UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer

Company: Peraton

Location: Herndon, Virginia, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: UX/UI Design & Product Development

Date Posted: April 29, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive user-centered design initiatives for enterprise software modernization, focusing on improving user experience and system efficiency.

• Conduct comprehensive user research, including requirements elicitation, field observations, and usability testing to inform design decisions.

• Develop digital product concepts, wireframes, visual designs, and interactive prototypes for web and mobile applications using modern design tools.

• Ensure all digital solutions adhere to Section 508/Accessibility standards and the U.S. Web Design System (USWDS) guidelines.

• Collaborate within an Agile development environment to deliver high-quality, user-friendly software solutions for critical government programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for the modernization of the Department of State's Consular Systems Modernization (CSM) Program. The UX Designer will be instrumental in translating complex user needs into intuitive and accessible digital interfaces, directly impacting the efficiency and effectiveness of critical government services. The emphasis on Section 508, USWDS, and Agile methodologies indicates a need for a designer adept at working within established government frameworks and fast-paced development cycles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Apply Design Thinking and User-Centered Design (UCD) methodologies to create intuitive and effective solutions for diverse user groups.

• Execute user research activities, including stakeholder interviews, user surveys, contextual inquiries, and usability testing sessions to gather insights and validate design concepts.

• Translate user needs and business requirements into compelling product visions through concept development, wireframing, visual design mockups, and interactive prototypes.

• Design adaptive and responsive user interfaces for both web-based and mobile applications, ensuring seamless user experiences across various devices and screen sizes.

• Create digital solutions that meet or exceed Section 508/Accessibility standards, ensuring inclusivity for all users.

• Implement designs that align with the U.S. Web Design System (USWDS), ensuring consistency and adherence to federal design guidelines.

• Develop detailed user stories with precise and descriptive acceptance criteria to facilitate clear communication and development.

• Utilize modern design tools such as Figma for collaborative design, prototyping, and handoff to development teams.

• Participate actively in Agile ceremonies (sprint planning, daily stand-ups, sprint reviews) to contribute design expertise and ensure alignment with development progress.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic design thinking and hands-on execution. The emphasis on "satisfy both explicit and implicit requirements" suggests a need for a designer who can uncover user needs beyond stated requests. The requirement for detailed user stories with acceptance criteria points to a strong collaboration with Product Owners and Scrum Masters in an Agile setting, ensuring designs are actionable for developers.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in UX design, with a strong focus on software development projects, particularly for web and mobile applications.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in designing adaptive and responsive UX solutions for software development projects.

• Demonstrated expertise in designing digital solutions compliant with Section 508 / Accessibility standards.

• Experience in modernizing and designing enterprise-level software systems, encompassing both web and mobile platforms.

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

• Demonstrated ability to develop detailed user stories with precise and descriptive acceptance criteria.

• Familiarity with Agile software development methodologies and tools such as Jira, Git, and Jenkins.

• Experience with industry-standard design and prototyping platforms like Figma, Adobe XD, Adobe CC, Sketch, ProtoPie, Mural, and Axure.

• Knowledge of Design Systems, including US Web Design (USWDS), Apple Human Interface Guidelines (HIG), Google Material Design, or IBM Carbon Design System.

• U.S. Citizenship required.

Preferred Skills:

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

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

• Advanced proficiency and extensive experience utilizing Figma for complex design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level (5+ years) combined with the need for security clearance and government system design experience suggests this role is for a mid-to-senior level UX Designer. The extensive list of preferred tools and design systems indicates the company values breadth of experience but places a high emphasis on Figma and USWDS. The explicit mention of Salesforce low-code platform experience as preferred hints at potential future project directions or integrations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct projects that demonstrate end-to-end UX design process, from initial research to final design artifacts.

• Projects should highlight experience with government or complex enterprise software systems, emphasizing user needs and system constraints.

