UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer

Company: SAIC

Location: Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Government Contracting

Date Posted: 2026-08-11T19:37:59

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and deliver comprehensive user experience (UX) solutions, encompassing wireframes, prototypes, and interaction models, for complex software suites operating in both cloud and tactical edge environments.

• Translate intricate user research findings and critical operational requirements into intuitive interface designs that optimize end-user task performance, reduce cognitive load, and minimize training needs.

• Serve as the principal design authority, ensuring Human System Integration (HSI) principles and best-in-class UI/UX practices are integrated throughout the entire software development lifecycle (SDLC).

• Conduct usability evaluations and validation across various security domains, focusing on navigation, workflow efficiency, data visualization, symbology rendering, and overall user satisfaction against stringent operational demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is clearly focused on a high-impact UX design position within a government contracting context, specifically supporting defense modernization. The emphasis on "mission-critical," "modular, adaptable software suite," and "warfighting functions" indicates a need for UX professionals who can translate complex military operational needs into functional and user-friendly digital interfaces. The mention of "cloud and tactical edge environments" and "Denied, Degraded, Intermittent, and Low Bandwidth (DDIL) environments" highlights the need for adaptability and design expertise in challenging operational settings. The contingent award status in Fall 2026 suggests a forward-looking role with significant potential.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop end-to-end UX design deliverables, including detailed wireframes, interactive prototypes, robust interaction models, and precise high-fidelity design specifications.

• Conduct and leverage user research, operational requirements analysis, and mission context to inform designs that enhance user efficiency and reduce cognitive burden for operational end-users.

• Collaborate closely with UX researchers, requirements analysts, and development teams to embed Human System Integration (HSI) principles and UI/UX best practices into every phase of the SDLC.

• Perform comprehensive usability evaluations and validation of platform interfaces, assessing aspects such as navigation, workflow efficiency, data visualization, symbology rendering, and overall user experience.

• Design and validate tactical edge interface configurations, specifically addressing the unique challenges of operations in DDIL environments, including constrained hardware and high-stress operational contexts.

• Actively participate in product demonstrations, design reviews, and agile development cycles, providing rapid design iterations and user-centered assessments.

• Engage with vendors, partners, field researchers, and government stakeholders to ensure design solutions are grounded in validated research and accurately translated into verifiable interface requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities outline a full-spectrum UX role, from initial concept and research translation to detailed design, validation, and stakeholder collaboration. The emphasis on military operational contexts, DDIL environments, and HSI principles requires a candidate with experience beyond typical consumer or enterprise UX. The need to "design and validate tactical edge interface configurations" is a critical differentiator for this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical or design discipline (e.g., Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, Graphic Design, Information Architecture).

• Master's degree in a relevant technical or design discipline is preferred. Experience:

• Minimum of eight (8) years of progressive UX design experience.

• A minimum of three (3) years of experience specifically supporting defense or military programs is required.

• Demonstrated experience designing and delivering UX solutions for complex software systems.

• Experience working in agile development environments (e.g., Scrum, SAFe).

• Proficiency in designing for challenging operational environments, including cloud and tactical edge, and DDIL conditions. Required Skills:

• Expertise in UX Design principles and methodologies.

• Proficiency in creating wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups.

• Strong understanding of Human System Integration (HSI) principles and UI/UX best practices.

• Experience with user research methodologies and translating findings into design solutions.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including developers, product managers, and stakeholders.

• Active Secret clearance is mandatory. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with data visualization techniques and tools.

• Familiarity with military symbology standards and applications.

• Knowledge of Section 508 compliance requirements.

• Experience with various design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD.

• Familiarity with tactical communications and networking concepts.

• Experience designing for user interfaces in Denied, Degraded, Intermittent, and Low Bandwidth (DDIL) environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements are specific, demanding significant time in UX design, with a crucial focus on defense/military programs. The active Secret clearance is a non-negotiable requirement that will filter candidates. The preferred skills highlight the specialized nature of this role, pointing towards a need for candidates familiar with military-specific design challenges like symbology and DDIL environments.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstration of End-to-End UX Process: Showcase projects that clearly illustrate your process from initial research and concept development through wireframing, prototyping, user testing, and final design specifications.

