UX/UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Designer

Company: Steampunk

Location: McLean, Virginia, United States

Job Type: Full-time

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

Date Posted: June 10, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

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

• Lead end-to-end UX/UI design processes, from initial discovery and user research through to detailed interface design, prototyping, and rigorous usability and accessibility testing.

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

• Collaborate effectively within cross-functional, agile teams, contributing expertise in design specifications, technical constraints, and platform capabilities to ensure successful product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role clearly emphasizes a strong foundation in human-centered design (HCD) and its application within the government contracting sector, a niche that requires understanding of specific regulations (like Section 508 compliance) and client-specific mission objectives. The "Design Intelligence™" framework suggests a proprietary, structured approach to design problems, which candidates should be prepared to learn and apply.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

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

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

• Strategically integrate user research and testing findings into actionable design artifacts, including personas, journey maps, service blueprints, ecosystem maps, and information architecture.

• Translate user needs and research insights into intuitive, elegant, and accessible interface designs, employing a test-and-learn methodology to drive iterative improvements.

• Actively participate in an agile scrum team, contributing to technical sprints by writing user stories and participating in story pointing, ensuring design specifications are technically feasible and aligned with project goals.

• Design intuitive, elegant, and accessible interfaces, supported through a test and learn process.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to UX/UI design, requiring a blend of strategic thinking (framing pain points, defining vision) and tactical execution (wireframing, prototyping, testing). The emphasis on agile integration and writing user stories points to a need for strong collaboration with development teams and an understanding of the software development lifecycle.

🎓 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, specifically designing multi-platform digital products.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in user research methodologies, including user interviews, discovery workshops, co-creation sessions, heuristic evaluations, and card sorting.

• Demonstrated ability in UI design, encompassing wireframing, low-fidelity and high-fidelity prototyping, and conducting moderated and unmoderated usability and accessibility testing.

• Deep understanding and practical application of Section 508 compliance requirements for digital products.

• Experience working within an Agile delivery framework and scrum teams, including writing user stories and participating in story pointing.

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

• Strong analytical skills and a natural curiosity for problem-solving, coupled with the ability to translate complex user needs into practical design solutions.

• Excellent written communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions and user insights effectively. Preferred Skills:

• Previous work experience in or with the federal government.

• Prior experience working in a consulting environment.

• Familiarity with a broad range of UX/UI tools and a proactive approach to learning new industry best practices.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Public Trust Security Clearance is crucial and should be factored into candidate eligibility. The "degree or equivalent experience" clause allows for candidates with extensive practical experience to be considered, even without a formal degree in a specific HCD field. The preference for government and consulting experience suggests a need for candidates who can quickly adapt to client-facing environments and understand the nuances of federal projects.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

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

• The portfolio must demonstrate a clear understanding of the design process, from initial problem definition and user research through to final UI implementation and iteration.

• Include case studies that highlight your ability to apply human-centered design principles to solve real-world user experience challenges, particularly those with complex requirements.

• Showcase examples of how you've translated user needs and research findings into tangible design artifacts, prototypes, and final interface designs. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience documenting design processes, including user journey maps, service blueprints, personas, and ecosystem maps.

• Provide examples of how you've documented user research findings and usability testing results, and how these insights informed design decisions.

• Illustrate your approach to creating and maintaining design systems or style guides to ensure consistency and scalability across digital products.

• Showcase your ability to integrate design activities within an Agile/Scrum framework, including how you document user stories and contribute to sprint planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirement is central to this role. Candidates should prepare case studies that not only display visual design skills but also articulate the "why" behind their design decisions, emphasizing user research, problem-solving, and measurable outcomes. Specific attention should be paid to showcasing experience with Section 508 compliance and federal government projects if applicable.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

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

Benefits:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) participation, offering a stake in the company's growth and success.

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

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

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

• Professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and certifications.

• Potential for bonuses based on individual and company performance.

