UX Project Manager (ICAM SSO Focus)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Project Manager (ICAM SSO Focus)

Company: By Light Professional IT Services LLC

Location: Remote (United States)

Job Type: Other

Category: Project Management / User Experience / Cybersecurity Operations

Date Posted: May 07, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (Estimated 5-10 years)

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Strategic Project Leadership: Drive UX-focused project management for critical Single Sign-On (SSO) modernization initiatives within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), focusing on enhancing user journeys and onboarding experiences.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Facilitate seamless collaboration between UX designers, product owners, technical leads, and VA stakeholders to translate complex Identity Governance and Administration (ICAM) requirements into actionable UX artifacts and seamless integrations.

• Identity & Security Alignment: Ensure all UX designs and project deliverables adhere to stringent cybersecurity standards, including Zero Trust principles and NIST 800-63 guidelines, particularly for authentication and identity management.

• Agile Delivery & Iteration: Manage and deliver iterative UX improvements within an Agile framework, coordinating efforts across Entra ID (SSOi) and Okta (SSOe) platforms to accelerate application migration and adoption.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title specifies "UX Project Manager," the core responsibilities and required qualifications heavily lean into the operational aspects of identity management and cybersecurity. The role demands a blend of project management discipline, deep understanding of UX principles, and practical knowledge of ICAM and SSO technologies. The focus on federal agency (VA) context, compliance (NIST, Zero Trust), and specific platforms like Entra ID and Okta positions this as a specialized operations role within the cybersecurity and IT infrastructure domain.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end UX project management for the VA's Next Generation SSO modernization effort, ensuring that user flows, onboarding experiences, and authentication journeys are optimized for intuitiveness, accessibility, and compliance.

• Translate high-level ICAM requirements and Zero Trust principles into detailed UX artifacts, including user journey maps, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and precise acceptance criteria for development teams.

• Coordinate and manage cross-functional teams, including UX designers, developers, and security engineers, to successfully deliver UX enhancements and integrations across Entra ID (SSOi) and Okta (SSOe) platforms.

• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate project risks and dependencies related to UX deliverables, ensuring timely completion of all milestones for SSO initiatives.

• Ensure all proposed and implemented UX recommendations are fully compliant with Zero Trust architecture, NIST 800-63 standards, and the VA's specific ICAM policies and guidelines.

• Develop and execute change management strategies, create clear communication plans, and support the creation of user training materials to facilitate the adoption of improved authentication and onboarding experiences.

• Prepare and present executive-ready reports, dashboards, and briefings detailing UX progress, SSO adoption metrics, and key performance indicators to senior leadership and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a direct impact on operational efficiency and user adoption within a large-scale federal IT environment. The emphasis on "translating technical identity workflows into intuitive user experiences" and "ensuring UX recommendations align with Zero Trust, NIST 800-63, and VA ICAM standards" points to a critical operational function of bridging technical complexity with user-friendliness and security compliance.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Human-Computer Interaction, Design, or a related field is typically expected for project management roles of this scope and complexity.

Experience: Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in project management, with a significant focus on User Experience (UX) design and implementation, preferably within large-scale IT or government projects.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated hands-on experience with the full spectrum of UX processes, including user research methodologies, information architecture, prototyping, usability testing, and user journey mapping.

• Working knowledge of Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM) concepts and Single Sign-On (SSO) technologies, including practical experience with platforms such as Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) and Okta.

• Proficiency in understanding and translating complex technical identity workflows into intuitive and user-friendly experiences.

• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to brief executive leadership and effectively collaborate with diverse technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Experience supporting and managing projects within Agile development environments, including managing iterative UX deliverables and backlog refinement.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience supporting the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Defense (DoD), or other U.S. federal agencies, understanding their unique operational environments and compliance requirements.

• Familiarity with the VA's specific SSO infrastructure, onboarding processes for veterans and staff, and common application integration patterns within the VA ecosystem.

• Proficiency with UX design and collaboration tools such as Figma, Miro, Adobe XD, and project management/collaboration platforms like Jira and Confluence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5-10" years of experience is inferred from the complexity of the role, the focus on modernization efforts for millions of users, and the requirement for deep technical and process knowledge. The emphasis on specific technologies and federal experience suggests a need for candidates who can quickly integrate into established operational frameworks.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• UX Process Documentation: Showcase examples of completed UX projects that clearly illustrate your end-to-end process, from initial user research and discovery through to final design, testing, and implementation.

