User Experience (UX) Designer - Clearance Required

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: User Experience (UX) Designer - Clearance Required

Company: LMI

Location: Remote (United States)

Job Type: OTHER

Category: UX/Service Design (Government Contracting)

Date Posted: 2026-08-21

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and implement human-centered and service design methodologies to modernize HR and personnel processes within a Defense Agency.

• Conduct comprehensive user research, including interviews, contextual inquiry, and data analysis, to understand diverse stakeholder experiences across organizational boundaries.

• Develop detailed service blueprints, journey maps, and workflow diagrams to visualize current states, identify pain points, and inform future-state improvements.

• Create and validate wireframes, prototypes, and design artifacts to test concepts and facilitate stakeholder decision-making for service enhancements.

• Collaborate within a cross-functional team, including Product Owners and Visual Designers, to translate research findings into actionable backlog items and implementation recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a UX Designer with a strong focus on Service Design principles, applied within the context of government contracting for a Defense Agency. The emphasis on "personnel process modernization" and "technical talent acquisition" indicates a need for designers adept at understanding complex organizational workflows and improving internal and external user experiences related to HR functions. The requirement for an active SECRET clearance is a critical gating factor.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan and execute user research initiatives, including interviews, contextual inquiry, observational studies, surveys, and operational data analysis.

• Develop research-based personas to represent key stakeholder groups such as employees, applicants, supervisors, hiring managers, process owners, technical leaders, and senior executives.

• Map end-to-end personnel and recruiting journeys, meticulously documenting touchpoints, handoffs, system interactions, decision points, delays, rework loops, and identified user pain points.

• Construct comprehensive service blueprints and workflow maps that visually connect the user experience to underlying processes, policies, roles, data flows, and technology systems.

• Synthesize qualitative and quantitative research findings into actionable themes, identify opportunity areas, perform root-cause analyses, and articulate validated problem statements.

• Facilitate co-design workshops and sessions with HR stakeholders and mission organizations to collaboratively develop practical future-state workflows and innovative service concepts.

• Produce wireframes, interactive prototypes, and other design artifacts at the appropriate fidelity level to effectively test concepts and support informed stakeholder decisions.

• Design and conduct concept validation and usability testing sessions, meticulously document findings, and iterate on designs based on user feedback and operational constraints.

• Partner closely with Technical Talent Acquisition and Workforce Management teams to assess and enhance the experiences of candidates and hiring managers, thereby improving technical talent acquisition services.

• Collaborate effectively with Product Owners and Visual Designers to transform research insights into prioritized backlog items, strategic roadmaps, decision products, and clear implementation recommendations.

• Maintain organized and accessible repositories of research plans, notes, findings, and design rationale, ensuring strict adherence to privacy protocols for sensitive personnel information.

• Clearly communicate research findings and strategic recommendations to operational teams, technical stakeholders, and senior leadership through compelling written, verbal, and visual presentations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a deep dive into understanding complex government HR processes and user journeys. The emphasis on "service blueprints," "workflow maps," and "co-design sessions" points to a role that requires not just user interface design but also a strategic understanding of service delivery and process optimization within a bureaucratic environment. The mention of "LMI's Magnify framework" suggests a proprietary methodology that candidates might need to learn or demonstrate familiarity with similar analytical frameworks.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Human-Centered Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Service Design, Design Research, Psychology, Anthropology, Information Science, or a closely related field.

Experience: A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience conducting user research and applying human-centered or service design methods in complex organizational settings. Additional directly relevant experience may be substituted for the degree requirement.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in planning and executing user research methodologies, including interviews, contextual inquiry, observation, workshops, surveys, and operational data analysis.

• Proven experience in developing key design artifacts such as personas, journey maps, workflow maps, service blueprints, wireframes, and prototypes.

• Strong ability to plan and facilitate user research activities, co-design sessions, usability tests, and stakeholder review meetings.

• Proficient in analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data, identifying root causes of issues, and translating findings into actionable, data-driven recommendations.

