UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer

Company: Peraton

Location: Herndon, Virginia, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-25

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is focused on modernizing and consolidating the operational environment for the Department of State's Consular Systems Modernization (CSM) Program, impacting critical government services.

• The UX Designer will be instrumental in applying user-centered design and design thinking methodologies to create intuitive and compliant digital products.

• Key responsibilities include conducting user research, developing detailed user stories, and designing adaptive and responsive interfaces for web and mobile applications.

• A significant aspect of the role involves ensuring all digital solutions adhere to strict 508/Accessibility standards and the U.S. Web Design System (USWDS).

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "UX Designer," the context of modernizing government systems for the Department of State, involving complex enterprise software and strict compliance requirements (508/USWDS), suggests a strong emphasis on User Interface (UI) design alongside UX. The role also touches upon elements of Product Design and potentially Business Analysis due to the detailed user story and requirements elicitation. The "national security" and "mission capability integrator" aspects of Peraton indicate a high-stakes environment where design directly impacts operational effectiveness and security.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive user research, including requirements elicitation, field observations, heuristic evaluations, and usability testing, to deeply understand user needs and pain points within the Consular Systems Modernization program.

• Facilitate the product vision by conceptualizing, creating wireframes, developing visual designs, and building interactive prototypes for digital products, ensuring a user-centered approach.

• Design adaptive and responsive product concepts and prototypes for both web-based and mobile applications, leveraging modern design tools like Figma to deliver seamless user experiences across devices.

• Ensure all designed digital solutions are compliant with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and other relevant accessibility standards, promoting inclusivity and usability for all users.

• Adhere to and effectively implement the U.S. Web Design System (USWDS) guidelines, ensuring consistency, usability, and a standardized aesthetic across all government digital platforms.

• Develop detailed user stories with precise and descriptive acceptance criteria to clearly communicate design requirements and user needs to development teams.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including developers, product managers, and stakeholders, to translate user insights and business requirements into effective design solutions.

• Iterate on designs based on feedback from usability testing, stakeholder reviews, and user research to continuously improve the user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities strongly emphasize the practical application of UX principles within a government contracting environment. The need for detailed user stories and compliance with specific government standards (508, USWDS) indicates a role that requires meticulous attention to detail and a structured approach to design. The mention of "enterprise software modernization" suggests dealing with complex, large-scale systems rather than simple consumer-facing applications.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in UX design, with a strong focus on software development projects specializing in web and mobile-based applications. Experience modernizing and designing enterprise software systems is highly valued.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to apply Design Thinking and User-Centered Design (UCD) methodologies to create effective digital solutions.

• Extensive experience in conducting user research, including requirements elicitation, field observations, heuristic evaluations, and usability testing.

• Proficiency in conceptualizing, wireframing, visual design, and prototyping for digital products using industry-standard tools.

• Demonstrated experience designing adaptive and responsive UX solutions for both web and mobile applications.

• Strong understanding and practical experience in designing digital solutions compliant with Section 508 / Accessibility standards.

• Familiarity with the U.S. Web Design System (USWDS) and its application in government digital projects.

• Experience developing detailed user stories with precise and descriptive acceptance criteria.

• Proficiency with modern design platforms such as Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, ProtoPie, Mural, or Axure.

• Experience working within Agile software development environments and familiarity with tools like Jira, Git, and Jenkins.

• Active Secret (or higher) security clearance is mandatory; interim clearances are acceptable. Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing specifically for the Salesforce low-code platform.

• Advanced knowledge and hands-on application of the U.S. Web Design System (USWDS).

• Expert-level proficiency and advanced application of Figma for complex design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Secret clearance and experience with USWDS and 508 compliance are critical differentiators for this role, pointing towards a need for candidates familiar with government IT standards and security protocols. The preferred qualifications suggest a desire for specialists in Figma and Salesforce, indicating potential future project directions or existing system integrations. The "5-10 years" AI-derived experience level aligns well with the minimum 5 years requirement and the complexity of enterprise-level government projects.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a minimum of three (3) significant UX/UI design projects, showcasing a complete design lifecycle from research to final implementation.

• Include detailed case studies that highlight problem definition, user research methodologies employed, design decisions made, and the impact of those decisions on user experience and business objectives.

