a deep understanding of the full human-centered design process, with a particular focus on the quantitative aspects of user research and data synthesis.

• The role involves significant collaboration with cross-functional teams to solve intricate user experience challenges for government and defense-related projects, requiring an active Secret Clearance.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is Sr. UX Designer, the emphasis on "Research Focus" and "quantitative user research" positions this role closer to a UX Researcher or a Research Operations function within a design team. The "Sr." level implies leadership in research methodologies and strategic contributions. The "enterprise UX design" and "mission-critical applications" context suggests a need for robust process documentation and a methodical approach to research that can be scaled and replicated.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and execute quantitative user research initiatives, including survey design, data analysis, and statistical interpretation, to identify user needs and pain points in complex enterprise environments.

• Analyze and synthesize large datasets from user research, translating raw data into clear, concise findings and actionable recommendations for product and design teams.

• Apply a deep understanding of the human-centered design process to inform product strategy, feature development, and user interface design decisions.

• Design and conduct usability tests, A/B tests, and other experimental research to validate design hypotheses and measure the impact of UX improvements.

• Collaborate closely with product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to ensure that user insights are effectively integrated into the product development lifecycle, particularly for mission-critical application design.

• Develop and maintain UX research documentation, including research plans, methodologies, findings reports, and user personas, ensuring these are accessible and actionable for the wider team.

• Contribute to the evolution of UX research methodologies and best practices within Rocket Communications, fostering a culture of data-driven design.

• Conduct competitive analysis and heuristic evaluations to identify UX gaps and opportunities within existing and potential product offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a significant emphasis on data-driven decision-making and the ability to translate complex quantitative data into clear, actionable insights. This is crucial for a role focused on mission-critical applications where user error can have severe consequences. The expectation is not just to do research, but to lead research efforts and influence product direction based on rigorous analysis.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Computer Science, Design, or a related field.

Experience:

• 5+ years of professional experience in UX/UI Design, with a significant focus on user research within enterprise or other complex domain environments.

• Proven track record of applying the full human-centered design process from discovery through implementation and iteration.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in quantitative user research methodologies, including survey design, statistical analysis, and interpretation of user data.

• Strong proficiency in data synthesis and the ability to derive clear, actionable insights from complex datasets.

• Deep understanding of the human-centered design process and its application in enterprise software development.

• Experience with various UX research tools for data collection and analysis (e.g., Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, SPSS, R, Python for statistical analysis).

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex research findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including product managers, engineers, and other designers.

• Active Secret Clearance required; willingness and ability to obtain TS/SCI Clearance.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with qualitative research methodologies to complement quantitative findings.

• Familiarity with design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).

• Experience designing for mission-critical application design or complex systems.

• Knowledge of human factors principles and their application in system design.

• Experience in Revenue Operations or Sales Operations analytics and user journey mapping, to understand broader business process impacts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Research Focus" and "quantitative user research" are key differentiators. Candidates should highlight their experience in statistical analysis, experimental design, and translating data into strategic recommendations. The requirement for a Secret Clearance and US Citizenship are non-negotiable and should be prominently addressed. The mention of "enterprise UX design" and "mission-critical applications" suggests a need for rigor and a methodical approach to research and design.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase at least 2-3 comprehensive case studies demonstrating your expertise in quantitative user research and its impact on product development.

• Each case study should clearly outline the problem statement, your research methodology (emphasizing quantitative approaches), the data analysis process, key findings, and the resulting design recommendations or product improvements.

• Quantify the impact of your research and design decisions whenever possible, using metrics related to user satisfaction, task completion rates, efficiency gains, or error reduction.

• Include examples of how you synthesized complex data into clear, digestible insights for stakeholders.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of research plans, usability test protocols, or data analysis frameworks you have developed.

• Showcase how you have documented research findings and translated them into actionable design specifications or product requirements.

• Illustrate your ability to create and maintain user personas, journey maps, or other artifacts that are informed by rigorous research.

• Highlight any experience in establishing or improving research workflows and best practices within a team or organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio should heavily lean into demonstrating quantitative research capabilities. Case studies should detail the statistical methods used, the scale of the research conducted, and the measurable impact of the insights generated. It's about showing how research drives tangible improvements in complex systems, rather than just aesthetic design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $100,000 - $145,000 per year.

Explanation of Range: This range is competitive for a Sr. UX Designer with a specialization in quantitative research, particularly in areas requiring security clearances like Colorado Springs. The salary is determined by factors including experience, skills, location, and the specific requirements of the role (e.g., clearance level). The company also considers internal and external equity, as well as prevailing wage data.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.

