UX/UI Designer
π Job Overview
Job Title: UX/UI Designer
Company: Redhorse Corporation
Location: Huntsville, AL
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Design Operations / GTM Operations
Date Posted: 2026-08-12
Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)
Remote Status: On-site
π Role Summary
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Lead the transformation of manual government processes into intuitive, web-based applications, bridging the gap between citizen needs and digital service delivery.
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Architect and design user interfaces (UI) and user experiences (UX) that are both aesthetically pleasing and functionally robust for enterprise-scale government platforms.
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Define and implement clear information architecture and user journeys to ensure seamless navigation and data flow for complex government missions.
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Collaborate closely with development teams to ensure the technical feasibility of UI/UX designs and maintain design integrity throughout the development lifecycle.
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Translate intricate mission requirements into responsive design elements and site architectures, ensuring accessibility and usability for diverse user groups.
π Enhancement Note: While the title is UX/UI Designer, the context of "transforming manual government processes into intuitive, web-based applications" and the requirement for "coding in Java" and "implementing high-fidelity interfaces that integrate seamlessly with backend applications" strongly suggest a role that bridges traditional UX/UI design with front-end development and operational process integration. This role is critical for ensuring the efficiency and accessibility of government services, a key aspect of GTM Operations in the public sector.
π Primary Responsibilities
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Spearhead the development of web-based applications and online customer service platforms aimed at modernizing government service delivery and enhancing citizen engagement.
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Drive the creation of comprehensive site concepts, establishing a clear and compelling vision for the user's digital journey from initial interaction to task completion.
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Design and architect user interfaces that are not only visually appealing but also highly functional, user-friendly, and aligned with government accessibility standards.
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Define and meticulously structure the information architecture of websites and applications to guarantee intuitive navigation, logical data organization, and efficient user workflows.
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Implement high-fidelity interfaces that integrate seamlessly with backend applications, ensuring a cohesive and robust user experience across all touchpoints.
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Translate complex mission requirements and operational needs into responsive design elements and scalable site architectures, accommodating diverse user needs and devices.
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Foster strong collaborative relationships with developers, product managers, and stakeholders to ensure the technical feasibility of UI/UX designs and alignment with project goals.
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Write and refine application components using Java and potentially other front-end technologies to ensure design integrity, performance, and maintainability throughout the development lifecycle.
π Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "transforming manual government processes," "site concepts," "information architecture," and "implementing high-fidelity interfaces" points towards a role that requires not just visual design but also a deep understanding of user workflows and system integration. The mention of Java coding and integration with backend applications suggests a hybrid role with significant front-end development responsibilities, crucial for operationalizing designs.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education:
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Bachelorβs Degree in Design, Computer Science, Information Technology, Human-Computer Interaction, or a closely related field. Experience:
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A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in UX/UI design and web application development, with a proven track record of successfully delivering user-centered digital solutions.
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Demonstrated experience in transforming complex requirements into intuitive and functional digital interfaces, particularly in enterprise-scale environments. Required Skills:
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Active TS/SCI with Polygraph security clearance is mandatory for this position.
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Demonstrated working knowledge and practical experience coding in Java for application development.
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Proven ability to develop site concepts, define information architecture, and architect user interfaces for enterprise-scale websites and applications.
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Strong portfolio showcasing a range of UX/UI design projects, highlighting problem-solving skills, design thinking, and successful user experience transformations.
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Experience in translating complex mission requirements into responsive and accessible design elements.
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Proficient in collaborating with development teams to ensure technical feasibility and design implementation accuracy. Preferred Skills:
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Experience with front-end technologies such as HTML, JavaScript, and CSS.
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Familiarity with database management systems including Oracle, Sybase, or SQL Server.
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Knowledge of legacy web technologies such as Active Server Pages (ASP) or Visual Basic.
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Ability to write and optimize SQL queries for data-driven application interfaces.