• Experience collaborating effectively within cross-functional teams comprising product owners, visual designers, subject matter experts, technical professionals, and senior stakeholders.

• Proficiency with collaborative research and design tools such as Figma, FigJam, Miro, Adobe Creative Suite, or comparable industry-standard platforms.

• Excellent written, verbal, visual communication, facilitation, and client-engagement skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple concurrent research and design activities, and adapt to evolving priorities in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment.

• U.S. citizenship is mandatory to meet government security, suitability, and system-access requirements.

• Active SECRET Clearance is required. Preferred Skills:

• Experience supporting federal civilian human capital initiatives, personnel services, talent acquisition programs, or workforce modernization efforts.

• Prior experience working with the Department of Defense (DoD), a Fourth Estate agency, or other highly regulated government organizations.

• Direct experience researching the employee, applicant, hiring-manager, or internal service experiences within environments involving multiple complex systems and organizational handoffs.

• Familiarity with Agile product development methodologies, backlog refinement, process improvement frameworks, organizational change management principles, or implementation planning.

• Knowledge of accessibility standards such as Section 508 and WCAG, inclusive design principles, privacy regulations, and ethical research practices concerning personnel or applicant data.

• Possession of certifications in Human-Centered Design, Service Design, Facilitation, Usability, or Agile methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Bachelor's degree in a specific set of fields, combined with five years of experience, positions this as a mid-to-senior level UX/Service Designer role. The emphasis on "complex organizational environments" and "federal civilian human capital" experience suggests that candidates with a background in large, established organizations or government sectors will have a distinct advantage. The explicit mention of an active SECRET clearance is a non-negotiable requirement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating the application of human-centered design or service design methodologies from discovery through validation.

• Include examples of user research plans, methodologies employed (e.g., interviews, surveys, contextual inquiry), and synthesized findings.

• Present visual artifacts such as personas, journey maps, service blueprints, and workflow diagrams that illustrate complex processes and user flows.

• Feature wireframes and prototypes, clearly indicating the problem they aimed to solve and the iterative design process undertaken.

• Demonstrate a clear articulation of how user feedback and operational constraints informed design decisions and led to measurable improvements or actionable recommendations. Process Documentation:

• Provide evidence of documenting research findings, design decisions, and rationale in a clear, organized, and accessible manner.

• Showcase examples of creating service blueprints or detailed workflow maps that connect user experiences to internal processes, policies, and systems.

• Demonstrate an ability to translate complex research and design concepts into clear, concise communication for diverse audiences, including senior stakeholders.

• Include documentation related to concept validation and usability testing, outlining test plans, participant recruitment, execution, and reporting.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on service design and process modernization within a government context, a portfolio is crucial. It needs to go beyond typical UI/UX portfolios by demonstrating an understanding of systems thinking, process mapping, and stakeholder management. Case studies should highlight the ability to navigate complex organizational structures and translate user needs into tangible process improvements, rather than just digital interfaces.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $100,000 - $140,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan with company match.

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

• Professional development opportunities, including training, certifications, and conference attendance.

• Life insurance and disability coverage.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

• Access to LMI's internal frameworks and methodologies (e.g., Magnify).

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week. While the role is remote, adherence to core business hours and availability for cross-functional team collaboration and stakeholder meetings is necessary. Flexibility may be available within LMI's policies, contingent on meeting project deadlines and client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $100,000 - $140,000 is a target for this position. The disclaimer clarifies that actual compensation may vary based on factors such as location (though remote, cost of labor may still be a consideration), internal equity, client contract specifics, candidate qualifications, and the security clearance level. Given the remote nature within the US and the required SECRET clearance, this range aligns with mid-to-senior level UX/Service Design roles in specialized government contracting environments. Benefits are standard for a professional services firm of LMI's caliber.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: LMI operates primarily within the Government Contracting and Professional Services sector, with a strong focus on digital solutions, AI, and mission readiness for federal agencies.

Company Size: LMI is a mid-sized organization, with employee counts typically ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 employees. This size often allows for a balance between structured processes and agile team dynamics.