• Dedicated Health Advocate to assist with healthcare navigation.

• Employer-Sponsored and Voluntary Supplemental Benefits options.

• 401k Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match.

• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).

• Flexible Time Off (FTO) policy.

• Paid Holidays.

• Paid Parental Leave.

• Annual Professional Development Funds for continuous learning and skill enhancement.

• Commuter Benefits.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Employee Discounts.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are assumed to be 40 hours per week.

• The role specifies a hybrid work arrangement, requiring a balance of remote and onsite work in Colorado Springs, CO.

• While standard hours apply, the company offers Flexible Time Off, suggesting a degree of autonomy and flexibility in managing work schedules within project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is clearly stated and includes a note on how it's determined, which is good practice. The benefits package is robust and includes professional development funds, which is a strong selling point for experienced professionals looking to grow their skills in Quantitative User Research and Human Factors. The bonus structure ties compensation to company performance, aligning employee incentives with business success.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Enterprise UX Design, Technology, Government Contracting (Space Capabilities).

Company Size: Small, dispersed across the U.S. This implies a close-knit team environment where individual contributions are highly visible and impactful.

Founded: (Company Founded Date not provided) - The company's focus on "space capabilities" and "cutting-edge technologies" suggests a forward-thinking and innovative culture.

Team Structure:

• The UX Design team is described as "small" and "dispersed across the U.S.", indicating a remote-first or hybrid structure with a focus on asynchronous communication and collaboration tools.

• While not explicitly stated, a small team structure often means designers may wear multiple hats or specialize deeply. In this case, the specialization is Quantitative User Research.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: A core methodology will be the rigorous analysis and synthesis of quantitative user research data to drive design decisions.

• Human-Centered Design: The company emphasizes a human-centered design process, ensuring that user needs and behaviors are central to development.

• Agile/Iterative Development: While not explicitly stated, designing mission-critical applications in a tech-focused company often implies an agile or iterative development approach, where UX research plays a continuous role.

• Process Optimization: The company's focus on "enterprise UX design" suggests an emphasis on scalable, efficient, and repeatable design processes.

Company Website: rocketcom.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The "small, dispersed" nature of the company is a key cultural indicator. It suggests a need for strong self-direction, excellent communication skills, and comfort with remote collaboration tools. The focus on "space" and "mission-critical" implies a high-stakes, detail-oriented environment where precision and reliability in research are paramount.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior UX Designer with a specialized research focus. It represents a mid-to-senior career stage, requiring significant experience and the ability to lead research initiatives autonomously. The emphasis on research suggests potential for specialization within UX, moving towards a dedicated UX Research lead or Principal UX Researcher path.

Reporting Structure:

The Sr. UX Designer will likely report to a UX Design Lead, Director of Design, or potentially a Program Manager overseeing specific contracts. Given the small, dispersed team, direct mentorship might come from senior members or external consultants, with a focus on independent work and contribution.

Operations Impact:

The impact of this role is significant. By improving the user experience of mission-critical applications, the Sr. UX Designer directly contributes to:

• Enhanced operational efficiency and effectiveness for end-users in high-stakes environments.

• Reduced errors and increased safety in the use of complex systems.

• Successful contract outcomes for Rocket Communications by delivering superior user experiences that meet stringent government requirements.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in quantitative user research, human factors, and advanced analytical techniques.

• Leadership: Transition into a UX Research Lead or Principal Researcher role, mentoring junior designers and shaping research strategy.

• Cross-Functional Influence: Gain broader experience in product strategy and contribute to high-level decision-making for major government contracts.

• Skill Development: Utilize the annual professional development funds for advanced training, certifications, or conference attendance in UX research, data science, or relevant government/space technologies.

• Contract Growth: As Rocket Communications wins new contracts, opportunities may arise to lead UX efforts on diverse and challenging projects within the space and defense sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Sr. UX Designer with a research focus can lead to highly specialized and influential roles. The "Sr." title implies a leadership component, not just in execution but potentially in strategy and mentorship. The company's focus on government contracts means growth is often tied to successful project delivery and the acquisition of new contracts, which can offer exposure to diverse and complex technical challenges.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid role in Colorado Springs, CO. This indicates a blend of remote work flexibility and in-office collaboration. The company itself is described as "small" and "dispersed," suggesting that the Colorado Springs office might be a hub for local employees or a critical site for specific project needs.

Office Location(s): Colorado Springs, Colorado. This location is known for its significant presence in the aerospace and defense industries, aligning well with Rocket Communications' focus.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Despite being dispersed, the team is described as "fun, friendly, and supportive," suggesting a positive and encouraging atmosphere. The hybrid model allows for in-person teamwork when necessary for specific project phases or team-building.

• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary operations tools and technology for UX research and design will be provided. This likely includes robust collaboration platforms, data analysis software, and design tools.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for interaction will occur through scheduled meetings, virtual collaboration sessions, and in-person days at the Colorado Springs office. The small size of the company likely fosters closer working relationships.

Work Schedule:

The role is full-time, typically 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement offers flexibility, allowing for remote work, but requires onsite presence in Colorado Springs. The company's "Flexible Time Off" policy suggests an emphasis on work-life balance and autonomy in managing one's schedule, provided project deliverables are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role in Colorado Springs is key. Candidates should be prepared for a mix of in-office and remote work. The "dispersed" company structure means that effective remote collaboration skills are as important as in-office presence. The environment is likely fast-paced and detail-oriented due to the nature of mission-critical work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Application Screening: Initial review of resumes and portfolios for alignment with requirements, especially quantitative user research experience and clearance status.

2. Introductory Call: A brief call with a recruiter or hiring manager to discuss background, interest, and basic qualifications. This is also where accommodation requests might be discussed if needed.

3. Skills Assessment/Portfolio Review: A more in-depth interview where candidates present their portfolio, focusing on quantitative research case studies. This may involve a live presentation of specific projects, detailing methodologies, data analysis, and impact. Expect questions about your approach to human-centered design and data synthesis.

4. Technical/Team Interview: Interviews with team members or leadership to assess technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. This could include hypothetical scenarios or design challenges related to mission-critical application design.

5. Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss role expectations, career growth, and final alignment with company goals.

6. Offer & Clearance Verification: If selected, an offer will be extended, contingent upon successful background checks and clearance verification.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Quantitative Strength: Your portfolio must prominently feature projects where you led or significantly contributed to quantitative user research.

Detail the metrics you collected, the statistical methods used, and how the data informed design decisions.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each case study, clearly articulate:

  • The problem and context (especially if it involves complex systems).
  • Your specific role and responsibilities.
  • The research questions and hypotheses.
  • The quantitative methodologies employed (surveys, experiments, data analysis).
  • Your process for data synthesis and insight generation.
  • The resulting design recommendations or product changes.
  • The measurable impact or outcomes (ROI, efficiency gains, error reduction).

• Demonstrate Process: Show your understanding of the full human-centered design process, even if research is your primary focus. Explain how your research integrates with broader design and development efforts.

• Clarity and Conciseness: Present your findings and recommendations in a clear, digestible manner. Be prepared to discuss your work in detail and answer probing questions about your methodology and decision-making.

• Tailor to Rocket Communications: Research Rocket Communications' work in space and defense. If possible, frame your experience in a way that aligns with the challenges of designing for these domains.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential technical challenges that might involve analyzing a dataset, outlining a research plan for a hypothetical complex system, or critiquing an existing interface from a human factors perspective.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and justifying your recommendations based on data and design principles.

• Understand the company's mission and the importance of mission-critical application design to prepare for discussions about strategic impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review for quantitative research case studies is critical. Candidates need to demonstrate not just design skills, but rigorous analytical capabilities. The clearance requirement will heavily influence the interview process, with security checks being paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX/UI Design Tools: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD (or similar, for concept visualization and prototyping).

• Quantitative Research Platforms: Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms, or similar for survey creation and distribution.

• Data Analysis Software: Statistical packages like SPSS, R, or Python with libraries (e.g., Pandas, SciPy, NumPy) for advanced statistical analysis and data manipulation.

• Collaboration Tools: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom for communication and virtual meetings.

• Project Management Tools: Jira, Asana, Trello (or similar) for task tracking and workflow management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Tableau, Power BI, or similar for creating dashboards and reports from research data.

• A/B Testing Platforms: Optimizely, VWO, or in-house tools for experimental design and analysis.

• User Feedback Platforms: Tools that aggregate user feedback from various sources.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how user data flows into CRM or other enterprise systems may be beneficial, especially for understanding the broader enterprise UX design context.

• Automation tools for research tasks (e.g., survey distribution, basic data cleaning) might be utilized.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tool stack emphasizes robust data analysis capabilities. Candidates should be proficient not only in survey tools but also in statistical software and data visualization. Familiarity with enterprise UX design tools and collaboration platforms is also essential for working within a dispersed, hybrid team.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision & Accuracy: Given the mission-critical nature of their work, a strong emphasis on detail, accuracy, and reliability in research and design is paramount.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: A core value will be the commitment to using quantitative user research and data analysis to inform all design and product decisions.

