UX/UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Designer

Company: CACI

Location: Sterling, Virginia, US

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design / User Experience

Date Posted: 2026-08-27

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and implement operator-centered interfaces for intelligence visualization and mission planning tools within a defense and intelligence context.

• Conduct in-depth user research, including operator interviews and cognitive task analysis, to inform design decisions and ensure user trust in high-stakes scenarios.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive design systems in Figma, focusing on data visualization patterns, confidence indicators, and adaptive UI components for tactical environments.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product owners, developers, data scientists, and end-users, to translate complex requirements into intuitive and effective user experiences.

• Ensure adherence to accessibility standards (WCAG 2.2 / Section 508) and technical feasibility for software delivered in short, agile sprints.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw job listing is for a "UX/UI Designer," the context of CACI, intelligence visualization, mission planning tools, military operators, and TS/SCI clearance strongly indicates a specialization within defense/government sector UX/UI design, often referred to as "GovTech" or "Defense UX." This role requires not only design skills but also an understanding of the unique challenges and requirements of mission-critical applications.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct structured operator research across various mission phases to document workflows, information needs, and task prioritization patterns critical for effective interface design.

• Create and validate operator personas based on direct user interviews and ethnographic studies to ensure designs are deeply rooted in end-user requirements.

• Build and maintain design system foundations within Figma, including robust data visualization patterns, confidence indicators, and adaptive UI components for dynamic operational environments.

• Develop high-fidelity UI components and interactive prototypes for key application features such as inline annotations, dashboards, and mission-phase adaptive interfaces.

• Lead the establishment of a cohesive look-and-feel and standardized user experience across multiple applications to promote consistency and reduce cognitive load for operators.

• Foster strong collaboration between creative strategy, UX, visual design, development teams, and clients to develop and execute effective design strategies that align with mission objectives.

• Design geospatial interface patterns specifically for map-based intelligence visualization, a critical component for military and intelligence operations.

• Ensure all designs meet WCAG 2.2 and Section 508 accessibility compliance standards, making them usable by a diverse range of operators in various conditions.

• Collaborate closely with developers to implement UI components, ensuring design system integrity and a smooth handoff process.

• Work with data scientists to translate complex datasets into clear, actionable, and visually intuitive data visualizations that support rapid decision-making.

• Execute rapid iteration cycles informed by operator feedback and conduct A/B testing to validate design decisions and optimize user experience.

• Mentor junior team members, sharing expertise in UX/UI design principles, tools, and best practices within the defense sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a deep dive into user research and system design, emphasizing a user-centered approach within a complex, mission-critical domain. The mention of "mission planning tools," "intelligence visualization," and "tactical environments" suggests a focus on operational effectiveness and operator trust, which goes beyond standard consumer-facing UX.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Interactive Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), UX/UI Design, or a closely related field. Experience:

• 3-5 years of dedicated UX/UI design experience, specifically within complex technical, government, or defense domains. Required Skills:

• Figma Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in Figma, including design systems, component libraries, advanced prototyping, auto-layout, and variants.

• Design Systems: Proven experience building and maintaining scalable design systems from foundational elements to comprehensive libraries.

• Prototyping: Ability to create high-fidelity, interactive prototypes for rigorous user testing and stakeholder demonstrations.

• User Research Methods: Proficiency in various research techniques including user interviews, cognitive task analysis, persona development, and detailed workflow mapping.

• Usability Testing: Experience conducting and analyzing usability tests, A/B testing, and managing rapid iteration cycles based on feedback.

• Stakeholder Communication: Excellent skills in communicating design concepts and rationale to diverse stakeholders, including product owners, end users, development teams, and management.

• Technical Understanding: Solid grasp of front-end fundamentals (HTML/CSS/JavaScript) for effective collaboration with developers, and a basic understanding of back-end principles (APIs, data flows) to inform design decisions.

• Accessibility Standards: Deep understanding and practical application of WCAG 2.2 and Section 508 compliance.

• Portfolio: A strong, relevant portfolio showcasing UX/UI design work, process, and impact is mandatory for consideration.

Preferred Skills:

• Domain Experience: Prior experience designing for military, defense, intelligence, or other high-consequence government sectors.

• Mission-Critical UI: Experience designing user interfaces for mission-critical applications in high-stakes, time-sensitive environments.

• Dashboard Design: Expertise in designing complex dashboards for data visualization, monitoring, and performance tracking.