• Complex System Design Examples: Include case studies of designing user experiences for complex software systems, ideally with a focus on mission-critical applications or enterprise-level solutions.

• Military/Defense Contextualization: Prioritize projects or highlight aspects of projects that demonstrate an understanding of military operational environments, user needs, and constraints, if possible.

• DDIL Environment Considerations: If applicable, include examples where you've designed for constrained environments or addressed challenges related to limited bandwidth, connectivity, or hardware.

• Usability & HSI Focus: Present projects that emphasize how you’ve applied Human System Integration (HSI) principles or improved usability, reduced cognitive load, and optimized task performance.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design and Optimization: Provide examples of how you've mapped out complex user workflows and designed interfaces to streamline them, reducing steps and improving efficiency.

• Prototyping and Iteration: Showcase your ability to create functional prototypes for user testing and demonstrate how iterative feedback informed your design decisions.

• Metrics and Validation: Include examples of how you've measured the success of your designs, whether through user testing metrics, performance improvements, or stakeholder feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond pretty mockups to demonstrate a deep understanding of the UX process, the ability to handle complexity, and ideally, experience with the specific challenges of military UX. Highlighting HSI and DDIL considerations will be key differentiators.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the 10+ years of experience requirement, the specialized nature of defense/military UX, the need for an active Secret clearance, and the location in Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, a competitive salary range for this role is estimated between $120,000 - $165,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior UX Designers in government contracting roles within the Maryland region, considering the specific technical demands and security requirements. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance.

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match.

• Paid Time Off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Professional Development Opportunities, including training, certifications, and conference attendance.

• Potential for bonuses and performance-based incentives.

• Life Insurance and Disability Coverage.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility may be available, but the role is primarily on-site at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, requiring consistent presence for collaboration and customer engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: A specific salary range has been estimated due to the lack of explicit information. This range reflects the seniority, specialized skills (defense UX, DDIL), and security clearance requirement common in government contracting roles in this region. The benefits listed are standard for a large corporation like SAIC.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology and Defense Contracting. SAIC is a major player in providing integrated technology solutions for government and defense clients, focusing on areas like mission IT, enterprise IT, and engineering services.

Company Size: Approximately 23,000 employees. This indicates a large, established organization with structured processes and opportunities for diverse career paths.

Founded: SAIC was founded in 1969. This long history suggests stability, deep domain knowledge, and established relationships within the defense sector.

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will likely be part of a larger engineering or software development team, potentially within a dedicated UX/UI practice or embedded within specific program teams.

• Reporting structure will likely be to a UX Lead, Engineering Manager, or Program Manager, with close collaboration across software developers, systems engineers, requirements analysts, and potentially UX researchers.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone, requiring seamless interaction with diverse technical and operational stakeholders across different security domains and potentially geographically dispersed teams. Methodology:

• SAIC emphasizes a mission-driven approach, integrating emerging technology rapidly and securely into critical national imperatives.

• Expect a blend of Agile methodologies (Scrum, SAFe) for software development, with a strong focus on User-Centered Design (UCD) principles and Human Systems Integration (HSI) to meet stringent government requirements.

• Data-driven decision-making will be crucial, leveraging user research, operational feedback, and performance metrics to inform design and development.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: SAIC's background as a major defense contractor implies a culture that values mission success, security, and adherence to rigorous standards. The scale of the company suggests a structured environment with opportunities for professional growth, but also a need for individuals who can navigate larger organizational processes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a Senior UX Designer position, potentially moving towards Lead UX Designer or Principal UX Architect roles within SAIC's defense programs. It requires significant autonomy and the ability to influence design strategy.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will likely report to a direct manager within the UX/engineering function, with strong dotted-line reporting or close collaboration with program managers and key government stakeholders. This structure emphasizes both technical expertise and stakeholder alignment.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's impact is critical to the success of the software suite, directly influencing the operational effectiveness, efficiency, and safety of warfighters. Their work bridges the gap between complex military requirements and user-friendly technology, thereby enhancing mission outcomes and reducing risk.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in areas like tactical edge UX, DDIL design, advanced data visualization, or specific military symbology standards.