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Experience working in an Agile development environment using project management tools like Jira and GitLab.
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Understanding of Section 508 compliance and accessibility standards for government websites.
π Enhancement Note: The mandatory TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance and the specific mention of Java coding as a required skill, alongside traditional UX/UI design experience, indicate a specialized role. This isn't purely a design role; it requires a blend of design expertise and development capability, particularly for integrating user interfaces with existing government systems. The "5+ years" requirement positions this as a mid-to-senior level role.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
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Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct projects that clearly demonstrate your end-to-end UX/UI design process, from initial concept and user research to final implementation and iteration.
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Include case studies that detail the problem statement, your specific role and contributions, the design solutions implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes or impact achieved.
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Highlight projects where you translated complex requirements (especially government or mission-critical ones) into user-friendly digital interfaces.
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Demonstrate experience with information architecture, wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity UI design for web applications.
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For this role, explicitly include examples of projects where you were involved in or contributed to the implementation phase, ideally showing integration with backend systems or specific coding contributions (e.g., Java, HTML, JavaScript). Process Documentation:
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Provide documentation or descriptions of your design process, emphasizing how you approach user research, problem definition, ideation, prototyping, user testing, and iteration.
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Detail your methods for collaborating with development teams, including how you hand off designs, provide specifications, and ensure design fidelity during implementation.
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Explain how you incorporate accessibility standards (like Section 508) and performance considerations into your design and development workflows.
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Illustrate how you measure the success of your designs, using metrics related to user engagement, task completion rates, user satisfaction, and operational efficiency improvements.
π Enhancement Note: Given the hybrid nature of this role (UX/UI + Java development), the portfolio should not only showcase design thinking and visual execution but also demonstrate the candidate's ability to understand and contribute to the technical implementation. This means including examples that touch upon coding, system integration, or the technical feasibility of designs. The requirement for Java coding necessitates portfolio pieces that might show involvement in front-end development aspects.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $120,000 - $140,000 per year.
This range reflects the anticipated base salary for successful candidates in the Huntsville, AL area for a UX/UI Designer with 5+ years of experience and a TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance. Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors including relevant experience, education, certifications, skills, security clearance level, geographic location, market conditions, and internal equity.
Benefits:
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Comprehensive benefits programs, likely including health, dental, vision insurance, retirement plans (e.g., 401k), paid time off, and life insurance.
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Potential eligibility for performance-based incentive compensation, bonuses, or other performance-related rewards.
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Opportunities for professional development and continuing education, especially relevant for staying current with design and development technologies.
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Support for maintaining security clearances and potentially specialized training related to government IT projects. Working Hours:
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The standard working hours for this full-time position are approximately 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, there may be some flexibility in daily start and end times, subject to team and project needs. Occasional overtime may be required to meet critical project deadlines or support urgent mission requirements.
π Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific to the Huntsville, AL location and aligns with the experience level and specialized requirements (TS/SCI with Polygraph, Java development). The mention of "comprehensive benefits programs" and "performance-based incentive compensation" are standard for roles of this level and type within government contracting.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: Technology Solutions & Data Insights for U.S. National Interests.
Redhorse Corporation operates within the defense and intelligence sectors, providing critical data analysis and technology solutions to government agencies with missions vital to national security. This industry demands a high level of precision, security, and reliability.
Company Size: The provided data does not specify company size. However, based on typical government contracting firms and the structure of the job description, it is likely a medium to large-sized organization (e.g., 200-1000+ employees) with established processes for handling sensitive government contracts.
Founded: The founding date is not provided. However, the company's focus on "solution-driven company delivering data insights and technology solutions to customers with missions critical to U.S. national interests" suggests a company with established experience in the government contracting space, likely founded several years ago to build expertise and client relationships.
Team Structure:
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The UX/UI Designer will likely be part of a broader technology or engineering team, potentially within a division focused on software development or system modernization for government clients.
