UX/UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Designer

Company: Steampunk

Location: McLean, Virginia, United States

Job Type: OTHER

Category: Design Operations / User Experience

Date Posted: August 25, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 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.

• Execute end-to-end UX/UI design processes, encompassing discovery, research, prototyping, iteration, visual design, and comprehensive user testing.

• Champion the voice of the customer, ensuring user needs are central to proposed solutions and integrated within an agile delivery framework.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "UX/UI Designer," the responsibilities heavily lean into a "Design Operations" or "User Experience Strategy" function, particularly given the focus on guiding clients through a specific framework ("Design Intelligence™"), conducting workshops, and integrating design into agile sprints. The role requires a blend of hands-on design skills and strategic client engagement, common in consultancy or agency-like operations within larger organizations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the discovery phase to deeply understand client missions, goals, user ecosystems, current state journeys, and program objectives through workshops and interviews.

• Conduct comprehensive user research, including user interviews, discovery workshops, heuristic evaluations, and card sorting, to identify pain points and opportunities.

• Translate user needs and research insights into actionable design artifacts such as personas, journey maps, service blueprints, site maps, and information architecture.

• Develop intuitive, elegant, and accessible user interfaces through wireframing, low-fidelity prototyping, and high-fidelity mockups, iterating based on user feedback.

• Plan and execute usability and accessibility testing (including 508 compliance) to validate design decisions and ensure inclusive product experiences.

• Collaborate effectively within an agile scrum team, integrating research and design activities into technical sprints, including writing user stories and participating in story pointing.

• Understand and adhere to the technical, platform, and operational constraints of government systems, ensuring design feasibility.

• Ensure all design deliverables across multiple projects meet the highest standards of quality, usability, and accessibility.

• Stay abreast of evolving industry tools and best practices, proactively recommending improvements to design processes and outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on process and methodology, particularly the "Design Intelligence™ framework" and integrating design into "agile delivery." This suggests the role involves not just executing design but also contributing to the operationalization of design thinking within government projects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: 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 developing viable solutions for multi-platform digital products.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in UX/UI design principles and practices for multi-platform digital products.

• Proven experience conducting user research, including user interviews, discovery workshops, heuristic evaluations, and card sorting.

• Proficiency in creating design artifacts such as personas, journey maps, site maps, ecosystem maps, information architecture, and wireframes.

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

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

• 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.

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

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

• Experience working in a project-based consulting environment. Preferred Skills:

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

• Previous work experience in or with the federal government.

• Previous consulting experience.

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

• DOD Tier 3 security clearance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for obtaining a Public Trust Security Clearance is a critical qualification for this role, indicating a focus on government projects. The emphasis on "Design Intelligence™" and integrating research into "technical sprints" suggests a need for candidates who can bridge the gap between design strategy and operational execution within a government context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a deep understanding of HCD/HCI methodologies and UX/UI design principles.

• Demonstrate the application of research findings to inform design decisions and create user-centered solutions.

• Include examples of wireframing, prototyping, and final UI designs for multi-platform digital products.

• Showcase experience with accessibility standards (e.g., 508 compliance) and how they were integrated into the design process.

• Provide evidence of iterative design processes, including user testing and refinement. Process Documentation:

• Illustrate the end-to-end design process, from discovery and research to final implementation and testing.

• Detail how user research, workshops, and user interviews were conducted and how insights were translated into design solutions.

• Showcase experience with agile methodologies, including contributions to user stories and sprint planning.

• Document the iterative nature of design through prototyping, testing, and refinement cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount. For this role, it should not only display visual design skills but also clearly articulate the candidate's thought process, research methodologies, and how they integrate user needs and technical constraints into actionable designs, especially within a government or consulting context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

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

• This range is determined by factors including geographic location, contractual requirements, education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience. The estimate reflects a typical annual salary for this position. Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package (specifics not detailed, but typical for a professional services firm).

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

• Investment in employee development and career growth.

• Opportunities to work on impactful projects within the Federal sector.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week (standard).

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided and is typical for a mid-level UX/UI Designer role in the US, especially in a consulting environment serving government clients. The "employee owned company" aspect is a significant benefit that should be highlighted to candidates interested in long-term career investment and company culture.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Federal Contracting, Technology Services, Consulting. Steampunk operates within the Homeland, Federal Civilian, Health, and DoD sectors, focusing on transforming client expectations through its Design Intelligence™ process.

Company Size: Steampunk is an employee-owned company, suggesting a collaborative and invested workforce. (Specific employee count not provided, but implies a medium to large size firm in the contracting space).