• Showcase examples of wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and final visual designs, with clear explanations of the rationale behind each artifact.

• Provide evidence of designing for accessibility (508 compliance) and adherence to design systems (like USWDS), with specific examples of how these were integrated and validated. Process Documentation:

• Showcase documentation of your design process, including how you approach user research, ideation, prototyping, and usability testing.

• Provide examples of how you have translated complex user requirements and business needs into actionable design specifications and user stories.

• Illustrate your approach to iterating on designs based on feedback and data, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement and optimization.

• Include examples of how you have collaborated with development teams and stakeholders to ensure successful implementation of design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role involving government systems and strict compliance, a portfolio that clearly articulates a structured and documented design process is crucial. Emphasis should be placed on projects where accessibility and adherence to established design systems were core requirements. Demonstrating the ability to translate complex requirements into clear user stories and design artifacts for enterprise systems will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $66,000 - $106,000 per year.

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.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and overtime pay, depending on the specific role and contract.

• Life insurance and disability coverage.

Working Hours: Typically 40 hours per week, standard business hours, with potential for overtime depending on project needs and contract requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $66,000 - $106,000 is considered moderate for a UX Designer with 5-10 years of experience in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, especially for roles requiring a security clearance and specialized government system experience. This range might be influenced by the specific contract the role is associated with. Benefits are standard for a company of Peraton's size and industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: National Security and Information Technology Services. Peraton operates as a mission capability integrator and enterprise IT provider, focusing on complex government and defense sector projects.

Company Size: Peraton is a large organization, employing thousands of individuals globally, with a significant presence in government contracting. This size implies structured processes, established career paths, and a wide array of resources.

Founded: Peraton was founded in 1947, giving it a long history of service and evolution within the defense and technology sectors. This longevity suggests stability and deep industry expertise.

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will likely be part of a larger IT or Digital Transformation team supporting the Department of State's Consular Systems Modernization (CSM) Program. This team is expected to be multidisciplinary, including project managers, developers, business analysts, and other technical specialists.

• Reporting is likely to a UX Lead, Design Manager, or a Program Manager overseeing the CSM initiative. The structure will be typical of large government contracting projects, emphasizing clear lines of responsibility and communication.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close work with the Department of State stakeholders, front-end developers, back-end engineers, and potentially QA testers to ensure seamless integration of design into the final product. Methodology:

• The team will likely employ a blend of Agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban) for iterative development, combined with a structured approach to user research and design as dictated by government standards.

• Data analysis will be crucial for informing design decisions, understanding user behavior, and measuring the effectiveness of implemented solutions.

• Workflow planning and optimization will be a continuous process, aiming to streamline development cycles and improve end-user satisfaction within the complex government IT landscape.

• Automation and efficiency practices will be encouraged where applicable, particularly in design handoff and integration with development workflows.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Peraton's focus on national security and government contracts means the company culture is likely professional, security-conscious, and mission-driven. The UX Designer role will be situated within a critical government program, demanding a high degree of rigor, adherence to standards, and collaboration with government personnel. The company's size and history suggest robust processes and opportunities for professional development within a stable environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an experienced individual contributor, likely mid-to-senior level, given the 5+ years of experience requirement and the complexity of enterprise-level government projects. The scope involves significant autonomy in design execution and contribution to strategic modernization efforts.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will report to a Design Lead or Program Manager within the CSM Program. Collaboration will extend across various functional teams within the program and potentially with Department of State representatives, requiring strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Operations Impact: The work of the UX Designer directly impacts the effectiveness, efficiency, and security of critical Department of State consular services. By modernizing user interfaces and improving usability, the role contributes to enhanced citizen services, reduced operational costs, and improved mission outcomes for a vital government agency. This role is central to translating complex government requirements into user-friendly digital experiences that support national security objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in government UX, USWDS, 508 compliance, or specific technologies like Salesforce.

• Leadership: Progress to a Senior UX Designer, UX Lead, or Design Manager role, overseeing projects and mentoring junior designers.

• Cross-functional: Transition into roles like Product Management, Business Analysis, or Enterprise Architecture within government IT programs.

