UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer

Company: ECS Tech Inc

Location: Falls Church, Virginia; Fairfax, Virginia; Arlington, Virginia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Government Contracting

Date Posted: May 19, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level to Senior (3-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead user interface (UI) design and user experience (UX) engineering for the critical War Data Platform (WDP) across multiple security classification environments (Unclassified, Secret, Top Secret).

• Translate complex military mission workflows and data into intuitive, accessible, and visually coherent interfaces for warfighters, analysts, and senior decision-makers.

• Develop and maintain enterprise design systems, component libraries, and UI pattern standards to ensure consistency and scalability across the WDP.

• Collaborate closely with software engineers and front-end developers within an Agile framework to ensure seamless implementation of designs, adhering to Section 508 and DoD UX standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is contingent upon contract award, indicating a potential need for flexibility and adaptability during the transition phase. The emphasis on multi-classification environments (Unclassified, Secret, Top Secret) highlights the need for designers experienced in handling sensitive data and complex security protocols within their design solutions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, architect, and advance user interface components for the War Data Platform (WDP) Core Integration Platform across Unclassified, Secret, and Top Secret environments.

• Develop interactive prototypes, wireframes, and high-fidelity design artifacts using tools such as Figma, Adobe XD, and Axure to translate mission workflows into intuitive user experiences.

• Build and maintain enterprise design systems, component libraries, and UI pattern standards aligned with WDP Core Integration visual frameworks, platform engineering requirements, and cross-enclave technical constraints.

• Conduct structured design reviews, synthesize stakeholder feedback from Combatant Commands, Joint Staff directorates, and Senior Executive Service leaders, and iterate on design concepts to enhance usability, reduce cognitive load, and improve operational clarity for enterprise dashboards, mission spaces, navigation structures, and data visualization interfaces.

• Collaborate with software engineers and front-end developers during Agile sprints to define implementation-ready specifications, interaction models, style guidelines, and accessibility compliance requirements aligned with Section 508 and DoW UX standards.

• Validate designs through usability testing by preparing testable prototypes, capturing qualitative and quantitative responses, and generating actionable design improvement recommendations.

• Produce UI specifications, design documentation, workflow diagrams, and interface mappings that guide multi-classification implementation efforts.

• Identify metrics and contribute to measurable improvements in user task efficiency, error reduction, and adoption of WDP Core Integration Platform capabilities across all enclaves.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support the WDP initiative.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a high degree of collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including senior leadership and operational analysts, requiring strong communication and influence skills. The need to work across multiple classification levels and adhere to specific government standards (Section 508, DoW UX standards) is a critical aspect of this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Interaction Design, Graphic Design, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for this level of experience.

Experience: 3-10 years of demonstrated experience in UX design, user interface engineering, human-centered design, or a closely related discipline, with a strong focus on enterprise applications or data platforms.

Required Skills:

• Current Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret (TS) security clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).

• Proficiency with modern UX design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Adobe XD, or Axure.

• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining enterprise design systems, component libraries, and high-fidelity prototypes for complex, data-intensive applications.

• Proven ability to translate complex mission workflows into intuitive and accessible user interfaces.

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities, with the ability to weigh costs and benefits of potential actions to identify optimal solutions.

• Highly developed interpersonal and oral/written communication skills, with the ability to professionally interact with a diverse set of stakeholders, including peers, end-users, and executive management.

• Experience conducting usability testing and generating design improvement recommendations.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for government or defense sector projects, particularly within multi-classification environments.

• Knowledge of Section 508 accessibility compliance and DoD UX standards.

• Experience with data visualization techniques and tools.

• Understanding of front-end development concepts and implementation constraints.

• Experience with user research methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The security clearance requirement is paramount and non-negotiable. The experience level suggests the candidate will be expected to work with a high degree of autonomy and potentially mentor junior designers. The emphasis on "enterprise application or data platform design work" indicates a need for experience with large-scale, complex systems rather than solely consumer-facing applications.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A strong, diverse portfolio showcasing enterprise application or data platform design work, demonstrating a deep understanding of user-centered design principles.

• Examples of complex data visualization interfaces, interactive dashboards, and navigation structures for large-scale systems.

• Case studies illustrating the process of translating mission workflows into intuitive user experiences, highlighting problem definition, design exploration, and user testing outcomes.