Founded: Information not provided, but the company emphasizes its established "Design Intelligence™ process" and its role as a "Change Agent."

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 central, operating within an agile environment and engaging with various stakeholders to understand mission challenges.

• The role involves significant client interaction, guiding government clients through design frameworks. Methodology:

• Design Intelligence™ Process: A core methodology for Steampunk, focusing on human-centered methods to solve complex user experience challenges and drive shared accountability.

• Agile Delivery: The team operates within an agile scrum framework, integrating design and research into technical sprints.

• Data-Driven Insights: Emphasis on user research, testing, and analysis to inform design decisions and validate hypotheses.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Steampunk positions itself as an innovative "Change Agent" in federal contracting, emphasizing a unique "Design Intelligence™ process." This suggests a culture that values forward-thinking, client-centric solutions, and employee empowerment through its employee-owned structure.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level contributor (4+ years experience) with a focus on specialized UX/UI design within a consulting framework. It's a key player in translating client needs into functional digital experiences.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly stated, the role operates within a "cross-functional team" and collaborates with various disciplines. Reporting likely goes through a UX/Design Lead or a Project Manager within the Design Intelligence™ framework.

Operations Impact: The UX/UI Designer directly impacts the success of government client missions by ensuring digital solutions are user-friendly, accessible, and effective. This role is critical in bridging the gap between complex government requirements and intuitive user experiences, thereby improving operational efficiency and user adoption.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of UX/UI design, accessibility, or user research within the federal sector.

• Leadership: Progress to Senior UX/UI Designer roles, leading design initiatives, mentoring junior designers, and contributing to the evolution of the Design Intelligence™ framework.

• Consulting Acumen: Develop stronger client-facing skills, strategic thinking, and project management capabilities within a consulting context.

• Security Clearance Advancement: Opportunity to obtain higher-level security clearances (e.g., DOD Tier 3) through project work.

• Cross-functional Mastery: Gain exposure and expertise in complementary fields like service design, data science, and technology architecture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path within Steampunk appears to involve both deepening specialized design skills and broadening into consulting and project leadership, particularly within the federal contracting space. The employee-owned model suggests potential for long-term career investment and growth within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site in McLean, Virginia. This implies a traditional office setting conducive to in-person collaboration, client meetings, and team workshops.

Office Location(s): McLean, Virginia, a hub for government contracting and technology firms, offering good accessibility.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, suggesting an open or semi-open office layout that facilitates communication.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design and prototyping tools (Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma, Zeplin) and potentially other project management software.

• Client Interaction: Frequent engagement with government clients, likely involving on-site or remote presentations and workshops.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, with the potential for project-driven demands common in consulting. The on-site nature suggests adherence to typical business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in McLean, VA, is crucial for candidates. This environment is designed for high-touch collaboration and client engagement, which is a key aspect of Steampunk's methodology.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio for alignment with required UX/UI skills, experience, and federal government context.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, detailing their design process, problem-solving approach, and impact on previous projects. Be prepared to discuss specific case studies.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: Potential for a design exercise or a discussion focused on UX principles, research methodologies, and 508 compliance.

• Behavioral/Cultural Fit: Interviews to assess collaboration skills, communication style, problem-solving aptitude, and alignment with Steampunk's "Design Intelligence™" and "Change Agent" culture.

• Security Clearance Discussion: Confirmation of ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust Security Clearance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 strong projects that best represent your capabilities across the full UX/UI lifecycle, including research, wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and testing.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (emphasizing HCD and Agile integration), the challenges you faced, your solutions, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Highlight Methodology: Explicitly showcase how you applied user research, user interviews, workshops, and testing, and how these informed your design decisions. Detail your approach to 508 compliance.

• Showcase Tools: Mention the specific tools used (Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.) and your proficiency.

• Contextualize: If possible, include projects with federal government or complex enterprise applications to demonstrate relevant experience.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss your approach to user research, information architecture, and interaction design.

• Prepare to articulate how you would integrate user feedback and accessibility requirements into an agile development cycle.

• Familiarize yourself with the principles of human-centered design and Steampunk's "Design Intelligence™" framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize the portfolio for depth of process and strategic thinking, not just visual output. Candidates should be prepared to defend their design decisions with data and user insights.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

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

• Prototyping & Handoff: Zeplin, InVision, or similar tools for asset sharing and collaboration with developers.

