UX/UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Designer

Company: Steampunk

Location: McLean, Virginia, United States

Job Type: Other

Category: User Experience (UX) / User Interface (UI) Design

Date Posted: June 1, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead human-centered design initiatives for government clients, leveraging the Design Intelligence™ framework to address complex user experience challenges.

• Drive the end-to-end UX lifecycle, from initial discovery and user research to detailed interface design, prototyping, and rigorous testing.

• Serve as the primary advocate for the end-user, ensuring their needs and pain points are thoroughly understood and integrated into proposed digital solutions.

• Collaborate within cross-functional, agile delivery teams, effectively translating user insights and technical constraints into elegant, accessible, and implementable digital interfaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically tailored for a UX/UI Designer within a federal contracting environment, emphasizing a structured, "Design Intelligence™" approach. The on-site requirement in McLean, VA, and the need for a Public Trust Clearance are critical operational considerations. The "Other" employment type suggests it might be a specific contract role or a classification unique to the company's structure.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and execute all phases of the design discovery process, including in-depth understanding of client missions, stakeholder ecosystems, current state user journeys, and program objectives.

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

• Develop and utilize key design artifacts such as journey maps, service blueprints, personas, and ecosystem maps to inform and craft intuitive user experiences.

• Conduct comprehensive user research and usability testing to gather actionable insights, translating them into functional and user-friendly digital product designs.

• Actively contribute to agile scrum teams, integrating user research and design deliverables into technical sprints, including the creation of user stories and story pointing.

• Design intuitive, elegant, and accessible user interfaces, employing a test-and-learn methodology to ensure continuous improvement and optimal user satisfaction.

• Ensure the highest quality standards are met for all design deliverables across a diverse portfolio of government projects.

• Adhere to and champion Section 508 compliance requirements throughout the design and development process.

• Collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team, including service designers, technologists, data scientists, and change managers, to deliver integrated solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on client-facing engagement, workshop facilitation, and the creation of comprehensive UX documentation. The direct involvement in agile sprint planning (user stories, story pointing) is a key operational aspect for this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Human-Centered Design (HCD), Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), UX Design, or a related field.

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

Required Skills:

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

• Demonstrated expertise in conducting primary and secondary user research, including user interviews, discovery workshops, heuristic evaluations, and card sorting.

• Proficiency in applying research insights to create essential design artifacts: personas, journey maps, site maps, ecosystem maps, information architecture, and interface designs.

• Strong UI design skills, encompassing wireframing, low- and high-fidelity prototyping, and conducting both moderated and unmoderated user testing.

• In-depth knowledge and practical experience with Section 508 compliance requirements for accessibility.

• Experience working within the Agile delivery framework, specifically on scrum teams, and integrating design activities into technical sprints.

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

• A proactive approach to staying current with evolving industry tools and best practices, with the ability to recommend improvements.

• Experience collaborating within multidisciplinary delivery teams, including service designers, technologists, data scientists, engineers, solution architects, and change managers.

• Strong analytical skills and a natural curiosity for problem-solving.

• Excellent written communication and presentation skills, with a collaborative demeanor.

Preferred Skills:

• Previous work experience in or with the federal government sector.

• Prior consulting experience, particularly in design or technology.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The security clearance is a non-negotiable requirement, impacting the candidate pool. The emphasis on specific research methods (heuristic evaluation, card sorting) and artifacts (service blueprints, ecosystem maps) indicates a mature UX process. Experience with Salesforce is a specific technical preference.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory, showcasing your design ideology, methodologies, tool proficiency, core skills, and craft.

• Demonstrate the application of human-centered design principles and processes throughout your project examples.

• Highlight projects where you have translated user needs and research findings into tangible digital solutions.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase your ability to document the design process, including research plans, user testing reports, and design specifications.

• Provide examples of how you have integrated design into agile development sprints, including user stories and wireframes.

• Demonstrate experience in iterating on designs based on user feedback and usability testing results.

• Include examples of how you have ensured designs meet accessibility standards (e.g., Section 508 compliance).

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role, serving as the primary evidence of a candidate's capabilities. Emphasis should be placed on demonstrating the entire design process, not just final deliverables, with a clear link to user research and accessibility.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75,000 - $140,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision).

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

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

• Professional development opportunities and training.

