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: 2026-08-28

Experience Level: Mid-Level (4+ years implied by description)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive human-centered design initiatives for government clients using Steampunk's Design Intelligence™ framework.

• Lead UX/UI projects from initial discovery and user research through to interface design, prototyping, and testing.

• Serve as the primary advocate for the end-user, ensuring their needs are central to solution development.

• Collaborate within cross-functional, agile teams to deliver impactful and scalable digital solutions.

• Contribute to Steampunk's mission of transforming government contracting through innovative design and technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "UX/UI Designer," the emphasis on "guiding government clients," "Design Intelligence™ framework," and "human-centered methods to solve complex user experience challenges" strongly indicates a focus on strategic UX consulting within a government sector context. The operations aspect comes into play through the structured application of design principles to complex client problems and the need for efficient, repeatable processes within an agile framework.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive discovery processes to understand client missions, goals, stakeholders, user ecosystems, and current state journeys.

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

• Develop and utilize artifacts such as journey maps, service blueprints, personas, and ecosystem maps to inform user experience strategy.

• Execute user research and usability testing, translating findings into actionable digital experience designs.

• Integrate research and design insights into technical sprints within an agile delivery framework, contributing to user stories and story pointing.

• Design intuitive, elegant, and accessible interfaces, employing a test-and-learn approach for continuous iteration and improvement.

• Ensure high-quality deliverables across a portfolio of diverse government client projects.

• Collaborate effectively within multi-disciplinary teams, including service designers, technologists, data scientists, engineers, and change managers.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic UX consulting and hands-on design execution. The "operations" component is embedded in the structured approach to discovery, research, collaboration within agile sprints, and ensuring quality and adherence to constraints, which are all core to effective GTM and project operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience:

• Minimum of 4+ years of professional UX and UI design experience.

• Proven track record of designing viable solutions for multi-platform digital products.

• Experience working within a scrum team and the Agile delivery framework.

• Experience integrating research and design into technical sprints. Required Skills:

• UX/UI Design: Expertise in end-to-end user experience and interface design.

• User Research: Demonstrated experience in primary and secondary research methods (interviews, workshops, heuristic evaluations, card sorting).

• Prototyping & Wireframing: Proficiency in creating low and high-fidelity prototypes and wireframes.

• Usability & Accessibility Testing: Experience conducting and applying insights from user and accessibility testing.

• 508 Compliance: Knowledge and experience with Section 508 compliance requirements for federal accessibility standards.

• Agile/Scrum: Experience working within Agile environments and on scrum teams.

• Design Tools: Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma, and Zeplin.

• Information Architecture: Ability to structure and organize content logically for intuitive navigation.

• Human-Centered Design (HCD): Deep understanding and application of HCD principles.

• Analytical Skills: Strong problem-solving capabilities and a natural curiosity.

• Communication & Presentation: Excellent written communication and presentation skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Previous work experience in or with the federal government.

• Previous work experience as a consultant.

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

• Familiarity with additional prototyping tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "4+ years of professional UX and UI experience" combined with the need for a Security Clearance suggests a mid-level to senior-level role, despite the AI's "2-5" year classification. The emphasis on government work, consulting, and Salesforce integration points towards candidates with experience in complex, regulated environments and enterprise-level systems.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A current, comprehensive portfolio demonstrating your design ideology, methodologies, tools, skills, and craft.

• Case studies showcasing the end-to-end design process from discovery to implementation.

• Examples of user research synthesis, including personas, journey maps, and service blueprints.

• Prototypes and wireframes illustrating user flow and interface design solutions.

• Evidence of iterative design based on user feedback and testing.

• Documentation of how you’ve applied 508 compliance principles in your designs. Process Documentation:

• Showcase your ability to document and articulate your design process clearly.

• Provide examples of how you've integrated your design work into agile sprints, including user story contributions.

• Demonstrate understanding of how to translate user needs into implementable digital experiences within technological constraints.