• ICAM/SSO Integration Case Studies: Present case studies demonstrating your ability to manage projects involving SSO or ICAM systems, highlighting how you translated technical requirements into functional and user-friendly authentication or onboarding workflows.

• Agile Iteration Examples: Provide evidence of managing iterative UX development cycles, perhaps through project timelines, sprint reviews, or examples of how feedback was incorporated to refine designs.

• Metrics & Impact Demonstration: Include examples where you tracked and reported on UX metrics (e.g., adoption rates, user satisfaction, task completion times) and demonstrated the operational impact of your UX improvements.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Documented examples of how you mapped out complex user workflows, identified bottlenecks, and designed optimized user journeys for authentication, onboarding, or application access.

• Cross-Functional Process Integration: Showcase how you facilitated collaboration between UX, development, security, and stakeholder teams, ensuring smooth handoffs and alignment on process requirements and technical specifications.

• Compliance & Standards Integration: Demonstrate how you incorporated compliance requirements (like NIST 800-63, Zero Trust) into your UX design and project management processes, ensuring that user-facing elements meet regulatory standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role bridging UX and operational IT infrastructure, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only display design skills but also project management capabilities, process thinking, and the ability to integrate technical and security requirements into user-centric solutions. Emphasis should be on demonstrating practical application in complex environments like the VA.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the "Mid-Senior Level" experience (estimated 5-10 years), the remote nature within the United States, the specialized skills in ICAM/SSO and UX project management, and the context of working for a government contractor supporting the VA, a competitive salary range is estimated.

• Estimated Salary Range: $110,000 - $150,000 USD annually.

• Methodology: This estimate is based on aggregated salary data for UX Project Managers, Cybersecurity Project Managers, and IT Project Managers with federal contracting experience in the US. Factors considered include the critical nature of the VA SSO modernization, the demand for specialized skills in identity management and cybersecurity compliance, and the fully remote work arrangement.

Regional cost of living is less of a factor for fully remote roles but is implicitly covered by national averages for experienced professionals in this niche.

Benefits: As a contractor supporting a federal agency, By Light Professional IT Services LLC likely offers a comprehensive benefits package. Typical benefits for such roles include:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) with potential company match.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.

• Life Insurance and Disability: Both short-term and long-term disability coverage.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and continuing education, especially relevant for maintaining security clearances and staying current with technology.

• Potential for Bonuses: Performance-based or project completion bonuses.

Working Hours: The standard working hours for this role are anticipated to be 40 hours per week, aligning with typical full-time employment. Given the project management nature and the need to collaborate with federal stakeholders, adherence to standard business hours (potentially Eastern Time for VA interactions) is expected, though some flexibility may be available for remote work management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles and the specific context of supporting a major federal agency. Benefits are standard for IT contractors in the US federal space.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Information Technology & Services / Government Contracting / Cybersecurity. By Light Professional IT Services LLC operates within a critical sector, providing specialized IT services to government clients, including the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs. This context implies a focus on security, compliance, and mission-critical delivery.

Company Size: By Light is a mid-sized to large government contractor. Company sizes for such organizations often range from 500 to 5,000+ employees, indicating a structured corporate environment with established processes, but also potentially offering opportunities for significant impact within specific projects.

Founded: By Light was founded in 2002. This history suggests a stable company with deep experience in government contracting, providing a sense of security and established operational practices.

Team Structure:

• Project-Centric Operations: The team is likely structured around specific government projects or contracts, such as the VA's ICAM SSO modernization. This means the immediate team will be composed of specialized roles like UX designers, project managers, system engineers, cybersecurity analysts, and potentially business analysts.

• Reporting Hierarchy: A typical government contracting structure would involve a Project Manager (this role) reporting to a Program Manager or Director overseeing the broader VA contract. The UX team members would report into this Project Manager.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: This role necessitates strong collaboration with various VA departments, including IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, application development teams, and user advocacy groups to ensure cohesive project delivery and user adoption.

Methodology:

• Agile for IT Modernization: The team will likely employ Agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban) for iterative development and delivery of UX enhancements and system integrations, aligning with modern software development practices.

