UX/UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Designer

Company: Steampunk

Location: McLean, Virginia, United States

Job Type: Other

Category: Design Operations / GTM Operations (with a focus on client-facing design strategy)

Date Posted: August 18, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the application of human-centered design principles and Steampunk's Design Intelligence™ framework for government clients, focusing on solving complex user experience challenges.

• Lead and execute comprehensive UX initiatives from initial discovery phases through detailed interface design, encompassing user research, prototyping, iteration, visual design, and usability/accessibility testing.

• Act as the primary advocate for the customer, ensuring their needs and pain points are thoroughly understood and addressed within proposed digital solutions.

• Integrate user insights and design artifacts (personas, journey maps, service blueprints) into actionable design specifications within an Agile delivery framework.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including service designers, technologists, data scientists, and change managers, to deliver high-quality, intuitive, and accessible digital products.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is UX/UI Designer, the emphasis on guiding government clients through a specific framework ("Design Intelligence™") and integrating with technical sprints within an Agile environment suggests a strong overlap with GTM Operations and potentially even elements of Revenue Operations, particularly in how design drives client adoption and satisfaction. The role requires not just creative design but also strategic client engagement and process integration, which are core to operations roles. The "OTHER" employment type is unusual for a UX/UI role and might indicate a specific project-based or consultancy engagement model.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth discovery processes to thoroughly understand client missions, goals, user ecosystems, current state journeys, user segments, and program objectives.

• Facilitate workshops and user interviews to identify pain points, define insights, validate hypotheses, and articulate a compelling user experience vision.

• Develop and utilize key UX artifacts such as journey maps, service blueprints, personas, and ecosystem/experience maps to inform and craft the user experience.

• Execute primary and secondary user research, including user interviews, discovery workshops, heuristic evaluations, and card sorting, translating findings into actionable design solutions.

• Design intuitive, elegant, and accessible interfaces through a systematic test-and-learn process, ensuring adherence to 508 compliance requirements.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams within an Agile environment, contributing to user stories and story pointing within technical sprints.

• Understand and integrate technical, platform, and operational constraints into design solutions to ensure feasibility and optimal implementation.

• Ensure all design deliverables across a variety of projects meet the highest standards of quality and user-centricity.

• Maintain a proactive approach to staying abreast of evolving industry tools and best practices, recommending advancements for optimal project outcomes.

• Contribute to the growth of Steampunk's Design Intelligence™ process through continuous learning and application of new methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities heavily lean into a consultative and strategic approach, common in GTM or client-facing operations roles. The emphasis on "Design Intelligence™ framework" and "guiding government clients" indicates a need for strong client management and process adherence, aligning with operational excellence. The integration with Agile/Scrum teams and technical sprints is a key operational component of design delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Degree or equivalent experience in Human-Centered Design (HCD), Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), and/or UX Design.

Experience: 4+ years of professional UX and UI experience designing viable solutions for multi-platform digital products.

Required Skills:

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

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

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

• Strong knowledge and practical experience with Section 508 compliance requirements.

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

• Proficiency in design and prototyping tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma, and Zeplin.

• Ability to effectively translate user needs and research insights into implementable digital experiences.

• Excellent written communication and presentation skills for articulating design concepts and strategies.

• Natural curiosity for problem-solving coupled with strong analytical skills.

• Collaborative nature with experience working within multi-disciplinary delivery teams. Preferred Skills:

• Previous work experience in or with the federal government.

• Previous work experience as a consultant, particularly in a project-based environment.

• Experience working on a cross-functional Salesforce implementation team.

• Familiarity with Service Design principles and their application.

• Experience with ecosystem mapping and information architecture for complex digital products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Public Trust Security Clearance and experience within the federal government sector points to a specialized niche. The blend of "consulting" experience and "project-based environment" aligns with operational delivery models where structured methodologies and client satisfaction are paramount. The "Salesforce" bonus point suggests potential integration with CRM operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a strong understanding of design ideology, methodologies, tools, skills, and craft.

• Examples demonstrating the end-to-end design process, from initial discovery and research to final interface design and iteration.

• Case studies detailing how user research and insights were translated into tangible design solutions and implemented.

• Visuals and explanations of wireframes, prototypes, and final UI designs, highlighting user flows and interaction design.

• Documentation of accessibility considerations and 508 compliance efforts within design projects. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of facilitating user research, workshops, and co-creation sessions, with examples of outputs (e.g., personas, journey maps).

• Demonstrations of iterative design processes, including prototyping, user testing, and incorporating feedback.