• Access to Steampunk's proprietary Design Intelligence™ framework and resources.

Working Hours: Standard 40-hour work week, with potential for flexibility based on project needs and team collaboration within the Agile framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided ($75,000 - $140,000) is based on the company's stated estimate. This range is competitive for a mid-senior level UX/UI Designer role in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, especially considering the requirement for government clearance and specialized federal project experience. The ESOP is a significant benefit that aligns with Steampunk's employee-owned structure, offering long-term financial incentives.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Federal Contracting, Technology Services, Human-Centered Design. Steampunk operates at the intersection of traditional government contracting and modern design thinking, aiming to disrupt established practices with innovative, user-focused solutions for federal agencies.

Company Size: Steampunk is an employee-owned company with a growth-oriented mindset, suggesting a dynamic environment that values employee contribution and innovation. The size implies a structure that balances established processes with the agility of a startup.

Founded: Steampunk was founded with a vision to bring human-centered design and a startup mentality to federal contracting, emphasizing shared accountability and impactful solutions. This history suggests a culture rooted in innovation and client-centric problem-solving.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI Designer will be part of a multi-disciplinary delivery team, collaborating closely with Service Designers, Technologists, Data Scientists, Engineers, Solution Architects, and Change Managers.

• This structure implies a highly collaborative environment where design expertise is integrated early and continuously within the product development lifecycle.

• The role likely reports into a Design Lead or Project Manager, with direct interaction with client stakeholders. Methodology:

• Steampunk utilizes its proprietary "Design Intelligence™" framework, which integrates human-centered methods throughout the client engagement lifecycle.

• Expect a strong emphasis on data analysis, user research, and iterative design processes within an Agile/Scrum methodology.

• The company culture champions creative solutions, empowering employees to operate outside their comfort zones and tackle complex, mission-driven challenges.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Steampunk positions itself as a "Change Agent" in federal contracting, which indicates a culture that values disruption, innovation, and a departure from traditional, less agile approaches. The employee-owned structure (ESOP) strongly suggests a culture that prioritizes employee engagement, long-term commitment, and shared success.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Senior Level UX/UI Designer. This position requires significant independent contribution and the ability to guide clients and teams through complex design challenges. It's a role where you are expected to be a subject matter expert in UX/UI, capable of leading initiatives and mentoring junior designers.

Reporting Structure: The UX/UI Designer will likely report to a Design Lead, Project Manager, or a Director of Design, depending on the project structure. They will work closely with internal Steampunk teams (e.g., technologists, data scientists) and client stakeholders.

Operations Impact: The UX/UI Designer's impact is directly tied to the success of client missions by improving user experience, increasing adoption rates of digital solutions, and ensuring compliance with federal standards. Their work directly influences client satisfaction and the effectiveness of government services.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like accessibility, service design, or advanced prototyping, potentially leading to specialized consulting roles.

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into Lead Designer, Design Manager, or Project Management roles, guiding larger teams and strategic design initiatives.

• Client Relationship Management: Develop stronger client-facing skills and potentially lead client workshops and presentations, becoming a trusted advisor.

• Industry Expertise: Gain extensive experience in federal sector design challenges, becoming a sought-after expert in government UX/UI.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior designers and contribute to Steampunk's internal design community and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned for individuals who can operate with a high degree of autonomy and strategic thinking, not just executing design tasks. Growth opportunities are likely tied to demonstrating leadership in design thinking, client engagement, and contributing to the expansion of Steampunk's Design Intelligence™ framework.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site in McLean, Virginia. This suggests a traditional office environment requiring regular physical presence, facilitating in-person collaboration and client interactions.

Office Location(s): McLean, Virginia, likely a hub for government contractors and federal agencies, offering proximity to key clients and industry events.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, fostering interaction with a diverse, multi-disciplinary team. Expect a dynamic environment where design thinking is integrated into daily operations.

