UX Designer (Senior / Subject Matter Expert)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer (Senior / Subject Matter Expert)

Company: Northramp LLC

Location: Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: UX/Service Design, Digital Product Design, Consulting

Date Posted: June 05, 2026

Experience Level: Senior / Subject Matter Expert (10+ years)

Remote Status: Remote with periodic onsite requirements

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end UX and service design engagements, from initial discovery and user research to the creation of high-fidelity prototypes and comprehensive design systems.

• Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in human-centered design principles, advocating for user needs and best practices across complex digital product development lifecycles.

• Facilitate client-facing workshops and design sessions, translating technical concepts into tangible, user-centric solutions and fostering collaboration with non-technical stakeholders.

• Drive the visualization and validation of digital products, ensuring design intent is clearly communicated and realized before development commences, integrating accessibility and compliance standards throughout.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior/SME UX Designer within a consulting environment, emphasizing client-facing interaction, end-to-end design ownership, and a strong blend of creative and technical aptitude. The "Subject Matter Expert" designation implies a leadership and mentorship component, alongside deep expertise in specific design methodologies and tools. The expectation for periodic onsite work suggests a hybrid model where remote flexibility is balanced with client engagement needs.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the entire UX design lifecycle, encompassing discovery, user research methodologies, journey mapping, wireframing, interactive prototyping, and design validation activities.

• Conduct in-depth user interviews, facilitate stakeholder workshops, and execute usability testing sessions to gather critical insights that inform and direct design decisions.

• Produce high-fidelity mockups and sophisticated interactive prototypes using tools like Figma, developing robust design systems for consistent and scalable user experiences.

• Create comprehensive service blueprints, detailed personas, user flows, and experience maps to articulate the complete service landscape, including front-stage and back-stage interactions.

• Lead co-design sessions with clients and end-users, effectively guiding non-technical participants to visualize and provide feedback on proposed digital solutions.

• Foster strong cross-functional collaboration with project managers, developers, business analysts, and cloud architects to ensure seamless integration of design principles into the delivery process.

• Champion and embed accessibility standards (Section 508, WCAG compliance) and federal digital service guidelines (USWDS) into all design artifacts and deliverables.

• Establish and maintain high UX standards, develop reusable component libraries, and implement design governance practices across diverse project portfolios.

• Mentor junior designers, share expertise, and actively promote human-centered design principles within technical delivery teams and client organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a senior-level role requiring strategic leadership in design, client management, and team mentorship. The emphasis on "end-to-end UX engagements" and "service design practice" indicates a need for a designer who can manage projects autonomously and think holistically about the user experience across all touchpoints.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Design, Visual Arts, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Communications, or a closely related field.

• Master's degree preferred for candidates demonstrating Subject Matter Expert (SME) level capabilities.

• Possession of an Agile or UX certification is preferred (e.g., Nielsen Norman Group UX Certificate, Certified Usability Analyst). Experience:

• 7–10+ years of progressive experience in UX design and service design, with a proven track record of leading complex digital system design projects from conception to completion.

• Demonstrated experience in a consulting or client-facing role, successfully managing multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously.

• Experience working within Agile and DevSecOps delivery frameworks alongside engineering and development teams.

• Experience supporting digital transformation initiatives, particularly within federal, defense, or public-sector environments. Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Figma (or equivalent tools such as Adobe XD, Sketch) for creating high-fidelity mockups and interactive prototypes.

• Strong visual and graphic design sensibility, with a demonstrated eye for aesthetics, composition, and brand integration.

• Advanced skills in service design methodologies, including the creation of service blueprints, journey maps, and comprehensive experience frameworks.

• Proficiency in conducting user research, including user interviews, stakeholder workshops, and usability testing.

• Expertise in facilitating client-facing design sessions and workshops, effectively communicating design rationale and synthesizing feedback.

• Solid understanding of IT systems, application architecture, and technical constraints to engage credibly with development teams.

• Deep knowledge of accessibility standards, including Section 508 and WCAG 2.1 AA compliance, and federal digital service guidelines (e.g., USWDS).

• Exceptional cross-functional collaboration skills, adept at working effectively within distributed teams and across multiple programs. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with user research analysis tools such as Dovetail, Miro, or Optimal Workshop.

• Background in content design, information architecture, or UX writing.

• Familiarity with federal digital service guidelines and public-sector digital transformation projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of deep design expertise, technical understanding, client management skills, and a strong portfolio. The "Subject Matter Expert" aspect suggests a need for thought leadership and the ability to mentor. The educational requirements are flexible but lean towards design or related fields, with advanced degrees or certifications being a plus for senior candidates.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing end-to-end UX and service design work for complex digital systems is mandatory.

