UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer

Company: Guidehouse

Location: Tysons Corner, VA (Headquarters) / McLean, VA, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Digital Consulting / UX Design

Date Posted: 2026-06-05

Experience Level: 0-2 Years (Entry to Junior Level)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on leading user-centered design (UCD) for complex web and mobile applications, specifically within the health and public sectors, requiring a strong foundation in user research and the ability to translate insights into intuitive interfaces.

• The position involves hands-on creation of design artifacts, including wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes, utilizing industry-standard design and prototyping tools.

• A key aspect of this role is close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including product managers, engineers, and content strategists, to ensure successful design implementation and alignment with project goals.

• Emphasis is placed on advocating for and implementing accessibility standards (WCAG) throughout the design lifecycle, ensuring inclusive and usable digital products for diverse user groups.

• The role requires the ability to leverage data analytics and user feedback to measure design effectiveness and drive continuous improvement, demonstrating a data-driven approach to design optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "UX Designer," the context of Guidehouse's work in the public and health sectors, along with the requirement for Public Trust clearance, suggests a strong emphasis on government consulting and enterprise-level digital solutions. The experience level of 1+ years also points towards a junior to mid-level role, where a strong portfolio and foundational skills are paramount.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end user-centered design process for web and mobile applications, focusing on creating intuitive and accessible interfaces for health and public-sector clients.

• Plan, execute, and synthesize findings from user research and usability testing (both remote and in-person) to inform design iterations and product strategy.

• Develop comprehensive design deliverables, including wireframes, high-fidelity visual designs, interactive prototypes, and detailed interaction specifications, using tools such as Figma, Adobe XD, or similar platforms.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with product managers, engineers, content strategists, and other stakeholders to define project requirements, prioritize design efforts, and ensure fidelity in implementation.

• Contribute to the development, maintenance, and evolution of component libraries and design systems to enhance consistency, scalability, and efficiency across a portfolio of digital products.

• Champion accessibility best practices, adhering to WCAG guidelines, and actively validate accessibility compliance during design and testing phases.

• Utilize quantitative product analytics (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel) and qualitative feedback to assess design performance, identify areas for improvement, and measure the impact of design decisions.

• Clearly articulate design rationale, trade-offs, and recommendations to diverse audiences, including technical teams and senior leadership, and provide mentorship to junior designers as opportunities arise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic thinking (translating research, advocating for accessibility) and tactical execution (creating wireframes, prototypes). The emphasis on "leading" user-centered design suggests that while it's an entry-level role, the candidate is expected to take ownership of the design process for their assigned projects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, or a closely related field; equivalent practical experience will also be considered. Experience:

• A minimum of 1+ years of professional experience in UX design, digital product design, or a related field, with a demonstrated ability to deliver user-centered solutions. Required Skills:

• User-Centered Design (UCD) Principles: Deep understanding and practical application of UCD methodologies to create user-friendly interfaces.

• User Research & Usability Testing: Proficiency in planning, conducting, and synthesizing findings from various research methods (e.g., interviews, surveys, usability tests).

• Prototyping & Wireframing: Expertise in creating low-fidelity wireframes and high-fidelity interactive prototypes to communicate design concepts effectively.

• Visual Design: Strong aesthetic sense and ability to create visually appealing and consistent user interfaces.

• Accessibility Standards (WCAG): Working knowledge of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and experience in designing for inclusive experiences.

• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills for effective teamwork with cross-functional teams and clear articulation of design decisions to stakeholders.

• US Citizenship: Required for the ability to obtain a Public Trust clearance.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing digital products for healthcare, public health, or government clients.

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

• Experience contributing to or maintaining a design system at scale.

• Familiarity with quantitative product analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel) and A/B testing methodologies.

• Knowledge of accessibility testing tools and assistive technologies.

• Familiarity with front-end technologies (HTML/CSS/JS) to facilitate effective collaboration with engineering teams.

• Experience working on federally funded or grant-supported projects, or familiarity with HRSA/HHS mission and processes.

• Prior experience mentoring junior designers or leading small design teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" are foundational for any UX role, but the "Preferred Skills" provide a significant advantage, especially those related to government/public sector clients and design systems. The explicit mention of US Citizenship and Public Trust clearance is a critical requirement for this role due to the nature of Guidehouse's client base.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• End-to-End UX Case Studies: A robust portfolio is critical, showcasing at least 2-3 comprehensive case studies that detail your entire design process from problem identification to final solution.

