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 engagement and solution design)

Date Posted: 2026-06-23

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (4+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive human-centered design initiatives within Steampunk's Design Intelligence™ framework to solve complex user experience challenges for government clients.

• Lead the end-to-end UX/UI design process, from initial discovery and user research to visual design, prototyping, usability testing, and accessibility compliance.

• Act as the primary advocate for the end-user, ensuring their needs and perspectives are central to all proposed digital solutions.

• Collaborate effectively within cross-functional, Agile teams to integrate design seamlessly into technical sprints and product development lifecycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is explicitly for a UX/UI Designer, its context within a government contracting firm focused on "Design Intelligence™" and solving "mission challenges" positions it adjacent to GTM and Revenue Operations. The role requires understanding client needs, translating them into actionable solutions, and ensuring successful implementation, which are core operational functions in a client-facing service delivery environment. The operations aspect lies in the systematic approach to design, client engagement, and solution delivery.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead all phases of the discovery process, deeply understanding client missions, stakeholder ecosystems, user journeys, user segments, and program objectives.

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

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

• Conduct robust user research and usability testing, translating findings into actionable requirements for implementable digital solutions.

• Actively participate in cross-functional teams within an Agile framework, ensuring seamless integration of user research and design principles into technical sprints.

• Understand and adhere to the technical and operational constraints of various platforms and environments, designing solutions that are both innovative and practical.

• Create intuitive, elegant, and accessible user interfaces, employing a test-and-learn approach to drive continuous improvement.

• Ensure the highest quality standards are met for all deliverables across a diverse range of client projects.

• Contribute to writing user stories and participating in story-pointing exercises within Scrum team ceremonies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on process management, client engagement, and cross-functional collaboration, which are critical operational functions. The ability to translate complex client needs into concrete design specifications and manage the design lifecycle within an Agile framework demonstrates an operational mindset focused on efficient and effective solution delivery.

🎓 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 experience in UX and UI design, with a proven track record of designing viable solutions for multi-platform digital products.

Required Skills:

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

• Expertise in translating user research insights into foundational UX artifacts like personas, journey maps, site maps, ecosystem maps, and information architecture.

• Strong UI design capabilities, including wireframing, low-fidelity prototyping, and high-fidelity prototyping.

• Experience with various user testing methodologies, including moderated and unmoderated usability testing, and accessibility testing.

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

• Proven experience working within an 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.

• Ability to understand and work within the technical and operational constraints of different platforms and technologies.

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

• Strong collaborative spirit with exceptional written communication and presentation skills.

• Experience working in a project-based environment, managing multiple deliverables and stakeholders. Preferred Skills:

• Previous work experience within or in direct support of the federal government.

• Prior experience working in a consulting environment.

• Familiarity with writing user stories and participating in story pointing for Agile development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Public Trust Security Clearance is a critical qualification for roles supporting government clients, indicating a need for rigorous background checks and trustworthiness, which is an operational consideration for security and compliance. The emphasis on Agile and Scrum experience highlights the need for operational agility and efficient workflow management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory, showcasing your design ideology, methodologies, tools used, acquired skills, and the quality of your craft.

• The portfolio should clearly demonstrate your process for tackling complex UX/UI challenges from inception to final design.

• Include case studies that highlight your understanding of user research, information architecture, wireframing, prototyping, and UI design.

• Showcase examples of how you've ensured accessibility and 508 compliance in your designs. Process Documentation:

• Portfolio submissions should ideally include evidence of your ability to document design processes, such as user journey maps, service blueprints, or workshop outputs.

• Demonstrate how you've translated user needs and research findings into actionable design specifications and user stories.

• Provide examples of how you've iterated on designs based on user feedback and testing results.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio is more than just a collection of work; it's a demonstration of a systematic approach to problem-solving and client engagement. It serves as a tangible representation of the candidate's ability to execute complex design processes, which directly aligns with operational requirements for structured and repeatable workflows.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The projected annual salary range for this position is $75,000 to $140,000.

Explanation of Range: Steampunk determines salary based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, geographic location, contractual requirements, education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience. This estimate represents a typical annual salary range for this position in the McLean, VA area.

Benefits:

• Employee-owned company structure, offering potential for profit sharing and direct stake in company growth.

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

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

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

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

• Employee assistance programs.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on project needs and client demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a significant indicator of the role's seniority and the competitive landscape for UX/UI talent in the DC metro area, especially for roles requiring security clearances. Being an employee-owned company also implies a unique benefit structure that emphasizes long-term commitment and shared success, a key differentiator in attracting and retaining talent, impacting overall operational stability.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Federal Contracting, Technology Services, Human-Centered Design, Consulting. Steampunk operates at the intersection of traditional government contracting and modern design thinking, aiming to disrupt the status quo for federal clients.

Company Size: Steampunk is an employee-owned company, suggesting a culture that values collaboration, shared ownership, and employee empowerment. The size is likely in the mid-range for federal contractors, allowing for both agility and the capacity to handle large projects.