• Demonstrate a clear process for user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and design validation, with specific examples of how insights informed decisions.

• Include case studies that highlight the development and application of design systems, reusable component libraries, and adherence to accessibility standards.

• Showcase experience in creating service blueprints, journey maps, and personas, illustrating a holistic approach to service design.

• Present examples of client-facing facilitation, workshop leadership, and how constructive feedback was incorporated into design iterations. Process Documentation:

• Provide documentation of your design process, emphasizing how you approach discovery and user research phases.

• Illustrate your methods for translating user needs and business requirements into wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs.

• Detail how you measure the effectiveness of your designs through usability testing and other validation techniques, including how you iterate based on results.

• Showcase experience in establishing and maintaining design governance, component libraries, and UX standards across projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, serving as the primary evidence of the candidate's expertise. The portfolio should not just present final designs but also articulate the thought process, methodologies, and impact of the work, particularly in client-facing and complex system design contexts.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• [Based on industry standards for a Senior/SME UX Designer with 7-10+ years of experience in Washington D.C. metro area, remote, and within a consulting firm, a competitive salary range would likely fall between $130,000 - $180,000 annually. This estimate considers the required expertise, client-facing responsibilities, and the cost of living in a major metropolitan area, even for a remote role.] Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Care Plan: Including Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance options.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Options for 401(k) and IRA contributions.

• Life Insurance: Basic coverage, with options for Voluntary and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D).

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): Including Vacation days, Sick Leave, and recognition of Public Holidays.

• Family Leave: Support for Maternity and Paternity leave.

• Disability Insurance: Both Short-Term and Long-Term Disability coverage.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for Training & Development to enhance skills and career growth.

• Work From Home Flexibility: Support for a remote work environment.

• Wellness Resources: Programs and resources to support employee well-being.

• Employee Bonus Programs: Potential for performance-based bonuses. Working Hours:

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

• Flexibility may be offered around daily start and end times, provided core business hours and client needs are met.

• Occasional extended hours may be necessary to meet project deadlines or client demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on market data for similar senior-level UX design roles in a high-cost-of-living area and within the consulting sector. Benefits are comprehensive, aligning with standard offerings for full-time employees in technology and consulting firms.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology Consulting, Digital Transformation, Government Services. Northramp LLC operates in a sector that bridges technology solutions with client business needs, often involving complex digital transformation projects for public and private sector clients. This environment demands adaptability, strong problem-solving skills, and a client-centric approach.

Company Size: Northramp LLC is likely a mid-sized to large consulting firm, based on the typical structure of companies listed on platforms like Workable that handle complex government or enterprise projects. This size suggests a robust organizational structure with dedicated teams for various functions, while still allowing for individual impact and visibility.

Founded: [Information not provided. A founding date would offer context on the company's history, stability, and evolution in the technology consulting space.]

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will likely be embedded within multiple client delivery teams, working in a matrixed structure.

• Reporting may be to a Design Lead or Director within Northramp, while project work is directed by client-side project managers or Northramp engagement managers.

• Close collaboration is expected with Project Managers, Business Analysts, Developers, Cloud Architects, and other technical specialists. Methodology:

• Northramp likely employs a consultative approach, focusing on understanding client challenges deeply before proposing solutions.

• Agile and DevSecOps methodologies are expected to be prevalent in client delivery engagements, requiring designers to integrate seamlessly into these workflows.

• Emphasis on data-driven decision-making, user research, and iterative design processes to ensure solutions are effective and user-centric.

Company Website: northramp.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context suggests a professional, client-focused environment where designers are expected to be strategic partners and problem-solvers, not just executors. The emphasis on government/public sector work implies adherence to strict compliance, security, and accessibility standards.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Senior to Subject Matter Expert (SME) level within the UX/Service Design discipline. It involves taking ownership of complex design challenges, leading engagements, and potentially mentoring junior staff. The SME designation implies a deep level of expertise and the ability to influence design strategy and best practices within the organization and for clients.

Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a Design Practice Lead or a Director of User Experience within Northramp LLC. Day-to-day direction and project specifics will come from Project Managers or Engagement Leads for individual client engagements.

Operations Impact: As a senior UX/Service Designer, the impact is significant. This role directly influences the usability, adoption, and overall success of digital products and services. By ensuring user needs are met and digital experiences are intuitive and effective, the designer contributes to client satisfaction, operational efficiency, and the achievement of business objectives. For government clients, this can translate to improved citizen services and mission effectiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as accessibility, service design for complex systems, or federal digital standards.

• Leadership: Progress into a Lead Designer, Design Manager, or Principal UX Consultant role, managing teams and strategic design initiatives.

• Client Engagement: Develop strong client relationship management skills, becoming a trusted advisor on UX strategy.