• Geospatial Interfaces: Experience with designing interfaces that incorporate map-based tools and spatial data visualization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance is a significant qualification for this role, reflecting its sensitive nature within the defense sector. The emphasis on Figma mastery and design systems points to a need for standardization and efficiency in a potentially large and complex product suite.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies: Detailed case studies demonstrating the end-to-end design process for at least 2-3 complex projects, ideally within government or defense contexts.

• Process Documentation: Clear articulation of research methodologies, user journey mapping, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing phases for each project.

• System Design: Examples showcasing the creation or contribution to design systems, including component libraries, style guides, and their application in ensuring consistency.

• Impact & Metrics: Evidence of how designs have improved user experience, operational efficiency, or achieved specific mission objectives, supported by quantifiable data or qualitative feedback.

• Accessibility Integration: Demonstrations of how accessibility principles were incorporated into the design process and final deliverables.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Showcase examples of mapping existing workflows, identifying pain points, and designing optimized user flows.

• System Implementation: Detail how design systems were implemented, integrated with development workflows, and maintained over time.

• Measurement & Analysis: Present how designs were validated through user testing, A/B testing, and how feedback was used for iterative improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role in the defense sector with a TS/SCI clearance requirement, the portfolio is paramount. It serves not only as a demonstration of design skills but also as an indicator of the candidate's ability to handle complex, sensitive information and adhere to rigorous standards. The emphasis on process and system design suggests a need for structured, scalable, and maintainable design solutions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $72,700 - $149,200 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Healthcare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

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

• Financial Planning: Access to financial advisory services and planning tools.

• Retirement Benefits: Competitive 401(k) plan with company matching contributions.

• Family Support: Resources and benefits designed to support employees and their families.

• Continuing Education: Opportunities for professional development, including tuition reimbursement and access to learning resources.

• Flexible Time Off: A unique flexible time off benefit allowing employees autonomy in managing their time off.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime depending on project demands. The role is on-site, implying adherence to standard office operating hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is typical for a mid-level UX/UI Designer in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, especially within the defense contracting industry which often offers competitive compensation due to the specialized skills and security clearance requirements. The "flexible time off" benefit is noted as unique and a potential draw for candidates. The "TS/SCI with Polygraph" clearance requirement is a significant factor influencing compensation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Information Technology (IT) and Government Contracting, with a focus on Defense and Intelligence sectors. CACI is a large, established player in providing IT solutions and services to government agencies.

Company Size: Large enterprise (over 23,000 employees globally, as per LinkedIn data for CACI). This size suggests a structured environment with established processes but also opportunities for impact within specialized teams.

Founded: 1962. CACI has a long history, indicating stability, extensive experience, and deep relationships within the government sector.

Team Structure:

• Operations: The role is within the "Phanos" team, which builds intelligence visualization and mission planning tools for military operators. This implies a specialized, mission-focused unit.

• Reporting: Likely reports to a UX/UI Design Lead or a Product Manager within the Phanos team. The team structure is described as "technically diverse, geographically dispersed," suggesting a collaborative environment that leverages specialized expertise.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on cross-functional collaboration with product owners, development teams (agile, short sprints), data scientists, and directly with military operators.

Methodology:

• Agile Development: The team operates with an agile development methodology, emphasizing short sprints and rapid iteration.

• User-Centered Design: A core methodology, focusing on operator research, persona development, and continuous feedback loops to ensure interfaces are operator-centric and support high-stakes decision-making.

• Data-Driven Design: Close collaboration with data scientists and a focus on translating complex data into actionable visualizations suggests a data-informed approach.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: CACI's long history and large size in government contracting indicate a stable, process-driven environment. The specific "Phanos" team is likely a dedicated unit focused on cutting-edge defense technology, requiring adaptability and innovation within a structured framework. The emphasis on "safeguarding national security" and "high-stakes decision-making" underscores the critical nature of the work.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Mid-Level UX/UI Designer role, suitable for individuals with 3-5 years of experience. It involves significant individual contribution, design system development, user research leadership, and collaboration with senior stakeholders and development teams.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into a specialized "Phanos" team focused on intelligence visualization and mission planning tools. Direct reporting is likely to a UX/UI Lead or Design Manager within this team, with frequent interaction with Product Managers and engineering leads.

Operations Impact: The UX/UI Designer will have a direct impact on the effectiveness and usability of tools used by military operators in critical, high-stakes decision-making scenarios. This translates to ensuring operator trust, mission success, and potentially national security. The role bridges the gap between complex data/technology and actionable operator insights.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in defense/intelligence UX, geospatial visualization, mission-critical interfaces, and advanced data visualization.