Founded: Founded with a mission to bring "new thinking to clients," Steampunk emphasizes innovation and a proactive approach to problem-solving within the federal sector.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI Designer will likely be part of a dedicated design or client-facing solutions team, working closely with project managers, technologists, data scientists, engineers, solution architects, and change managers.

• The reporting structure will likely involve a Design Lead or Project Manager, with direct collaboration across multiple project teams.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a core tenet, as indicated by the need to work with diverse specialists to deliver integrated solutions. Methodology:

• Steampunk utilizes its proprietary "Design Intelligence™" framework, which emphasizes human-centered methods and shared accountability to solve complex client challenges.

• Expect a data-driven approach, leveraging user research and analytics to inform design decisions and measure impact.

• Workflow planning and optimization are crucial, especially within an Agile delivery framework, ensuring efficient project execution.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely integrated into the design and development processes where applicable.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on being a "Change Agent" and its "Design Intelligence™" process highlight a culture that values innovation, disruption, and a structured yet creative approach to problem-solving. For operations professionals, this means an environment that encourages proactive process improvement and strategic thinking in client solution design.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Senior level Designer, requiring significant professional experience (4+ years) and the ability to operate independently within client engagements. It's a role that bridges design expertise with client advisory and project execution.

Reporting Structure: The Designer will report to a Design Lead or Project Manager, while collaborating extensively with a diverse range of technical and functional experts across various client projects. This structure necessitates strong communication and teamwork skills.

Operations Impact: The UX/UI Designer's impact is direct and significant, influencing the usability, effectiveness, and adoption of digital solutions for government clients. By ensuring user needs are met, the designer contributes to client mission success, operational efficiency for the client, and ultimately, Steampunk's reputation and revenue generation through successful project delivery.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior UX/UI Designer: Advance to lead design initiatives, mentor junior designers, and take on more complex and high-impact projects.

• Design Lead/Manager: Progress into leadership roles overseeing design teams, managing client relationships, and shaping design strategy for multiple projects or a specific client sector.

• HCD/UX Strategy Consultant: Develop expertise in specific areas of human-centered design or user experience strategy, becoming a go-to subject matter expert for complex problems.

• Cross-functional Specialization: Leverage design experience to move into related operational roles such as product management, service design, or client solutions architecture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path emphasizes not just technical design skills but also strategic thinking, client management, and leadership potential, aligning with a career progression that can lead to significant operational influence within the company and for its clients.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is specified as "On-site," indicating a traditional office-based work environment, likely within Steampunk's McLean, VA facilities. This setup is conducive to in-person collaboration and client meetings.

Office Location(s): Primarily McLean, Virginia. This location offers access to a significant federal government contracting ecosystem, providing ample opportunities for client interaction and project engagement.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, fostering interaction with a multidisciplinary team of designers, technologists, data scientists, and project managers.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology will be provided to support the execution of design tasks and prototyping.

• Opportunities for direct engagement with government clients will be frequent, requiring professional demeanor and strong communication skills.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, but project deadlines and client needs may require flexibility. The on-site nature facilitates synchronous collaboration and quick problem-solving sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement, particularly in a government contracting context, often implies a need for secure physical environments and direct, face-to-face collaboration with clients and internal teams. This can be beneficial for rapid iteration and building strong working relationships.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess foundational qualifications and experience.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: Expect to present key case studies from your portfolio, discussing your design process, decision-making, and the impact of your work. This is where you'll articulate your "ideology, methods, tools, skills, and craft."

• Technical/Behavioral Interviews: Interviews with hiring managers and team members to assess your technical UX/UI skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within Steampunk's collaborative and client-focused environment.

• Client/Stakeholder Interaction (Potentially): Depending on the role's direct client engagement level, there might be an opportunity to interact with potential government clients.

• Security Clearance Process: Initiation of the Public Trust Security Clearance process.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio with clear case studies. For each, outline the problem, your role, the process you followed, your solutions, and the outcomes/impact.

• Demonstrate Process: Clearly articulate your methodology – how you approach discovery, research, ideation, prototyping, and testing. Show your thinking, not just the final output.

• Highlight Client Focus: Emphasize how you translated client needs and user insights into effective solutions. Use examples that showcase your understanding of government client missions if possible.

• Showcase Tools & Techniques: Detail the specific tools and techniques you employed and why they were the best fit for the project.

• Address 508 Compliance: Explicitly mention and demonstrate your understanding and application of accessibility standards.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics or qualitative feedback to demonstrate the success and impact of your designs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for design exercises or hypothetical problem-solving scenarios that might assess your approach to a new UX challenge.

• Think about how you would apply Steampunk's "Design Intelligence™" framework or human-centered design principles to a given federal sector problem.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, as this is crucial for both interview discussions and client presentations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio that demonstrates methodology and process, alongside the need for a Public Trust Clearance, indicates a rigorous selection process focused on both technical competence and operational reliability. Candidates should prepare to "show their work" and explain the "why" behind their design decisions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, XD), Zeplin. Proficiency in at least one of these is essential for daily tasks.

