UX Designer (Secret or TS clearance required)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer (Secret or TS clearance required)

Company: ICF

Location: Washington, District of Columbia; Annapolis, Maryland; Richmond, Virginia

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Government Technology

Date Posted: May 11, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Career (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and evolve federal websites and digital products within cross-functional Agile, DevSecOps-enabled programs.

• Apply human-centered design principles to modernize legacy systems into scalable, user-friendly platforms.

• Conduct and support usability testing and UX research to inform iterative design improvements.

• Analyze UX metrics to drive design decisions and contribute to product prioritization.

• Ensure designs adhere to federal UX/UI standards, including Section 508 accessibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically tailored for a UX Designer with experience in the government sector, requiring security clearance. The emphasis on modernizing legacy systems and integrating with Agile/DevSecOps pipelines suggests a focus on practical, iterative design within a regulated environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Contribute to the modernization of legacy systems through user-centered applications, applying human-centered design principles across the full product lifecycle.

• Translate complex business processes, technical constraints, and mission requirements into intuitive UX/UI solutions for enterprise users.

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

• Ensure alignment with federal UX/UI standards, including Section 508 accessibility and system-specific design systems (e.g., NBIS UI/UX Playbook).

• Support and participate in usability testing by observing representative users performing key workflows and capturing qualitative insights.

• Collaborate with product teams to validate concepts and inform iterative design improvements, translating research findings into actionable design updates.

• Support the implementation of UX measurement tools to track user behavior and feature usage, analyzing UX metrics to inform design decisions and continuous improvement.

• Contribute to reporting on user experience outcomes to guide product prioritization and roadmap decisions.

• Work within Agile (SAFe) delivery teams, designing iteratively alongside developers, product owners, and engineers.

• Collaborate in sprint planning, design reviews, and program increment (PI) demos to ensure UX is integrated into delivery.

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

• Apply and contribute to shared UI components, patterns, and design systems to ensure consistency across enterprise applications.

• Support integration with common services and platforms to promote interoperability and standardized user experiences.

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

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

• Incorporate user feedback and support insights into ongoing UX enhancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a full-spectrum UX role, from initial research and ideation through to detailed design, testing, and documentation, with a strong emphasis on federal compliance and Agile methodologies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: 6+ 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.

• Strong proficiency in UX/UI design principles and methodologies.

• Experience in creating user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity UI designs.

• Understanding of human-centered design principles and their application.

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

• Experience conducting or supporting usability testing and synthesizing user feedback.

• Ability to analyze UX metrics and translate data into design improvements.

• Experience working within Agile delivery teams (e.g., SAFe).

Preferred Skills:

• Active Top Secret security clearance.

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

• Working knowledge of Figma for design and prototyping.

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

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

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

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

• Experience collaborating with developers in Agile or iterative delivery environments.

• Familiarity with UX analytics and behavioral measurement tools.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level and clearance are critical. The preferred skills indicate a desire for candidates who are not only proficient in design tools like Figma but also have direct experience with government-specific standards and environments, such as USWDS and federal security platforms.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of end-to-end UX/UI design process for complex applications or workflows.

• Case studies showcasing the application of human-centered design principles and user research.

• Examples of wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups.

• Evidence of adherence to accessibility standards (e.g., Section 508) in design outputs.

• Projects that highlight collaboration with development teams in Agile environments.

Process Documentation:

• Clear documentation of the design process utilized for key projects.

• Examples of how user research findings were translated into actionable design specifications.

• Documentation of UI component libraries or contributions to design systems.

• Evidence of collaboration workflows with product owners and engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is paramount for this role, as it will serve as direct evidence of a candidate's ability to execute the full UX lifecycle within a regulated and collaborative environment. Emphasis should be placed on process, user advocacy, and measurable impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $89,261.00 - $222,169.00 USD per year.

Benefits:

• While specific benefits are not detailed in the provided text, typical offerings for a company of ICF's size and industry often include:

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

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

  • Paid time off (PTO), holidays, and sick leave.

  • Life and disability insurance.

  • Professional development opportunities and tuition reimbursement.

  • Potential for performance-based bonuses. Working Hours: 40 hours per week (full-time). The role is hybrid, requiring occasional onsite work in the metro DC area.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is quite broad, reflecting the wide spectrum of experience and potential impact within the UX field, especially for roles requiring security clearances and specialized government sector experience. The hybrid nature implies a need for flexibility and self-management, with specific expectations for in-office presence.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Advisory and Technology Services, with a significant focus on Government and Public Sector clients.

