UX Expert

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Expert

Company: Nightwing

Location: Fort Meade, MD; San Antonio, TX

Job Type: Full time

Category: User Experience (UX) / Product Design

Date Posted: August 13, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for enhancing user interfaces and maximizing operator productivity within complex cyber operations environments.

• The UX Expert will drive the application of user-centered design principles throughout the entire system development lifecycle.

• Responsibilities include conducting in-depth user research, creating intuitive designs, and validating solutions through rigorous testing and feedback loops.

• The position requires a strong understanding of offensive cyber operations and the ability to translate user needs into efficient, intuitive system interfaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "UX Expert," has a very specific and demanding application within the cyber intelligence and defense sector. The emphasis on "offensive cyber operations," "classified environments," and "TS/SCI with CI Polygraph" clearance indicates a highly specialized UX function focused on national security, rather than a typical commercial product UX role. The "operations" aspect here refers to the end-users' operational duties in cyber warfare, not revenue or sales operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive user research, including interviews, surveys, and observational studies, particularly within classified or sensitive environments.

• Develop detailed user personas, user journey maps, and thorough workflow analyses to deeply understand operator needs and pain points.

• Create and iterate on wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes to visualize and test design concepts.

• Design and refine information architecture to ensure intuitive navigation and alignment with user mental models and operational tasks.

• Plan and execute usability testing sessions with representative end-users to gather actionable feedback and validate design decisions.

• Develop, maintain, and advocate for design systems, ensuring consistency and reusability of UI components across applications.

• Produce regular UI/UX reports, detailing findings, analysis, and actionable recommendations for system improvements.

• Act as a key liaison between UX and development teams, ensuring accurate and effective implementation of designed interfaces.

• Systematically gather and analyze user feedback from all deployment environments to inform continuous improvement cycles.

• Actively participate in SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) ceremonies, providing critical user experience insights and contributing to agile planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a hands-on UX role with a strong emphasis on research, design execution, and collaboration. The inclusion of "SAFe ceremonies" suggests a structured agile development environment. The requirement for "offensive cyber operations" background is unique and implies the need for domain-specific understanding beyond general UX principles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, Psychology, Computer Science, or a closely related field is required. Equivalent practical experience may be considered in lieu of a degree for highly experienced candidates. Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design is mandatory.

• Demonstrated experience conducting user research, design, and validation within classified government or intelligence community environments is essential. Required Skills:

• Proven proficiency with industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar platforms.

• Expertise in creating detailed wireframes, interactive prototypes, and comprehensive design specifications for development teams.

• Strong understanding of user-centered design principles, information architecture, and interaction design methodologies.

• Solid grasp of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and principles of responsive design for various platforms and devices.

• Experience in developing and maintaining design systems, ensuring consistency and scalability.

• Demonstrated ability to conduct effective usability testing and analyze results to drive design improvements.

• Background or significant exposure to offensive cyber operations, cyber intelligence, or related defense mission areas.

• A strong portfolio showcasing a user-centered design process, problem-solving skills, and successful design outcomes.

• Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance.

• Must be a U.S. citizen to meet security requirements. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Agile and SAFe methodologies, including participation in agile ceremonies.

• Familiarity with front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to better collaborate with developers.

• Experience designing for complex data visualization or command and control (C2) systems.

• Advanced degrees in HCI, Design, or a related field.

📝 Enhancement Note: The combination of extensive UX experience, specific design tool proficiency, and a background in offensive cyber operations is a unique requirement. The emphasis on a portfolio demonstrating process and outcomes is standard for senior UX roles, but the context of classified environments and cyber operations adds a significant layer of specificity.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies: Detailed case studies are paramount, showcasing your end-to-end UX process from problem identification and user research through to solution design and validation. Each case study should clearly articulate the user problem, your role, the design process followed, the tools used, and the impact of your solution.

• Problem-Solving Demonstration: The portfolio must exhibit your ability to tackle complex user challenges, particularly those relevant to operational environments or complex data analysis.