• Demonstration of experience building and maintaining design systems, component libraries, and style guides, with examples of their application.

• Evidence of collaboration with engineering teams, including examples of UI specifications and implementation guidance provided.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of detailed UI specifications, workflow diagrams, and interface mapping documentation produced for complex projects.

• Case studies detailing the methodology used for conducting usability testing, including test plans, participant recruitment (if applicable), data analysis, and resulting design iterations.

• Documentation showcasing the development and evolution of design systems or component libraries, including rationale for design decisions and governance processes.

• Evidence of participation in Agile development cycles, with examples of how UX design integrated into sprint planning, execution, and review.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio should explicitly demonstrate the ability to design for complex, data-intensive enterprise systems, particularly those with security considerations. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, rationale, and the impact of their work using specific examples from their portfolio, emphasizing efficiency gains and user adoption.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for UX Designers with 3-10 years of experience in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, particularly within government contracting and requiring Top Secret clearances, the estimated salary range is $100,000 - $150,000 annually. This range can vary based on specific clearance levels, the exact nature of the contract, and the candidate's specific experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k)) with potential company match.

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

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and incentives.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications, especially related to UX design and government contracting requirements.

• Tuition reimbursement programs may be available.

• Life insurance and disability coverage.

• Potential for security clearance support and maintenance.

Working Hours: Standard full-time employment, typically 40 hours per week. Given the on-site requirement and the nature of defense contracting, flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines, but core working hours are expected to align with standard business operations in the Northern Virginia region.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on market data for UX Designers in the Northern Virginia area, considering the specific requirements of government contracting, security clearances (Secret/TS/SCI), and the complexity of the War Data Platform. Benefits are typical for full-time roles in the technology and defense sectors.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology / Government Contracting / Defense Technology. ECS Tech Inc operates within the critical intersection of technology solutions and government services, specifically focusing on defense and intelligence sectors. This industry demands high levels of security, reliability, and adherence to stringent government standards.

Company Size: ECS Tech Inc is a medium to large-sized company. (Note: Specific size not provided, but typically companies in this sector have hundreds to thousands of employees). This size suggests a stable organizational structure with established processes, but also potential for growth and diverse project opportunities.

Founded: ECS was founded in 1980, indicating a long-standing presence and deep experience in providing IT solutions and services to government clients, including the Department of Defense. This longevity suggests stability and a strong understanding of the federal contracting landscape.

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will likely be part of a dedicated platform engineering or software development team focused on the War Data Platform (WDP). This team will include software engineers, front-end developers, potentially data scientists, project managers, and subject matter experts from the military or defense sector.

• The reporting structure will likely be to a UX Lead, Engineering Manager, or Program Manager responsible for the WDP initiative. There will be close collaboration with product owners and stakeholders within the Department of War.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: The team will likely employ data analysis to understand user behavior, identify pain points, and measure the impact of design decisions on platform adoption and efficiency. Metrics from usability testing and platform usage will be key.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: A core focus will be on mapping and optimizing complex military mission workflows to ensure the WDP simplifies rather than complicates user tasks.

• Automation & Efficiency: While the UX role focuses on the interface, the underlying goal of the WDP is to accelerate AI deployment and data utilization, implying an environment that values efficiency and automation in its processes and tools.

Company Website: https://www.ecstech.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's history and focus on government contracting, particularly defense, are critical contextual elements. Candidates should understand the unique demands of this sector, including security protocols, compliance requirements, and the mission-critical nature of the work.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level to Senior UX Designer. It requires significant autonomy in design execution, the ability to lead design efforts for a major platform, and the capacity to influence stakeholders. The designer is expected to be a key contributor to the platform's success, not just an executor of tasks.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will report to a manager within the WDP program, likely overseeing design activities. They will work closely with engineering leads and product managers, requiring strong communication and collaboration skills across technical and non-technical teams.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's impact is direct and significant. By creating intuitive and efficient interfaces for the War Data Platform, they will directly enable faster AI deployment, improved data access for warfighters and analysts, and more informed decision-making at senior leadership levels. Success in this role contributes directly to the operational effectiveness and strategic objectives of the U.S. Department of War.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX for defense/intelligence applications, multi-classification environments, or advanced data visualization.

• Leadership: Progress into a UX Lead or Design Manager role, overseeing multiple designers and larger platform initiatives.

