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: 2026-05-20

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead human-centered design initiatives within an AI-enabled software development environment for government clients.

• Drive the full spectrum of UX/UI design processes, from initial discovery and user research to final interface design and rigorous testing.

• Apply Steampunk's proprietary Design Intelligence™ framework to address complex user experience challenges and deliver mission-driven excellence.

• Collaborate within cross-functional, agile teams to integrate user needs and design specifications into technical sprints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is explicitly for a UX/UI Designer, but the context provided by Steampunk's "Design Intelligence™ framework" and "AI-enabled software development environment" suggests a strong emphasis on how design contributes to operational efficiency and mission outcomes within the government sector, rather than purely aesthetic or consumer-facing applications. This requires a candidate who can translate complex requirements into intuitive digital experiences that support operational goals.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and execute all phases of the design discovery process, including understanding client missions, identifying stakeholders, mapping current state journeys, defining user segments, and establishing program objectives.

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

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

• Conduct comprehensive user research and usability testing, translating findings into actionable insights for implementable digital experiences.

• Collaborate effectively within a cross-functional, agile team, championing the voice of the customer and ensuring user needs are integrated into sprint planning and execution.

• Understand and adhere to the technical, platform, and operational constraints of government systems, ensuring designs are both innovative and practical.

• Design intuitive, elegant, and accessible user interfaces, employing a test-and-learn approach to iterative improvement.

• Ensure the highest quality of all design deliverables across a diverse range of government client projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a deep integration of UX/UI design with client mission objectives and operational realities. This is typical for roles in government contracting, where design must directly support specific program goals and often adhere to strict compliance requirements (like Section 508). The mention of "AI-enabled software development" implies a need for designers to be comfortable with emerging technologies and their implications for user interaction.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

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

Required Skills:

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

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

• Proficiency in applying research insights to develop personas, journey maps, site maps, ecosystem maps, information architecture, and interface designs.

• Proven experience in UI design, including wireframing, creating low and high-fidelity prototypes, and conducting moderated and unmoderated user testing.

• Knowledge and practical application of Section 508 compliance requirements for accessibility.

• Experience working within an Agile delivery framework, specifically on a Scrum team, and integrating research and design into technical sprints.

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

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

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

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

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

Preferred Skills:

• Previous work experience in or with the federal government.

• Previous work experience in a consulting role.

• Experience collaborating with development teams building applications using modern frameworks (e.g., Angular, .NET).

• Local to the Atlanta, GA or Pittsburgh, PA metro areas (note: this is a preference, not a strict requirement, as the primary location is McLean, VA).

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Public Trust Security Clearance is critical and should be a primary filter for candidates. The blend of UX research, UI design, and Agile/Scrum experience is standard for modern design roles. The preference for government or consulting experience, and familiarity with specific tech stacks like Angular/.NET, indicates a need for practical application in complex, often legacy-heavy, environments.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing your design ideology, methodologies, tools used, acquired skills, and overall craft.

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the human-centered design process from problem identification to solution implementation.

• Include examples of user research artifacts (e.g., personas, journey maps) and how they informed design decisions.

• Showcase wireframes, prototypes, and final UI designs for multi-platform digital products, highlighting the iterative design process.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have documented design processes, including workshop facilitation, user interview summaries, and research findings.

• Showcase your approach to integrating design deliverables into Agile sprints, potentially including user stories or acceptance criteria related to design.

• Demonstrate your ability to articulate the impact of design decisions on user experience and project objectives, ideally with quantifiable results or insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UX/UI role, especially in government contracting, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to demonstrate not just aesthetic skill but a deep understanding of the process of user-centered design, research methodologies, and the ability to translate complex requirements into functional, accessible interfaces. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their portfolio projects in detail, explaining their role, the challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

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

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - Steampunk is employee-owned, offering the potential for shared ownership and financial growth.

• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

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

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

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and incentives.