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The reporting structure would typically involve a lead designer, a software development manager, or a program manager, depending on the project organization.
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Cross-functional collaboration is paramount, involving close work with developers (Java, front-end), systems engineers, project managers, security personnel, and government client representatives to ensure designs meet mission objectives and technical constraints. Methodology:
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Data-driven decision-making is crucial, leveraging user analytics and mission requirements to inform design choices.
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Workflow planning and optimization are key, as the role aims to streamline government processes through intuitive digital interfaces.
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Automation and efficiency practices are implicitly valued, as the goal is to make government services more accessible and easier to use.
Company Website: https://www.redhorsecorp.com/
π Enhancement Note: The company's focus on national interests and government clients implies a culture that prioritizes security, compliance, and rigorous execution. The role of a UX/UI Designer here is not just about aesthetics but about enabling critical government functions through technology, requiring a deep understanding of user needs within a high-stakes environment.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This UX/UI Designer role is positioned at a Mid-Senior level, requiring significant professional experience (5+ years) and specialized technical skills (Java coding, TS/SCI with Poly). It involves leading design efforts for complex applications and directly influencing the user experience of government services, indicating a role with substantial responsibility and autonomy.
Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a Design Lead, Engineering Manager, or Program Manager. Collaboration will be extensive with software developers, systems engineers, and potentially project stakeholders within government agencies.
Operations Impact: The operations impact of this role is significant. By transforming manual government processes into intuitive digital applications, this designer directly enhances the efficiency, accessibility, and usability of essential public services. This improves citizen engagement, reduces operational overhead for agencies, and ensures that government technology effectively serves its intended mission. The successful implementation of user-friendly interfaces contributes directly to the operational effectiveness of government programs.
Growth Opportunities:
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Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in UX/UI design for government applications, focusing on accessibility standards (Section 508), security considerations, and integration with complex backend systems. Develop advanced proficiency in Java and potentially other front-end technologies.
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Technical Specialization: Transition into more specialized roles such as a Front-End Developer with a strong UX focus, a Systems Integrator, or a Technical Lead for modernization projects.
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Leadership Potential: Grow into a Lead UX/UI Designer role, managing design teams, mentoring junior designers, and taking on greater responsibility for project strategy and client engagement. Opportunities may also exist to move into program management or technical consulting roles within Redhorse Corporation.
π Enhancement Note: The blend of design and development skills, coupled with the government sector focus, offers unique growth paths. The ability to understand and implement within a secure, regulated environment is a highly valuable operational skill.
π Work Environment
Office Type: This is an on-site position, indicating a traditional office environment. Given the sensitive nature of the work (TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance required), the office will likely adhere to strict security protocols and may include secure work areas.
Office Location(s): Huntsville, Alabama. This location is a hub for aerospace, defense, and technology industries, suggesting a professional and technologically advanced work environment.
Workspace Context:
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The workspace will likely be collaborative, with opportunities to interact directly with development teams, project managers, and potentially government client representatives.
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Access to relevant operations tools and technology will be provided, including development environments, design software, and collaboration platforms necessary for secure government contracting work.
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The environment will foster a culture of precision and attention to detail, essential for working with classified information and critical government systems.
Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week, on-site. While core hours will likely be established for team collaboration, some flexibility might be available depending on project demands and management approval. The nature of government projects may occasionally require extended hours to meet critical deadlines or respond to urgent operational needs.
π Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and the need for a TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance suggest a highly controlled and secure work environment. This is typical for roles supporting defense and intelligence agencies, emphasizing the operational security aspects of the workplace.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
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Initial Screening: A recruiter will likely conduct an initial call to assess basic qualifications, including security clearance verification, experience level, and interest in the role.
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Technical/Portfolio Review: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, focusing on projects that demonstrate UX/UI design skills, information architecture, and importantly, experience with Java coding and integration. Expect detailed questions about design decisions, problem-solving approaches, and the technical implementation of their designs.