• Skill Development: Access training and certifications in advanced design tools, UX research methodologies, or related fields through Peraton's professional development programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth potential is significant, particularly within the government contracting space. The emphasis on security clearance and specialized government design systems opens doors to more senior and impactful roles within Peraton and similar organizations. The role offers a chance to build a strong portfolio of high-impact government projects.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position, indicating a traditional office environment where collaboration and secure access to systems are prioritized. The office is located in Herndon, VA.

Office Location(s): Herndon, Virginia, a hub for technology and government contracting in the Northern Virginia region, offering access to a skilled talent pool and proximity to various government agencies.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, fostering interaction with development teams, project managers, and other designers.

• Access to modern design tools and technology stacks (Figma, Adobe CC, etc.) will be provided, enabling efficient workflow and creative output.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with the design team and cross-functional project members will be frequent, supporting knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is likely Monday through Friday, approximately 40 hours per week, aligning with typical government contracting hours. Some flexibility may be available, but the on-site nature suggests adherence to core office hours for maximum team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key aspect of this role, likely driven by the need for secure handling of sensitive government information and fostering close collaboration within the project team and with government stakeholders. The location in Herndon, VA, places the candidate within a vibrant tech ecosystem relevant to government IT.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications and conduct a preliminary screening, likely focusing on experience, clearance status, and basic qualifications.

• Technical Interview (Portfolio Review): Candidates will present their portfolio to a panel of hiring managers and senior designers. This will involve discussing past projects, design process, problem-solving approaches, and how they've addressed challenges like accessibility and design system adherence.

• Skills Assessment/Challenge: A practical exercise or case study may be given to assess problem-solving skills, design thinking, and application of specific tools or methodologies relevant to the role (e.g., designing a component adhering to USWDS).

• Behavioral Interview: Questions will focus on teamwork, communication, handling feedback, and cultural fit within Peraton and the specific project team.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership or key stakeholders from the Department of State to assess overall fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-4 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in UX/UI design, user research, and adherence to standards like 508 and USWDS.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the challenges you overcame, your design decisions, and the measurable impact or outcomes.

• Showcase Process: Detail your user research methods, wireframing, prototyping, and testing phases. Explain why you made certain design choices.

• Highlight Compliance: Specifically point out how you incorporated 508 accessibility guidelines and the USWDS into your designs. Provide concrete examples.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your design rationale, how you handle feedback, and your experience with Agile and government projects.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with the U.S. Web Design System (USWDS) and its core components and principles.

• Review common Section 508 accessibility requirements and how to design for them.

• Practice designing user flows or interfaces for government-related scenarios.

• Prepare to articulate your design process under time constraints and explain your decisions clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is critical for this role. Candidates must demonstrate not only design talent but also a deep understanding of government design constraints and requirements. The interview process is designed to assess both technical proficiency and the ability to operate effectively within a secure, regulated environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The primary tool for wireframing, prototyping, and visual design, with advanced capabilities for component-based design and collaboration.

• Adobe XD / Sketch: Potential secondary tools for design and prototyping, depending on legacy projects or team preferences.

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator): For image editing, asset creation, and graphic design tasks.

• ProtoPie / Axure: For creating high-fidelity, interactive prototypes, especially for complex user flows or animations.

• Mural / Miro: Collaborative whiteboarding tools for brainstorming, ideation, user journey mapping, and workshop facilitation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Jira: Used for tracking user stories, bugs, and project progress within an Agile framework.

• Confluence: For documentation, knowledge sharing, and project information management.

• Google Analytics / Adobe Analytics (or similar): Potentially used for understanding user behavior on live applications, though specific tools may vary.

CRM & Automation:

• Salesforce: Preferred for designing within or integrating with the Salesforce low-code platform, as indicated in preferred qualifications.

• Internal Government Systems: Familiarity with or ability to adapt to custom government-built platforms and workflows.

• Version Control (Git): For managing design assets and collaborating with development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is highly emphasized, with other tools serving as valuable additions. The mention of Jira and Git highlights the need for seamless integration with development workflows in an Agile setting. Experience with Salesforce is a plus, indicating potential integration points.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: A strong commitment to supporting national security missions and government objectives through effective technology solutions.