• Process-Driven Approach: Given the government contracting environment, there will be a strong emphasis on documented processes, adherence to security protocols, and rigorous quality assurance for all deliverables.

• Data-Informed Decision Making: While UX-focused, decisions will be informed by user feedback, usability testing results, and adoption metrics, driving continuous improvement in the operational efficiency of the ICAM/SSO systems.

Company Website: www.bylight.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context is crucial for understanding the operational environment. As a government contractor, expect a highly structured, process-oriented, and security-conscious culture. The scale of the VA project implies significant operational impact and the need for robust project management and compliance adherence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the operations and project management domain, specifically focused on IT infrastructure modernization and user experience. It sits at the intersection of technical project management, cybersecurity operations, and user-centric design. The responsibilities involve leading significant initiatives with broad user impact.

Reporting Structure: The UX Project Manager will likely report to a Program Manager or a Director of Operations within By Light's structure, who oversees the larger contract with the VA. They will directly manage or coordinate the efforts of UX designers, researchers, and potentially business analysts assigned to the SSO modernization project.

Operations Impact: The operational impact of this role is substantial. By successfully managing the UX aspects of the VA's SSO modernization, this position directly influences the security posture of the VA, the efficiency of millions of users (veterans, caregivers, clinicians, staff) accessing critical systems, and the overall success of the agency's transition to modern, secure authentication methods aligned with Zero Trust principles. Effective UX management can lead to reduced support costs, increased user productivity, and enhanced data security.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership in Cybersecurity Operations: Progression into roles like Program Manager for ICAM/SSO initiatives, or broader cybersecurity program leadership within By Light, overseeing multiple federal contracts.

• Specialized Skill Development: Deepening expertise in identity management, Zero Trust architecture, or specific federal IT compliance frameworks, becoming a subject matter expert (SME) in these high-demand areas.

• Technical Project Management Advancement: Moving into more complex project or program management roles, potentially managing larger budgets, teams, and more diverse IT infrastructure projects for federal clients.

• Transition to Product Management: Leveraging UX and technical understanding to move into product management roles focused on identity solutions or secure access platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth potential is tied to the specialized nature of the role and its direct impact on national-level IT infrastructure. Success here can open doors to more senior leadership and strategic roles within government contracting.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a fully remote position, meaning there is no requirement to work from a physical office. The "office" is the employee's home workspace.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, it is specified as being within the United States. This typically means candidates must reside within the US to be eligible, and potentially within a specific time zone alignment for collaboration purposes (e.g., Eastern Time to align with VA operations).

Workspace Context:

• Home Office Setup: Candidates are expected to have a dedicated, quiet workspace at home with reliable high-speed internet access to support video conferencing, real-time collaboration tools, and secure access to client systems.

• Digital Collaboration Tools: The work environment will heavily rely on digital collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, Jira, Confluence) for communication, task management, and knowledge sharing, mirroring a highly connected virtual team.

• Secure Access Requirements: Due to the sensitive nature of VA data and the Public Trust clearance requirement, the work environment must meet stringent security protocols for remote access, data handling, and device management.

Work Schedule: The primary work schedule will likely align with standard U.S. business hours, with a 40-hour work week. However, given the project management nature and potential need to coordinate with different time zones or urgent operational issues, some flexibility might be required, including occasional work outside of standard hours, especially during critical project phases or for urgent issue resolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature of the role is a key benefit, but it also necessitates a high degree of self-discipline, proactive communication, and a well-equipped home office setup that meets security standards.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process: The interview process for this role will likely be multi-stage, designed to assess project management capabilities, UX expertise, technical understanding of ICAM/SSO, and suitability for a government contracting environment.

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will conduct an initial call to assess basic qualifications, experience, understanding of the role, and salary expectations.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to delve deeper into project management methodologies, UX processes, specific experience with SSO/ICAM technologies, and how you handle complex project challenges.

• Technical/Team Interview: An interview with team members or technical leads to evaluate your understanding of ICAM, SSO, Zero Trust principles, NIST standards, and your ability to translate technical requirements into UX artifacts. This may include a more in-depth discussion of your experience with specific tools like Entra ID or Okta.

