UX Researcher / Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher / Designer

Company: Skyward IT Solutions, LLC

Location: Anywhere (Remote OK)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience (UX) Design & Research

Date Posted: 2026-09-14

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5+ years)

Remote Status: Remote OK (US-based candidates preferred)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive user-centered design and research initiatives for an enterprise AI platform, ensuring product decisions are grounded in user needs and behaviors.

• Conduct comprehensive qualitative and quantitative user research, including interviews, usability sessions, and surveys, to uncover actionable insights.

• Translate research findings into tangible design artifacts such as wireframes, user personas, journey maps, and prototypes using tools like Figma.

• Champion accessibility standards (Section 508, WCAG) throughout the design and development lifecycle to ensure inclusive product experiences.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including engineers, designers, and stakeholders, acting as the primary advocate for the user.

• Contribute to the enhancement of customer success and engagement by feeding research insights into product development, onboarding, and training strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "UX Researcher / Designer," the description emphasizes research as the primary focus with hands-on design exposure. The role requires a strong researcher who can also contribute to design through wireframing and prototyping. The company's mission in civic tech and government modernization suggests a need for candidates who can navigate complex stakeholder environments and understand federal mandates.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and synthesize user research studies (interviews, usability testing, surveys) to inform the design of an enterprise AI platform.

• Develop and maintain user personas, journey maps, and service blueprints to articulate user needs and interaction flows.

• Create low-fidelity wireframes and interactive prototypes in Figma to visualize and validate design solutions.

• Ensure all designs and research outputs adhere to accessibility standards, including Section 508 and WCAG guidelines.

• Present research findings and design recommendations to cross-functional teams and stakeholders, advocating for the user perspective.

• Collaborate with product managers, engineers, and other designers to integrate user feedback into the product development lifecycle.

• Contribute to product strategy by identifying user pain points and opportunities for improvement based on research insights.

• Support customer success initiatives by providing research-based insights for onboarding, training materials, and product adoption strategies.

• Actively participate in a "one-team" environment, fostering open communication and collaboration with engineers, designers, and government stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of research and design, with a strong emphasis on translating research into actionable design. The mention of "data-heavy or AI-driven products" and "federal CX mandates" suggests a need for experience in complex, regulated environments.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Design, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in UX/Human-Centered Design (HCD) research, with demonstrated hands-on design exposure.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in user research methodologies, including user interviews, usability testing, surveys, and ethnographic research.

• Strong ability to synthesize qualitative and quantitative data into clear, actionable insights and compelling narratives.

• Proficiency in creating user personas, journey maps, and service blueprints.

• Hands-on experience with wireframing and prototyping tools, with a strong preference for Figma.

• Deep understanding of accessibility standards, specifically Section 508 and WCAG guidelines, and their practical application in design.

• Experience researching and designing for data-heavy or AI-driven products (e.g., dashboards, search, chat, knowledge tools).

• Familiarity with USWDS (U.S. Web Design System) and federal customer experience (CX) mandates.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate user needs to diverse stakeholders. Preferred Skills:

• Strong visual and interaction design capabilities, with the ability to take concepts from sketch to polished, USWDS-aligned prototypes.

• Previous experience supporting CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) or other federal agencies.

• Fluency in additional research and design tools such as Mural, Dovetail, or similar platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a strong research foundation with practical design skills. The preference for Figma and familiarity with USWDS/federal mandates are critical. The note encouraging candidates who don't meet 100% of qualifications suggests a focus on potential and passion for the company's mission.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 comprehensive UX research case studies demonstrating your end-to-end process from problem definition to solution validation.

• Include examples of user research plans, methodologies used (qualitative/quantitative), and detailed synthesis of findings.

• Provide examples of wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes created, clearly indicating your role in their development.

• Highlight projects where you've successfully translated research insights into design improvements and measured their impact.

• Demonstrate your understanding and application of accessibility standards (Section 508, WCAG) within your design work. Process Documentation:

• For each case study, clearly articulate the problem statement, research objectives, and the user needs identified.

• Detail the specific research methods employed and the rationale behind their selection.

• Illustrate how you synthesized data and derived actionable insights that informed design decisions.

• Show the iterative design process, including wireframing, prototyping, and user testing cycles.