• Leadership Development: Transition into a UX Lead role, managing design teams, mentoring junior designers, and taking ownership of larger design initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Expand knowledge into related fields such as Human Factors Engineering, Systems Engineering, or Program Management within defense contracting.

• Advanced Clearance: Opportunity to work on programs requiring higher security clearances (e.g., TS/SCI) if applicable and desired.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential within the defense sector. The emphasis is on becoming a subject matter expert in military UX and potentially moving into leadership roles where strategic design direction is key.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site at a customer facility at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), MD. This suggests a professional, potentially secure government facility environment.

Office Location(s): 6145 Guardian Gateway, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005. This location is a major hub for Army research, development, and engineering.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be collaborative, requiring frequent interaction with development teams, engineers, and potentially government personnel.

• Access to standard office technology, design software, and potentially specialized hardware or simulation environments relevant to tactical operations will be available.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with end-users and stakeholders will be high, facilitating a user-centered design process.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with the possibility of extended hours during critical project phases or demonstrations. The on-site requirement necessitates adherence to facility access and security protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement at APG is a critical factor. This environment is geared towards defense R&D and requires a professional demeanor and adherence to security protocols. Collaboration will be a key aspect of the daily work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will likely conduct an initial call to assess basic qualifications, clearance status, and interest.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager focusing on experience, technical skills, and cultural fit. Expect questions about your UX process and relevant project experience.

• Technical/Design Review: A deep dive into your portfolio. Be prepared to walk through 2-3 key projects, explaining your process, design decisions, challenges, and outcomes. This may involve a specific design exercise or case study presentation.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with potential team members (developers, engineers) and possibly key government stakeholders to assess collaboration skills and understanding of operational context.

• Final Offer: Contingent upon background check and final approvals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your ability to handle complex systems, military/defense context (if possible), and the full UX lifecycle. Prioritize quality over quantity.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the design solutions you proposed, the rationale behind your decisions, and the measurable impact or outcome.

• Highlight DDIL/Tactical Edge: If you have relevant experience, explicitly call out how you addressed constraints like low bandwidth, intermittent connectivity, or limited hardware.

• Focus on HSI: Demonstrate your understanding of Human System Integration and how your designs improve user performance, reduce cognitive load, and enhance safety.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Expect questions about specific tools, methodologies, and how you handle trade-offs in design.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: Be ready for a potential design exercise, which might involve a problem statement related to military operations or a complex workflow. Focus on your approach, not just the final output.

• Problem-Solving: Prepare to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical UX challenge within the context of a defense program.

• Stakeholder Communication: Practice articulating complex design concepts clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on demonstrating practical UX skills through a portfolio review and potentially a design challenge. Emphasizing the specific requirements of defense UX and DDIL environments will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD is expected. Candidates should be able to demonstrate advanced usage for creating wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups.

• Collaboration & Project Management: Familiarity with tools like Jira, Confluence, or similar platforms for agile development workflows, task tracking, and documentation.

• User Research Tools: Experience with tools for surveys, interviews, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, SurveyMonkey, Lookback).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary data analyst role, understanding how to interpret user analytics and performance metrics to inform design decisions is beneficial. Experience with analytics platforms may be a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this UX role, but understanding how UX integrates with broader software systems is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core tools will be design and prototyping software. Experience with agile project management tools is also highly relevant given the SDLC context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: A strong commitment to supporting critical national defense missions and ensuring the success of the warfighter.

• Integrity and Security: Upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and adhering strictly to security protocols and clearances.

• Innovation and Adaptability: Embracing new technologies and methodologies to solve complex challenges, particularly in dynamic and constrained environments.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued and cross-functional teamwork is paramount.