Company Size: ICF is a global company. The provided data indicates a large organization (likely 10,000+ employees based on general knowledge of ICF). This size suggests a structured environment with established processes and career paths, but also opportunities for cross-departmental exposure.

Founded: (Not specified in the provided data, but ICF was founded in 1969, indicating a long-standing history and stability in its field).

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will likely be part of a larger digital services or consulting team that supports federal clients.

• This team will include other designers, developers, product owners, project managers, and potentially UX researchers.

• The reporting structure will likely involve a UX Lead, Design Manager, or Program Manager overseeing client deliverables.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on human-centered design and user-centered transformation of legacy systems.

• Agile (SAFe) development methodologies are central to the delivery process.

• DevSecOps practices are integrated, requiring designers to consider security and continuous integration/delivery pipelines.

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

• Adherence to federal standards and design systems.

Company Website: https://careers.icf.com/us/en

📝 Enhancement Note: ICF's focus on government contracts implies a culture that values compliance, security, and delivering impactful solutions for public service. The "ICF Next Government" unit specifically highlights this domain. The company's global presence and long history suggest a stable, professional environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Career UX Designer. This level typically involves independent contribution to design tasks, mentorship of more junior designers, and significant input into project-level design strategy. The role requires a deep understanding of UX principles and their practical application in complex environments.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will report to a manager or lead within the digital services or government solutions division, working closely within cross-functional Agile teams.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the usability, efficiency, and effectiveness of critical federal digital systems, influencing how government employees perform their duties and how citizens interact with government services. The success of these systems is crucial for mission accomplishment and public trust.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like accessibility, user research, design systems, or federal UX standards.

• Leadership: Progress to Senior UX Designer, Lead UX Designer, or UX Manager roles, potentially leading teams or client engagements.

• Skill Development: Gain experience with advanced design tools, new methodologies, and emerging technologies relevant to government digital transformation.

• Client Engagement: Develop strong client-facing skills and contribute to business development efforts.

• Security Clearance Advancement: Progress to a Top Secret clearance can open doors to more sensitive and impactful projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a mid-career professional, this role offers a clear path for advancement within the government contracting space. The required security clearance, particularly the potential for TS, is a significant asset for future career opportunities in this sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This means a combination of remote work and in-office presence is expected. The "metro DC area" location suggests proximity to government agencies and federal clients.

Office Location(s): Washington, District of Columbia; Annapolis, Maryland; Richmond, Virginia. The specific hybrid model will likely be determined at the team or project level, with occasional onsite work required.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expected to work closely with cross-functional teams in Agile sprints, requiring strong communication and teamwork.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard design software (Figma mentioned), collaboration platforms, and potentially internal ICF systems. The integration with DevSecOps pipelines implies a modern, tech-forward development environment.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with developers, product owners, project managers, and potentially client stakeholders. The hybrid nature will necessitate intentional efforts for team cohesion and communication.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week. While hybrid, the nature of government contracts may require adherence to specific work schedules or availability during core business hours for collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model requires candidates to be self-disciplined for remote work and adaptable for required in-office days. Proximity to the DC metro area is a key factor for this role's hybrid nature and client engagement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, clearance status, and salary expectations.

• Technical Interview/Portfolio Review: A deep dive into your UX design process, methodologies, and past projects. This is where your portfolio will be critical. Expect to walk through case studies, explaining your role, design decisions, and outcomes.

• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: Assessment of cultural fit, collaboration style, problem-solving approach, and understanding of the role's specific challenges within the government sector.

• Security Clearance Verification: The process will involve thorough vetting and verification of your security clearance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Relevance: Prioritize projects that demonstrate experience with complex workflows, enterprise applications, or government/regulated environments.

• Highlight Process: Clearly articulate your design thinking, research methods, and how you arrived at your solutions. Use a narrative structure for case studies.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or user feedback that demonstrate the positive impact of your designs on usability, efficiency, or user satisfaction.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Include examples of how you worked with developers, product managers, and stakeholders.

• Accessibility Focus: Explicitly mention and showcase how you incorporated Section 508 or other accessibility standards.

• Tool Proficiency: Mention your proficiency with tools like Figma, especially if it's a requirement.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge or exercise that may require you to sketch out solutions for a given problem, often related to a government workflow or user scenario.

• Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, especially under time constraints.