• Cross-functional Roles: Transition into product management, UX research management, or roles focused on UX strategy within the government contracting space.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to gain certifications in Agile, project management, or specific design tools. Continuous learning on new UX methodologies and technologies relevant to defense applications.

• Security Clearance Advancement: Potential to work on projects requiring higher clearance levels and gain further specialized training.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory in this role is tied to both UX expertise and understanding the nuances of government contracting and defense technology. The ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and security requirements will be key to advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, requiring the UX Designer to work from one of the specified ECS Tech Inc office locations or a client site (e.g., The Pentagon). The environment will likely be professional and secure, reflecting the nature of government contracting.

Office Location(s):

• 5611 Columbia Pike, Falls Church, Virginia, 22041

• 2700 Prosperity Avenue, Fairfax, Virginia, 22031

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be collaborative, with opportunities to interact with design peers, software engineers, and product teams.

• Access to necessary design tools, software, and potentially secure network environments will be provided.

• The environment will demand a high degree of focus and adherence to security protocols, given the sensitive nature of the work.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time, approximately 40 hours per week. Given the on-site requirement and the critical nature of defense projects, some flexibility may be necessary to meet project deadlines, especially during critical development phases or deployments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and the specific locations, including The Pentagon, underscore the need for candidates comfortable working within secure government facilities and adhering to strict access and operational protocols.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and clearance status.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: Candidates will present their portfolio to hiring managers and/or senior UX team members. This will involve in-depth discussion of design process, problem-solving, specific project details, and technical proficiency with design tools. Expect scenario-based questions related to designing for complex systems and government requirements.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with potential team members (engineers, product managers) and key stakeholders to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit.

• Security Clearance Verification: Verification of current security clearance status and the ability to obtain required clearances.

• Final Interview: Potentially a final interview with senior leadership to discuss role expectations, career growth, and company alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 of your strongest projects that best represent your experience with enterprise applications, data platforms, and complex UI design. Prioritize projects that show impact, problem-solving, and your design process.

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process (research, ideation, prototyping, testing, iteration), key decisions made, and the final outcome/impact. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Data & Complexity: Emphasize projects involving complex data visualization, large datasets, or intricate user flows. Demonstrate how you simplified complexity.

• Address Government Context: If you have government or defense-related projects, highlight them. If not, draw parallels to your enterprise experience that demonstrate an understanding of security, scalability, and user needs in critical environments.

• Prepare for "Why": Be ready to explain the rationale behind your design choices, especially when faced with constraints or differing stakeholder opinions.

• Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your proficiency with Figma, Adobe XD, Axure, and your experience with design systems.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: You might be given a design challenge or a case study to work on, either pre-interview or during an interview session. Focus on understanding the brief, identifying key user needs, and outlining a structured approach to solving the problem.

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions like: "How would you approach designing a dashboard for real-time threat assessment?" or "How would you handle conflicting feedback from a warfighter and a senior executive?"

• Communication: Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when explaining technical or design concepts to non-designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh your portfolio and your ability to articulate your design process and rationale. The security clearance requirement means that background checks will be thorough. Demonstrate an understanding of the defense sector's unique challenges and user needs.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX/UI Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly preferred), Adobe XD, Axure. Candidates are expected to be proficient in at least one, with demonstrated experience in building and maintaining design systems.

• Wireframing Tools: Balsamiq, Sketch, or similar.

• Collaboration & Communication: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, Confluence.

• Version Control (for design assets): Potentially Abstract, GitHub for design libraries, or similar systems.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Usability Testing Platforms: UserTesting.com, Maze, Lookback, or internal tools.

• Analytics Tools: Familiarity with understanding how user analytics data (e.g., from tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or custom platform analytics) can inform design decisions.

• Data Visualization Libraries/Tools: While not designing the code, understanding how tools like D3.js, Tableau, or Power BI are used can be beneficial for designing effective data visualizations.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how user data is managed within enterprise systems and how features might be automated or streamlined is valuable. Familiarity with project management tools like Jira is crucial for Agile development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is increasingly becoming an industry standard, especially for collaborative design systems. Experience with tools used in government environments (e.g., those that can operate on secure networks) may be a plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: A strong dedication to supporting the U.S. Department of War's mission and ensuring the effectiveness of warfighters and decision-makers.