• Design Iteration: Evidence of iterative design, including user testing feedback and how it influenced subsequent design decisions, is crucial.

• Technical Proficiency: Showcase your ability to use relevant design tools (Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD) to produce high-fidelity mockups, interactive prototypes, and detailed design specifications.

• Domain Relevance: Prioritize projects or case studies that demonstrate understanding of complex systems, data visualization, or operational workflows, ideally with relevance to cyber or defense sectors if possible.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to articulate their design process clearly, demonstrating a structured approach to user research, ideation, prototyping, and testing.

• The ability to document design decisions, user flows, and system interactions in a way that facilitates collaboration with development and stakeholder teams is essential.

• Experience in contributing to or utilizing design systems and style guides to ensure consistency and efficiency in design implementation will be highly valued.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role of this seniority and specialization, the portfolio is not just a collection of work but a demonstration of strategic thinking, process rigor, and domain-specific application. The emphasis on classified environments and cyber operations means that any relevant, non-sensitive examples will be highly impactful.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $122,000 - $253,000 per year

Explanation of Range: This broad salary range reflects the significant experience required (10+ years), the specialized nature of the role, and the critical security clearance. The final compensation will be determined by the candidate's specific qualifications, depth of experience in UX design, expertise in offensive cyber operations, and demonstrated level of impact. Market data for senior UX professionals in high-security government contracting roles in the National Capital Region and San Antonio supports this range.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical Insurance coverage

• Vision Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• 401k Retirement Plan with company contributions (details to be confirmed)

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual

• Paid Holidays

• Additional insurance options (specifics to be detailed by employer) Working Hours:

• This is a full-time, on-site position. Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• While the role requires on-site presence, flexibility may be available depending on project needs and team collaboration requirements, subject to security protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is substantial, reflecting the high demand for specialized UX talent with security clearances in the defense and intelligence sectors. The benefits package is standard for a full-time role in this industry. The on-site requirement is firm due to the nature of the work and security protocols.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Cyber Security, Information Technology Services, Intelligence Mission Support, Defense Contracting.

Company Size: Nightwing is a significant player in the full-spectrum cyber and intelligence mission support services market. While specific employee numbers aren't provided, their description suggests a substantial organization with capabilities across various government and commercial sectors.

Founded: Information not directly provided, but the company's description implies a history of providing advanced, disruptive technologies and agile solutions.

Team Structure:

• The UX Expert will likely be part of a product development or engineering team, working closely with software developers, project managers, and potentially cyber operations analysts.

• Reporting structure will likely be to a UX Lead, Engineering Manager, or Program Manager overseeing the specific cyber operations system.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, requiring close partnership with technical teams, subject matter experts (SMEs) in cyber operations, and end-users to ensure successful design implementation and user adoption. Methodology:

• Nightwing emphasizes "disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings." This suggests a culture that values innovation, rapid adaptation, and data-driven decision-making.

• The company's focus on "technical mission support services" implies a commitment to rigorous processes, quality assurance, and delivering high-impact solutions.

• The mention of "software modernization" and "lifecycle mission enablement" indicates a focus on continuous improvement and long-term system viability.

Company Website: https://www.nightwing.com/ (Inferred from domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: Nightwing operates in a highly specialized and demanding sector. The company culture likely prioritizes technical excellence, mission success, security, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. The UX role is integrated into this mission-focused environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level "Expert" role, demanding a high degree of autonomy, strategic input, and demonstrable impact. It's positioned as a key contributor in designing critical systems for specialized end-users.

Reporting Structure: The UX Expert will report into a project or program management structure, likely within an engineering or technical services division. Collaboration will be extensive across development teams and with cyber operations SMEs.

Operations Impact: The UX Expert's impact is directly tied to the effectiveness, efficiency, and usability of cyber operations tools. By ensuring intuitive interfaces and optimized workflows, this role directly contributes to the success of critical national security missions, enhancing operator productivity and reducing mission risk.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX for highly specialized domains like cyber security, intelligence analysis, or command and control systems.