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Technical Interview: A more in-depth technical interview may follow, potentially including coding exercises or scenario-based questions related to Java development, UI implementation, and translating requirements into functional components.
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Team/Hiring Manager Interview: This stage will focus on cultural fit, collaboration style, understanding of government contracting environments, and how the candidate's operational approach aligns with Redhorse Corporation's mission.
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Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion with senior leadership or HR to discuss compensation, benefits, and extend an offer.
Portfolio Review Tips:
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Highlight Hybrid Skills: Clearly showcase projects where you've combined UX/UI design with actual development or significant technical implementation. Emphasize your Java coding experience and how you've integrated designs with backend systems.
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Quantify Impact: For each project, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs and development contributions. Focus on improvements in user engagement, task completion rates, operational efficiency, and user satisfaction, especially in government contexts.
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Explain Design-to-Code Workflow: Be prepared to walk through your process of translating UI/UX designs into functional code. Discuss challenges encountered and how you overcame them.
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Demonstrate Understanding of Constraints: Show how you've designed and developed within the constraints of government projects, including security, accessibility (Section 508), and legacy system integration.
Challenge Preparation:
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Design & Code Challenge: Be prepared for a practical exercise that might involve designing a user interface for a specific government function and then outlining or writing basic Java code to implement a key component of that interface.
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Problem-Solving Scenarios: Practice answering questions about how you would approach redesigning a complex government workflow or improving the user experience of an existing application, considering both design and technical feasibility.
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Security & Compliance: Review your understanding of government security protocols, data handling, and accessibility standards (e.g., Section 508) as these will be critical in your responses.
π Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will heavily scrutinize both design acumen and practical development skills, particularly in Java. The portfolio is crucial for demonstrating this hybrid capability.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
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Design & Prototyping: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD), Figma, Sketch, InVision, Axure RP for wireframing and high-fidelity prototyping.
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Development: Java (required), HTML, JavaScript (preferred), CSS.
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Version Control: Git, GitLab (preferred).
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Project Management: Jira (preferred) for Agile workflow tracking.
Analytics & Reporting:
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Tools for tracking user behavior and application performance, potentially including Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or custom internal dashboards.
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Reporting tools for creating visualizations and communicating key metrics to stakeholders. CRM & Automation:
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While not explicitly stated, understanding how UX/UI designs integrate with backend systems and databases is key. This implies familiarity with data management principles and potentially integration tools that connect front-end applications to backend services or CRMs.
π Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for Java coding places a significant emphasis on development tools. Proficiency with version control systems like Git/GitLab and project management tools like Jira is also highly valued in modern development and operations environments.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
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Mission Focus: A strong commitment to supporting U.S. national interests and ensuring the success of critical government missions through effective technology solutions.
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Integrity & Security: Upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct, data security, and compliance with government regulations.
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Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with diverse teams, including developers, engineers, and client representatives, to achieve shared objectives.
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Innovation & Excellence: Continuously seeking to improve processes, technologies, and user experiences to deliver superior solutions.
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User-Centricity: Prioritizing the needs and experiences of end-users, particularly citizens interacting with government services.
Collaboration Style:
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Cross-Functional Integration: Expect close collaboration with software developers, systems engineers, and project managers. Active participation in team meetings, code reviews, and design critiques is expected.
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Process Improvement Culture: A willingness to identify inefficiencies in current processes and propose/implement solutions through user-centered design and development.
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Knowledge Sharing: An environment that encourages sharing best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights among team members to foster collective growth and project success.
π Enhancement Note: The culture at Redhorse Corporation, particularly for roles requiring high-level security clearances, will likely emphasize trust, reliability, and a deep sense of responsibility towards the mission. Collaboration is key to navigating the complexities of government projects.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
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Navigating Complex Requirements: Translating intricate and often ambiguous government mission requirements into functional and user-friendly digital solutions.