• Employee assistance program.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week.

• While the standard work week is 40 hours, Steampunk's culture emphasizes flexibility and empowerment, suggesting that specific schedules may be adaptable to project needs and team collaboration, particularly within the agile framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a key indicator of the role's seniority and market value. The mention of Steampunk being an "employee-owned company" is a significant benefit and differentiator, offering potential long-term financial rewards beyond base salary. The salary estimate aligns with mid-to-senior level UX/UI Designer roles in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, considering the specific requirements like security clearance and government client experience.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Federal Contracting, Human-Centered Design, Technology Solutions. Steampunk operates at the intersection of traditional government contracting and modern human-centered design principles, aiming to disrupt the status quo in federal service delivery.

Company Size: Steampunk is an employee-owned company with a significant presence, indicating a culture that likely values collaboration, shared ownership, and a commitment to employee growth. The specific number of employees is not detailed but the "startup mindset" paired with "time-tested approaches" suggests a dynamic environment.

Founded: While the founding date isn't explicitly stated, Steampunk positions itself as an established yet innovative player in the federal contracting space, emphasizing its "Design Intelligence™ process" and its focus on shared accountability.

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 within an agile environment, likely following Scrum methodologies, means close interaction with product owners, scrum masters, and development teams.

Methodology:

• Steampunk utilizes a proprietary "Design Intelligence™" framework, which integrates human-centered design with AI-enabled software development.

• Emphasis on "client-focused, mission-driven excellence" and "solving complex user experience challenges."

• Agile and Scrum methodologies are integral to project execution, requiring iterative development and close team collaboration.

• A "test and learn" approach is fundamental to refining designs and ensuring practical, scalable solutions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Steampunk's unique positioning as an employee-owned company with a "startup mindset" applied to federal contracting suggests a culture that values innovation, employee empowerment, and a strong sense of purpose. The "Design Intelligence™" framework implies a structured yet adaptable approach to problem-solving, likely emphasizing data-driven insights and collaborative design.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level UX/UI Designer, requiring 4+ years of experience. It involves guiding clients and leading design initiatives, indicating a degree of autonomy and responsibility beyond individual contributor tasks.

Reporting Structure: The UX/UI Designer will collaborate within a multi-disciplinary team and likely report to a Design Lead, Program Manager, or Director of UX/Design, depending on project structure and company hierarchy. Reporting within an agile Scrum team means close daily interaction with fellow team members.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is significant, directly influencing the usability, accessibility, and effectiveness of digital solutions for government clients. By applying human-centered design, the UX/UI Designer helps ensure that technology serves user needs and achieves mission objectives, thereby improving operational efficiency and client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

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

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

• Client Engagement: Develop advanced client relationship and consulting skills, becoming a trusted advisor on design strategy for government agencies.

• Skill Expansion: Gain experience with AI integration in design, advanced prototyping tools, and emerging UX technologies.

• Employee Ownership: Benefit from the growth of an employee-owned company through increased equity value and potential profit sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a UX/UI Designer at Steampunk appears to lean towards both technical specialization and client-facing leadership, leveraging the company's unique consulting model and employee-ownership structure. The emphasis on government clients and security clearances adds a specific career trajectory within that niche.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The primary location is McLean, Virginia, suggesting an on-site work environment. Steampunk's culture, while having a startup mindset, operates within the federal contracting sector, which often requires a structured office presence for security and collaboration.

Office Location(s): McLean, Virginia. This location is part of the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, a hub for government contracting and technology firms. Proximity to government agencies and access to talent are key advantages.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment is described as "client-focused, mission-driven," and within an "AI-enabled software development environment," implying a professional and technologically advanced setting.

• Collaboration is a key aspect, with close interaction expected within multi-disciplinary agile teams.

• Access to design tools (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Sketch, Zeplin) and potentially other relevant technologies will be standard.