• Portfolio Presentation/Case Study: You will likely be asked to present a portfolio or a specific case study demonstrating your UX project management skills. This will involve showcasing your process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your work.

• Final Interview/Executive Review: A final discussion, potentially with a senior leader or program director, to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the role and the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio to clearly demonstrate your UX project management process. Use distinct sections for discovery, research, design, testing, and implementation.

• Quantify Results: For each project, highlight the operational outcomes and impact. Use metrics where possible (e.g., "reduced user onboarding time by 20%," "increased SSO adoption by 15%," "improved user satisfaction scores by X points").

• Showcase ICAM/SSO Experience: Dedicate specific examples or case studies to projects involving identity management, authentication, or SSO systems. Clearly articulate the technical challenges and your UX-driven solutions.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Provide examples of how you collaborated with technical teams, stakeholders, and users. Show how you translated technical constraints into user-friendly designs.

• Tailor to the VA Context: If possible, frame your examples in a way that resonates with the challenges of a large federal agency like the VA – scale, compliance, diverse user groups.

Challenge Preparation:

• UX Process Walkthrough: Be prepared to walk through your standard UX project management process step-by-step, explaining the purpose and deliverables of each phase.

• Scenario-Based Questions: Anticipate questions about how you would handle specific project challenges, such as scope creep, stakeholder disagreements, or technical integration complexities within an Agile framework.

• Zero Trust & NIST: Brush up on the core principles of Zero Trust architecture and NIST 800-63 guidelines, and be ready to discuss how they influence UX design for authentication and access management.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with collaborative design and project management tools (Figma, Miro, Jira, Confluence).

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and case studies is critical for a UX Project Manager role, especially in a federal context where demonstrating process and impact is paramount. Preparing for scenario-based questions related to cybersecurity and federal compliance is also key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Design & Prototyping: Figma, Miro, Adobe XD (Familiarity with at least one is expected). These tools are essential for creating wireframes, prototypes, user flows, and collaborative design sessions.

• Project Management & Collaboration: Jira, Confluence. These are standard in Agile environments for task tracking, sprint planning, documentation, and knowledge management. Experience with these is highly preferred.

• Identity & Access Management (ICAM/SSO): Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD), Okta. Working knowledge of these platforms is a core requirement, understanding their capabilities for authentication, authorization, and user provisioning.

• Federal Standards & Frameworks: NIST 800-63 (Digital Identity Guidelines), Zero Trust Architecture principles. Understanding and applying these is critical for compliance and security.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Analytics Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, experience with tools that track user behavior, task completion, and adoption rates (e.g., Google Analytics, Pendo, Mixpanel) would be beneficial for measuring UX impact.

• Reporting Dashboards: Proficiency in creating executive-ready dashboards and reports, likely using tools integrated with Jira or custom reporting solutions, to communicate project status and key metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a primary focus, understanding how user identity and access tie into broader CRM strategies (e.g., Salesforce) could be advantageous for understanding the user lifecycle.

• Workflow Automation: Experience with workflow design within identity platforms or general automation tools might be helpful for streamlining onboarding or access request processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific mention of Entra ID and Okta, along with NIST and Zero Trust, indicates a need for candidates who can operate within a highly regulated and technically specific operational environment. Proficiency in collaborative design and project management tools is also a strong differentiator.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven Excellence: A strong commitment to supporting the VA's mission by delivering secure, efficient, and user-friendly IT services that directly benefit veterans and staff.

• Security & Compliance First: An unwavering dedication to adhering to federal security standards (NIST, Zero Trust) and maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive data.

• User-Centricity: A deep understanding that all technical solutions must prioritize the user experience, ensuring accessibility, ease of use, and effective task completion for a diverse user base.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Fostering an open and collaborative environment where information is shared freely, feedback is constructive, and team members work together to achieve common project goals.

• Continuous Improvement: A proactive approach to identifying areas for operational efficiency, process enhancement, and technological advancement to stay ahead of evolving threats and user needs.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Partnership: A highly collaborative style is essential, involving close partnerships with UX designers, developers, cybersecurity analysts, product owners, and VA stakeholders to ensure alignment and integrated delivery.

• Agile Teamwork: Embracing an Agile mindset where teamwork, iterative feedback, and shared responsibility are paramount for successful project execution.