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) as an employee-owned company.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

Working Hours: Standard 40-hour work week, with potential for overtime depending on project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided and falls within typical industry standards for a UX/UI Designer with 4+ years of experience in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. The mention of an ESOP is a significant benefit for an employee-owned company.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Federal Contracting, Technology Consulting, Design Intelligence™

Company Size: Steampunk's employee count is not explicitly stated but is implied to be substantial enough to handle large government contracts and operate as an employee-owned entity.

Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the company emphasizes its role as a "Change Agent" in the federal contracting industry.

Team Structure:

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

• Collaboration is structured within an agile environment, likely involving scrum teams.

Methodology:

• The company utilizes a proprietary "Design Intelligence™" process, which focuses on human-centered methods and shared accountability for solving complex mission challenges.

• Design and development are conducted within an agile delivery framework, incorporating user research and design into technical sprints.

• Emphasis is placed on data-driven insights and measurable outcomes for client missions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Steampunk positions itself as an innovative player in federal contracting, using a unique "Design Intelligence™" methodology. The employee-owned structure suggests a strong culture of shared success and investment in its people. The focus on human-centered design within the government sector is a key differentiator.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-level to Senior UX/UI Designer, with significant client-facing responsibilities and ownership of design processes. The role requires guiding clients and influencing solutions.

Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a Design Lead, UX Manager, or a Project Manager within the multidisciplinary delivery team. Direct interaction with government client stakeholders is expected.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the success of government client missions by ensuring user needs are met, leading to more effective and adopted digital solutions. The UX/UI Designer's work contributes to improved user experience, efficiency, and mission accomplishment for federal agencies.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Senior UX/UI Designer or Lead Designer roles.

• Specialization in specific government sectors (Homeland, Federal Civilian, Health, DoD).

• Opportunities to mentor junior designers.

• Potential to lead design strategy for larger projects or client engagements.

• Development of expertise in the "Design Intelligence™" framework and its application.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications relevant to UX/UI and government contracting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers clear pathways for career progression within both design specialization and project leadership, particularly within the federal contracting space. The company's unique methodology provides a specialized growth path.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, likely within a professional office setting in McLean, VA, designed for collaborative work and client engagements.

Office Location(s): McLean, Virginia, USA. This location is a hub for government contractors and federal agencies, offering proximity to potential clients and industry events.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, facilitating close interaction with multidisciplinary teams.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology, including software licenses and potentially specialized hardware for prototyping or testing.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with team members on agile sprints, design reviews, and client meetings.

• A professional environment that supports the rigorous demands of federal contracting projects.

Work Schedule: Primarily a standard 40-hour work week, with the flexibility to adapt to project deadlines and client needs. The on-site nature requires adherence to office hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in McLean, VA, is a significant factor. The environment is geared towards collaborative, project-based work within the federal sector, demanding adaptability and strong communication skills.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter review of resume and initial assessment of qualifications and security clearance eligibility.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: A deep dive into the candidate's portfolio, discussing design process, methodologies, problem-solving approaches, and tool proficiency. This may involve a technical assessment or design challenge.

• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion about experience, collaboration style, understanding of agile, and fit with the company culture and client needs.

• Client-Facing Interview (Potentially): Depending on the project, there might be an interview with government client stakeholders to assess fit and communication skills.

• Final Offer: Based on successful completion of all stages.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Tell a Story: Structure your portfolio around project narratives, detailing the problem, your role, the process, your solutions, and the outcomes.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes) effectively. Clearly articulate your design decisions and the rationale behind them.

• Demonstrate Process: Emphasize your UX process – research, ideation, prototyping, testing, iteration. Highlight how you incorporated user feedback.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or qualitative results that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved task completion rates, user satisfaction scores, reduced error rates).

• Highlight Accessibility: Specifically address how you considered and implemented Section 508 compliance and other accessibility standards.

• Tailor to Steampunk: Review Steampunk's "Design Intelligence™" framework and company values. Try to align your portfolio examples with their approach to human-centered design and problem-solving in the government sector.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge that may involve analyzing a government-related problem, proposing a UX solution, and outlining your design process.

• Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when explaining complex design decisions under time constraints.

• Prepare to discuss your experience working in Agile/Scrum environments and how you integrate design into sprints.

• Familiarize yourself with common government UX challenges and Section 508 compliance best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio that showcases process, outcome, and accessibility is paramount. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience within government client contexts and agile frameworks.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, XD), Zeplin.

