UX/UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Designer

Company: Steampunk

Location: McLean, Virginia, United States

Job Type: OTHER

Category: Design / User Experience

Date Posted: April 28, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the application of human-centered design principles and Design Intelligence™ framework for government clients, focusing on solving complex user experience challenges within AI-enabled software environments.

• Drive UX initiatives from initial discovery and user research through to detailed interface design, prototyping, iteration, visual design, and comprehensive usability and accessibility testing.

• Act as the primary advocate for the end-user, ensuring their needs and perspectives are deeply understood and integrated into the development lifecycle.

• Collaborate effectively within cross-functional, Agile delivery teams, translating user insights and design artifacts into actionable user stories for technical sprints.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is distinctly focused on applying UX/UI design principles within a government contracting context, emphasizing human-centered design and an AI-enabled environment. The "Design Intelligence™" framework suggests a structured, proprietary approach to problem-solving that candidates should be prepared to understand and adapt to.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead all phases of the discovery process, meticulously understanding client missions, stakeholder ecosystems, user journeys, and program objectives to inform design strategy.

• Facilitate impactful workshops and conduct in-depth interviews to identify and frame client pain points, uncover core insights, validate hypotheses, and articulate a compelling user experience vision.

• Leverage and create key UX artifacts such as journey maps, service blueprints, personas, and ecosystem maps to strategically craft optimal user experiences.

• Execute rigorous user research and usability testing, translating complex user needs into practical, implementable digital solutions that meet client requirements.

• Foster seamless collaboration and communication with stakeholders and users within a cross-functional Agile team environment, ensuring design integrity throughout development sprints.

• Comprehend and adeptly navigate the technical and operational constraints of diverse platforms and environments, ensuring designs are feasible and effective.

• Design intuitive, elegant, and accessible user interfaces, continuously refining them through iterative testing and learning cycles to achieve the highest quality deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic client engagement, deep user empathy, and hands-on design execution. The emphasis on "Design Intelligence™" and AI-enabled environments suggests a need for forward-thinking design solutions that go beyond standard UI/UX.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience in Human-Centered Design (HCD), Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), or UX design.

Experience: 4+ years of professional UX and UI design experience, with a proven track record of creating viable solutions for multi-platform digital products.

Required Skills:

• Ability to obtain a U.S. government Public Trust Security Clearance.

• Comprehensive portfolio showcasing design ideology, methodologies, tools, skills, and craft.

• Demonstrated experience in user research techniques, including user interviews, discovery workshops, co-creation sessions, heuristic evaluations, and card sorting.

• Proven ability to translate user research insights into actionable UX artifacts such as personas, journey maps, site maps, ecosystem maps, information architecture, and interface designs.

• Expertise in UI design principles, including wireframing, low and high-fidelity prototyping, and conducting moderated/unmoderated user testing and accessibility testing.

• Thorough knowledge and practical experience with Section 508 compliance requirements for accessibility.

• Experience working within a Scrum team in an Agile delivery framework, including writing user stories and participating in story pointing.

• Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools: Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma, Zeplin.

• A strong desire to stay current with evolving industry tools and best practices, with the ability to recommend optimal solutions.

• Experience collaborating within multi-disciplinary teams, including service designers, technologists, data scientists, engineers, solution architects, and change managers.

• Natural curiosity for problem-solving, coupled with strong analytical and critical thinking skills.

• Excellent written communication and presentation skills, with a collaborative and team-oriented approach.

Preferred Skills:

• Previous work experience in or with the federal government.

• Previous work experience in a consulting role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Public Trust Security Clearance is critical and should be a primary consideration for applicants. The breadth of required UX research and design skills, coupled with Agile and government sector experience, indicates a need for a well-rounded and adaptable designer.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of projects demonstrating a deep understanding of the human-centered design process from research to final UI.

• Include detailed case studies that highlight problem definition, user research methodologies employed, design challenges, iterative design solutions, and measurable outcomes.