Founded: LMI was founded in 1961, giving it a long history and deep-rooted expertise in supporting government missions. This longevity suggests a stable, established company culture with a strong understanding of federal contracting requirements and long-term client relationships.

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will likely be part of a larger digital transformation or program support team, working within a cross-functional group that includes project managers, business analysts, technical architects, visual designers, and subject matter experts.

• Reporting structure will likely be to a UX Lead, Program Manager, or Director of Digital Services, with close collaboration with Product Owners and government client leads.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone of this role, requiring constant interaction with diverse teams to understand needs, gather requirements, and deliver integrated solutions. Methodology:

• LMI emphasizes a data-driven approach, leveraging LMI's proprietary 'Magnify' framework, which likely involves structured analysis, synthesis, and strategic recommendation development.

• Workflow planning and optimization are central, focusing on improving efficiency and effectiveness of government processes through user-centered design.

• Automation and efficiency practices are key, aiming to streamline operations and enhance service delivery through thoughtful design and technology integration.

Company Website: www.lmisolutions.com

📝 Enhancement Note: LMI's positioning as a "new breed of digital solutions provider" indicates a culture that values innovation and speed within the government sector. The company's focus on mission-ready AI and commercial-grade platforms suggests an environment that encourages adopting modern technologies and approaches. The historical founding date implies stability and a deep understanding of government needs, while the "new breed" aspect points to a forward-thinking operational philosophy.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an experienced User Experience (UX) Designer, requiring a minimum of five years of professional experience. It sits at a mid-to-senior level, where individuals are expected to lead research initiatives, drive design strategy, and mentor junior team members. The focus on service design and complex government processes indicates a specialization within the broader UX field.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will report to a project lead or manager within LMI's service delivery or digital solutions division. They will work closely with Product Owners and government stakeholders, forming a collaborative triad to drive project success. This structure emphasizes collaboration and shared ownership of project outcomes.

Operations Impact: The operations impact of this role is significant. By modernizing HR and personnel processes, the UX Designer directly influences the efficiency of government operations, the effectiveness of talent acquisition, and the overall employee experience within a critical Defense Agency. Improved processes can lead to cost savings, faster hiring cycles, increased employee satisfaction, and better alignment of workforce capabilities with mission objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in service design, human-centered design, and user research within complex government environments. Opportunities to lead larger, more strategic design initiatives.

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into a UX Lead role, managing a team of designers, or transitioning into a Program Management or Senior Consultant position focused on digital transformation.

• Specialization: Develop expertise in specific areas like AI-driven HR solutions, federal workforce modernization, or advanced analytics for process improvement.

• Certifications: Pursue advanced certifications in Agile, Service Design, or related fields, often supported by LMI.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain broader understanding of government contracting, program management, and technical implementation through close collaboration with diverse teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth potential is strong, particularly for individuals who can demonstrate success in navigating government procurement cycles and delivering tangible improvements in complex operational areas. The combination of UX/Service Design skills with government sector experience is highly valued.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a fully remote position, allowing employees to work from their home office. LMI is committed to providing a productive remote work environment.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, it is specified as being within the United States. This implies that candidates must reside within the US. Specific office locations for LMI are headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, but the role itself is location-independent within the US.

Workspace Context:

• Remote employees are expected to maintain a dedicated, professional workspace conducive to focused work and virtual collaboration.

• Access to LMI's digital tools and platforms will be provided, enabling seamless collaboration with distributed teams. This includes project management software, communication tools, and design software.

• Opportunities for virtual team interaction will be facilitated through regular meetings, team-building activities, and open communication channels, fostering a sense of connection despite the remote setup.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time, approximately 40 hours per week. While remote flexibility is a key benefit, candidates must be available during core business hours to align with team members and stakeholders, especially given the demands of government projects and potential client interactions. Adherence to deadlines and project timelines will be paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote nature of this position within the United States is a significant draw. It requires a high degree of self-discipline and effective virtual communication skills. The need to support a Defense Agency suggests that while remote, there might be periods requiring concentrated effort or specific availability to meet critical project milestones or client needs.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and resumes to assess basic qualifications, including experience, education, and the crucial SECRET clearance.