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding the highest ethical standards, particularly crucial when working with sensitive government data and systems.

• Excellence & Innovation: Striving for high-quality outcomes and seeking innovative solutions within the constraints of government requirements.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a cooperative environment where diverse teams work together to achieve common goals.

• Compliance & Security: Adhering strictly to security protocols and regulatory compliance standards (e.g., 508, FedRAMP considerations).

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where UX designers work hand-in-hand with developers, product managers, business analysts, and government stakeholders to ensure design alignment with technical feasibility and user needs.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback loops, design reviews, and iterative improvement based on input from all project members and end-users.

• Knowledge Sharing: Emphasis on sharing best practices, design patterns, and lessons learned, especially concerning government standards and efficient design workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Peraton, particularly within a government program, will likely be professional, results-oriented, and security-conscious. Values such as integrity, mission focus, and collaboration are paramount. Designers should be prepared for a structured environment where adherence to process and compliance is as important as creative problem-solving.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Government Requirements: Balancing user needs with stringent government regulations, security protocols, and established design systems (USWDS, 508 compliance).

• Legacy Systems Modernization: Designing for complex, often outdated enterprise systems requires deep analysis and strategic phasing to ensure a smooth transition.

• Stakeholder Management: Effectively managing expectations and gathering requirements from diverse government stakeholders with potentially differing priorities.

• Agile within Government: Adapting Agile methodologies to the pace and procurement processes often found in government projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to training on advanced UX techniques, accessibility standards, and specific government design systems.

• Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend relevant conferences focused on UX, government IT, or national security technology.

• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from senior designers or leaders within Peraton's extensive network.

• Certification Support: Company support for obtaining relevant professional certifications in UX, design, or project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a significant opportunity to gain specialized expertise in designing for the public sector, a field with high demand and unique challenges. Overcoming these challenges will lead to valuable experience in navigating complex regulatory environments and contributing to mission-critical government systems.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex enterprise system you've helped modernize. What were the biggest UX challenges, and how did you address them?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and impact.)

• "How do you ensure your designs meet Section 508 accessibility requirements? Can you walk us through an example?" (Highlight specific methods, tools, and outcomes.)

• "Walk us through your process for using a design system like USWDS. What are the benefits and potential pitfalls?" (Demonstrate practical application and understanding.)

• "How do you balance user needs with technical constraints and government requirements?" (Showcase strategic thinking and negotiation skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for Peraton and specifically on the Department of State CSM program?" (Research Peraton's mission and the CSM program's goals.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or conflicting feedback from stakeholders?" (Demonstrate resilience, communication, and collaborative problem-solving.)

• "Describe your experience working within an Agile development environment." (Prepare examples of your role and contributions in Agile sprints.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically: Introduction (problem/goal), Your Role, Process (Research, Ideation, Design, Testing), Solution (Key Screens/Prototypes), Impact/Outcomes, and Lessons Learned.

• Highlight Key Artifacts: Clearly present wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and final UI designs. Explain the rationale behind each.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved task completion rates, reduced error rates, positive user feedback).

• Emphasize Compliance: Dedicate time to showing how your designs meet 508/Accessibility standards and adhere to USWDS.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, trade-offs made, and your problem-solving approach for challenging aspects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize your ability to apply UX principles within a government context. Be prepared to discuss your experience with compliance standards (508, USWDS), your approach to user research in complex environments, and how you collaborate with technical and government stakeholders. A well-prepared portfolio that showcases these aspects is paramount.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Peraton careers portal.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight keywords and experiences directly related to UX/UI design, user research, 508 compliance, USWDS, Agile methodologies, and any experience with government projects or enterprise software modernization. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare your portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, showcases relevant projects (especially those involving complex systems or compliance requirements), and is easily accessible. Have a clear narrative for each project.

• Practice your interview responses: Rehearse answers to common UX interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples and technical explanations related to the job description. Be ready to articulate your design process and problem-solving approach.

• Research Peraton and the CSM Program: Understand Peraton's mission, values, and the goals of the Consular Systems Modernization Program to demonstrate genuine interest and alignment during your interview.

⚠️ 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.