• Problem Definition & User Research: Clearly articulate the problem you were trying to solve, the target users, and the methodologies used for user research and insight gathering.

• Design Process & Iteration: Demonstrate your approach to conceptualization, wireframing, prototyping, visual design, and how you iterated based on feedback and testing.

• Solution & Impact: Present the final design solution and, where possible, quantify its impact using metrics related to user satisfaction, task completion, or business objectives.

• Accessibility Integration: Highlight instances where accessibility considerations (WCAG) were incorporated into your design process and solutions.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Mapping: Ability to document existing workflows and propose optimized design processes that enhance efficiency and user experience.

• Design System Contributions: Evidence of contributions to or utilization of design systems, demonstrating an understanding of scalable and consistent design practices.

• Usability Testing Protocols: Experience in creating and documenting protocols for usability testing, including participant recruitment, script development, and debriefing procedures.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UX Designer role, especially at the junior level, the portfolio is often more important than formal qualifications. Candidates should focus on demonstrating their process, problem-solving skills, and ability to articulate design decisions, rather than just showcasing final UI aesthetics. Highlighting government/public sector projects or accessibility work in the portfolio will be highly beneficial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The annual salary range for this position is $74,000.00 - $124,000.00 USD. The specific compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's skill set, experience, training, security clearances (Public Trust), licensure, certifications, and overall business/organizational needs. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Rx, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans.

• Paid Time Off: Personal and Family Sick Time, alongside Company Paid Holidays.

• Performance Incentives: Potential eligibility for a discretionary variable incentive bonus.

• Family Support: Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance programs.

• Retirement Planning: 401(k) Retirement Plan.

• Life & Disability Insurance: Basic Life, Supplemental Life, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability coverage.

• Flexible Spending Accounts: Health Savings Account (HSA), Dental/Vision FSA, and Dependent Care FSA.

• Professional Development: Student Loan PayDown, Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities, and Skills Development & Certifications.

• Employee Perks: Employee Referral Program, Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach, Emergency Back-Up Childcare Program, and Mobility Stipend.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position with an expected 40-hour work week. Specific daily hours may vary based on project needs and team collaboration, but the role is primarily on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is quite broad, reflecting the varying levels of experience and the impact of security clearances. Candidates should be prepared to justify their salary expectations based on their portfolio, specific skills, and relevant experience, particularly any experience with government projects or complex enterprise systems. The extensive benefits package is a strong positive for this role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

• Guidehouse operates within the professional services and consulting industry, with a significant focus on digital transformation, technology, and management consulting for government and commercial clients. Their work in the health and public sectors implies a mission-driven environment focused on impactful solutions. Company Size:

• Guidehouse is a large, global company with thousands of employees, indicating a structured corporate environment with ample opportunities for career progression and exposure to a wide range of projects and clients. This size also suggests robust internal processes and resources for employee development. Founded:

• Guidehouse was established in 2018 as a spin-off from a major accounting firm, bringing with it a legacy of consulting expertise. Its relatively recent establishment as an independent entity positions it as a dynamic and growing organization focused on modernizing services. Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will likely be part of a broader Digital Consulting practice or a dedicated digital transformation team.

• This team may include other UX/UI designers, researchers, product managers, business analysts, and potentially data scientists.

• The reporting structure will likely involve a UX Lead or Manager, with close collaboration expected with Project Managers and Engineering Leads on specific client engagements. Methodology:

• Guidehouse emphasizes a user-centered and data-driven approach to consulting, aligning with modern digital product development best practices.

• Expect a blend of agile methodologies for project execution and structured consulting frameworks for client engagement and problem-solving.

