UX Designer (Secret or TS Clearance Required)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer (Secret or TS Clearance Required)

Company: ICF

Location: Nationwide Remote Office (US99)

Job Type: Full time

Category: UX/UI Design, Government Technology Services

Date Posted: 2026-08-20

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: Fully Remote (US-based)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the modernization of federal legacy systems through human-centered UX/UI design principles within Agile and DevSecOps environments.

• Translate complex mission requirements and technical constraints into intuitive digital solutions for enterprise users.

• Conduct and leverage usability testing and UX research to inform iterative design improvements and enhance user satisfaction.

• Analyze UX metrics to guide data-driven design decisions and contribute to product prioritization for continuous improvement.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in SAFe Agile delivery environments to ensure seamless integration of UX into the development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is highly specialized, focusing on the application of UX/UI design within a federal government contracting context. The emphasis on modernization of legacy systems, adherence to federal standards (Section 508, USWDS), and the requirement for security clearances are critical differentiators. The "Nationwide Remote Office" designation, coupled with the explicit restriction of working from foreign locations or using personal VPNs, underscores the need for candidates to be U.S.-based and compliant with federal regulations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Apply human-centered design principles across the full product lifecycle to modernize legacy systems into user-friendly applications.

• Develop end-to-end user experiences, including user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity UI designs with detailed specifications.

• Ensure all designs comply with federal UX/UI standards, including Section 508 accessibility requirements and specific design systems like the NBIS UI/UX Playbook.

• Support and participate in usability testing sessions, observing users and gathering qualitative insights to inform design iterations.

• Translate research findings and usability feedback into actionable design updates that enhance usability, efficiency, and overall user satisfaction.

• Implement and utilize UX measurement tools to track user behavior and feature adoption, analyzing metrics to guide continuous improvement.

• Contribute to reporting on user experience outcomes to inform product prioritization and roadmap development.

• Actively participate in Agile (SAFe) delivery teams, collaborating with developers, product owners, and engineers in sprint planning, design reviews, and PI demos.

• Ensure designs are technically feasible within CI/CD pipelines and align with system architecture and constraints.

• Contribute to and apply shared UI components, patterns, and design systems to maintain consistency across enterprise applications.

• Produce clear UX/UI documentation, including design specifications, interaction patterns, and user guidance for adoption.

• Support the development of training materials and user-facing documentation to facilitate system adoption and effective utilization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic design thinking and tactical execution within a regulated environment. The emphasis on federal standards, Agile methodologies, and the direct impact on modernization efforts are key operational aspects. The role requires not just design creation but also a deep understanding of how to integrate design into a complex development and compliance framework.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field (preferred).

Experience: 2+ years of professional experience in user experience design, interaction design, or a closely related field.

Required Skills:

• Active Secret security clearance, with eligibility to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance.

• Proven experience in UX/UI design, including user flows, wireframing, and prototyping.

• Strong understanding of human-centered design principles and their application in enterprise environments.

• Familiarity with federal UX/UI standards, particularly Section 508 accessibility compliance.

• Ability to translate complex business processes and technical constraints into intuitive user interfaces.

• Experience working within Agile or iterative delivery environments.

• Must reside in and perform all work within the United States. Preferred Skills:

• Top Secret security clearance.

• Experience designing for complex, multi-step workflows or enterprise applications.

• Proficiency with Figma for design and prototyping.

• Strong collaboration skills with cross-functional teams (design, engineering, product).

• Demonstrated ability to communicate design decisions clearly and adapt based on feedback.

• Experience designing for federal or highly regulated systems (e.g., DoD, security, identity platforms).

• Exposure to the U.S. Web Design System (USWDS) and federal accessibility standards.

• Familiarity with UX analytics and behavioral measurement tools.

• Experience supporting the modernization of legacy systems into cloud-based platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The clearance requirement is paramount and non-negotiable. The distinction between required and preferred skills effectively guides candidates on essential versus advantageous qualifications. The emphasis on specific tools like Figma and frameworks like USWDS, along with experience in regulated sectors, points to a need for specialized UX expertise within government contexts.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating end-to-end UX/UI design processes for complex applications or workflows.