• Include examples of user research methodologies employed, such as journey maps, personas, usability test reports, and heuristic evaluations.

• Present wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups, clearly articulating design decisions and rationale.

• Demonstrate a strong understanding and application of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG, Section 508) within design solutions.

Process Documentation:

• Provide documentation or case studies detailing your approach to user research, including how insights were gathered and integrated into the design process.

• Illustrate your workflow for ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and user testing phases, showing the iterative nature of your design process.

• Include examples of how you've applied design systems, specifically USWDS or similar, to ensure consistency and efficiency in design.

• Detail your experience in collaborating with development teams, including handoff processes and how you've ensured design fidelity in implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role involving government projects and strict compliance standards, the portfolio must strongly emphasize process and compliance. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their thought process for each project, demonstrating how they navigated complex requirements, user research findings, and accessibility considerations. A portfolio that clearly shows the application of USWDS principles will be highly advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $66,000 - $106,000 per year. This range reflects the typical compensation for a UX Designer with 5-10 years of experience in the Herndon, VA area, considering the specified responsibilities and requirements. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as the candidate's specific experience, expertise, education, and the overall scope of the role within Peraton's contractual obligations.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

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

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

• Potential for professional development and training opportunities.

• Life and disability insurance coverage.

• Employee assistance program (EAP).

• Opportunities for bonuses and overtime pay, as applicable by contract.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week. While the core hours are standard business hours, flexibility may be offered based on project needs and team collaboration, especially within the Agile framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is an estimate based on industry benchmarks for UX Designers with 5-10 years of experience in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, a region known for its competitive tech and government contracting market. This range also accounts for the specific requirements of government clearance and specialized design system knowledge. The note about overtime, shift differential, and discretionary bonuses suggests that compensation can exceed the base salary, which is common for government contract roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Peraton operates within the National Security sector, focusing on providing mission-critical technology and IT solutions to government agencies. This industry demands high levels of security, reliability, and adherence to stringent compliance standards.

Company Size: Peraton is a large enterprise, employing thousands of individuals globally. This size indicates ample resources, structured processes, and potential for diverse career paths, but also means navigating a larger corporate environment.

Founded: Peraton has a history rooted in government contracting, evolving through acquisitions and strategic growth. This heritage suggests a deep understanding of government client needs and operational environments.

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will likely be part of a larger program team focused on the Department of State's Consular Systems Modernization (CSM) Program.

• The immediate team may include other designers, developers, business analysts, project managers, and subject matter experts.

• Reporting is expected to be to a UX Lead, Program Manager, or a functional manager within the design discipline, with close collaboration across different technical and functional teams.

Methodology:

• The program operates under an Agile software development methodology, requiring iterative design and development cycles.

• Data analysis and insights from user research and usability testing will be central to informing design decisions and measuring success.

• Workflow planning and optimization will be ongoing, as the program aims for continuous improvement and modernization of systems.

• Automation and efficiency practices will be leveraged where possible to streamline processes and enhance user experience.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Peraton's focus on national security and government contracts implies a culture that values security, precision, and compliance. For a UX Designer, this means understanding that user needs must be balanced with stringent security protocols and regulatory requirements (like Section 508). The "mission capability integrator" positioning suggests a problem-solving, results-oriented environment where design directly contributes to mission success.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This UX Designer role is positioned at a mid-to-senior level, requiring at least five years of experience. It involves taking ownership of significant design responsibilities within a large-scale government modernization program. The role demands not just execution but also the ability to apply strategic design thinking and contribute to the overall product vision.

Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a lead UX designer or a program management lead within the CSM program. Close collaboration with cross-functional teams (development, business analysis, QA) is expected, providing exposure to various project facets and stakeholders.

Operations Impact: The work directly impacts the efficiency, usability, and effectiveness of critical Department of State systems used by consular services. Successful UX design will lead to improved user productivity, reduced errors, enhanced citizen services, and greater operational efficiency for the government.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in government design systems (USWDS), accessibility compliance, or specific platform design (like Salesforce).