• Excellence & Precision: A commitment to high-quality design, rigorous testing, and meticulous attention to detail, especially in a high-stakes environment.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: An emphasis on working effectively across diverse teams, sharing knowledge, and collectively solving complex problems.

• Adaptability & Resilience: The ability to adapt to changing requirements, evolving technologies, and challenging project timelines within the defense sector.

• Integrity & Security: Upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and data security in all work.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close collaboration with engineering, product management, and stakeholders to ensure designs are technically feasible, meet user needs, and align with strategic goals.

• Iterative Design: A culture that embraces iterative design processes, incorporating feedback from user testing and stakeholders throughout the development lifecycle.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, design patterns, and lessons learned across the UX team and broader development teams.

• Constructive Feedback: An environment where constructive feedback is welcomed and used to improve designs and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture will be heavily influenced by the government contracting environment, emphasizing security, compliance, and mission-critical delivery. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of and alignment with these values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Multi-Classification Environments: Ensuring a consistent and secure user experience across Unclassified, Secret, and Top Secret enclaves presents unique design and technical hurdles.

• Complex Mission Workflows: Translating highly specialized and often intricate military operational workflows into intuitive interfaces requires deep understanding and effective simplification techniques.

• Stakeholder Management: Balancing the needs and expectations of diverse stakeholders, from end-users (warfighters, analysts) to senior decision-makers and technical teams.

• Adherence to Strict Standards: Meeting stringent government requirements for accessibility (Section 508), security, and specific DoD UX guidelines.

• Pace of Innovation: Keeping pace with rapidly evolving AI technologies and battlefield requirements while ensuring the platform remains user-friendly and effective.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• UX Specialization: Gain in-depth expertise in designing for defense applications, secure systems, and advanced data analytics.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced UX professionals and potentially mentor junior designers.

• Certifications: Pursue relevant certifications in UX, Agile methodologies, or government contracting best practices.

• Industry Exposure: Attend defense technology conferences or workshops to stay abreast of the latest trends and technologies impacting military operations and data platforms.

• Career Advancement: Path to lead design initiatives, manage UX teams, or transition into related roles within the defense technology sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role are significant but offer substantial opportunities for professional growth and the chance to contribute to critical national security initiatives.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design a complex data visualization for a non-technical audience. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on simplification, clarity, and impact.)

• "How would you approach designing an interface that needs to function securely across multiple classification levels (e.g., Secret and Top Secret)? What are the key considerations?" (Assess understanding of security constraints and design implications.)

• "Imagine you receive conflicting feedback from a warfighter and a senior executive regarding a proposed feature. How would you reconcile these different perspectives and arrive at a design solution?" (Evaluate stakeholder management, negotiation, and prioritization skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for ECS Tech Inc and specifically on the War Data Platform initiative?" (Demonstrate research into the company, its mission, and the project's importance.)

• "How do you ensure your designs comply with accessibility standards like Section 508, and what is your experience with DoD UX standards?" (Showcase awareness of government-specific design requirements.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your specific role and contributions, your design process (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), key decisions and their rationale, and the measurable impact of your design.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., "reduced task completion time by X%", "increased user adoption by Y%", "decreased error rates by Z%").

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Emphasize how you tackled complex challenges, navigated constraints, and arrived at innovative solutions.

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with Figma, Adobe XD, or Axure, and how you leverage these tools for prototyping and design system development.

• Engage Your Audience: Make it a conversation, not a monologue. Be prepared to answer questions about your design choices and process in detail.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss your experience with government contracting environments, security clearances, and the unique user needs within defense and intelligence sectors. Your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the ADP job portal linked from the ECS Tech Inc careers page.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience with enterprise applications, data platforms, UX/UI design tools (Figma, Adobe XD, Axure), design systems, and any government/defense sector projects. Quantify achievements with metrics where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, showcases relevant projects (enterprise, data-intensive, complex workflows), and clearly articulates your design process and impact. Be ready to present it confidently and discuss your work in detail.

• Research ECS Tech Inc: Understand their mission, history, and their role in government contracting. Familiarize yourself with the War Data Platform initiative and its strategic importance.

• Practice Interview Questions: Rehearse answers to common UX interview questions, scenario-based questions, and questions specific to this role's requirements (security clearance, government standards, complex systems).

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with ECS Tech Inc or the hiring organization before making application decisions. The contingent nature of the role also means timelines may shift.