• Include examples of user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups with clear explanations of design rationale.

• Highlight contributions to usability testing, user research interpretation, and how findings influenced design decisions.

• Demonstrate experience with federal design standards (e.g., Section 508 compliance, USWDS) or similar rigorous accessibility and usability frameworks.

• Present evidence of collaboration within cross-functional teams and how UX integrated with development in an Agile setting. Process Documentation:

• Illustrate the application of human-centered design methodologies from research and ideation through to implementation and iteration.

• Document the process of translating complex requirements into intuitive user experiences, detailing problem statements and solution exploration.

• Provide examples of how data, including UX metrics and usability feedback, was used to drive design improvements and measure impact.

• Detail contributions to design systems, component libraries, or style guides to ensure consistency and scalability.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UX role in government contracting, a portfolio is critical. It needs to go beyond visual design to demonstrate a robust understanding of the UX process, research, testing, and adherence to specific compliance standards relevant to federal projects. The portfolio should explicitly highlight how designs meet accessibility and usability requirements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $81,499 - $138,549 annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

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

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

• Professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and certifications.

• Life and disability insurance.

• Employee assistance program (EAP).

• Potential for bonuses or performance-based incentives.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week. While the role is remote, adherence to standard business hours and responsiveness within the U.S. time zones is expected. Specific working hours may be flexible, subject to team needs and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is based on the explicit information in the job description. For a nationwide remote role requiring a Secret clearance and 2+ years of experience in UX design, this range is competitive within the U.S. market for government contracting. The benefits listed are standard for a company of ICF's size and industry, offering comprehensive support for employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government & Public Sector, Technology Services, Consulting. ICF Next Government specializes in partnering with federal clients to modernize digital services.

Company Size: ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, employing a significant number of professionals worldwide. This suggests a structured organization with established processes and resources.

Founded: ICF was founded with a mission to help clients solve complex challenges, indicating a problem-solving-oriented culture.

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will be part of cross-functional delivery teams, working within an Agile (SAFe) framework.

• Collaboration is expected with developers, product owners, engineers, and potentially UX researchers or other designers.

• The reporting structure is likely within a project or program management hierarchy, with potential oversight from a UX Lead or Design Manager. Methodology:

• The team operates using Agile (SAFe) and DevSecOps methodologies, emphasizing iterative development, continuous integration, and security integrated throughout the lifecycle.

• A strong focus on human-centered design and user-centered transformation of legacy systems is paramount.

• Data-driven design approaches are encouraged, leveraging UX metrics for continuous improvement.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: ICF's positioning as a global advisory and technology services provider suggests a professional environment with significant opportunities for exposure to diverse projects and clients, particularly within the federal sector. The company's commitment to solving complex challenges aligns with the nature of government modernization initiatives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This UX Designer role is positioned at an intermediate level, requiring 2+ years of experience. It offers the opportunity to contribute significantly to impactful government projects and gain specialized experience in federal digital modernization.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into a delivery team structure within an Agile (SAFe) framework, likely reporting to a Project Manager, Product Owner, or a Design Lead. Collaboration is key, with direct interaction across development and product disciplines.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's work directly influences the usability, efficiency, and adoption of critical federal digital services. By modernizing legacy systems, the role contributes to improved government operations, enhanced citizen services, and greater mission effectiveness for federal agencies.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deep expertise in federal UX/UI standards, Section 508 compliance, USWDS, and specialized government platforms.

• Skill Advancement: Enhance proficiency in advanced design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma), and gain experience with UX analytics and measurement.

• Leadership Potential: Progress to Senior UX Designer roles, lead design initiatives on larger projects, or transition into UX management or specialized UX research roles within the government sector.

• Clearance Progression: The opportunity to maintain and potentially upgrade security clearance (Secret to TS) can open doors to more sensitive and high-impact projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a UX Designer in this context is strongly tied to specialized government contracting requirements. Growth is often achieved through deepening expertise in relevant standards, tools, and project types, as well as demonstrating leadership in delivering complex, compliant solutions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote, with the stipulation that work must be performed within the United States and access from foreign locations or via personal VPNs is prohibited. This indicates a distributed team model managed under strict compliance protocols.

