UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher

Company: ECS Tech Inc

Location: Arlington, Virginia, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: User Experience Research

Date Posted: 2026-09-18T19:09:35.969

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and execute end-to-end user research initiatives for the CIRCIA incident reporting program, focusing on validating design decisions and mitigating delivery risks.

• Collaborate closely with product managers, designers, and engineering teams to define research objectives and methodologies across the product development lifecycle.

• Conduct a variety of research methods, including usability testing, user interviews, surveys, card sorting, and tree testing, to gather insights from diverse user groups.

• Synthesize complex qualitative and quantitative data into clear, actionable recommendations and human-centered design artifacts to drive informed product strategy and development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong foundation in user research methodologies and the ability to translate findings into tangible design and product improvements within a government-focused technology context (CIRCIA/CISA). The hybrid nature suggests a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility, typical for roles requiring both focused individual work and team interaction.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive research plans that clearly outline learning goals, target participants, methodologies, and timelines for each research sprint.

• Execute research activities by recruiting participants, scheduling sessions, facilitating interviews and usability tests, and ensuring ethical research practices are followed.

• Analyze research data using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques to identify user needs, pain points, and behavioral patterns.

• Create compelling deliverables such as research reports, personas, journey maps, service blueprints, and usability findings presentations to communicate insights effectively.

• Present research findings and recommendations to cross-functional teams and executive leadership, influencing product strategy and design evolution.

• Maintain and refine research operations processes, including participant databases, consent forms, and documentation standards, to ensure efficiency and compliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "research operations processes" suggests a need for a candidate who can not only conduct research but also manage the logistical and administrative aspects of a research function, ensuring smooth execution and compliance with any government or organizational protocols.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Design Research, Information Science, or a related field. Equivalent professional experience will be considered.

Experience: 5+ years of hands-on experience in UX research, with a proven track record of planning and conducting both moderated and unmoderated user studies.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in planning and executing a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods (e.g., usability testing, in-depth interviews, surveys, card sorting, tree testing).

• Strong ability to synthesize research findings from diverse sources into clear, actionable insights and strategic recommendations.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with demonstrated experience presenting complex information to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Experience developing human-centered design artifacts, including personas, journey maps, and service blueprints.

• Familiarity with research operations best practices, covering participant recruitment, scheduling, consent management, and documentation.

• Understanding of the product development lifecycle and how user research informs design and engineering decisions. Preferred Skills:

• Experience conducting research within government or defense sector projects (e.g., supporting CISA or similar agencies).

• Familiarity with agile development methodologies and working within cross-functional agile teams.

• Experience with remote research tools and platforms for conducting virtual usability studies and interviews.

• Knowledge of accessibility standards and inclusive design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 5+ years of experience, coupled with the specific mention of government programs like CIRCIA and CISA, suggests that candidates with prior experience in similar environments will be highly competitive. The blend of required and preferred skills indicates a desire for a well-rounded researcher capable of independent work and effective team integration.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing end-to-end UX research projects, highlighting your role, methodologies used, key findings, and impact on product decisions.

• Include examples of research plans, facilitator guides, and synthesis reports that illustrate your process and analytical rigor.

• Showcase human-centered design artifacts (personas, journey maps, service blueprints) created as a result of your research.

• Provide evidence of translating research insights into actionable recommendations that led to measurable improvements in user experience or product outcomes. Process Documentation:

• Detail your approach to developing and executing research plans, emphasizing how you align research goals with business objectives.

• Illustrate your methods for synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data, including any specific frameworks or tools used.

• Describe your experience with research operations, including participant recruitment strategies, consent procedures, and data management.

• Explain how you communicate research findings to diverse audiences, including methods for tailoring presentations to executive and technical teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only display the what (research outputs) but also the how (methodology, process) and the so what (impact, recommendations). Emphasis on government program context and research operations best practices will significantly strengthen an application.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $140,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan with company match.

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Professional development opportunities, including training and conference attendance.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

• Tuition reimbursement programs.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. The hybrid work arrangement may offer some flexibility in scheduling, with core hours typically established for team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $120,000 - $140,000 USD aligns with typical compensation for experienced UX Researchers in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, considering the hybrid work model and the specialized nature of the role supporting government initiatives. The benefits package is standard for a full-time position at a technology firm.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Government Contracting, Software Services. ECS Tech Inc operates within the technology sector, with a significant focus on providing solutions to government agencies, including defense and intelligence. This context implies a structured, compliance-oriented, and mission-driven work environment.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the mention of multiple locations and a structured job application process via ADP suggests a mid-to-large size organization, likely with several hundred to a few thousand employees. This size typically offers a balance of established processes and opportunities for individual impact.

Founded: Founded in 1991, ECS has a long-standing presence in the government contracting space, indicating stability and a deep understanding of client needs within this sector.

Team Structure:

• The UX Researcher will likely be part of a product or design team, working closely with Product Managers, UX/UI Designers, and Engineering leads.