• Access to necessary design tools, software, and technology will be provided to support the creation of high-fidelity prototypes and research deliverables.

• Opportunities for direct engagement with team members and client representatives will be frequent due to the on-site nature of the role.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with the flexibility inherent in Agile environments. This means occasional adjustments to schedules might be necessary to meet sprint deadlines or client needs, but the core expectation is adherence to typical business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" requirement is critical. Candidates should be prepared for regular office attendance and in-person collaboration. The McLean, VA location is strategic for access to federal clients and industry networks.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess your qualifications, experience, and alignment with Steampunk's approach. Be prepared to discuss your portfolio highlights and why you're interested in Steampunk.

• Technical/Design Interview: This will likely involve a deep dive into your portfolio, discussing specific case studies, your design process, problem-solving approach, and how you handle user research and testing. Expect questions about your experience with Agile, Section 508, and specific design tools.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity to meet potential team members and discuss your collaboration style, communication skills, and how you integrate into cross-functional teams. Questions may focus on your experience working with government clients or in consulting roles.

• Client/Stakeholder Interview (Potentially): Depending on the project, you may have an interview with client representatives to assess your ability to understand their mission and present design solutions effectively.

• Security Clearance Verification: The process will include steps to confirm your ability to obtain a U.S. government Public Trust Security Clearance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Effectively: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your UX/UI skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience with the required methodologies (HCD, Agile, research, testing).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, design, testing), the challenges you faced, and the impact or outcome of your work. Quantify results whenever possible.

• Showcase Process, Not Just Polish: While polished visuals are important, focus on demonstrating your thought process, decision-making, and how you leveraged user data and feedback. Include wireframes, prototypes, user flows, and research insights.

• Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasize any experience with federal government projects, Section 508 compliance, or complex B2B/enterprise solutions.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, how you handle feedback, conflicts within a team, and your understanding of Steampunk's Design Intelligence™ framework.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: You might be given a short design challenge (e.g., a problem statement to ideate on, a wireframing exercise, or a critique of an existing interface) to assess your on-the-spot problem-solving and design skills.

• Presentation Practice: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies concisely and engagingly, focusing on the story and impact. Time yourself to ensure you can cover key points efficiently.

• Research Steampunk: Understand Steampunk's mission, values, Design Intelligence™ framework, and the types of clients they serve. Be ready to articulate why you are a good fit for their unique culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly evaluate not just design skills but also the candidate's ability to navigate complex client environments, collaborate within agile teams, and understand the unique demands of federal projects. A strong, well-documented portfolio is non-negotiable.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD), Sketch, Zeplin. Proficiency in at least one of these is critical.

• Collaboration & Project Management: Agile/Scrum tools (e.g., Jira, Trello), communication platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams).

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

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to understand user behavior and inform design decisions.

• Ability to interpret data from user research and testing to generate actionable insights and reports. CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary CRM role, understanding how user data is managed and flows through systems can be beneficial.

• Experience with workflow documentation tools and potentially basic understanding of automation principles in user journeys.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite is explicitly mentioned, making them core requirements. Experience with Agile project management tools like Jira is also highly relevant given the team's methodology. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these tools and potentially demonstrate their usage during the interview process.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Human-Centered Design: A core tenet at Steampunk, emphasizing empathy, user advocacy, and practical solutions that meet real needs.

• Disruption & Innovation: A drive to challenge traditional approaches and bring fresh, creative thinking to government contracting.

• Collaboration & Shared Accountability: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and collective ownership of project success.

• Mission-Driven Excellence: A commitment to achieving client-focused, impactful outcomes that serve important public missions.

• Continuous Learning: Encouraging employees to stay current with evolving industry tools, best practices, and methodologies.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, working within agile, multi-disciplinary teams where designers are integrated from discovery through delivery.

• Open communication and feedback exchange are encouraged to foster iterative design and problem-solving.