• Technical Interview(s): Expect one or more interviews focusing on UX/Service Design methodologies, research techniques, artifact creation (personas, journey maps, wireframes), and problem-solving skills. Candidates may be asked to walk through their portfolio.

• Portfolio Review & Case Study Presentation: A dedicated session where candidates present selected case studies from their portfolio, detailing their process, challenges, solutions, and outcomes. This is a critical step to evaluate practical application of skills.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Questions designed to assess collaboration style, communication skills, ability to work independently, adaptability, and alignment with LMI's values and mission.

• Client/Stakeholder Interview (Potentially): Depending on the project, there might be an opportunity for the candidate to meet with key government stakeholders or LMI program leads.

• Final Offer: Following successful interviews and background checks (including clearance verification).

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 case studies that best demonstrate your experience in service design, complex process mapping, user research within organizational settings, and stakeholder collaboration. Prioritize projects that show a clear problem, your process, and impactful results.

• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies as narratives. Clearly articulate the problem statement, your role and responsibilities, the methodologies you employed, the challenges you faced, your design decisions and rationale, and the outcomes or impact of your work.

• Highlight Process Over Polish: While visual appeal matters, emphasize the depth of your research, your analytical thinking, and how you translated insights into actionable designs. Show your thought process, not just the final output.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs. For example, improvements in task completion rates, reductions in process time, or positive feedback from stakeholders.

• Address Government Context: If you have relevant government or highly regulated industry experience, explicitly highlight it. Show an understanding of the constraints and nuances of these environments.

Challenge Preparation:

• Mock Presentations: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies aloud, timing yourself and refining your narrative. Be prepared to answer in-depth questions about your design choices and methodology.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Be ready for hypothetical questions about how you would approach a specific design challenge related to HR processes, talent acquisition, or service modernization. Think about how you would apply your research and design frameworks.

• Stakeholder Management: Prepare to discuss how you manage differing stakeholder opinions, communicate complex technical or design concepts to non-technical audiences, and build consensus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh the candidate's ability to demonstrate their UX and Service Design process through their portfolio. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their methodologies, justify their design decisions, and showcase their experience in translating complex user needs and organizational processes into actionable improvements, especially within a government contracting context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, FigJam (highly preferred), Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator), Sketch.

• Collaboration & Whiteboarding: Miro, Mural, Confluence.

• User Research Platforms: UserTesting.com, Lookback, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey (or similar survey tools).

• Project Management: Jira, Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project (or similar tools for backlog management and task tracking).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytics role, familiarity with interpreting data from user research tools, website analytics (e.g., Google Analytics if applicable to digital touchpoints), and performance metrics related to HR processes would be beneficial.

• Ability to use data to inform design decisions and report on the impact of design interventions. CRM & Automation:

• While the role is not directly CRM-focused, understanding how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics) and HRIS (Human Resources Information Systems) systems function and impact user experience is advantageous, as these are often part of the ecosystem being designed for.

• Familiarity with workflow automation concepts and how they can streamline processes will be relevant.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with collaborative design tools like Figma, FigJam, and Miro is explicitly mentioned and is critical for remote teamwork. Experience with user research platforms and project management tools like Jira is also highly relevant, indicating a need for designers who can integrate seamlessly into agile development workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A strong commitment to supporting government missions and delivering impactful solutions that serve national interests.

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding the highest ethical standards, particularly when handling sensitive government and personnel data.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where diverse perspectives are valued and contributions are shared.

• Innovation & Agility: Encouraging creative problem-solving and adopting modern technologies and methodologies to deliver solutions at speed.