• Present evidence of proficiency in wireframing, prototyping (low and high-fidelity), and usability/accessibility testing, with clear examples of how these informed design decisions.

• Demonstrate understanding and application of information architecture, user flows, and interaction design principles, supported by visual examples.

Process Documentation:

• Illustrate your approach to user research, including how you gather insights, synthesize findings, and translate them into actionable design requirements and user stories.

• Provide examples of how you have integrated design processes within Agile/Scrum sprints, demonstrating collaboration with development teams and contribution to story pointing.

• Detail your methods for conducting and presenting usability and accessibility testing, including how feedback was incorporated to improve the user experience and ensure 508 compliance.

• Showcase experience with creating and utilizing key UX artifacts like personas, journey maps, and service blueprints to guide design decisions and stakeholder alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is a critical component for this role, expected to demonstrate not just design output but also the strategic thinking, process, and user advocacy behind it. For government clients, showcasing an understanding of compliance and structured methodologies like "Design Intelligence™" will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75,000 - $140,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), reflecting Steampunk's employee-owned structure.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401k) with company match.

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

• Professional development opportunities, including training, certifications, and conference attendance.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and incentives.

• Access to Steampunk's proprietary "Design Intelligence™" framework and resources.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with potential for some flexibility depending on project needs and client demands. Standard business hours are expected for core collaboration and client interaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is broad, reflecting the experience level and potential for specialized skills or government sector experience. The ESOP is a significant benefit, indicating an employee-centric culture. The stated salary range is an estimate based on provided information for the McLean, VA area for a UX/UI Designer with 4-10 years of experience, considering the company's stated range and industry benchmarks.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Federal Contracting, Technology Solutions, Design Consulting. Steampunk operates within the Homeland, Federal Civilian, Health, and DoD sectors, focusing on modernizing government operations through innovative design and technology.

Company Size: Steampunk is an employee-owned company, suggesting a collaborative and invested workforce. While specific employee numbers aren't provided, this structure often implies a mid-sized to large organization with a strong commitment to employee growth and shared success.

Founded: The founding date of Steampunk is not explicitly stated, but its emphasis on "Design Intelligence™" and "Change Agent" status suggests a company that has evolved to meet modern federal contracting demands.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI Designer will join a multi-disciplinary delivery team, which typically includes service designers, technologists, data scientists, engineers, solution architects, and change managers.

• The reporting structure likely involves a Design Lead or a Project Manager, with close collaboration across various functional teams within Agile sprints.

Methodology:

• Steampunk employs a proprietary "Design Intelligence™" process, which emphasizes human-centered design and shared accountability.

• Data analysis and insights are crucial for informing design decisions, validating hypotheses, and measuring the impact of solutions.

• Workflow planning and optimization are inherent to the role, as designers translate complex user needs into efficient and effective digital experiences.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely integrated, especially in an AI-enabled environment, requiring designers to consider scalable and sustainable solutions.

Company Website: http://www.steampunk.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Steampunk positions itself as a disruptive force in federal contracting, valuing innovation and client partnership. The "Design Intelligence™" framework suggests a structured, outcome-oriented approach to design challenges, which is a key differentiator for the company.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level UX/UI Designer, requiring significant professional experience and the ability to lead design initiatives independently for government clients. It involves not just execution but also strategic input and client guidance.

Reporting Structure: The UX/UI Designer will report to a Design Lead or Project Manager within a specific project team. They will work closely with other designers and collaborate extensively with engineers, data scientists, and client stakeholders.

Operations Impact: The UX/UI Designer directly impacts client mission success by ensuring that technology solutions are user-friendly, accessible, and effectively meet the needs of government end-users. Their work contributes to improved efficiency, adoption rates, and overall mission effectiveness within federal agencies.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like accessibility, AI-driven UX, or user research methodologies for government clients.

• Leadership: Progress to a Senior UX/UI Designer or Lead Designer role, mentoring junior team members and taking on more complex project leadership.