• Knowledge Sharing & Mentorship: A culture that encourages sharing best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise to elevate the collective capabilities of the team and support professional growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: In a government contracting environment, especially one focused on critical infrastructure like the VA's identity systems, the values will heavily emphasize security, compliance, and mission impact. Collaboration is key to navigating complex stakeholder landscapes.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scale of User Base: Managing UX for millions of diverse users (veterans, caregivers, clinicians, staff) requires robust research, testing, and scalable design solutions.

• Complex Regulatory Environment: Navigating stringent federal regulations (NIST 800-63) and implementing Zero Trust principles within existing IT infrastructure presents ongoing compliance challenges.

• Legacy System Integration: Modernizing SSO capabilities often involves integrating with or migrating from older, complex legacy applications, posing technical and UX challenges.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Achieving consensus among numerous VA stakeholders with potentially differing priorities requires strong communication, negotiation, and diplomatic skills.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with advancements in cybersecurity, identity management, and UX technologies while maintaining compliance and operational stability.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced ICAM/SSO Training: Opportunities to gain deeper expertise in specific identity management platforms and protocols, potentially leading to advanced certifications.

• Zero Trust Architecture Specialization: Developing specialized knowledge in implementing Zero Trust frameworks across large enterprises.

• Federal IT Compliance Expertise: Becoming an expert in federal IT security mandates and compliance frameworks relevant to agencies like the VA.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to training and mentorship focused on program management, team leadership, and strategic planning within the government contracting sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to large-scale federal IT modernization projects. Growth opportunities are directly linked to developing specialized expertise in high-demand areas within cybersecurity and government IT operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for managing a UX project from conception to delivery within an Agile framework, specifically for an enterprise-level SSO modernization effort." Preparation: Outline your standard UX PM lifecycle, emphasizing how you integrate with Agile sprints, manage backlogs, conduct user research, iterate on designs, and ensure technical feasibility with teams managing Entra ID/Okta.

• "How would you ensure that UX designs for the VA's SSO modernization align with Zero Trust principles and NIST 800-63 compliance?" Preparation: Be ready to discuss specific UX considerations for multi-factor authentication (MFA), least privilege access, continuous verification, and how to translate these technical requirements into intuitive user interfaces and clear user guidance.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about By Light's work with the VA, and how do you see this role contributing to their mission?" Preparation: Research By Light's government contracting history, specifically their work with the VA. Connect your role's impact to improving veteran services and agency efficiency.

• "How do you approach collaboration with technical teams (developers, security engineers) and non-technical stakeholders (VA leadership, end-users) on a project like this?" Preparation: Discuss your communication strategies, methods for bridging technical and non-technical divides, and experience managing diverse stakeholder expectations.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Process, Not Just Pretty Pictures: Structure your presentation to highlight your problem-solving methodology, research insights, and decision-making rationale behind your designs.

• Quantify Your Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the operational benefits and measurable improvements achieved through your UX work (e.g., efficiency gains, reduced errors, improved user adoption).

• Showcase Collaboration: Demonstrate how you worked with engineers, product managers, and stakeholders. Highlight instances where your UX recommendations influenced technical decisions or vice versa.

• Address the "Why": Be prepared to explain the strategic thinking behind your UX choices and how they directly support project goals and operational objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of UX expertise, project management discipline, and a solid understanding of the operational and security context of federal IT, particularly within identity and access management.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Project Manager (ICAM SSO Focus) position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the By Light Professional IT Services LLC careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords and experiences directly related to UX Project Management, ICAM, SSO (Entra ID, Okta), Zero Trust, NIST 800-63, Agile methodologies, and federal contracting (especially VA experience). Quantify achievements with metrics wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is readily accessible (e.g., via a link in your resume or application) and showcases relevant UX project management case studies, with a particular focus on identity management or complex system integrations.

• Practice Your Narrative: Rehearse how you will articulate your experience, particularly for the portfolio presentation and behavioral interview questions. Focus on demonstrating your understanding of the operational impact of UX in cybersecurity and federal IT.

• Research the Company and Role: Thoroughly understand By Light's mission, their work with the VA, and the specific challenges and objectives of the ICAM SSO modernization effort. This will allow you to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest and fit.

⚠️ 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.