• Collaboration & Project Management: Agile tools like Jira, Confluence; collaboration platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams.

• User Research & Testing: Tools for conducting user interviews, usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback), and survey platforms.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this role, familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) can be beneficial for understanding user behavior post-launch.

• Ability to interpret data from user research and testing to inform design iterations. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core UX/UI design tasks, but understanding how designs integrate into larger client systems and workflows is important.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specified tools are standard for UX/UI design roles but also reflect the need for collaboration and integration within larger project workflows common in operations. Proficiency in these tools is a prerequisite for efficient execution and seamless handoff within a project lifecycle.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Human-Centered: A core value that drives all design decisions, ensuring user needs are paramount.

• Disruptive Innovation: A drive to challenge conventional approaches and introduce new, impactful solutions, particularly within the federal sector.

• Shared Accountability: A commitment to collaborative problem-solving and collective ownership of project outcomes.

• Excellence & Quality: A dedication to delivering high-quality, practical, and scalable solutions that meet client missions.

• Continuous Learning: An embrace of evolving industry tools and best practices to maintain a competitive edge.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, working within multidisciplinary Agile teams and engaging directly with government clients.

• Emphasis on clear communication, active listening, and constructive feedback to foster a productive design process.

• Knowledge sharing is encouraged, with an expectation that team members contribute to a collective understanding of best practices and innovative solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values align closely with operational principles of efficiency, quality, and client satisfaction, framed through a design-centric lens. The collaborative style is essential for integrating design into complex project lifecycles and ensuring successful operational outcomes for clients.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating the unique constraints and requirements of government contracting, including strict compliance standards (e.g., 508 accessibility) and established bureaucratic processes.

• Adapting design solutions to fit within existing, often legacy, technological infrastructures and operational environments.

• Balancing user needs with client mission objectives and technical feasibility within project timelines and budgets.

• Effectively communicating complex design concepts and user needs to diverse stakeholders, including non-technical government officials. Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep dive into federal government sector challenges and the specific missions of various agencies.

• Advanced training in emerging UX/UI trends, tools, and methodologies.

• Opportunities to gain experience with Steampunk's "Design Intelligence™" framework and contribute to its evolution.

• Potential for mentorship from senior designers and leaders within the company.

• Exposure to a wide range of federal projects, providing diverse portfolio-building experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the operational complexities of working within the federal sector, requiring adaptability, strong problem-solving skills, and a systematic approach to design and implementation. Growth opportunities are geared towards deepening expertise in specialized areas and advancing within a client-focused, project-driven organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Methodology: "Describe your approach to a new UX/UI project. How do you incorporate human-centered design principles from discovery through to final implementation?" (Be ready to reference your portfolio case studies.)

• Client & Stakeholder Management: "How do you ensure the voice of the customer is heard and addressed within a project team, especially when facing conflicting stakeholder priorities?"

• Problem-Solving: "Describe a challenging UX/UI problem you encountered and how you used research and design iteration to solve it. What was the outcome?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Steampunk's 'Design Intelligence™' framework and our approach to federal contracting?"

• "How do you see yourself contributing to a collaborative, employee-owned company culture focused on innovation?"

• "How do you measure the success and impact of your design work, particularly in terms of client mission delivery?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each case study, weave a narrative that highlights the problem, your role, your strategic thinking, and the positive impact of your design solutions.

• Focus on Process: Emphasize your methodology and how you arrived at your decisions, rather than just showing polished final screens.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, present metrics or measurable outcomes that demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs (e.g., improved task completion rates, user satisfaction scores).

• Address 508 Compliance: Be prepared to discuss specific considerations and implementations for accessibility standards.

• Engage Your Audience: Be interactive, ask clarifying questions, and be ready to discuss your work in detail.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design talent but also an understanding of Steampunk's unique operational model, client context, and the structured approach to problem-solving expected within the federal sector. The portfolio presentation is a critical component for showcasing operational competence in design execution.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Designer position:

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

• Tailor your resume: Highlight your 4+ years of UX/UI experience, proficiency in required tools, experience with Agile methodologies, and any federal government or consulting work. Explicitly mention 508 compliance experience.

• Curate your portfolio: Ensure it clearly showcases your design process, research methodologies, prototyping skills, and final UI outputs. Select 2-3 strong case studies that best represent your capabilities and align with the role's requirements, focusing on problem-solving and impact.

• Prepare for portfolio presentation: Practice walking through your case studies, articulating your design decisions, and demonstrating your understanding of human-centered design and accessibility.

• Research Steampunk: Understand their mission, values, "Design Intelligence™" framework, and the federal sectors they serve. Prepare to discuss how your skills and approach align with their culture and client focus.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details, including salary ranges and specific requirements, should be verified directly with Steampunk during the application and interview process. Requirements for a Public Trust Security Clearance are critical and may impact eligibility.