• Leadership: Progress into a Senior UX Designer role, Lead UX Designer, or UX Manager, taking on more strategic responsibilities and mentoring junior designers.

• Skill Expansion: Gain experience in related areas such as UI development, product management, or user research specializations through project involvement and company-provided training.

• Cross-Program Mobility: Leverage experience on the CSM program to move into other large-scale government IT modernization projects within Peraton.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific government systems and compliance standards means that growth within this role will likely involve deepening expertise in these niche areas, which are highly valued in the government contracting space. The opportunity to work on "missions of consequence" can be a significant motivator for professionals seeking impactful work.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is based in an on-site office environment in Herndon, VA. It is likely a professional office setting common in the government contracting industry, potentially within a secure facility if the program requires it.

Office Location(s): Herndon, Virginia, a hub for technology and government contracting firms in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. This location offers access to a skilled talent pool and is close to federal agencies.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be designed for collaboration, with access to meeting rooms, whiteboarding facilities, and potentially dedicated project spaces.

• Expect access to standard office technology and potentially specialized design software and hardware required for prototyping and user testing.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with program managers, developers, and other team members will be frequent, fostering a collaborative and communicative work environment.

• Given the government contract nature, there might be specific protocols regarding access, data handling, and security within the workspace.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is typically 40 hours per week. While adherence to core business hours is expected, the Agile methodology may allow for some flexibility in daily scheduling, provided project needs and team collaboration are maintained.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is typical for roles involving sensitive government projects that necessitate secure environments and direct, real-time collaboration. Candidates should be prepared for a structured office environment and potentially strict security 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 interest.

• Technical Interview / Portfolio Review: This is a critical stage where a hiring manager or senior UX team member will review your portfolio. Be prepared to walk through 2-3 key projects, explaining your process, design decisions, challenges, and outcomes. Expect questions about your experience with user research, prototyping tools (especially Figma), accessibility, and USWDS.

• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: Further discussion with the hiring manager and potential team members to assess your fit with the team's culture, your problem-solving approach, and your understanding of government design challenges.

• Security Clearance Verification: The process will involve verification of U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain/maintain a Secret clearance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your experience with enterprise systems, government-relevant design (USWDS, accessibility), and your proficiency with Figma.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your process (research, ideation, design, testing), the solutions you developed, and the impact of your work. Use visuals effectively (user flows, wireframes, mockups, prototypes).

• Highlight Compliance: Explicitly detail how you addressed Section 508/accessibility requirements and adhered to USWDS guidelines in your projects.

• Demonstrate Process: Show your iterative design process, including how you incorporated user feedback and adapted designs based on testing or stakeholder input.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, trade-offs made, and how you collaborated with developers and other stakeholders.

Challenge Preparation:

• While not explicitly stated, be prepared for a potential design challenge or case study. This might involve analyzing a hypothetical user problem and outlining your approach to solving it, or critiquing an existing interface.

• Focus on demonstrating your ability to think critically, apply design principles, and articulate your reasoning clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The success of your application will heavily rely on your portfolio. Ensure it is well-organized, visually appealing, and clearly demonstrates your relevant skills and experience, particularly concerning government standards and tools like Figma and USWDS. Be ready to articulate your design thinking process in detail.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Expected to be the primary tool for wireframing, prototyping, and visual design, requiring advanced proficiency.

• Adobe Creative Suite (CC): Likely used for graphics, image editing, or specific visual design tasks (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator).

• Prototyping Tools: Experience with tools like ProtoPie, Axure, or similar for creating interactive prototypes will be beneficial.

• Collaboration Tools: Familiarity with Mural or similar digital whiteboarding tools for ideation and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Jira: Essential for Agile project management, tracking user stories, bugs, and sprint progress.