• Reporting structure is expected to be within a product development or technology solutions division, potentially reporting to a Director of Product, Lead UX Designer, or a Research Manager.

• Cross-functional collaboration is paramount, requiring close partnership with stakeholders across different departments to ensure user insights are integrated into all stages of the CIRCIA program's digital product development. Methodology:

• Data analysis and insights are central to this role, requiring rigorous application of research methodologies to uncover user needs.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies will be informed by research, aiming to improve the usability and effectiveness of incident reporting tools.

• Automation and efficiency practices may be explored, though the primary focus is on user-centered design validation.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: ECS Tech Inc's specialization in government contracting suggests a culture that values security, reliability, and adherence to protocols. For a UX Researcher, this means understanding the unique user bases (e.g., government personnel, incident responders) and the regulatory environment they operate within. The company's long history indicates a stable and experienced organization.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is for an experienced UX Researcher, typically considered a mid-level to senior individual contributor role. It involves leading research initiatives independently, mentoring junior researchers (if applicable), and significantly influencing product strategy through research findings.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports into a product management or design leadership structure, with direct collaboration across engineering and program management teams. This structure provides visibility to key decision-makers and opportunities to influence product direction.

Operations Impact: The UX Researcher's work directly impacts the effectiveness and usability of critical incident reporting tools for government agencies. By ensuring products meet user needs, the role contributes to improved operational efficiency, enhanced security, and better decision-making within CISA and partner organizations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in specific research methodologies or user domains within the government sector.

• Leadership: Progress into a Lead UX Researcher role, managing a team of researchers, or a UX Research Manager position overseeing the entire research function for a program or division.

• Cross-functional Roles: Transition into Product Management or Design Strategy roles, leveraging deep user understanding to shape product vision.

• Skill Expansion: Gain experience in related areas like service design, information architecture, or accessibility consulting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth potential within ECS Tech Inc, particularly in the government contracting space, is significant. Roles like this often serve as a springboard for leadership positions or specialized technical tracks, especially given the critical nature of the CIRCIA program and its user base.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as Hybrid, meaning it will involve a combination of working from the ECS office in Arlington, VA, and performing duties remotely. This model is designed to balance collaborative in-office work with the flexibility of remote work.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is 1110 N GLEBE RD #200, ARLINGTON, Virginia, 22201, United States. This location is in a well-connected urban area, likely offering good accessibility via public transport and proximity to amenities.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is expected to be professional and collaborative, designed to facilitate team interaction, brainstorming sessions, and in-person meetings.

• Access to standard office technology, collaboration tools, and potentially dedicated spaces for user testing or research analysis will be provided.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with designers, product managers, and engineers will be abundant, fostering a dynamic and communicative work environment.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is anticipated. The hybrid arrangement may allow for some flexibility in daily start and end times, provided core collaboration hours are met and research activities are scheduled appropriately. This flexibility can be beneficial for operations professionals managing complex research schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model in Arlington, VA, suggests a professional office setting conducive to collaboration, with the expectation that employees will come into the office for specific team events, meetings, or research sessions. This balance is common for roles that require both independent deep work and frequent team engagement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with an HR representative or recruiter to assess basic qualifications, interest, and salary expectations.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager to explore your experience, research approach, and fit for the team and the CIRCIA program. Be prepared to discuss your motivations for working in government contracting.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio, detailing 1-2 key UX research projects. Expect questions about your methodologies, synthesis process, stakeholder management, and the impact of your work. This is where you'll demonstrate your ability to translate insights into actionable recommendations.

• Team/Cross-functional Interview: You may meet with potential colleagues from design, product, or engineering teams to assess collaboration style and technical understanding.

• Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion, potentially with senior leadership, followed by a job offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your end-to-end UX research capabilities, ideally with tangible outcomes or impacts.

• For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your research goals, the methods you employed (and why), your synthesis process, key findings, and the resulting recommendations or design changes.

• Quantify the impact of your research whenever possible (e.g., "reduced task completion time by X%", "identified Y critical usability issues").

• Be prepared to discuss challenges faced during research and how you overcame them.

• Tailor your presentation to highlight experience relevant to government programs or complex systems if possible. Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for hypothetical scenario questions: "How would you research X feature?" or "What research methods would you use to address Y problem?"

• Practice articulating your thought process for designing research studies, selecting participants, and analyzing data.

• Prepare to discuss your understanding of research operations and how you ensure ethical and efficient research execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical component for UX Researcher roles. Candidates should invest significant time in preparing a compelling presentation that clearly articulates their process, skills, and impact. Demonstrating an understanding of research operations and the specific context of government projects will be highly advantageous.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Proficiency with tools for conducting remote usability testing, user interviews, and surveys (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey).

• Design & Prototyping Tools: Familiarity with tools used by designers for creating prototypes and mockups, such as Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD, to facilitate testing and collaboration.

• Data Analysis Software: Experience with tools for qualitative data analysis (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo) and quantitative analysis (e.g., Excel, SPSS, R, Python for statistical analysis).