• Emphasis on delivering measurable outcomes and driving tangible business impact for clients is a core tenet. Company Website:

• https://www.guidehouse.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Guidehouse's positioning as a consulting firm means the UX Designer will be client-facing and project-oriented. The culture is likely professional, results-driven, and focused on delivering high-quality solutions to complex problems for public sector and healthcare organizations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This UX Designer role is positioned at the entry to junior level (0-2 years of experience). It offers a foundational opportunity to gain practical experience in a professional consulting environment, working on significant projects for prominent clients. Reporting Structure:

• The UX Designer will likely report to a UX Lead or Manager within the Digital Consulting practice. They will work closely with project managers, business analysts, and engineering teams on assigned client projects, fostering cross-functional collaboration. Operations Impact:

• As a UX Designer, the impact is directly tied to the usability, accessibility, and overall effectiveness of the digital products developed for Guidehouse's clients. Successful designs improve user adoption, enhance client satisfaction, and contribute to the achievement of client objectives, thereby reinforcing Guidehouse's reputation and revenue. Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in specific areas like user research, interaction design, visual design, accessibility, or design systems.

• Client & Project Diversity: Gain exposure to a variety of clients and project types within the health and public sectors, broadening practical experience.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Progress to mentoring junior designers and potentially leading design efforts on smaller projects, preparing for more senior roles.

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities for further training, certifications, and learning through Guidehouse's extensive professional development programs.

• Career Paths: Potential progression to Senior UX Designer, UX Lead, Design Manager, or specialization in areas like UX Research or Product Strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Impact" is framed through the lens of consulting and client success. The growth opportunities highlight a structured path for development within Guidehouse's consulting framework, emphasizing both technical skill growth and potential leadership progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• This role is primarily on-site at Guidehouse's Tysons Corner (McLean, VA) headquarters. The office environment is expected to be professional, collaborative, and equipped to support consulting operations, including meeting spaces and potentially dedicated project areas. Office Location(s):

• The primary work location is Tysons Corner, VA, a major business hub in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, offering good accessibility and proximity to government agencies and related organizations. Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be a mix of individual focus areas and collaborative spaces designed for team interaction, client meetings, and design thinking sessions.

• Access to standard office technology, design software, and potentially specialized government-cleared environments will be provided.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with colleagues, project teams, and potentially clients will be frequent, fostering a dynamic work environment. Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time working hours (approximately 40 hours/week) are expected, with flexibility potentially available depending on project demands and team agreements. The on-site nature requires consistent presence at the designated office location.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement for this role is significant. Candidates should consider commute times and the collaborative nature of consulting work that necessitates in-person interaction. The Tysons Corner location places it within a vibrant tech and government contracting ecosystem.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and portfolios. Candidates with relevant experience and a strong portfolio will be contacted for an initial phone screen.

• Portfolio Presentation & Interview: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, walking through 1-2 case studies. This will be followed by a behavioral and technical interview focusing on UX principles, design process, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.

• Technical/Design Challenge: A design exercise or challenge may be administered, either take-home or during a live session, to assess practical design skills and problem-solving abilities.

• Final Interviews: Interviews with senior team members, potential managers, and stakeholders to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the role and client work.

• Background Check & Clearance: Upon offer, a comprehensive background check and process for obtaining the required Public Trust clearance will commence.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate your design process for each case study. Explain why you made certain decisions.

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

• Highlight Collaboration: Showcase how you worked with cross-functional teams (engineers, PMs, stakeholders) and managed feedback.

• Accessibility & Inclusivity: Explicitly mention how you incorporated accessibility (WCAG) and inclusive design principles.

• Tailor to Guidehouse: If possible, tailor your presentation to highlight experience relevant to Guidehouse's client sectors (health, public sector) or their known methodologies.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Prompt: Carefully read and understand any design challenge prompt, asking clarifying questions if needed.

• Time Management: Allocate your time wisely, balancing research, ideation, design, and presentation.

• Articulate Assumptions: Clearly state any assumptions you make during the challenge.

• Focus on Problem-Solving: Demonstrate your ability to break down a problem and apply UX principles to find a viable solution, even if it's not fully polished.

• Present Your Thinking: Be prepared to walk through your thought process and rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes the portfolio and the ability to articulate design thinking. Candidates should prepare to defend their design choices and demonstrate how they handle feedback and collaboration. The Public Trust clearance is a critical step that will occur post-offer.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch (proficiency in at least one is expected; Figma is increasingly becoming an industry standard).

• Wireframing & Flow Tools: Balsamiq, Miro, Lucidchart (for conceptualization and workflow mapping).