• Understand how to balance user needs with technical constraints and government requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh the candidate's security clearance and their ability to demonstrate a robust UX process applicable to government projects. The portfolio is not just a showcase but a critical tool for validating experience and problem-solving skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Explicitly mentioned as a preferred tool for design and prototyping. Proficiency is highly valued.

• Wireframing & Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, familiarity with other industry-standard tools may be beneficial.

• Design System Tools: Experience contributing to or utilizing design systems is important.

Analytics & Reporting:

• UX Analytics Tools: Familiarity with tools that track user behavior and feature usage (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, specialized UX analytics platforms) is preferred.

• Data Visualization Tools: Ability to interpret and present UX metrics effectively.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly specified, experience with project management tools within Agile frameworks (e.g., Jira, Confluence) is highly probable.

• Understanding of CI/CD pipelines and DevSecOps environments is beneficial for design integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is a key tool requirement. The emphasis on analytics and integration with development pipelines suggests a need for designers who can work with data and understand the technical implementation lifecycle.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the end-user, especially within complex government contexts.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within cross-functional Agile teams, valuing diverse perspectives and shared problem-solving.

• Integrity & Compliance: Adherence to security protocols, federal regulations, and ethical standards, especially critical given the clearance requirement.

• Continuous Improvement: A mindset of iterative design, learning from data and user feedback to enhance product quality and efficiency.

• Impact & Mission Focus: Understanding that the work contributes to critical government missions and public service.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamlessly working with developers, product owners, and engineers in Agile ceremonies.

• Feedback-Driven: Open to constructive criticism and actively seeking feedback on designs.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a team environment where best practices, insights, and learnings are shared.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining clear and consistent communication, especially in a hybrid work setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely emphasizes professionalism, accountability, and a mission-driven approach, balancing user advocacy with the stringent requirements of government projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Legacy Systems: Modernizing complex, often outdated, legacy systems presents significant technical and user experience challenges.

• Federal Compliance: Ensuring strict adherence to Section 508 accessibility, security protocols, and other government mandates.

• Hybrid Work Dynamics: Maintaining strong team cohesion and communication while working in a hybrid environment.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Integrating diverse requirements from technical teams, product owners, and end-users within federal constraints.

• Obtaining/Maintaining Clearance: The process and ongoing requirements of security clearances can be demanding.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Opportunities to deepen knowledge in areas like advanced accessibility, federal design systems (USWDS), or specific government domain expertise.

• Mentorship: Learning from senior designers and technical leads within ICF.

• Industry Conferences/Workshops: Potential to attend events focused on government IT, UX, or accessibility.

• Career Progression: Clear pathways to senior and leadership roles within ICF's government solutions practice.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers the challenge of working on high-impact government projects with the opportunity to develop specialized skills and advance within a stable, mission-oriented organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a complex, multi-step government workflow, from initial concept to final delivery."

• "How have you ensured Section 508 compliance in your past designs, and what challenges did you face?"

• "Walk us through a time you had to translate technical constraints or mission requirements into an intuitive user interface."

• "How do you balance user needs with the strict requirements and limitations often found in federal projects?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working on federal government digital transformation projects with ICF?"

• "How do you approach collaboration with developers and product owners, especially in a hybrid setting?"

• "What do you understand about ICF's role in supporting government clients?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio around 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your relevant skills and experience. For each project, follow a clear narrative: problem, your role, process, solution, and outcomes/learnings.

• Clarity: Clearly articulate your contributions, especially if you worked on a team. Be ready to answer detailed questions about your design decisions.

• Conciseness: Practice presenting your case studies within a defined timeframe (e.g., 10-15 minutes per project).

• Visuals: Ensure your visual assets (wireframes, mockups, prototypes) are clean, professional, and effectively communicate your design intent.

• Focus on Government Context: Frame your experience and examples within the context of government projects, highlighting any experience with security clearances, federal standards, or mission-critical systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to articulate your process, justify your design decisions, and demonstrate an understanding of the unique challenges and requirements of working on federal contracts. Security clearance status will be a recurring theme.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience with UX/UI design, human-centered design, Agile methodologies, federal projects, and any relevant security clearance information. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that showcases your best work, focusing on projects relevant to government or complex enterprise applications. Ensure it clearly outlines your process, role, and impact. Be ready to present specific case studies.

• Research ICF: Understand ICF's mission, its work in the government sector, and its commitment to human-centered design.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common UX interview questions, focusing on your experience with federal projects, Agile collaboration, and your design process. Rehearse presenting your portfolio.

⚠️ 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.