• Leadership: Potential to grow into a Senior UX/UI Designer, Lead UX Designer, or UX Manager roles, mentoring junior designers and leading larger design initiatives.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to learn and apply advanced research methodologies, contribute to enterprise-level design systems, and gain exposure to cutting-edge defense technologies and AI applications.

• Cross-Functional Advancement: Develop strong collaboration skills that can lead to roles in product management or strategic design leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path is clearly defined within specialized defense UX. The "mentor junior team members" responsibility explicitly points to emerging leadership potential. The requirement for a TS/SCI clearance also opens doors to highly sensitive and critical projects, which can be a significant career accelerator in this sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is specified as "On-site" in Sterling, VA. This suggests a traditional office environment, likely within a CACI facility that supports government contracting and classified work.

Office Location(s): Sterling, Virginia, US. This location is within the Northern Virginia technology corridor, a hub for government contractors and defense technology companies, offering proximity to government agencies and a skilled workforce.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a workspace designed for collaboration, with meeting rooms, design studios, and common areas to facilitate interaction with diverse, geographically dispersed teams.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma is explicitly required), collaboration tools, and potentially specialized hardware or software for testing and development related to intelligence visualization and mission planning.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct interaction with military operators for research and feedback, as well as close daily collaboration with product managers, developers, and data scientists.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time work schedule (approximately 40 hours per week) is expected, aligned with the on-site nature of the role. However, given the mission-critical nature of the work, occasional extended hours or flexibility might be required, especially during critical project phases or sprint deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" requirement in Sterling, VA, coupled with the TS/SCI clearance, strongly suggests that the work environment will be in a secure facility compliant with government regulations for handling classified information. This may involve stricter access controls and operational protocols compared to a standard corporate office.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application and resume review, with a primary focus on matching required qualifications, especially Figma proficiency and relevant domain experience.

• Portfolio Review: A critical step where candidates present their portfolio. Expect detailed questions about their design process, research methodologies, decision-making rationale, and the impact of their work. Prepare to discuss specific projects in depth.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: Potentially a design exercise or a whiteboarding session to assess problem-solving skills, design thinking, and ability to articulate solutions under pressure.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit: Interviews to assess collaboration style, communication skills, ability to work with diverse teams (including military operators), adaptability, and fit with CACI's culture and mission.

• Security Clearance Verification: Formal process for obtaining and maintaining the TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, design, testing), the solutions you proposed, and the outcomes/impact.

• Highlight Defense/GovTech Relevance: If possible, showcase projects that demonstrate an understanding of complex systems, user trust, data visualization, or mission-critical applications.

• Showcase Figma Skills: Demonstrate your mastery of Figma features like design systems, auto-layout, variants, and interactive prototyping.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data (e.g., improved task completion time, increased user satisfaction scores, reduced error rates) to illustrate the effectiveness of your designs.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, trade-offs you made, and how you handled conflicting requirements or feedback.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Domain: Research CACI's work in defense and intelligence, and familiarize yourself with common challenges in mission planning and intelligence visualization.

• Practice Design Exercises: Work through hypothetical design problems related to data visualization, dashboard design, or workflow optimization for operational users.

• Articulate Your Process: Be ready to explain your thought process clearly and concisely, focusing on user-centricity and problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance is a significant hurdle and will be a primary focus. The portfolio review is likely to be highly detailed, expecting candidates to defend their design decisions rigorously, especially concerning usability, trust, and operational effectiveness in high-stakes environments.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Explicitly required and will be the central tool for design system creation, UI design, and prototyping. Mastery is expected.

• Design System Tools: Familiarity with best practices for building and maintaining scalable design systems, potentially including documentation platforms.

• Prototyping Tools: Proficient use of Figma's prototyping capabilities for interactive user testing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Libraries/Tools: While not explicitly stated, experience with tools or libraries used for data visualization (e.g., D3.js concepts, Tableau, Power BI) will be beneficial for translating complex data into clear interfaces. Collaboration with data scientists implies working with their tools.

• Usability Testing Platforms: Tools for conducting remote or in-person usability tests, analyzing results, and generating reports.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Tools: Likely experience with Agile project management tools such as Jira, Confluence, or similar platforms used for sprint planning, task tracking, and documentation.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or internal CACI platforms for team communication and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma is clear. The role will likely involve integrating designs with development workflows, so understanding front-end technologies (HTML/CSS/JavaScript) and basic back-end concepts is crucial for effective collaboration with engineering teams. Experience with tools used in government contracting, such as Jira and Confluence, is also highly probable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Character: CACI emphasizes placing character and innovation at the center of their work, particularly important in defense and intelligence sectors.