• Examples of integrating design work into Agile sprints, including contributions to user stories and story pointing.

• Documentation of how design specifications were communicated to development teams for implementation.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the problem, the design process, the solution, and the measurable impact or outcomes achieved.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UX/UI Designer role, especially in a consulting capacity for government clients, the portfolio is critical. It needs to demonstrate not just aesthetic skill but also a robust, repeatable process for understanding user needs, translating them into design, and integrating those designs into development workflows. The emphasis on "Design Intelligence™" implies a structured, almost operational approach to design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

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

Explanation of Range: This estimate is based on Steampunk's stated compensation factors, including geographic location (McLean, VA), contractual requirements, education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience. McLean, VA, is a high-cost-of-living area with strong demand for specialized tech and design talent, particularly for government contracts, justifying the upper end of the range.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive total compensation package beyond base salary.

• Employee ownership opportunities, reflecting Steampunk's employee-owned structure.

• Investment in employee development and career growth.

• Opportunities for employees to achieve their greatest career work and be rewarded for contributions.

• Participation in the E-Verify program.

• Specific details on additional benefits can be learned via the provided link (assumed to be on Steampunk's careers page).

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week.

Work Arrangement: On-site in McLean, VA.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided by Steampunk is quite broad, indicating flexibility based on candidate experience and specific project needs. The mention of "contractual requirements" is significant for government contracting roles, as it can influence salary bands. The employee ownership model is a key differentiator and a substantial benefit for long-term employees. The explicit mention of "Identity Statement" and "on camera during interviews" is an unusual but important detail regarding their hiring process.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Federal Contracting (Homeland, Federal Civilian, Health, DoD sectors), Technology Consulting.

Company Size: Steampunk is an employee-owned company, suggesting a strong culture of shared success and accountability. While not explicitly stated, companies of this nature often range from 50-500 employees, fostering a collaborative yet professional environment.

Founded: Founded by individuals aiming to "change the expectations our Federal clients have for true shared accountability." This implies a forward-thinking, innovative, and client-centric culture.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI Designer will be part of a multi-disciplinary delivery team, working alongside service designers, technologists, data scientists, engineers, solution architects, and change managers.

• Collaboration will occur within an Agile/Scrum framework, indicating a structured yet adaptable team dynamic.

• The role involves guiding government clients, suggesting a strong client-facing component within the team's operational delivery. Methodology:

• Design Intelligence™: Steampunk's proprietary framework for fundamentally changing how clients approach their mission challenges through shared accountability and human-centered methods.

• Agile Delivery: Integration of design and research into technical sprints, emphasizing iterative development and rapid feedback loops.

• Human-Centered Design: Core philosophy guiding all UX/UI initiatives, ensuring user needs are paramount.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Steampunk positions itself as a "Change Agent" in federal contracting, emphasizing innovation and a unique "Design Intelligence™" process. This suggests a culture that values proactive problem-solving, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of client missions, which is crucial for operations-focused roles. The employee-owned structure likely fosters a strong sense of ownership and collaboration.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level UX/UI Designer. This role is positioned as an individual contributor with significant responsibility for client engagement and design leadership within projects. It's a step beyond junior design roles, requiring independent execution and strategic input.

Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a Design Lead, UX Manager, or Program Manager within Steampunk's project delivery structure. Collaboration is expected across various functional areas within client organizations and Steampunk's internal teams.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts client satisfaction and project success by ensuring that digital solutions are user-centered, effective, and meet client mission objectives. This influence extends to driving adoption of new technologies and processes for government clients, a key aspect of GTM and operational success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in federal government UX/UI, 508 compliance, or specific design domains (e.g., data visualization, complex workflow design).

• Leadership: Progress to Senior UX/UI Designer, Lead Designer, or Design Manager roles, overseeing projects and mentoring junior designers.

• Consulting Acumen: Develop advanced client management, workshop facilitation, and strategic advisory skills within Steampunk's Design Intelligence™ framework.

• Cross-Functional Skill Development: Gain exposure to service design, change management, and technical implementation aspects through cross-functional team collaboration.

• Potential for Federal Clearance Advancement: With demonstrated performance and continued need, opportunities to pursue higher-level security clearances may arise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for this role is tied to both design expertise and the consultative/operational aspects of working with government clients. Progressing beyond pure design involves understanding the broader project lifecycle, client relationship management, and contributing to Steampunk's proprietary methodologies, all of which are key to operational career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site. The role is based in McLean, VA, indicating a requirement for physical presence at the company's offices or potentially client sites within the vicinity.