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom (for communication and remote collaboration).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics (familiarity is beneficial for understanding user behavior).

• Product Analytics: Mixpanel, Amplitude (for in-depth user behavior analysis).

• Data Visualization: Tableau, Power BI (useful for presenting design impact and user data).

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus for a UX Designer, familiarity with CRM systems like Salesforce or Microsoft Dynamics may be helpful for understanding the broader business context of client applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with Figma and Adobe XD is essential. Experience with collaboration tools and an understanding of analytics platforms are highly valuable for demonstrating a data-informed design approach and effective teamwork.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Focus: A strong emphasis on understanding client needs and delivering impactful solutions that drive client success.

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding ethical standards and building trust with clients and colleagues, especially critical given the public sector focus and need for clearances.

• Excellence & Innovation: Striving for high-quality outcomes and embracing innovative approaches to problem-solving.

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

• Impact-Driven: Focusing on delivering tangible results and measurable improvements for clients.

Collaboration Style:

• Guidehouse promotes a highly collaborative and cross-functional work environment. Expect to work closely with diverse teams, including technical experts, business analysts, and project managers.

• Open communication, active listening, and a willingness to share knowledge and provide constructive feedback are key to success.

• The consulting nature means adaptability and the ability to integrate seamlessly into client teams or project groups are important.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values align with a professional consulting firm's ethos, emphasizing client success, integrity, and teamwork. The collaborative style is crucial for a UX Designer who must work effectively with various disciplines to bring designs to life.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Diverse Client Needs: Adapting design approaches to meet the unique requirements and constraints of various health and public-sector clients.

• Government Regulations & Compliance: Navigating complex regulatory environments and ensuring designs meet stringent government standards, including accessibility.

• Balancing User Needs with Business/Technical Constraints: Finding optimal solutions that satisfy user experience goals while adhering to project budgets, timelines, and technical feasibility.

• Remote vs. On-site Dynamics: Effectively collaborating and maintaining design quality in a primarily on-site environment while potentially interacting with remote team members or clients.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Formal Training: Access to Guidehouse's extensive learning platforms for courses on design tools, methodologies, and industry trends.

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to learn from experienced designers and leaders within the organization.

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Potential for attending relevant UX and digital transformation events.

• On-the-Job Learning: Gaining practical experience on challenging projects with diverse client needs, fostering rapid skill development.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Learning from engineers, product managers, and business analysts to gain a holistic understanding of product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex challenges in critical sectors, which can be highly rewarding. The growth opportunities are substantial, leveraging Guidehouse's commitment to employee development within a structured consulting framework.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to user research: How do you identify user needs? What methods do you prefer and why?

• Explain your process for translating research findings into design solutions. Walk through a specific example from your portfolio.

• How do you incorporate accessibility (WCAG) into your design process from the outset?

• Describe a time you had to balance conflicting stakeholder requirements or feedback. How did you navigate it?

• How do you measure the success of your designs? What metrics do you track? Company & Culture Questions:

• Why are you interested in working for Guidehouse, specifically in the public and health sectors?

• What do you know about Guidehouse's work in digital consulting?

• How do you handle feedback on your designs?

• Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a collaborative culture.

• How do you stay updated on the latest UX trends and technologies? Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your case studies as a narrative – the problem, your journey (research, ideation, design), the solution, and the outcome.

• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes, user flows) to illustrate your points.

• Conciseness: Focus on the most critical aspects of each project. Be mindful of time.

• Your Role: Clearly define your specific contributions, especially if it was a team project.

• Q&A Ready: Anticipate questions about your decisions, challenges, and the impact of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should thoroughly research Guidehouse, their client sectors, and recent projects. Understanding the consulting mindset – client-focused, problem-solving, and collaborative – will be key to answering behavioral questions effectively.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Guidehouse careers portal via the provided URL.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight experience with user-centered design, research, prototyping, and accessibility, particularly any relevant work in government or healthcare.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 1+ years of professional experience, focusing on achievements and quantifiable results where possible. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and project contributions. Be ready to present your portfolio and answer behavioral questions related to collaboration, problem-solving, and client focus.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Guidehouse's mission, values, and their work within the digital consulting space, especially for public sector and health clients. Understand the importance of Public Trust clearance for this role.

⚠️ 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.