Office Location(s): While the position is listed as Nationwide Remote, the mention of "Reston, VA" in the raw data suggests a potential hub or administrative location for ICF, though the role itself is not tied to this specific office. The primary work location for the candidate must be within the U.S.

Workspace Context:

• The remote work environment requires self-discipline and strong communication skills to maintain collaboration and productivity.

• Candidates will likely utilize standard collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams, video conferencing) and project management software.

• Access to necessary design software (Figma is preferred) and secure network connections is essential.

• The environment demands proactive engagement with team members and stakeholders to ensure UX considerations are integrated effectively.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week is expected. While remote work offers flexibility, adherence to core business hours for team synchronization and responsiveness to U.S.-based stakeholders is crucial. Flexibility may be available, but project demands and team needs will dictate specific schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote work policy is a critical aspect of this role, emphasizing U.S. residency and compliance. Candidates should be prepared for a fully remote setup and understand the limitations regarding international access and VPN usage, which are standard for U.S. federal contracts.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will likely review applications and resumes, focusing on clearance status, experience level, and U.S. residency.

• Technical Interview: Expect an interview with hiring managers or senior designers to assess UX skills, process knowledge, and experience with relevant tools and methodologies. This may include portfolio review.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present a selection of their work, detailing their process, design decisions, and the impact of their contributions. Case studies demonstrating federal or complex enterprise applications are highly valued.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity to meet potential team members and assess collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with ICF's values and the project's specific requirements.

• Final Interview: Potentially with higher-level management to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and confirm clearance details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your end-to-end UX process, especially those involving complex workflows, federal standards, or legacy system modernization.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, your design decisions (and the rationale behind them), the challenges faced, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Highlight Compliance: Explicitly demonstrate how your designs meet Section 508 accessibility requirements and any familiarity with USWDS or similar federal guidelines.

• Showcase Collaboration: Detail how you worked with developers, product managers, and stakeholders, and how you integrated feedback into your designs.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your design choices, how you handle conflicting feedback, and your approach to user research and testing.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design exercise or a deep dive into a specific case study from your portfolio.

• Practice articulating your design process concisely and clearly.

• Understand common federal UX challenges, such as balancing user needs with stringent requirements and legacy system constraints.

• Research ICF's work in the government sector and any specific projects or design systems they highlight.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will heavily scrutinize clearance, U.S. residency, and the ability to apply UX principles within strict government compliance frameworks. A well-prepared portfolio that directly addresses these aspects will be crucial for advancing.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Preferred tool for design and prototyping; strong proficiency is highly advantageous.

• Sketch/Adobe XD: May be acceptable alternatives depending on team standards, but Figma is explicitly mentioned.

• Prototyping Tools: InVision, Axure RP, or similar for interactive prototypes.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom for daily communication and virtual meetings.

Analytics & Reporting:

• UX Analytics Tools: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, Hotjar, or similar for tracking user behavior and feature usage is preferred.

• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools for reporting UX metrics (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) may be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how UX impacts user journeys within broader systems is important. Familiarity with project management tools like Jira and Confluence is common for Agile teams.

• CI/CD Tools: Awareness of Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment pipelines and how UX integrates into them.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is a significant plus, as it's explicitly listed as preferred. The role requires a practical understanding of how design tools integrate into Agile and DevSecOps workflows, and how to leverage analytics to inform design decisions, particularly within a federal context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of federal users and citizens.

• Excellence in Design: Striving for high-quality, intuitive, and accessible user experiences.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within cross-functional teams and fostering open communication.

• Innovation: Applying modern design principles and technologies to modernize legacy systems.

• Integrity & Compliance: Adhering to federal regulations, security protocols, and ethical standards.

• Impact-Driven: Focusing on delivering tangible improvements to government services and operations.

Collaboration Style:

• The team operates in an Agile/SAFe environment, requiring close collaboration with product owners, developers, and engineers.