• Excellence: Striving for high-quality outcomes and continuous improvement in all aspects of work.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Emphasizes working closely with individuals from various disciplines (technical, business, functional) to achieve common goals. Open communication and mutual respect are key.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback and iterative improvement of both processes and designs.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively sharing insights, best practices, and lessons learned across teams and projects to foster collective growth and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: LMI's culture appears to blend the stability and mission focus of government contracting with a modern, agile approach to digital solutions. The emphasis on integrity, mission-driven work, and collaboration is typical for organizations supporting public sector clients, while the focus on innovation and agility signals a dynamic internal environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Government Bureaucracy: Understanding and designing within highly structured, often slow-moving, government processes and policy frameworks. Mitigation: Deep research, strong stakeholder engagement, and iterative design.

• Data Privacy and Security: Designing solutions that adhere to stringent government data privacy and security regulations (e.g., PII, sensitive personnel data). Mitigation: Prioritize security and privacy by design, collaborate closely with security experts.

• Remote Collaboration Dynamics: Maintaining effective communication, collaboration, and team cohesion in a fully remote environment. Mitigation: Proactive communication, utilizing collaboration tools effectively, and fostering virtual team-building.

• Balancing User Needs with System Constraints: Reconciling ideal user experiences with the technical limitations, legacy systems, and budget constraints often present in government projects. Mitigation: Realistic prototyping, phased implementation strategies, and clear communication of trade-offs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Service Design Specialization: Gaining in-depth experience and potentially certifications in advanced service design methodologies.

• Government Sector Expertise: Deepening understanding of federal HR processes, talent acquisition strategies, and defense agency operations.

• Agile and Digital Transformation: Expanding knowledge and practical application of Agile principles and digital transformation frameworks within public sector contexts.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced LMI consultants and leaders in digital transformation and government solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for roles in government contracting, requiring resilience, adaptability, and a strong understanding of the unique operating environment. The growth opportunities are substantial for those looking to build a career in UX/Service Design within the public sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex HR or personnel process you've analyzed and redesigned. What was your approach, what challenges did you face, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process mapping, stakeholder engagement, and impact.)

• "How would you approach understanding the experience of a military applicant going through the technical talent acquisition process for a Defense Agency?" (Focus on research methodology, persona development, and journey mapping.)

• "Imagine you need to design a new service for internal employee onboarding. How would you ensure it meets the needs of both the employee and the various internal departments involved?" (Focus on service blueprinting, cross-functional collaboration, and user-centered design.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about LMI and our work supporting government agencies, particularly in digital solutions?" (Research LMI's mission, values, and recent projects.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with technical teams, product owners, and non-technical stakeholders?" (Highlight your communication and consensus-building skills.)

• "Given the sensitive nature of working with a Defense Agency, how do you ensure data privacy and security in your design process?" (Emphasize your understanding of ethical design and compliance.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: For each case study, clearly state the problem, your role, the solution, and the results. Use visual aids effectively to guide the audience through your process.

• Focus on "Why" and "How": Don't just show what you did; explain why you made certain decisions and how you arrived at your solutions. Connect your design choices back to user research and business/mission objectives.

• Demonstrate Adaptability: Be prepared to discuss how you adapted your approach based on feedback, constraints, or evolving project requirements. Highlight your problem-solving skills.

• Engage Your Audience: Be enthusiastic, clear, and concise. Leave time for questions and be ready to discuss your work in detail.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily focus on showcasing the candidate's ability to apply UX and Service Design principles to complex, real-world problems, particularly within the government sector. Candidates should be ready to articulate their process, justify their decisions, and demonstrate their understanding of stakeholder management and data sensitivity.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this User Experience (UX) Designer position:

• Submit your application through the LMI Careers portal, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest case studies that best highlight your experience in human-centered design, service design, user research, and process mapping, particularly any relevant to government or complex organizational environments.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly details your experience with UX/Service Design methodologies, tools (Figma, Miro, etc.), and any experience with government projects or sensitive data. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio case studies, focusing on articulating your process, challenges, solutions, and outcomes clearly and concisely. Be ready to answer in-depth questions.

• Research LMI: Familiarize yourself with LMI's mission, values, and recent work, especially their focus on digital solutions for government agencies. Understand how your skills align with their objectives.

⚠️ 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.