• Wireframing: Balsamiq, Axure, or integrated features within Figma/Sketch.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly a data analyst role, understanding how to interpret user analytics and A/B test results to inform design is beneficial. Experience with tools like Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics could be a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Salesforce: Experience working on or with Salesforce implementation teams is a preferred skill, suggesting potential integration points or exposure to CRM-driven user experiences.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Jira for agile sprint management, Confluence for documentation, and potentially Microsoft Teams or Slack for team communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma, Sketch, and Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. Experience with Zeplin or similar handoff tools is expected. Familiarity with agile project management tools like Jira is also highly relevant.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Design Intelligence™: A commitment to using human-centered methods to solve complex problems and drive client success.

• Change Agent: A proactive mindset focused on innovation, challenging the status quo, and transforming expectations in the federal sector.

• Shared Accountability: A focus on collaborative partnerships with clients, ensuring mutual responsibility for outcomes.

• Employee Ownership: A culture of investment in employees, fostering a sense of purpose, dedication, and shared success.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing user research and analytics to inform design strategies and measure impact.

• Efficiency & Quality: Delivering high-quality, elegant, and accessible solutions through efficient processes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with diverse teams (service designers, technologists, data scientists, engineers) within an agile framework.

• Client-Centric: A primary focus on understanding and meeting government client needs and user requirements.

• Workshop-Driven: Active participation in and facilitation of workshops to drive consensus and co-create solutions.

• Iterative & Feedback-Oriented: Embracing a continuous feedback loop through user testing and team reviews.

📝 Enhancement Note: Steampunk's culture appears to be a blend of innovation, client focus, and employee empowerment, driven by its unique Design Intelligence™ process and employee-ownership model. Candidates should demonstrate alignment with these values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Government Constraints: Balancing user needs and design best practices with the unique technical, security, and procurement constraints of federal government projects.

• Client Education: Guiding government clients through human-centered design principles and demonstrating the value of UX/UI investments.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent understanding and application of design principles across diverse technical and non-technical teams within agile sprints.

• Rapidly Evolving Tools: Keeping pace with the constant evolution of design tools, technologies, and UX best practices.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX/UI Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like accessibility, user research methodologies, interaction design, or visual design.

• Federal Sector Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of government missions, regulations, and procurement processes.

• Consulting Skills Development: Enhancing client management, strategic advisory, and project leadership capabilities.

• Security Clearance Growth: Potential to achieve higher-level security clearances (e.g., DOD Tier 3).

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced designers, technologists, and consultants within the Steampunk network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a UX/UI role in federal consulting, requiring adaptability and strong communication skills. The growth opportunities are robust, offering a clear path for specialization and advancement within a specialized industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance user needs with technical or business constraints. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your problem-solving process, trade-offs, and communication.)

• "How do you integrate user research and usability testing into an agile development cycle? Walk us through your process." (Demonstrate your understanding of Agile UX and iterative design.)

• "Imagine you're presenting a new design concept to a government client who is resistant to change. How would you persuade them and build buy-in?" (Highlight your presentation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Steampunk's 'Design Intelligence™' process, and how does your experience align with it?" (Research the website and be ready to articulate your understanding.)

• "How do you see yourself contributing to an employee-owned company culture?" (Emphasize collaboration, ownership, and shared success.)

• "Describe your experience working with government clients or on federal projects." (Highlight any relevant domain knowledge or experience with security clearance processes.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: For each project, follow a clear narrative: Problem/Goal -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Outcome/Impact.

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

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals effectively – sketches, wireframes, prototypes, final designs, user journey maps.

• Articulate Your 'Why': Be prepared to explain the rationale behind your design decisions, linking them back to user research and stated goals.

• Address 508 Compliance: Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you ensured accessibility in your designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a blend of strong design craft, strategic thinking, and the ability to operate effectively in a client-facing, government-focused, agile environment. The portfolio is your primary tool to demonstrate this.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Designer position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight your experience in UX/UI design, user research, prototyping, accessibility (508 compliance), and Agile methodologies. Select projects that best showcase your ability to solve complex problems for users.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 4+ years of professional experience and any experience with government clients or consulting. Use keywords from the job description (e.g., human-centered design, agile, user research, 508 compliance, Figma, Sketch).

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on storytelling, process articulation, and quantifying impact. Prepare to discuss your understanding of Steampunk's "Design Intelligence™" and how you would contribute to an employee-owned company.

• Company Research: Thoroughly review the Steampunk website (steampunk.com) to understand their mission, values, and approach to federal contracting. Be ready to discuss how your skills and experience align with their "Change Agent" identity.

⚠️ 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.