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into a UX Lead or management role for cyber-focused projects, guiding junior designers and shaping UX strategy for larger programs.

• Cross-functional Expertise: Develop a deeper understanding of offensive cyber operations and intelligence methodologies, becoming a highly sought-after hybrid professional.

• Advanced Certifications: Pursue relevant certifications in UX, Agile methodologies, or potentially domain-specific areas.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant career growth for UX professionals willing to specialize in the defense and intelligence sector. The impact is high, and the demand for such specialized skills is strong.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is explicitly on-site, requiring presence at either the Fort Meade, MD, or San Antonio, TX locations. This is driven by the need for secure facilities to handle classified information and sensitive work.

Office Location(s):

• Fort Meade, MD: A major hub for U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency (NSA), offering proximity to a dense ecosystem of defense and intelligence agencies and contractors.

• San Antonio, TX: Home to Joint Base San Antonio, a significant military installation with a growing presence of defense and intelligence-related activities.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be within a secure government contracting environment. Expect a professional, potentially highly controlled setting.

• Collaboration tools will be standard, but the emphasis will be on secure communication and data handling.

• Opportunities for interaction will be with highly specialized technical and operational personnel, fostering a unique collaborative dynamic focused on mission outcomes. Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 per week) are expected, with the potential for overtime depending on project deadlines and mission criticalities.

• Adherence to security protocols and facility access requirements will be a key aspect of the work schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and the specific locations point to a work environment deeply embedded within the government defense and intelligence community. This means strict security protocols, a mission-driven culture, and a unique professional network.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR and/or Recruiter screen to assess basic qualifications, security clearance status, and interest alignment.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager to evaluate experience, technical skills, domain knowledge (cyber operations), and cultural fit.

• Technical/Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to present and discuss your portfolio. This will involve walking through case studies, explaining your design process, and answering technical questions related to UX principles and tools. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've solved complex user problems.

• Team/Peer Interview: Interviews with potential team members (developers, other UX professionals, or SMEs) to assess collaboration style and technical acumen.

• Final Interview/Offer: May involve a final discussion with senior leadership or a formal offer extension.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize those demonstrating a deep understanding of complex systems or operational workflows. If you have any non-classified work relevant to data analysis or complex interfaces, include it.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your specific role and contributions, the methodology you employed (research, design, testing), the tools you used, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your user-centered design process. Show how you gathered requirements, translated them into design, validated with users, and iterated based on feedback.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Expect questions about your decision-making process, challenges faced, and how you handled trade-offs.

• Address Domain Relevance: If possible, frame your experience in terms relevant to operational efficiency, data interpretation, or complex task management, even if not directly cyber-related.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for potential design exercises or scenario-based questions related to designing interfaces for complex operational tasks or data visualization.

• Prepare to discuss how you would approach user research in a constrained or classified environment.

• Think about how you would balance user needs with technical constraints and security requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical component. Given the specialized nature of the role, candidates should be prepared to demonstrate not just UX skills but also an understanding of the operational context and the ability to work within stringent security and development frameworks.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD (Proficiency in at least one is required; experience across multiple is a plus).

• User Research Tools: Familiarity with various methods and potentially tools for conducting remote or in-person studies (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, or internal secure platforms).

• Design System Management: Experience with creating, maintaining, and scaling design systems.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analyst role, understanding how to interpret user behavior data and performance metrics from analytics platforms will be beneficial for informing design decisions.

• Experience with tools that can track user interaction and system performance would be advantageous. CRM & Automation:

• Less emphasis on traditional CRM/Sales Automation tools, but familiarity with project management and workflow tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence) is likely expected for collaboration within development teams.

• Understanding of how user interfaces integrate with backend systems and data processing workflows is important.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is strong proficiency in industry-standard UX design and prototyping software. The ability to leverage these tools to create detailed specifications and interactive prototypes for complex operational systems is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: A strong commitment to supporting the organization's mission, which in this case is providing advanced cyber and intelligence support.