• Collaboration & Support: Despite being dispersed, the team values a "fun, friendly, and supportive" environment, encouraging open communication and mutual assistance.

• Innovation & Excellence: Working on "space capabilities" and "cutting-edge technologies" suggests a culture that values pushing boundaries and achieving high standards of excellence.

• Integrity & Security: Adherence to security protocols and ethical research practices is non-negotiable, especially with government contracts and clearance requirements.

Collaboration Style:

• Remote-First Mindset: Expectations for asynchronous communication, clear documentation, and proactive engagement with remote team members.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close collaboration with product managers and engineers to ensure research insights are understood and acted upon throughout the product lifecycle.

• Feedback Culture: An open environment for constructive feedback on research methodologies, design proposals, and project outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of research findings, best practices, and lessons learned across the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture values precision and data integrity due to the nature of their work. The "small, dispersed" team structure necessitates strong communication and collaboration skills, with an emphasis on self-management and proactive engagement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Domain: Designing for space capabilities and mission-critical systems involves highly complex technical requirements and user workflows, demanding deep understanding and rigorous research.

• Data Volume & Synthesis: Managing and synthesizing large volumes of quantitative user research data effectively to extract meaningful insights can be challenging.

• Remote/Hybrid Collaboration: Ensuring seamless collaboration and communication within a dispersed team requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills.

• Security Clearance Requirements: Maintaining and potentially upgrading security clearances (Secret to TS/SCI) adds a layer of complexity to employment.

• Evolving Technologies: Staying current with advancements in UX research methodologies, design tools, and the rapidly evolving space and defense technology landscape.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Techniques: Opportunities to deepen expertise in advanced quantitative user research, statistical modeling, and experimental design.

• Industry-Specific Knowledge: Gaining in-depth knowledge of the space, defense, and government contracting sectors.

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into leadership roles, guiding research strategy and mentoring other designers.

• Professional Development Funds: Access to funds for courses, conferences, certifications, or workshops related to UX research, data science, or relevant technologies.

• Exposure to Cutting-Edge Projects: Working on unique and challenging projects that push the boundaries of technology and user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around the technical complexity of the domain and the need for rigorous, data-driven approaches. Growth opportunities are strong for those looking to specialize in high-impact research roles within a technically demanding field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used quantitative user research to solve a complex problem in an enterprise environment. What was your methodology, what were the key findings, and what was the impact?" (Focus on data analysis, data synthesis, and measurable outcomes.)

• "How do you approach the full human-centered design process when designing for mission-critical applications where user error has significant consequences?" (Emphasize your understanding of rigor, risk assessment, and validation.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working on applications for space capabilities and cutting-edge technologies?" (Show enthusiasm for the domain and its challenges.)

• "How do you adapt your UX/UI Design and research practices for a small, dispersed, and hybrid team environment?" (Demonstrate your collaboration and communication strengths.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Data-Centric Case Studies: Select case studies that heavily feature your quantitative user research contributions. Be prepared to dive deep into the data, your analysis methods, and the statistical significance of your findings.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the measurable business or user outcomes achieved as a result of your research and design recommendations. Use metrics like efficiency gains, error reduction, or user satisfaction scores.

• Methodological Rigor: Be ready to defend your research choices. Explain why you selected specific quantitative methods and how they best addressed the research questions.

• Storytelling with Data: Weave a narrative around your projects that highlights your problem-solving process, your ability to derive insights from complexity, and your impact on the product.

• Address Clearance: Be ready to confirm your Active Secret Clearance and willingness to obtain TS/SCI.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates must be prepared to showcase their quantitative analysis skills and their ability to translate complex data into actionable insights. The interview will likely probe deeply into their research methodologies and their understanding of the implications of designing for high-stakes environments.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sr. UX Designer (Research Focus) position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on jobs.lever.co.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature 2-3 detailed case studies focusing on your quantitative user research experience, data analysis, data synthesis, and measurable impact on complex systems or enterprise applications.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 5+ years of UX/UI experience, specific quantitative research skills, experience with human-centered design, and any relevant government or defense industry background. Explicitly mention your Active Secret Clearance.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your research processes, methodologies, and findings. Prepare to discuss how you translate data into actionable recommendations and how you collaborate in a dispersed, hybrid team.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Rocket Communications' work in space capabilities and mission-critical applications. Understand the importance of enterprise UX design in these sectors and be ready to discuss why you are passionate about this specific domain.

⚠️ 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.