• Expect regular participation in sprint planning, daily stand-ups, design reviews, and sprint demos.

• Communication is key, with an emphasis on clear articulation of design rationale and receptiveness to constructive feedback.

• A proactive approach to problem-solving and a willingness to adapt designs based on technical constraints or user feedback are valued.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at ICF Next Government likely emphasizes a blend of technical expertise, client-focused solutions, and adherence to the rigorous standards of government contracting. Collaboration within Agile teams and a strong commitment to user-centered design are central to success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Legacy System Modernization: Transforming outdated, complex systems into modern, user-friendly interfaces while adhering to strict requirements and constraints.

• Federal Compliance: Navigating and consistently applying federal standards like Section 508 accessibility and specific design systems (e.g., USWDS).

• Security Clearance Requirements: Managing the ongoing need for active clearance and potential restrictions associated with it.

• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining effective communication and seamless collaboration across distributed teams without in-person interaction.

• Balancing User Needs with Mission Requirements: Finding optimal solutions that satisfy both user usability and critical government mission objectives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Federal UX Expertise: Deepen knowledge of government-specific design patterns, accessibility standards, and user research methodologies for public sector clients.

• Advanced Tool Proficiency: Master advanced features of Figma and explore new UX tools and technologies relevant to digital transformation.

• Agile & DevSecOps Integration: Gain hands-on experience applying UX within robust Agile and DevSecOps pipelines.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Work closely with engineers and product managers, broadening understanding of technical possibilities and product strategy.

• Mentorship: Potential to learn from senior designers and UX leads within ICF's broader organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents challenges unique to government contracting, particularly in modernizing complex systems under strict regulatory frameworks. The growth opportunities are substantial for those looking to specialize in federal UX and contribute to impactful public service initiatives.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to modernize a complex legacy system. What was your approach, and what were the key challenges and outcomes?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and impact).

• "How do you ensure Section 508 accessibility is integrated into your design process from the outset?" (Demonstrate understanding of compliance and practical application).

• "Walk us through a user flow or wireframe from your portfolio. Explain the rationale behind your design decisions and how you validated them." (Showcase your design thinking and user-centered approach).

• "How do you collaborate with developers and product managers in an Agile environment to ensure your designs are implemented effectively?" (Highlight teamwork and communication skills).

• "What are your thoughts on the U.S. Web Design System (USWDS), and how have you applied or would you apply it?" (Assess familiarity with federal design standards). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working on federal government projects with ICF?" (Connect your motivations to ICF's mission and the public sector).

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or conflicting feedback on your designs?" (Assess adaptability and collaboration).

• "What strategies do you use to stay updated on the latest UX trends and federal design guidelines?" (Demonstrate commitment to continuous learning).

• "Describe your experience working remotely and how you maintain productivity and collaboration." (Address the remote work aspect). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Selectivity is Key: Choose 2-3 projects that best represent your skills for this specific role (federal, complex systems, modernization).

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, use a clear story arc: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Outcome/Impact.

• Quantify Where Possible: Include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the success of your designs.

• Highlight Compliance: Explicitly point out how your designs adhere to accessibility standards.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, trade-offs made, and alternative approaches considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of human-centered design, practical application of UX principles in complex environments, familiarity with federal standards, and effective collaboration within Agile teams. A well-prepared portfolio is non-negotiable.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer position:

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

• Tailor your resume: Highlight your experience with UX/UI design, user-centered methodologies, Agile environments, and any experience with federal projects or compliance standards. Explicitly mention your active Secret clearance and U.S. residency.

• Prepare your portfolio: Select 2-3 strong case studies that showcase your end-to-end design process, focusing on complex workflows, modernization efforts, and adherence to accessibility standards. Be ready to present and discuss them in detail.

• Research ICF: Familiarize yourself with ICF's work in the government sector, their approach to digital transformation, and any public-facing design systems or principles they advocate.

• Practice your interview responses: Prepare for strategy, behavioral, and technical questions, focusing on articulating your UX process, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative approach.

⚠️ 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.