• User Research & Testing: Tools for conducting interviews, surveys, usability tests (e.g., UserTesting.com, SurveyMonkey, Lookback).

• Collaboration & Project Management: Jira, Confluence, Trello (for agile workflows and documentation).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned for UX/UI, familiarity with analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) can be beneficial for understanding user behavior post-launch.

CRM & Automation:

• Experience within a Salesforce ecosystem is a preferred skill, suggesting potential integration points or projects involving Salesforce platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma, Sketch, and Adobe Creative Suite is essential. Experience with tools supporting the full UX lifecycle, from research to handoff, is expected. Familiarity with Agile project management tools like Jira is also critical.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and meeting the mission needs of government clients.

• Innovation & Change Agency: A drive to bring new thinking and challenge traditional approaches in federal contracting.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working effectively within diverse, multidisciplinary teams.

• Quality & Excellence: Commitment to delivering high-quality design solutions and exceptional client service.

• Data-Driven Decisions: Utilizing research and analytics to inform design choices and measure impact.

• Continuous Learning: Staying abreast of evolving design practices, tools, and technologies.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, working closely with technologists, data scientists, project managers, and clients.

• Open communication and feedback exchange are crucial, especially within agile sprints.

• A proactive approach to sharing knowledge and best practices across teams.

• Emphasis on shared accountability for project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Steampunk's culture appears to value innovation, collaboration, and a strong client focus, particularly within the unique context of federal government work. The "Change Agent" and "Design Intelligence™" branding suggests a forward-thinking and process-oriented environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating complex government client requirements, legacy systems, and procurement processes.

• Balancing user needs with strict technical, security, and compliance constraints (e.g., Section 508).

• Integrating design seamlessly into fast-paced agile development sprints.

• Effectively communicating design rationale and advocating for user-centered solutions to diverse stakeholders, including non-designers.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen expertise in human-centered design methodologies within the federal sector.

• Gain experience with the proprietary "Design Intelligence™" framework.

• Opportunities to specialize in specific government domains (e.g., defense, health, civilian agencies).

• Training and development in advanced UX/UI techniques, tools, and accessibility standards.

• Potential for leadership roles, project management, or client relationship management.

• Exposure to cutting-edge technologies and challenges in government IT modernization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents challenges typical of government contracting, requiring adaptability and strong advocacy skills. Growth opportunities are robust, offering specialization and leadership potential within a niche industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex user experience challenge you faced with a government client and how you addressed it using human-centered design principles." (Focus on your process, research, and outcomes).

• "How do you ensure Section 508 compliance is integrated throughout your design process, not just as a final check?" (Be specific about methods and tools).

• "Walk me through a project in your portfolio where you had to balance competing stakeholder requirements with user needs. How did you achieve a successful outcome?" (Emphasize communication, negotiation, and problem-solving).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Steampunk and our 'Design Intelligence™' approach?" (Research their website and methodology).

• "How do you see your skills contributing to solving complex mission challenges for government clients?" (Connect your experience to their stated mission).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, starting with an overview of Steampunk and the role, then diving into 2-3 key projects.

• Narrative: For each project, explain the client context, the problem statement, your specific role and contributions, your design process (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), the final solution, and the measurable impact or outcomes.

• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals of wireframes, mockups, and prototypes. Show the evolution of your designs.

• Process Focus: Clearly articulate how you arrived at your solutions, emphasizing user research, testing, and iteration.

• Accessibility: Be prepared to discuss how you ensured accessibility standards were met.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to ensure it's engaging and within the allotted timeframe. Be ready to answer in-depth questions about any aspect of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus heavily on demonstrating a robust UX process, client-facing skills, and a deep understanding of government sector requirements, especially accessibility. The portfolio presentation is a critical component.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link: https://careers-steampunk.icims.com/jobs/7798/ux-ui-designer/job

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in UX/UI design, human-centered methodologies, Agile environments, Section 508 compliance, and any relevant government sector or consulting experience. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, showcases your best work, clearly articulates your design process, and includes examples relevant to government or complex digital product design. Be ready to present it effectively.

• Prepare for Security Clearance: Be aware of the requirements for obtaining a U.S. Government Public Trust Security Clearance and be prepared to provide necessary information during the application process.

• Research Steampunk: Familiarize yourself with Steampunk's "Design Intelligence™" process, company values, and the types of clients they serve. Understand their mission as a "Change Agent."

⚠️ 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.