• Mentorship: Formalize mentorship of junior designers, contributing to the growth of the design practice within Northramp.

• Industry Influence: Contribute to thought leadership through speaking engagements, publications, or development of internal best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Senior/SME UX Designer in a consulting firm like Northramp offers significant opportunities for both technical mastery and leadership development. The SME designation suggests a clear path towards becoming a recognized expert and potentially a leader within the firm's design practice.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is primarily remote, offering significant flexibility. However, there is an expectation of periodic onsite work. This suggests a hybrid model where remote work is the default, but in-person collaboration with clients and internal teams is required for specific project phases, workshops, or team-building activities. The "onsite frequency will vary based on project requirements."

Office Location(s): While remote, the primary location associated with the role is Washington, District of Columbia, United States. This likely means that onsite work, when required, will be in or around the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, potentially at client sites or Northramp offices.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Collaboration: Expect to utilize a suite of digital collaboration tools for communication, design reviews, and project management in a distributed team setting.

• Client Interaction: The role involves regular client-facing interactions, requiring a professional and adaptable communication style suitable for virtual meetings and potentially in-person engagements.

• Technology Access: Access to necessary design software (Figma), collaboration platforms, and potentially secure network access for client-specific work will be provided or expected.

• Team Dynamics: Work closely with diverse project teams, requiring strong interpersonal skills to navigate different working styles and technical backgrounds.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected.

• Flexibility in daily schedule may be possible, but core hours and client availability are paramount.

• The nature of consulting and client projects may occasionally require working beyond standard hours to meet critical deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of this role requires strong self-discipline and remote work proficiency, balanced with the ability to engage effectively in person when needed. The Washington D.C. location is key for potential client interactions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience and alignment with the role's requirements. Be prepared to articulate your design philosophy and key achievements.

• Portfolio Presentation & Deep Dive: A session where you present a selection of your best work from your portfolio. Expect in-depth questions about your process, decision-making, client interactions, and how you handled challenges. Focus on 2-3 complex projects that demonstrate end-to-end UX and service design capabilities.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: This might involve a design exercise or a discussion about specific tools and methodologies (e.g., Figma, service blueprinting, accessibility standards). You may be asked to walk through a specific process or solve a hypothetical design problem.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Discussions with hiring managers and potential team members to assess your collaboration style, problem-solving approach, client-facing skills, and alignment with Northramp's values and culture. Questions will likely probe how you handle ambiguity, feedback, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership, focusing on strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall fit for the Subject Matter Expert role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your expertise in end-to-end UX/service design, visual design sensibility, and client-facing work. Prioritize complexity and impact.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role and process, the challenges faced, your design decisions (and why), the solutions, and the measurable outcomes or impact. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your methodology, research techniques, prototyping tools, and how you incorporated user feedback and accessibility standards.

• Demonstrate SME Level: For SME candidates, showcase thought leadership, mentorship experience, or contributions to design standards and best practices.

• Client Context: If possible, provide context on the client type (e.g., federal, commercial) and the business objectives your design helped achieve.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Thinking: Be ready to discuss your approach to problem-solving using design thinking principles.

• Accessibility & Compliance: Prepare to discuss how you integrate Section 508/WCAG into your design process and your familiarity with USWDS.

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

• Agile Environment: Understand how UX integrates into Agile/DevSecOps workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly evaluate a candidate's design expertise, strategic thinking, client management abilities, and fit for a senior, client-facing role within a consulting firm. The portfolio is the central piece, requiring careful preparation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Expert proficiency is required for wireframing, prototyping, and creating high-fidelity mockups and design systems.

• Adobe XD / Sketch: Familiarity with these alternatives is beneficial, though Figma is the primary tool.

• Miro / Mural: Essential for remote collaboration, whiteboarding, and facilitating virtual workshops.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytics role, understanding how to interpret user research data and usability testing results is crucial.

• Familiarity with tools like Dovetail for research synthesis may be advantageous. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core UX design function, but understanding how design impacts user journeys within CRM or automated workflows is valuable. Other Relevant Tools/Platforms:

• User Research Platforms: Experience with tools like Optimal Workshop for card sorting or tree testing.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, familiarity with InVision or similar tools may be helpful for specific project needs.

• Collaboration Suites: Proficiency in tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, Confluence for team communication and project tracking.

• Federal Digital Standards: Familiarity with the U.S. Web Design System (USWDS) and related platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack heavily emphasizes design and collaboration tools, with Figma being the cornerstone. Proficiency in these tools, coupled with an understanding of how designs integrate into broader development and client workflows, is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Human-Centered Design: A core value, prioritizing user needs and experiences in all design decisions and advocating for users within technical teams.