• Quantify the impact of your work where possible, using metrics related to user satisfaction, task completion, adoption, or efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their process, focusing on how research directly influenced design decisions and led to measurable outcomes, especially within a federal context. The emphasis is on process and impact, not just final visuals.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $90,000 - $115,000 per year.

Explanation of Range: This salary range is competitive for a UX Researcher/Designer role with 5+ years of experience in the US market, especially for remote positions. It reflects the specified experience level, the specialized skills required (AI product research, federal mandates), and the company's commitment to fair and transparent compensation as stated in their policy.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans.

• Generous Paid Time Off: 15 days of paid leave, 7 days of sick leave, and 2 days of bereavement leave annually.

• 11 Paid Federal Holidays.

• Up to 40 hours of paid leave for jury duty.

• 401K retirement plan with a 4% employer contribution and no vesting period.

• Paid Parental Leave: Up to 4 weeks of paid paternity and maternity leave.

• Company-provided laptop for work.

• Professional Development: $5,000 annual stipend for training, conferences, or certifications.

• Technical Supplies: $600 annual stipend for necessary technical equipment and supplies.

• Referral Bonus: $2,000 bonus for successful employee referrals.

• Life and Disability Insurance coverage.

• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.

• Voluntary Benefits: Legal Shield and ID Shield services.

Working Hours: Flexible working hours are supported, allowing for a healthy work-life balance. Standard full-time commitment is expected to be around 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation is competitive for the stated experience and location. The benefits package is robust, particularly the professional development and technical stipends, which are valuable for a UX professional. The flexible working hours and remote option are significant perks.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Information Technology / Government Services (Civic Tech)

Company Size: Skyward IT Solutions, LLC is likely a small to medium-sized business (SMB), indicated by the comprehensive yet focused benefits and the "one-team" approach. This size often fosters a close-knit, collaborative environment.

Founded: The company was founded prior to 2023, as evidenced by the logo and presence on Lever. The emphasis on people, improvement, and human advancement through IT points to a mission-driven organization.

Team Structure:

• The UX Researcher/Designer will join a "badgeless, one-team" environment, suggesting a flat hierarchy and strong cross-functional collaboration.

• The core team likely includes engineers, designers, and CMS stakeholders, requiring effective communication and partnership across disciplines.

• The UX team itself might be small, emphasizing the need for individuals who can operate independently while contributing to a collective goal. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decisions: The company values "Integrity," "Inquisitive," and "Authentic" approaches, indicating a strong reliance on data and evidence to drive decisions, especially user research findings.

• Human-Centered Approach: The mission is focused on "human advancement through information technology" and being "people-centered," aligning with UX/HCD principles.

• Agile & Iterative: The description implies an iterative process where "lessons are turned into solutions" and designs are "shaped and validated," characteristic of agile development environments.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Skyward IT Solutions positions itself as a mission-driven company focused on people and technological advancement, particularly in the government sector. The culture appears collaborative, authentic, and values integrity and continuous learning. This environment would suit operations professionals who are adaptable, user-focused, and enjoy making a tangible impact within a supportive team.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-Senior level, requiring significant experience (5+ years) and the ability to work autonomously. The UX Researcher/Designer is expected to lead research efforts, influence design direction, and champion user needs within cross-functional teams.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly stated, the "badgeless, one-team" culture suggests a relatively flat reporting structure. The UX Researcher/Designer will likely report to a Design Lead, UX Manager, or potentially a Product Lead, and will work closely with engineering and product management teams.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is directly tied to improving the customer experience of an enterprise AI platform for government services. By grounding decisions in user needs, the UX Researcher/Designer will directly influence product adoption, user satisfaction, and the overall effectiveness of the platform in achieving its mission goals. This role is critical for ensuring the technology developed is usable, useful, and valuable to its intended users.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies (e.g., generative AI user research, advanced quantitative analysis) or design specializations (e.g., interaction design, design systems).

• Leadership Development: Potential to lead UX research initiatives, mentor junior team members, and contribute to the strategic direction of UX within the company.

• Domain Expertise: Develop specialized knowledge in government IT modernization, civic tech, and AI applications, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Cross-Functional Influence: Expand influence across product, engineering, and stakeholder teams, driving user-centricity more broadly within the organization.