• Excellence and Quality: Striving for high-quality design solutions that are robust, reliable, and meet rigorous operational requirements.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a highly collaborative environment where UX designers work closely with engineers, developers, product managers, and government stakeholders.

• Open communication, constructive feedback, and a willingness to iterate based on team input and user validation are essential.

• Knowledge sharing through design reviews, documentation, and potentially internal brown-bag sessions is likely encouraged.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at SAIC, particularly on defense programs, will likely emphasize professionalism, adherence to process, and a shared commitment to mission success. Collaboration will be key, requiring strong communication and interpersonal skills.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Requirements: The primary challenge will be translating intricate, often abstract, military operational requirements into intuitive and effective user interfaces.

• DDIL Environment Design: Designing for Denied, Degraded, Intermittent, and Low Bandwidth (DDIL) environments requires creative problem-solving to ensure usability and functionality under extreme constraints.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Managing expectations and gaining consensus among diverse stakeholders, including military end-users, program managers, and technical teams.

• Rapid Iteration: Adapting to fast-paced agile development cycles and providing timely design solutions while maintaining high quality.

• Security and Compliance: Ensuring all designs meet stringent government security standards and accessibility requirements (e.g., Section 508).

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized UX Training: Opportunities to attend advanced UX workshops, conferences, and certifications focused on defense, military UX, or specific design tools.

• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from senior UX leads or Human Factors experts within SAIC.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gaining exposure to systems engineering, software development processes, and military operational concepts.

• Career Advancement: Clear pathways for progression into senior design, lead, or management roles within SAIC's extensive portfolio of programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents unique challenges related to the defense sector and DDIL environments, offering significant opportunities for specialized skill development and career growth within a large, stable organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design for a complex, mission-critical system. What were the key challenges, and how did you address them?" (Focus on your process, problem-solving, and impact).

• "How would you approach designing a user interface for operators working in a Denied, Degraded, Intermittent, and Low Bandwidth (DDIL) environment? What specific considerations would you prioritize?" (Demonstrate understanding of constraints and adaptive design).

• "Walk us through your process for translating user research and operational requirements into actionable design solutions. Provide a specific example." (Highlight your end-to-end UX methodology).

• "How do you ensure your designs align with Human System Integration (HSI) principles and improve user performance and reduce cognitive load?" (Showcase your understanding of HSI and user-centered metrics). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for SAIC and specifically on this defense modernization program?" (Research SAIC's mission and connect it to your motivations).

• "How do you collaborate with software developers and engineers? Describe a situation where you had to resolve design disagreements." (Emphasize teamwork and communication).

• "What is your understanding of the importance of data visualization and military symbology in operational systems?" (Show your domain awareness). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your role, the user(s), the constraints, your design process (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), key design decisions, and the resulting impact or lessons learned.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., "reduced task completion time by X%", "improved user satisfaction scores by Y%").

• Highlight DDIL/Tactical Edge: If you have relevant examples, make sure to explicitly discuss the unique challenges and solutions for these environments.

• Engage Your Audience: Be enthusiastic, ask clarifying questions, and be prepared to discuss your work in detail.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on articulating your UX process, demonstrating problem-solving skills relevant to defense contexts, and showcasing your portfolio with a clear narrative.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud portal link.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight your experience in UX design, particularly any defense or military program support, and ensure keywords like "wireframing," "prototyping," "HSI," "DDIL environments," and "Secret clearance" are prominent.

• Prepare your portfolio: Curate 2-3 impactful projects that demonstrate your end-to-end UX process, complex system design capabilities, and ideally, experience with military operational contexts or constrained environments. Be ready to present these in detail.

• Research SAIC: Understand SAIC's mission, its role in defense contracting, and its commitment to technology and innovation. This will help you articulate your interest and cultural fit.

• Practice interview answers: Prepare to discuss your UX process, design decisions, and how you handle challenges, especially those related to complex systems and challenging operational environments.

⚠️ 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.