Office Location(s): McLean, Virginia. This location is part of the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, a hub for government contracting and technology firms.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with diverse internal teams (service designers, technologists, data scientists) and external stakeholders (government clients), suggesting an open and interactive workspace.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma, Zeplin) and prototyping tools will be provided. The environment likely supports a tech-forward approach to design and development.

• Client-Centric Focus: The workspace will be geared towards supporting projects with government clients, potentially involving secure environments and adherence to specific protocols.

Work Schedule: Standard professional work hours (approximately 40 hours per week), with potential for some flexibility depending on project demands and client needs, typical in consulting environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in McLean, VA, is significant. This area is a major center for federal contracting, suggesting that the work will be deeply integrated with government agency needs. The collaborative workspace is essential for the cross-functional teamwork and client interaction described.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio for relevant experience, skills, and alignment with Steampunk's methodology.

• Portfolio Review & Discussion: A dedicated session to walk through selected case studies from the portfolio, focusing on the candidate's process, decision-making, and impact. Expect questions about how you approach discovery, research, ideation, and iteration.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Questions assessing problem-solving abilities, collaboration style, client management skills, and ability to work within an Agile framework. Expect questions about handling difficult stakeholders or challenging project constraints.

• Technical/Methodology Interview: Deeper dive into UX/UI principles, 508 compliance, Agile integration, and understanding of Steampunk's Design Intelligence™ framework.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership or client representatives to assess overall fit and strategic alignment.

• Identity Verification: As per the "Identity Statement," expect on-camera interviews for identity verification.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best demonstrate your end-to-end UX/UI process, highlight your role, and showcase impact. Prioritize projects relevant to government clients or complex systems if possible.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your approach, the methodologies used (research, wireframing, prototyping, testing), your specific contributions, the challenges faced, and the outcomes or lessons learned.

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

• Showcase Process: Emphasize your thought process, decision-making rationale, and how you leveraged user research and feedback to iterate on designs.

• Highlight 508 Compliance: Clearly demonstrate your understanding and application of accessibility standards and 508 compliance.

• Prepare for Design Challenges: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical design problem relevant to government services.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Government Context: Research common challenges faced by federal agencies in digital transformation, user engagement, and service delivery.

• Review Steampunk's Framework: Familiarize yourself with their "Design Intelligence™" process and how it applies to client challenges.

• Practice Agile Integration: Be prepared to discuss how design integrates with sprints, user stories, and technical teams.

• Articulate Problem-Solving: Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex UX problems, managed stakeholder expectations, and delivered successful solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on identity verification via camera is a critical, unique aspect of this application process. The portfolio review will likely focus heavily on the process and methodology behind the designs, aligning with Steampunk's structured approach to client solutions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD), Sketch, Figma, Zeplin. Expect to use these for wireframing, UI design, prototyping, and handoff to development.

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

• Collaboration Platforms: Agile project management tools (likely Jira or similar), communication tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams), and document sharing platforms.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as a primary tool for the designer, understanding how to interpret user analytics and performance data to inform design decisions will be beneficial. Familiarity with tools that track user behavior and application performance could be an asset. CRM & Automation:

• Salesforce: Explicitly mentioned as a "bonus point" for experience. Understanding how UX/UI design might integrate with or be influenced by Salesforce implementations would be advantageous.

• Integration Tools: General awareness of how design outputs integrate with development workflows and potentially back-end systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and Sketch is standard, but the explicit mention of Adobe Creative Suite and Zeplin indicates a need for a broad toolset. The bonus point for Salesforce is a strong indicator of potential project focus areas. The role requires not just design tool proficiency but also the ability to integrate design outputs into the broader Agile development and client delivery lifecycle.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client-Centricity: A primary focus on understanding and serving the needs of government clients through effective design solutions.

• Innovation & Change Agency: A drive to bring "new thinking" and fundamentally change client expectations, valuing proactive problem-solving.

• Accountability & Shared Success: As an employee-owned company, a strong emphasis on collective responsibility and rewarding contributions to growth.

• Data-Driven Design: Utilizing user research, testing, and analytics to inform design decisions and measure impact.

• Process Excellence: Adherence to and refinement of Steampunk's proprietary "Design Intelligence™" framework and Agile methodologies.

• Collaboration: A commitment to working effectively across diverse internal teams and with client stakeholders.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with technologists, data scientists, service designers, and change managers to deliver holistic solutions.