• The "startup mindset" suggests an environment that encourages innovation and potentially direct impact, while "time-tested approaches" indicate a stable and professional operational framework.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. Given the agile methodology and project-based nature, there may be periods requiring flexibility to meet project deadlines, balanced by Steampunk's emphasis on employee empowerment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in McLean, VA, is critical. While the company promotes a startup mindset, the federal contracting environment and security clearance needs typically necessitate a physical presence for compliance and focused collaboration. The workspace will likely blend professional office standards with the dynamic, collaborative energy of agile development teams.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience alignment. Be prepared to discuss your top 2-3 projects in detail.

• Skills Assessment/Technical Interview: This may involve a design challenge or a deep dive into your portfolio, focusing on your design process, problem-solving approach, and technical proficiency with design tools and methodologies. Expect questions about user research, prototyping, and accessibility.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential team members and hiring managers. Focus on demonstrating your collaborative style, communication skills, and understanding of Steampunk's mission and values.

• Final Interview: Likely with senior leadership, discussing your career aspirations, strategic thinking, and alignment with the company's long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your experience with human-centered design, government projects (if applicable), complex problem-solving, and the full UX/UI lifecycle.

• Structure for Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (discovery, research, ideation, design, testing), the tools used, the challenges encountered, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Highlight Process, Not Just Pixels: Emphasize your thought process, research methodologies, and how user insights informed your design decisions. Show the "why" behind your designs.

• Demonstrate Accessibility: Clearly indicate how you incorporated Section 508 compliance or other accessibility standards.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your design choices, defend your decisions, and explain how you collaborated with stakeholders and development teams.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate a design challenge that might involve a government-related user problem or a scenario requiring the application of human-centered design principles within specific constraints.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, especially under time pressure.

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach research, ideation, and prototyping for a given problem.

• Understand Steampunk's "Design Intelligence™" framework and how your approach aligns with it.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio that demonstrates process, research, and impact, especially within a government context, is crucial. Candidates should prepare to discuss their work in terms of problem-solving, user advocacy, and contribution to mission objectives. The security clearance requirement will also likely be a significant part of the initial screening and interview process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

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

• Collaboration & Handoff: Zeplin, InVision, or similar tools for design handoff to development teams.

• Wireframing & Low-Fidelity Prototyping: Tools within Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or dedicated tools like Balsamiq.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as primary design tools, familiarity with how analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) provide user behavior data to inform design decisions is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Experience working within or alongside teams that utilize CRMs is helpful, though direct CRM tool expertise may not be required for this specific role.

Specialized Government/AI Tools:

• Familiarity with tools or platforms used in government software development or AI-enabled systems would be a plus, though not explicitly stated as required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The listed tools (Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, Zeplin) are industry standards for UX/UI design. The mention of "AI-enabled software development" suggests that candidates who can translate complex technical concepts into user-friendly interfaces, and potentially understand AI's role in user experience, will be highly valued. Experience with Jira and Confluence is standard for agile environments.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Human-Centered Design: A core tenet, ensuring that user needs and experiences are at the forefront of all design decisions.

• Mission-Driven Excellence: A strong focus on achieving client objectives and contributing to meaningful government missions.

• Innovation & Disruption: Encouraging new thinking and challenging traditional approaches within the federal contracting space.

• Collaboration & Shared Ownership: Fostering a team-oriented environment where ideas are shared and employees have a stake in the company's success.

• Continuous Learning: Valuing curiosity and the drive to stay updated with industry trends, tools, and best practices.

• Practicality & Scalability: Designing solutions that are not only impactful but also implementable and sustainable within existing operational environments.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working seamlessly with diverse teams including service designers, technologists, data scientists, and engineers.

• Agile & Iterative: Embracing an agile mindset that values frequent communication, feedback loops, and iterative development.

• Client Partnership: Engaging with government clients as partners, using workshops and interviews to build consensus and gather requirements.