• Professional Development: Leverage the generous $5,000 annual stipend for advanced training, certifications (e.g., CUA, CPACC), or attending industry conferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers substantial growth potential, particularly for individuals looking to specialize in government-facing technology or become leaders in UX research and design. The company's investment in professional development supports career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily remote, with the possibility of hybrid work depending on candidate location and team needs. The "Anywhere" location tag and "Remote OK" status suggest a strong preference for remote candidates within the US.

Office Location(s): While the specific office locations are not detailed, the company is based in the US and likely serves government clients within the US. Remote candidates are expected to be US-based.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Collaboration: Expect a digitally-driven collaborative environment, utilizing tools like Figma, Mural, and video conferencing for team interactions and design reviews.

• Technology Access: A company-provided laptop and a $600 annual stipend for technical supplies ensure access to necessary tools and equipment for effective remote work.

• Cross-functional Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with engineers, designers, product managers, and government stakeholders through virtual meetings, design critiques, and collaborative sessions.

Work Schedule: Flexible working hours are a key feature, allowing employees to structure their workdays around personal needs while ensuring ~40 hours of work per week. This flexibility is well-suited for managing research timelines and collaborative sessions across different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote-first nature of this role, coupled with flexible hours, offers significant autonomy and work-life balance. Candidates should be comfortable working independently and proficient in digital collaboration tools.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with the core requirements.

• Recruiter/Hiring Manager Call: A discussion about your experience, motivation for applying, and initial fit with the company culture.

• Portfolio Presentation & Technical Interview: A deep dive into your UX research and design process, likely involving presenting 1-2 case studies from your portfolio. This stage will assess your research methodologies, synthesis skills, design thinking, Figma proficiency, and understanding of accessibility. Be prepared to discuss how your work directly influenced outcomes.

• Cross-Functional/Stakeholder Interview: A session with potential team members (engineers, designers, product managers) and possibly government stakeholders to evaluate collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to integrate into the "one-team" environment.

• Final Interview/Offer: A final conversation, potentially with leadership, to confirm fit and discuss compensation and benefits.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate your research process, from problem identification and user recruitment to data analysis and insight generation. Use visuals to illustrate your steps.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Demonstrate how your research directly informed design decisions. Highlight specific instances where user feedback led to design changes and explain the rationale.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, provide metrics that demonstrate the positive impact of your work on user experience, adoption, or business goals.

• Accessibility Emphasis: Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases your understanding and application of Section 508 and WCAG guidelines.

• Tailor to the Role: Select case studies that align with the requirements of this specific role, particularly those involving data-heavy products, AI, or government/enterprise solutions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Mock Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and storytelling. Rehearse explaining complex research findings and design decisions.

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions that assess your problem-solving approach, how you handle conflicting stakeholder feedback, and how you prioritize research tasks in a fast-paced environment.

• Accessibility Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would approach designing for accessibility in specific user scenarios or how you would advocate for accessibility compliance.

• Company Mission Alignment: Be prepared to articulate why Skyward's mission and work in civic tech appeal to you.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be thorough, with a strong emphasis on portfolio review and practical application of UX skills. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate their research-to-design process and their understanding of federal mandates.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (primary requirement), potentially other tools like Sketch or Adobe XD.

• Research Synthesis & Collaboration: Mural, Dovetail, or similar tools for organizing research data, creating personas, journey maps, and facilitating collaborative sessions.

• Communication & Project Management: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Asana, Jira, or similar platforms for team communication and task tracking.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) to understand user behavior post-launch.

• Experience with survey platforms (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics) for quantitative data collection.

• Ability to interpret data from user testing platforms and analytics dashboards. CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus, an understanding of how CRM data or user feedback systems (e.g., Zendesk, Salesforce) can inform user research is beneficial.

• Experience with tools that might automate parts of the research or design workflow would be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is a must. Familiarity with collaborative whiteboarding tools (Mural) and research repositories (Dovetail) is highly desirable. The ability to leverage data from various sources to inform research is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Emphasized as being conscientious, intentional, and empathetic. Operations professionals should ensure their work and communication are honest and aligned with user needs and company values.

• Compassionate: A focus on caring deeply for colleagues, clients, and work. This translates to collaborative problem-solving, user empathy, and supportive teamwork.

• Inquisitive: A commitment to continuous learning by "failing openly and turning lessons into solutions." This encourages experimentation, proactive problem-solving, and a growth mindset.

• Unconventional: A culture that "erases the line often dividing work and life," promoting a holistic approach where work is integrated into life. This suggests flexibility and a focus on well-being.