• Excellence & Rigor: A dedication to high-quality work, meticulous attention to detail, and adherence to rigorous processes, especially given the security implications.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working effectively with diverse teams, including developers, analysts, and end-users, to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation & Agility: A willingness to embrace new technologies and adapt quickly to evolving mission requirements and technical landscapes.

• Security Consciousness: A paramount importance placed on maintaining security protocols and handling sensitive information with the utmost care.

Collaboration Style:

• The collaboration style will be highly integrated and cross-functional, driven by project-specific needs and the agile development framework (SAFe).

• Expect a direct and results-oriented communication approach, focused on problem-solving and achieving mission objectives.

• Openness to feedback and constructive critique will be essential, given the iterative nature of UX design and the high stakes of the operational environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is deeply rooted in the defense and intelligence sector, prioritizing mission success, security, and technical proficiency. UX professionals must be comfortable operating within these parameters.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Working within Classified Environments: Navigating the unique constraints and requirements of designing for secure, classified systems.

• Translating Complex Needs: Effectively translating the highly specialized and often abstract needs of offensive cyber operators into intuitive and actionable user interfaces.

• Balancing Usability with Security: Finding the optimal balance between creating user-friendly interfaces and adhering to stringent security protocols and system limitations.

• Rapidly Evolving Threat Landscape: Keeping pace with the fast-changing nature of cyber operations and ensuring designs remain relevant and effective.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Domain Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of offensive cyber operations, intelligence analysis, and related mission areas.

• Advanced UX Techniques: Exploring specialized UX methodologies for high-stakes environments, complex data visualization, and command-and-control systems.

• Agile/SAFe Mastery: Becoming proficient in applying UX principles within the SAFe framework.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior designers and lead UX initiatives on critical programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents unique challenges and rewards. The primary challenge lies in applying UX expertise to a highly specialized and sensitive domain, while the growth opportunities stem from developing deep expertise in this niche.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for conducting user research in a highly sensitive or classified environment."

• "How would you approach designing an interface for a complex cyber threat detection system, considering the needs of both junior analysts and senior operators?"

• "Walk us through a project where you had to balance competing user needs with technical or security constraints. What was your approach and the outcome?"

• "How do you ensure your designs are accessible and usable for a diverse range of users with varying technical proficiencies?"

• "What is your experience with SAFe, and how do you integrate UX activities within its ceremonies?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Nightwing and our role in the cyber/intelligence community?"

• "Why are you interested in working on systems for offensive cyber operations?"

• "How do you handle feedback on your designs, especially from stakeholders with deep domain expertise?"

• "Describe a time you had to advocate for a user-centered design decision that was initially met with resistance." Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Process: For each case study, clearly articulate the "why" and "how." Show your thinking, not just the final product.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., reduced task completion time, fewer errors, improved user satisfaction scores).

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Expect detailed questions about your tool usage, design decisions, and understanding of UX principles.

• Showcase Adaptability: Highlight how you adapt your process based on project constraints, timelines, and user feedback.

• Address the Domain: If you have any relevant experience or understanding of cyber operations, intelligence, or complex analytical tasks, be ready to discuss it.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only strong UX fundamentals but also an understanding of the unique demands of the defense and intelligence sector, including security, operational context, and collaboration within specialized teams.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful UX projects. Prioritize those demonstrating complex problem-solving, user research, iterative design, and clear outcomes, especially if they touch upon data analysis, operational workflows, or system efficiency.

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize your 10+ years of UX/UI experience, proficiency in design tools (Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD), experience with user research, and any background relevant to complex operational environments or cyber/defense sectors. Clearly state your TS/SCI clearance status.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice walking through your portfolio case studies, focusing on your process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your designs. Be ready to discuss your experience in classified environments.

• Research Nightwing: Understand the company's mission, capabilities, and its role within the cyber and intelligence community. Prepare to articulate why you are a good fit for this specific mission-driven work.

⚠️ 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.