• Excellence & Quality: Striving for high standards in design execution, client deliverables, and adherence to best practices.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Fostering an open environment for sharing ideas, feedback, and design processes across teams and with clients.

• Adaptability & Resilience: Thriving in a dynamic consulting environment, embracing new challenges, and adapting to evolving project requirements and client needs.

• Impact-Driven: Focusing on delivering designs that create tangible value, solve real problems, and achieve client objectives.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamlessly integrating with development, project management, and business analysis teams to ensure cohesive product development.

• Client Partnership: Building strong, collaborative relationships with clients, acting as a trusted advisor and co-creator.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: Actively sharing expertise, mentoring junior designers, and contributing to the collective knowledge base of the design practice.

• Iterative Feedback Loops: Embracing continuous feedback from peers, stakeholders, and users to refine designs and improve outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Northramp LLC likely cultivates a culture that values expertise, client success, and collaborative problem-solving. For a UX Designer, this means being both a skilled practitioner and a strong communicator and team player.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Client Needs with User Advocacy: Navigating situations where client priorities may conflict with optimal user experience or accessibility standards. Requires strong negotiation and communication skills.

• Managing Multiple Engagements: Effectively juggling design responsibilities across several concurrent projects, each with unique requirements and timelines.

• Working in Complex/Legacy Systems: Designing intuitive user experiences for often complex or outdated technical architectures, particularly in government contexts.

• Bridging Technical and Non-Technical Gaps: Translating sophisticated technical possibilities and constraints into understandable design concepts for clients, and vice-versa.

• Remote Collaboration Nuances: Maintaining strong team cohesion and design consistency when working remotely with distributed teams.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX/Service Design: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized areas through training, certifications, and challenging projects.

• Federal Digital Services: Gaining in-depth knowledge of U.S. federal digital transformation initiatives and best practices.

• Leadership Training: Developing skills in mentorship, team leadership, and client relationship management.

• Exposure to Diverse Industries: Working with a variety of clients across different sectors provides broad experience and problem-solving versatility.

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Potential for participation in relevant industry events to stay abreast of emerging trends and network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents challenging but rewarding opportunities to grow as a designer, leader, and consultant by tackling complex problems and contributing to significant digital initiatives.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex digital product you designed from concept to launch. What was your process, what challenges did you face, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on end-to-end, complexity, and impact)

• "How do you balance user needs with business objectives and technical constraints, especially when they conflict?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking and negotiation)

• "Walk me through a service blueprint you created. What insights did it reveal, and how did it influence the final design?" (Showcase service design expertise)

• "How do you ensure accessibility and Section 508/WCAG compliance throughout your design process?" (Highlight technical compliance knowledge)

• "Describe a time you had to facilitate a design workshop with non-technical stakeholders. How did you ensure their engagement and understanding?" (Assess facilitation and communication skills) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Northramp LLC and this specific role as a Senior/SME UX Designer?" (Show research and genuine interest)

• "How do you approach collaboration within a distributed team and with cross-functional partners like developers and project managers?" (Assess teamwork and communication)

• "How do you stay current with UX trends and emerging technologies?" (Demonstrate continuous learning)

• "Describe a situation where you had to advocate for a design decision that was initially unpopular. How did you handle it?" (Evaluate resilience and advocacy) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each selected project, clearly define the problem, your specific role and contributions, the methodology used, key design decisions and rationale, challenges encountered, and the final outcomes or impact (quantify where possible).

• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals of wireframes, mockups, prototypes, and user flows. Ensure they are clear and easy to understand.

• Narrative: Craft a compelling story for each project, highlighting your problem-solving skills and design thinking process. Be ready to answer detailed questions about every step.

• Client Context: Be prepared to discuss the client environment (e.g., federal, private sector) and how that influenced your approach.

• Conciseness: While thorough, be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to ensure it fits within the allotted time, allowing for Q&A.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating deep expertise, strategic thinking, strong communication skills, and a proven ability to deliver impactful UX/service design solutions in complex environments, particularly for clients in the public sector.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating end-to-end UX/service design, client facilitation, accessibility compliance, and work with complex digital systems. Prioritize 2-3 strong case studies relevant to a consulting or public sector context.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 7-10+ years of experience, expert proficiency in Figma, and specific achievements in UX/service design, user research, and client engagement. Use keywords from the job description, such as "service design," "prototyping," "accessibility," and "Figma."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, decision-making rationale, and project outcomes. Prepare to discuss your experience with Agile methodologies and federal digital standards. Rehearse your portfolio presentation to ensure clarity and impact.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Northramp LLC's mission, values, and recent projects, especially those within the government or public sector. Understand their consulting approach and how your expertise aligns with their client offerings.

⚠️ 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.