• Client Engagement: Develop skills in client relationship management and strategic design consulting, becoming a trusted advisor to government stakeholders.

• Cross-functional Expertise: Gain exposure to other disciplines like service design, data science, and engineering, fostering a holistic understanding of product development.

• Professional Development: Utilize company-provided training and resources to pursue certifications and attend industry conferences relevant to UX/UI design and government technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path here emphasizes both deepening design expertise and developing leadership and client-facing skills, particularly within the unique context of federal government projects. The employee-owned structure may also offer opportunities for long-term financial growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Steampunk likely operates in a professional office environment, given the on-site requirement and the nature of government contracting work. This typically involves dedicated workspaces designed for focused work and collaboration.

Office Location(s): The primary office for this role is in McLean, Virginia. This location is strategically situated within the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, a hub for government agencies and federal contractors, facilitating client interactions and accessibility.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, with opportunities for designers to interact with cross-functional teams (engineers, data scientists, project managers) within Agile sprints.

• Access to necessary design tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite) and technology infrastructure will be provided to support design and prototyping activities.

• Opportunities for direct client engagement and stakeholder meetings, potentially on-site at client locations or through virtual collaboration, will be part of the environment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is anticipated to be around 40 hours per week. While core hours are expected for team collaboration and client availability, there may be some flexibility to accommodate project deadlines and personal needs, though the on-site nature implies a structured workday.

📝 Enhancement Note: The McLean, VA location is a significant advantage for networking and access within the federal sector. The on-site requirement suggests a preference for in-person collaboration and direct client interaction, which can be beneficial for complex government projects.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your experience, approach to UX/UI design, and understanding of human-centered methodologies. Be prepared to discuss your portfolio in detail.

• Design Challenge/Case Study Presentation: You may be asked to present a portfolio case study or complete a design exercise that simulates real-world project challenges. This will assess your problem-solving skills, design process, and ability to articulate your rationale.

• Cross-functional Team Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential colleagues (e.g., engineers, project managers) to evaluate your collaboration style and fit within the team dynamic.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss your career aspirations and overall fit with Steampunk's culture and mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your UX/UI skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience relevant to government or complex digital products.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, design, testing), the challenges you encountered, and the measurable impact or outcome.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your design methodology, user research techniques, and how you translated insights into tangible design solutions. Use diagrams, wireframes, prototypes, and final UI mockups to illustrate your journey.

• Address Requirements: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates experience with accessibility (508 compliance), prototyping tools, and ideally, work within Agile environments.

• Be Concise: Present your work clearly and efficiently, respecting the interviewer's time. Be prepared to dive deeper into specific aspects upon request.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If a design challenge is provided, thoroughly analyze the problem statement, target users, and any given constraints.

• Think Aloud: Practice articulating your thought process, design decisions, and trade-offs as you would during an interview or presentation.

• Focus on Process: Even if you can't fully complete a task, demonstrating a sound design process and a clear rationale for your approach is crucial.

• Prepare for Government Context: Consider how your design choices would align with government requirements for security, accessibility, and user adoption.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and potential design challenge highlights the practical, skill-based nature of this hiring process. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate their design thinking and problem-solving capabilities with concrete examples.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, XD), Zeplin. Proficiency in at least one primary design tool (Figma or Sketch) is essential.

• User Research & Testing: Tools for conducting user interviews, usability testing (moderated and unmoderated), and potentially survey platforms.

• Collaboration: Agile project management tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence), communication platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not primary design tools, understanding how to interpret user analytics (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) to inform design decisions is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Less direct involvement, but awareness of how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and automation tools impact user journeys and data collection can be advantageous for holistic design.

• Understanding of integration platforms and how different systems interact with the user interface.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and Sketch is a core requirement, along with the broader Adobe Creative Suite. Experience with tools that support Agile workflows and user research is also critical. The mention of AI-enabled environments suggests that familiarity with tools or concepts related to AI-driven design or user experience will be a plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Human-Centered Design: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user in all design decisions.