• Salesforce (Preferred): Experience designing for or with Salesforce platforms, particularly its low-code capabilities, is a plus.

• Git: Familiarity with version control systems for managing design assets or collaborating with development workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is paramount for this role. The company's investment in modern design tools suggests a forward-thinking approach to UX, despite operating within government constraints. Understanding how these tools integrate into an Agile workflow, especially with Jira, is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: A strong emphasis on contributing to national security missions and delivering value to government clients.

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding high ethical standards and maintaining trust with clients and team members.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across diverse teams to achieve shared objectives.

• Innovation & Excellence: Striving for high-quality solutions and continuous improvement in processes and deliverables.

• Compliance & Security: Adherence to strict security protocols and regulatory requirements.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where designers work closely with developers, business analysts, project managers, and subject matter experts.

• Agile Mindset: A culture that embraces iterative development, feedback loops, and adaptability to changing requirements.

• Open Communication: Encouragement of clear and frequent communication to ensure alignment and resolve issues efficiently.

• Data-Driven Decisions: A preference for design choices informed by user research, usability testing, and analytics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely reflects the demands of the government contracting sector, emphasizing reliability, security, and mission accomplishment. For a UX Designer, this means balancing user advocacy with the practicalities of government systems and security requirements.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Government Constraints: Balancing user needs with strict government regulations, security protocols, and legacy system limitations.

• Adherence to Standards: Consistently applying Section 508/Accessibility and USWDS guidelines across all design outputs.

• Complex Stakeholder Landscape: Managing expectations and gathering requirements from diverse stakeholder groups within a large government program.

• Agile Pace: Adapting to the fast-paced nature of Agile development while maintaining a high standard of UX quality.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Government Design Training: Deepen knowledge of USWDS, accessibility standards, and best practices for government UX.

• Certification Programs: Pursue certifications in UX, Agile methodologies, or specific design tools.

• Mentorship: Benefit from guidance from senior UX professionals and program leaders.

• Exposure to Large-Scale Projects: Gain invaluable experience on significant government modernization initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in government UX roles. Success will depend on a candidate's ability to be adaptable, resourceful, and adept at navigating complex requirements while advocating for the user. The growth opportunities are significant for those who excel in this environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex government system you've designed for. What were the key challenges, and how did you address them?" (Focus on your process, USWDS, accessibility, and stakeholder management.)

• "How do you balance user needs with strict security and compliance requirements in your designs?" (Highlight your understanding of trade-offs and how you advocate for users within constraints.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Peraton and on the Department of State's CSM program?" (Show genuine interest in the mission and the impact of the work.)

• "How have you incorporated USWDS or other design systems into your work? What are the benefits and challenges?" (Demonstrate practical experience and understanding of design systems.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your specific role, your design process, the solutions you created, and the outcomes or lessons learned.

• Emphasize Process Over Pixels: While visual examples are crucial, focus on explaining why you made certain design decisions and how your process led to those decisions.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out where you applied user research, wireframing, prototyping (especially Figma), USWDS, and accessibility principles.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, use metrics or user feedback to demonstrate the positive impact of your design solutions.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate detailed questions about your choices, challenges, and how you collaborated with others.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a blend of strong UX fundamentals, practical experience with relevant tools and standards (Figma, USWDS, 508), and an understanding of the unique challenges of government contracting. Your ability to articulate your process and demonstrate impact will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight experience with government projects, enterprise software modernization, user research, Figma, USWDS, and Section 508/Accessibility compliance.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 5+ years of relevant experience, using keywords from the job description, and details your accomplishments with quantifiable results where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice walking through your portfolio projects, focusing on your design process, problem-solving skills, and experience with government-specific design requirements. Be ready to discuss your familiarity with Agile methodologies and tools like Jira.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Peraton's mission, values, and recent projects, particularly those related to government IT modernization. Understand the context of the Department of State's CSM Program to demonstrate your alignment and interest.

⚠️ 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.