• Agile Teamwork: Active participation in Scrum ceremonies, contributing to sprint goals, and providing design insights within rapid development cycles.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Building strong relationships with government clients, facilitating workshops, and presenting design strategies effectively.

• Feedback Culture: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to improve designs and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Steampunk's values appear to be a blend of innovative consulting principles and the structured execution required for federal contracting. The emphasis on "Design Intelligence™" and "Change Agent" suggests a culture that rewards strategic thinking and a proactive approach to problem-solving, crucial for operations roles that drive client success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Government Client Environments: Understanding the unique procurement processes, stakeholder landscapes, and mission priorities within federal agencies.

• Balancing User Needs with Technical/Contractual Constraints: Designing effective solutions that meet user needs while adhering to strict specifications, security requirements, and budget limitations.

• Integrating Design into Fast-Paced Agile Sprints: Ensuring design deliverables are timely and relevant for technical teams working in short development cycles.

• Maintaining 508 Compliance: Consistently applying accessibility standards across all design outputs for government projects.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies and Methodologies: Staying current with the latest UX/UI tools, design trends, and government technology initiatives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen Federal UX Expertise: Gain specialized knowledge in designing for government sectors, understanding user bases and regulatory landscapes.

• Master Design Intelligence™: Become an expert in Steampunk's proprietary framework, potentially leading its application on projects.

• Enhance Agile Design Practices: Refine skills in integrating design seamlessly into Scrum and other Agile frameworks.

• Develop Consulting Skills: Grow capabilities in client management, strategic advisory, and workshop facilitation.

• Advanced Security Clearance: Potential to pursue higher-level security clearances based on project needs and performance.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Exposure to service design, data science, and technology implementation through collaborative projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for designers in government contracting but are amplified by Steampunk's focus on a specific methodology and the inherent complexities of the federal sector. Growth opportunities are strongly tied to both design specialization and the development of operational/consulting competencies.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex user experience challenge you faced with a government client. How did you approach it using human-centered design principles and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, methodology, and impact.)

• "How do you ensure your designs meet Section 508 compliance requirements throughout the design process?" (Demonstrate knowledge of accessibility standards and practical application.)

• "Walk us through a project from your portfolio where you had to integrate your design work within an Agile/Scrum sprint. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Highlight collaboration, adaptability, and understanding of Agile workflows.)

• "How would you apply Steampunk's Design Intelligence™ framework to a hypothetical government project focused on [e.g., improving citizen engagement with a specific agency service]?" (Research the framework and tailor your response.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working with government clients specifically, and what do you know about Steampunk's mission as a 'Change Agent'?" (Show genuine interest and alignment with their values.)

• "Describe your experience working in a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team. How do you handle disagreements or differing perspectives on design?" (Assess collaboration and conflict resolution skills.)

• "As an employee-owned company, how do you see yourself contributing to Steampunk's overall success beyond your direct design responsibilities?" (Reflect on ownership mentality and contribution to company growth.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, the process, your specific contributions, the challenges, and the quantifiable results.

• Emphasize Process Over Polish: While visuals are important, focus on explaining your thought process and the methodology behind your design decisions.

• Highlight Collaboration: Discuss how you worked with stakeholders, users, and technical teams.

• Demonstrate Iteration: Show how user feedback and testing informed your design iterations.

• Be Prepared for Whiteboarding: Have a plan for how you might sketch out ideas or processes on a whiteboard or digital equivalent during the interview.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expect interview questions to heavily probe your understanding of process, methodology, and client engagement, aligning with the operational nature of this role. The portfolio presentation is a key opportunity to demonstrate your structured approach to problem-solving and design delivery.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Designer position:

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

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 strong case studies that highlight your end-to-end UX/UI process, specifically focusing on your approach to discovery, research, design, and testing. Tailor your selection to demonstrate experience relevant to government clients or complex systems, if possible.

• Optimize Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 4+ years of experience, highlights proficiency in required tools (Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, Zeplin), emphasizes your experience with Agile/Scrum and 508 compliance, and mentions any federal government or consulting experience.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your selected portfolio projects, focusing on storytelling, explaining your rationale, quantifying impact, and demonstrating your understanding of the design process. Be ready to discuss your experience with user research, prototyping, and usability testing.

• Research Steampunk: Understand their "Design Intelligence™" framework, their mission as a "Change Agent," and their employee-owned structure. Prepare thoughtful questions about their culture, client engagements, and the specific challenges of this role.

⚠️ 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.