• Expect cross-pollination of ideas and knowledge sharing between design, technology, data science, and change management functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Steampunk's values are strongly aligned with a modern, agile, and user-centric approach to problem-solving, particularly within the federal sector. Candidates who thrive in collaborative, innovative environments and are passionate about making a tangible impact will find this culture appealing.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Federal Client Requirements: Understanding and designing within the specific constraints, regulations (e.g., Section 508), and bureaucratic processes common in government contracting.

• Balancing Innovation with Constraints: Implementing cutting-edge design solutions while adhering to strict technical specifications, security protocols, and legacy systems.

• Integrating Design into Agile Sprints: Effectively translating complex UX/UI strategies into actionable user stories and design assets that fit within short development cycles.

• Stakeholder Management: Effectively communicating design rationale, managing expectations, and gathering feedback from diverse government stakeholders with varying levels of technical understanding.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Federal UX: Extensive exposure to unique challenges and best practices in designing for government agencies.

• Mastery of Design Intelligence™: Becoming proficient in Steampunk's proprietary design framework and contributing to its evolution.

• Cross-Functional Skill Development: Learning from and collaborating with technologists, data scientists, and change managers to broaden understanding of the full product development lifecycle.

• Professional Certifications: Opportunities to pursue relevant certifications in UX, accessibility, or Agile methodologies.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to senior designers and leaders for guidance and career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a unique opportunity to apply UX/UI expertise in a high-impact sector. The challenges are significant but directly tied to professional growth and the development of specialized skills valuable in government technology and design consulting.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex user experience problem you solved for a government client. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on HCD, research, and impact)

• "How do you approach designing for accessibility and Section 508 compliance? Can you give an example?" (Demonstrate knowledge of regulations and practical application)

• "Explain your experience integrating UX/UI design into an Agile/Scrum development process. How do you write user stories and contribute to sprints?" (Showcase practical Agile collaboration)

• "Walk us through a project in your portfolio where user research significantly altered your initial design direction. What did you learn?" (Highlight research-driven design and adaptability) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Steampunk, and how do you see yourself contributing to our 'Design Intelligence™' framework?" (Research the company and tailor your response)

• "How do you handle disagreements or differing opinions within a multi-disciplinary team, particularly when working with government stakeholders?" (Focus on collaboration, communication, and problem-solving)

• "Describe your ideal work environment. How do you thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced setting?" (Align with Steampunk's values and culture)

• "What are your thoughts on the current state of UX/UI design in the federal government sector?" (Show industry awareness and critical thinking) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with the "Why": Begin each case study by clearly stating the client's problem or mission objective and the user needs you aimed to address.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals extensively – wireframes, user flows, prototypes, research findings, and final UI screens. Explain your choices and rationale.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, present metrics or outcomes that demonstrate the success of your design solutions (e.g., improved task completion rates, increased user satisfaction, reduced errors).

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly define your specific contributions within each project, especially if it was a team effort.

• Practice Conciseness: Aim for 5-7 minutes per case study to allow time for discussion and questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their design process, demonstrate their understanding of user-centered methodologies, and showcase their ability to integrate design within technical and bureaucratic frameworks. Familiarity with government contracting nuances and Agile practices is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Designer position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords from the job description, such as "UX Design," "UI Design," "Human-Centered Design," "Agile," "508 Compliance," "User Research," and specific tools like "Figma" and "Adobe Creative Suite." Quantify achievements and responsibilities where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is accessible online (e.g., via a personal website, Behance, or a shared drive) and contains 3-5 strong case studies that demonstrate your process, problem-solving skills, and impact. Be ready to walk through these projects during an interview.

• Research Steampunk: Familiarize yourself with Steampunk's mission, values, "Design Intelligence™" framework, and their work in the federal sector. Understand their unique position as an employee-owned company.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common UX/UI interview questions, focusing on your process, problem-solving, collaboration, and experience with relevant tools and methodologies. Practice presenting your portfolio concisely.

⚠️ 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.