• Innovation & Problem-Solving: A drive to tackle complex challenges with creative, forward-thinking solutions, particularly within the federal sector.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working effectively within multi-disciplinary teams to achieve shared goals.

• Excellence & Quality: A dedication to producing high-quality, polished deliverables that meet stringent client and industry standards.

• Continuous Learning: A proactive approach to staying abreast of evolving design trends, tools, and best practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with engineers, data scientists, project managers, and other stakeholders is paramount. This involves clear communication, active listening, and a willingness to understand different technical perspectives.

• Process-Oriented: A culture that values structured design processes, including research, iteration, and testing, to ensure robust and effective outcomes.

• Feedback Exchange: An open environment where constructive feedback is welcomed and utilized for continuous improvement of designs and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of insights, best practices, and learnings across the team to foster collective growth and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Steampunk's emphasis on "Design Intelligence™" and being a "Change Agent" suggests a culture that values proactive problem-solving, innovation, and a rigorous, user-focused approach. The employee-owned structure likely fosters a strong sense of shared responsibility and collaboration.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Government Client Requirements: Understanding and adhering to the unique procurement processes, security protocols, and stakeholder complexities inherent in federal projects.

• Integrating AI into UX: Designing effective and ethical user experiences within AI-enabled software environments, ensuring user trust and understanding.

• Balancing User Needs with Technical Constraints: Finding optimal design solutions that satisfy user requirements while respecting the technical limitations and operational realities of government systems.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Technology: Continuously learning and adapting to new design tools, methodologies, and emerging technologies in the UX/UI field.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to training programs focused on advanced UX/UI techniques, human-computer interaction, and design for government applications.

• Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend leading UX/UI and federal technology conferences to gain insights and network.

• Mentorship: Guidance from senior designers and leaders within Steampunk, fostering career development and skill enhancement.

• Project Variety: Exposure to a diverse range of projects across different federal sectors, allowing for broad experience and skill application.

• Certification Support: Potential support for obtaining relevant professional certifications in UX/UI design or related fields.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a unique opportunity to apply cutting-edge UX/UI skills in a mission-critical sector. The challenges are significant but are balanced by robust growth opportunities and a supportive, employee-owned company culture.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for translating complex government client needs into user-centered design solutions." (Preparation: Focus on your "Design Intelligence™" adaptation, user research, and iterative design steps.)

• "How do you ensure accessibility and compliance (e.g., Section 508) are integrated throughout your design process?" (Preparation: Detail specific methods, tools, and testing practices you employ.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Steampunk and our 'Design Intelligence™' framework?" (Preparation: Research Steampunk's mission, values, and approach to federal contracting.)

• "How do you approach collaboration within a multi-disciplinary Agile team, particularly with engineers and data scientists?" (Preparation: Provide examples of successful cross-functional collaboration and communication strategies.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your specific role, the process undertaken, key decisions, and the results or impact.

• Visual Storytelling: Use high-fidelity mockups, interactive prototypes, and diagrams to illustrate your design journey and final solutions.

• Focus on Process & Rationale: Be prepared to explain why you made certain design choices, referencing user research, heuristics, and project constraints.

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Briefly touch upon the tools you used and how they facilitated your design process.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily focus on demonstrating a structured, user-centric design process, adaptability to government sector requirements, and strong collaborative skills. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to showcase these attributes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Steampunk careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating human-centered design, user research, UI design, prototyping, and accessibility (508 compliance). Prioritize projects with measurable outcomes or clear problem-solution narratives.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords from the job description, such as "UX/UI Design," "Human-Centered Design," "Agile," "508 Compliance," "Figma," "Sketch," and any relevant government sector experience. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approach, and collaborative style. Prepare to walk through your portfolio case studies, emphasizing your rationale and impact.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Steampunk, their "Design Intelligence™" framework, their work in federal contracting sectors, and their employee-owned culture to demonstrate your genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.