• Collaboration & Documentation: Tools like Jira, Confluence, Asana, Miro, and Google Workspace for project management, documentation, and team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to understand user behavior on digital platforms.

• Ability to interpret data from A/B testing platforms.

• Experience creating reports and dashboards to communicate research findings. CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus for UX Research, understanding how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation tools might influence user journeys or data collection can be beneficial.

• Knowledge of participant management systems or databases for research operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core of this role is research methodology, familiarity with the broader technology stack used in product development, including design tools and project management software, is essential for effective collaboration. Specific experience with government-centric platforms or data security protocols might also be relevant.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the end-user's needs and experience in all design and development decisions.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Relying on rigorous research and data analysis to inform strategy and validate assumptions, rather than on intuition alone.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Working effectively with cross-functional teams, sharing insights openly, and fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued.

• Continuous Improvement: A dedication to iterative design and development, using feedback loops from research to constantly enhance product usability and effectiveness.

• Mission Focus: Understanding and aligning work with the broader mission of CISA and government security initiatives, ensuring that technology solutions effectively serve critical national functions.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Engagement: Actively seeking out opportunities to collaborate with product managers, designers, and engineers early and often in the development process.

• Clear Communication: Articulating research findings and their implications in a clear, concise, and persuasive manner, tailored to the audience.

• Feedback Integration: Openly receiving and providing constructive feedback on research plans, methodologies, and findings.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a culture of learning by sharing research insights, best practices, and lessons learned across teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "mission focus" and "government security initiatives" highlights a unique aspect of ECS's culture. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate an understanding of the responsibilities and potential impact of working on critical government technology programs.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex User Bases: Understanding and researching the needs of diverse user groups within government agencies, who may have varying technical proficiencies and operational constraints.

• Balancing Research Rigor with Project Timelines: Effectively conducting thorough research within the often-fast-paced and deadline-driven environment of technology development, especially in government contracting.

• Translating Insights into Action: Ensuring that research findings are not just reported but are actively understood and implemented by design and development teams to drive meaningful product improvements.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies and Threats: Staying current with the latest UX research methodologies, tools, and understanding the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and incident reporting.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Government Sector Training: Opportunities to learn about the specific operational environments and user needs within CISA and related government functions.

• Advanced Research Methodologies: Deepen expertise in areas like generative research, mixed-methods research, or specific quantitative analysis techniques.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gain exposure to cybersecurity principles, incident response protocols, and the broader mission objectives of CISA.

• Professional Certifications: Support for pursuing relevant UX certifications or attending industry conferences focused on user experience and government technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a unique opportunity to apply UX research skills to highly impactful government programs. The challenges are inherent to working in such a critical domain, but they also offer significant learning and growth potential for dedicated professionals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to convince a skeptical stakeholder of the value of your research findings. How did you approach it?" (Focus on communication, data visualization, and impact articulation).

• "Imagine we are designing a new feature for incident reporting. What would be your initial steps to understand user needs for this feature?" (Demonstrate your research planning process, including defining goals and selecting methods).

• "How do you ensure your research is representative of the target user population, especially when dealing with niche or hard-to-reach groups?" (Discuss recruitment strategies, sampling, and potential biases). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for ECS and specifically on the CIRCIA program?" (Research ECS's mission, values, and CISA's role in cybersecurity).

• "How do you approach collaboration within a hybrid work environment and with cross-functional teams?" (Highlight your communication style, proactivity, and experience with collaboration tools).

• "How do you measure the success or impact of your UX research efforts?" (Discuss metrics, ROI, and how research influences product decisions). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Use a clear narrative for each case study: Problem -> Research Goals -> Methodology -> Process -> Findings -> Recommendations -> Impact.

• Visuals: Incorporate key artifacts (e.g., personas, journey maps, key quotes, screenshots of usability issues) to make your presentation engaging.

• Conciseness: Focus on the most critical aspects of each project to fit within the allocated time.

• Audience Awareness: Be prepared to adjust your level of detail and technical jargon based on who is in the room.

• Your Role: Clearly define your specific contributions within team projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just research skills but also an understanding of the applied nature of UX research in a mission-critical, government-focused context. Be ready to articulate how your work directly contributes to the success of the CIRCIA program.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the ECS Tech Inc careers portal.

• Curate your Portfolio: Select 2-3 strong UX research projects that best showcase your end-to-end process, from planning to synthesis and recommendations. Ensure these projects highlight your ability to drive product decisions.

• Tailor Your Resume: Optimize your resume to highlight keywords and responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as "UX Research," "Usability Testing," "Research Synthesis," "Stakeholder Communication," and any experience with government programs or complex systems. Quantify your achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice delivering your portfolio presentation, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and demonstrating the impact of your research. Be ready to answer in-depth questions about your methodology and decision-making process.

• Research ECS and CIRCIA: Familiarize yourself with ECS Tech Inc's mission, values, and their work with CISA. Understand the general purpose of the CIRCIA program to articulate your interest and how your skills align with its objectives.

⚠️ 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.