• Transparent Communication: Maintaining open and honest communication within the team and with stakeholders, especially regarding design rationale and potential challenges.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: A culture that supports learning from peers and sharing expertise to elevate the entire team's capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Steampunk's values highlight a unique blend of innovation and purpose. The emphasis on human-centered design within the federal sector requires a specific type of collaboration—one that balances creative exploration with rigorous adherence to requirements and user needs. The employee-ownership model likely fosters a strong sense of collective responsibility and a shared commitment to company values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Government Constraints: Designing effective solutions within the often-complex regulatory, security, and legacy system environments of federal agencies.

• Translating Complex Needs: Synthesizing intricate government missions and user requirements into intuitive and accessible digital experiences.

• Balancing Innovation with Compliance: Introducing cutting-edge design approaches while ensuring adherence to standards like Section 508 and security protocols.

• AI Integration: Understanding and designing for user interactions within evolving AI-enabled systems, ensuring transparency and trust.

• Stakeholder Management: Effectively communicating design rationale and managing expectations across diverse government client stakeholders and internal teams.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX/UI Specialization: Deepen expertise in areas like user research methodologies, interaction design patterns, information architecture, or accessibility standards.

• Federal Sector Expertise: Gain in-depth knowledge of government agency structures, procurement processes, and specific mission domains.

• AI & Emerging Technologies: Learn about the application of AI in design and user experience, and how to design for AI-driven products.

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

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to mentor junior designers, lead project teams, and contribute to design strategy at a higher level.

• Employee-Owned Company Benefits: Grow professionally and financially within a structure that rewards employee contribution and long-term commitment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges stem from the unique context of federal government contracting, where innovation must be grounded in practical constraints and compliance. Growth opportunities are tied to developing specialized expertise within this niche, advancing into leadership roles, and leveraging the unique structure of an employee-owned company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used human-centered design principles to solve a complex problem for a client. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on methodology, user research, and impact.)

• "How do you approach translating technical requirements or government mission objectives into user interface designs?" (Highlight your ability to bridge technical and user needs.)

• "Walk us through a project from your portfolio that demonstrates your ability to design for accessibility (Section 508 compliance)." (Be prepared to show specific examples and explain your considerations.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Steampunk's mission and its 'Design Intelligence™' framework?" (Research the company's website and values thoroughly.)

• "How do you see your skills contributing to Steampunk's goal of disrupting traditional government contracting?" (Connect your experience to their unique value proposition.)

• "Describe your experience working in a multi-disciplinary team. How do you collaborate with engineers, data scientists, and other stakeholders?" (Showcase your teamwork and communication skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Wisely: Choose 2-3 projects that best represent your skills in UX/UI, human-centered design, problem-solving, and ideally, government or complex system design.

• Tell a Story: For each project, structure your presentation around the problem, your role, the process (discovery, research, ideation, design, testing), challenges, solutions, and impact. Use visuals effectively.

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

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your thought process, the user insights that drove decisions, and how you iterated based on feedback.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, trade-offs, and your rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of human-centered design principles, practical application within complex environments (especially government), and an ability to collaborate effectively. The portfolio is your primary tool, so practice presenting it with clarity, conciseness, and a focus on impact and process.

📌 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 highlights your 4+ years of UX/UI experience and any relevant government or consulting work. Tailor your portfolio to showcase projects that demonstrate human-centered design, research, prototyping, and accessibility, particularly if you have federal government project examples.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly list your proficiency with key tools like Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, and Zeplin. Emphasize experience with Agile methodologies, user research techniques, and Section 508 compliance.

• Security Clearance Readiness: Be prepared to discuss your eligibility and willingness to obtain a U.S. government Public Trust Security Clearance. This is a critical requirement.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Steampunk's "Design Intelligence™" framework, employee-ownership model, and mission in the federal contracting space. Understand their values and how they aim to disrupt the industry.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details, especially regarding security clearances, benefits, and specific project requirements, should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.