• Operator-Centered Focus: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of military operators, ensuring they have the tools they trust in high-pressure situations.

• Innovation: Driving new solutions and breaking ground in technology for national security missions.

• Collaboration & Trust: Fostering an environment where employees feel trusted, can take autonomy, and work effectively with diverse, geographically dispersed teams.

• Mission-Driven: A strong sense of purpose tied to safeguarding national security.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Highly collaborative, working closely with product management, engineering, data science, and directly with end-users (military operators).

• Agile & Iterative: Embracing agile methodologies means frequent communication, feedback loops, and iterative design processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging mentorship and sharing of best practices within the design team and across disciplines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture, as described by CACI, strongly aligns with the values expected in defense contracting: integrity, mission focus, and a commitment to supporting national security. The emphasis on trust and autonomy, coupled with flexible time off, suggests an effort to balance demanding work with employee well-being.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High-Stakes Design: Designing for environments where user errors can have significant consequences requires meticulous attention to detail, clarity, and reliability.

• Complex Data & Workflows: Translating intricate intelligence data and multi-stage military operations into intuitive interfaces can be technically and conceptually challenging.

• Security Clearance Requirements: Obtaining and maintaining a TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance is a demanding process that requires ongoing adherence to strict protocols.

• Geographically Dispersed Teams: Effective communication and collaboration across different locations and time zones require strong organizational and communication skills.

• Balancing Innovation with Rigor: Implementing cutting-edge design solutions while adhering to strict government standards and security protocols.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Domain Expertise: Gaining deep knowledge in defense UX, intelligence visualization, and mission planning tools.

• Advanced Research Techniques: Mastering advanced user research methods tailored for operational environments.

• Design System Leadership: Opportunities to lead the evolution and expansion of enterprise-level design systems.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced designers and potentially mentoring junior team members.

• Industry Exposure: Engaging with cutting-edge defense technologies and potentially attending relevant industry events or training.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the nature of defense work: high stakes, complex information, and stringent security. Growth opportunities lie in deepening expertise within this specialized domain and taking on more leadership responsibilities within CACI's defense technology divisions.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design for a user group with extremely high stakes and how you ensured their trust and confidence in the interface." (Focus on research, validation, and risk mitigation)

• "How would you approach designing a dashboard for real-time intelligence data visualization, considering multiple data sources and varying levels of user expertise?" (Discuss data hierarchy, visualization types, and user segmentation)

• "Walk us through your process for building or contributing to a design system. What were the key considerations for scalability and adoption?" (Highlight Figma expertise, component strategy, and documentation) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for CACI and specifically on the Phanos team, supporting military operators?" (Connect your values and career goals to CACI's mission)

• "How do you handle collaboration with technically diverse teams, especially when there are differing opinions on design or implementation?" (Emphasize communication, compromise, and user advocacy)

• "How do you ensure accessibility standards are met in your designs, and what is your experience with WCAG 2.2 or Section 508?" (Demonstrate practical knowledge and commitment to inclusivity) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, frame it as a narrative: the challenge, your journey, and the successful resolution, highlighting your specific contributions.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals effectively to showcase your designs, wireframes, prototypes, and research findings.

• Emphasize Process Over Polish: Be ready to discuss why you made certain decisions, not just what you designed. Detail your user research, testing, and iteration.

• Quantify Impact: Present metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the positive outcomes of your work.

• Be Ready for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about Figma, design systems, HTML/CSS concepts, and how your designs translate to development realities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize your ability to handle complex, mission-critical design challenges and your understanding of the defense sector. Be prepared to defend your design choices with data and user-centric rationale, and to discuss your experience with security clearance requirements.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the CACI careers portal via the provided URL.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords and experiences directly matching the job description, especially Figma, design systems, user research, defense/government experience, and security clearance eligibility. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features your strongest UX/UI projects, with a focus on process, research, and impact. Select 2-3 detailed case studies that best represent your skills for this role, ideally with defense or complex system relevance.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio, clearly articulating your design process, decision-making, and the outcomes of your projects. Be ready to discuss your experience with Figma in detail.

• Research CACI and the Role: Understand CACI's mission in defense and intelligence. Familiarize yourself with the challenges of designing for military operators and intelligence visualization tools to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding.

⚠️ 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.