• Authentic: Encouraging team members to be themselves, fostering a relaxed yet driven environment. Trust, Truth, and Transparency are core to the brand.

Collaboration Style:

• "One-Team" Approach: A highly collaborative, "badgeless" environment where individuals work together towards common goals, regardless of title or department.

• Cross-functional Integration: Close partnership with engineers, designers, and government stakeholders is essential for successful product development.

• Open Communication: Values transparency and directness, encouraging open dialogue and feedback exchange to drive continuous improvement.

• User-Centric Advocacy: Team members are expected to champion the user's perspective, bringing evidence-based insights to discussions and decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is built on strong ethical values and a people-centric approach. Candidates who thrive in collaborative, mission-driven environments where authenticity and continuous learning are valued will be a good fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Research and Design: Effectively managing time and priorities between in-depth research activities and hands-on design tasks.

• Navigating Federal Bureaucracy: Working within government contracting environments, which can involve complex processes, stakeholder management, and adherence to specific mandates (Section 508, USWDS).

• Researching AI Complexity: Understanding and researching user interactions with complex AI-driven products, requiring clear communication of abstract concepts and potential biases.

• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining strong team cohesion and communication effectiveness in a fully remote setting.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX Specializations: Opportunity to deepen expertise in areas like AI UX, accessibility auditing, or advanced qualitative research techniques.

• Federal CX Expertise: Becoming a subject matter expert in government digital services, user experience, and compliance requirements.

• Leadership Track: Potential to grow into a lead UX researcher or designer role, mentoring junior staff and influencing product strategy.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gaining exposure to government IT modernization projects and cutting-edge AI technologies.

• Professional Development Stipend: Utilizing the $5,000 annual budget for targeted training, conferences, or certifications to stay at the forefront of UX practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities to tackle complex challenges in a meaningful domain, with ample support for professional growth and skill development in specialized areas.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you uncovered a critical user need through research that significantly changed the direction of a product. What was your process, and what was the outcome?"

• "How do you approach balancing the needs of diverse user groups (e.g., different technical abilities, accessibility requirements) when designing a single product?"

• "Imagine you're researching an AI feature that users are hesitant to adopt. What research methods would you employ, and how would you present your findings to encourage adoption?"

• "How do you ensure accessibility (Section 508/WCAG) is integrated throughout the design process, not just as an afterthought?"

• "Describe your experience working with federal mandates like USWDS. How do you incorporate these into your design and research work?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Skyward's mission of advancing human potential through IT, particularly in the civic tech space?"

• "How do you embody Skyward's values of Integrity, Compassion, Inquisitiveness, Unconventionality, and Authenticity in your work?"

• "Describe your ideal remote work environment and how you maintain productivity and collaboration in a distributed team."

• "How do you approach collaborating with engineers and stakeholders who may not have a strong UX background?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, the process you followed, the challenges you faced, your solutions, and the impact/results.

• Highlight Your Process: Visually map out your research and design steps. Explain why you chose specific methods.

• Emphasize Data-Driven Insights: Show how raw data was transformed into actionable insights that directly informed design decisions.

• Showcase Prototypes and Wireframes: Walk through your key design artifacts, explaining the rationale behind design choices.

• Quantify Outcomes: Present metrics that demonstrate the success of your work (e.g., improved task completion rates, increased user satisfaction, higher adoption).

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your methodology, decision-making, and contributions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a strong understanding of the UX process, a user-advocacy mindset, and the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly. Demonstrating familiarity with federal standards and a genuine interest in Skyward's mission will be key differentiators.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher / Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Lever job portal link.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest UX research and design case studies that best represent your skills and experience, particularly focusing on projects involving complex data, AI, or enterprise/government applications. Ensure each case study clearly outlines your process, methodology, insights, design artifacts, and measurable impact.

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your 5+ years of UX/HCD research experience, specific research methodologies used, proficiency in Figma, and familiarity with accessibility standards (Section 508, WCAG). Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your selected portfolio case studies concisely and compellingly. Be ready to explain your decision-making process and quantify results. Rehearse answers to common UX interview questions and scenario-based challenges.

• Research Skyward IT Solutions: Understand the company's mission, values, and work in civic tech. Be prepared to articulate why you are a good cultural fit and how your skills align with their goals.

⚠️ 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.

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