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Security & Compliance: Adhering to stringent security protocols, data handling policies, and accessibility mandates (e.g., Section 508) inherent in government contracting.
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Integrating with Legacy Systems: Designing and developing for environments that may include older technologies or require integration with existing, potentially outdated, government infrastructure.
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Balancing Design & Development: Effectively managing the dual responsibilities of creating intuitive user experiences and implementing them through robust Java code.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
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Specialized Training: Access to training programs focused on advanced UX/UI design for government sectors, specific security compliance requirements, and emerging technologies relevant to national security.
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Professional Certifications: Opportunities to pursue certifications in UX/UI design, Agile methodologies, or specific development technologies that enhance career growth.
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Mentorship: Guidance from experienced designers, developers, and project leads within Redhorse Corporation, fostering skill development and career progression.
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Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of government projects can provide broad exposure to different challenges and technological landscapes, accelerating learning and skill diversification.
π Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role are directly tied to the operational realities of government contracting, requiring adaptability and a solutions-oriented mindset that bridges design, development, and compliance.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
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Design Process & Collaboration: "Describe a time you had to translate a complex government requirement into a user-friendly interface. What was your process, and how did you collaborate with developers to ensure its successful implementation?" (Prepare to discuss your UX/UI process, information architecture, and Java integration experience.)
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Problem-Solving with Constraints: "Imagine you're tasked with improving the user experience of a legacy government application. What steps would you take, considering both design principles and potential technical limitations or security concerns?" (Focus on your analytical skills, ability to work with constraints, and understanding of operational impact.)
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Technical Implementation: "Can you walk us through how you would implement a specific UI component, such as a data table with filtering capabilities, using Java and front-end technologies, ensuring it's both responsive and accessible?" (Be ready to discuss coding approaches, framework choices, and best practices for front-end development.)
Company & Culture Questions:
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"What interests you about working for Redhorse Corporation and supporting U.S. national interests?" (Research Redhorse's mission, recent projects, and values. Connect your own career goals and values to their objectives.)
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"How do you approach working in a secure government contracting environment with strict compliance requirements?" (Demonstrate awareness of security protocols, data handling, and your commitment to integrity.)
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"Describe your experience working with cross-functional teams. How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration between design, development, and other stakeholders?" (Highlight your teamwork and communication skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
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Structure for Hybrid Roles: Organize your portfolio to clearly distinguish between pure UX/UI design projects and those where you had significant development involvement. Use case studies that explicitly detail your contributions to both design and code.
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Quantify Results: For each project, present clear metrics demonstrating the impact of your work on user experience, operational efficiency, and mission objectives.
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Technical Deep Dive: Be prepared to discuss the technical aspects of your projects, including the languages and tools used, challenges faced during implementation, and how you ensured design fidelity from concept to code.
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Tailor to Requirements: Emphasize projects that align with the job description's focus on government services, Java development, and translating complex requirements.
π Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating the candidate's ability to function effectively in a hybrid UX/UI design and Java development role within a secure government sector context.
π Application Steps
To apply for this operations position:
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Submit your application through the provided Lever application link.
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Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your 5+ years of UX/UI design experience, specific Java development skills, and any experience with government projects or sensitive clearance environments. Quantify achievements with metrics wherever possible.
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Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects showcasing your hybrid UX/UI and Java development capabilities, including case studies that detail your process from design to implementation. Be ready to present specific examples of transforming complex requirements into functional applications.
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Prepare for Technical Questions: Practice discussing your design process, your approach to information architecture, and your experience with Java coding, front-end technologies, and integration with backend systems. Be ready to explain how you ensure accessibility and security in your work.
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Research Redhorse Corporation: Understand the company's mission, values, and the specific types of technology solutions they provide to government clients. Prepare to articulate why you are a good fit for their culture and mission.
β οΈ 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.
Application Requirements
Candidates must possess an active TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance and a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field. A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in UX/UI design and web application development, including coding proficiency in Java, is required.