• Include examples of how you collaborate with technical teams and other disciplines.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations roles, a portfolio is critical. It should not just present final designs but also detail the process used to arrive at those designs. For this role, highlighting the application of the Design Intelligence™ framework, user research findings, iterative design, and collaboration within an agile context will be key. Demonstrating the ability to translate complex user needs into practical, compliant solutions is paramount.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

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

📝 Enhancement Note: This salary range is provided by Steampunk and is based on factors including geographic location, contractual requirements, education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience. McLean, VA, is a high cost of living area, and the upper end of this range reflects senior-level expertise and the specialized nature of government contracting and UX design. The range is competitive for a mid-to-senior UX/UI Designer role in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, particularly within the federal contracting sector.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package (specific details to be learned during the interview process).

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.

• Exposure to cutting-edge projects within the federal government sector.

• Collaborative and innovative work environment.

• Participation in Steampunk's unique Design Intelligence™ process. Working Hours:

• Full-time position. The stated 40 hours per week is standard, but flexibility may be expected based on project deadlines and client needs, common in consulting and government contracting environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific benefits are not detailed, Steampunk's emphasis on "Design Intelligence™" and "human-centered design" suggests a culture that values employee growth and well-being, which often translates to robust benefits packages. The "OTHER" employment type might require clarification regarding specific benefits eligibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Federal Contracting, Technology Consulting, Human-Centered Design. Steampunk operates at the intersection of traditional government contracting and modern design thinking, aiming to disrupt established norms.

Company Size: Steampunk is a mid-sized company, likely employing between 50-250 employees based on typical growth patterns for companies in this niche. This size often offers a balance between the resources of a larger organization and the agility and close-knit feel of a smaller one.

Founded: While the founding date is not explicitly stated, Steampunk positions itself as a "Change Agent" in the Federal contracting industry, suggesting a relatively recent but impactful establishment focused on modernizing approaches.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI Designer will likely be part of a project-based, cross-functional delivery team.

• This team will include other designers, technologists, data scientists, engineers, solution architects, and change managers.

• The reporting structure will likely involve a direct manager within the design or project management team, with significant collaboration across various functional leads.

• Collaboration is expected to be highly integrated, working closely with government clients and internal stakeholders. Methodology:

• Design Intelligence™: A core framework emphasizing human-centered methods to solve complex user experience challenges. This involves a structured approach to discovery, research, design, and implementation.

• Agile Delivery: Projects are executed within an Agile framework, likely Scrum, requiring iterative development and close team collaboration.

• Data-Driven Insights: Emphasis on using research and testing data to inform design decisions and validate hypotheses.

• Process Optimization: Continuous focus on improving workflows and delivering efficient, scalable solutions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Steampunk's culture is defined by its "explosive collision of human-centered design and traditional government contracting." This implies a dynamic, forward-thinking environment that values innovation, client focus, and empowering employees to tackle challenging problems. The emphasis on being "outside our comfort zone" suggests a culture that embraces growth and learning.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level to senior UX/UI Designer with a strong consulting component. The responsibilities require independent execution, client interaction, and the ability to guide design processes. It's a role focused on applying specialized design operations and strategy to government projects.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report to a manager within the project team or design discipline, but will work closely with project managers, technical leads, and government client stakeholders. This necessitates strong communication and collaboration skills.

Operations Impact: The UX/UI Designer's impact is directly tied to the success of government client projects. By ensuring user needs are met and solutions are intuitive and accessible, they contribute to mission effectiveness, client satisfaction, and Steampunk's reputation for delivering high-quality, human-centered solutions. This role bridges the gap between user needs and technical implementation, a critical operational function.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of UX/UI, such as accessibility, research methodologies, or specific government sector challenges.

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

• Leadership: Potential to lead design initiatives, mentor junior designers, or take on project management responsibilities.

• Technical Acumen: Enhance understanding of government IT systems, platforms, and emerging technologies.

• Business Development: Contribute to proposal development and client engagement by showcasing design expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "guiding government clients" and the "Design Intelligence™ framework" positions this role as more than just a designer; it's a strategic operations consultant within the design domain. Growth opportunities would naturally align with increasing client impact, strategic influence, and leadership within design operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is advertised as "On-site," indicating a traditional office-based work environment. This is common for roles requiring direct client interaction and collaboration within a government contracting setting, especially when dealing with classified or sensitive information that may necessitate on-premises work.

Office Location(s): McLean, Virginia. This location is in close proximity to Washington D.C., a hub for federal government agencies and contracting firms.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is likely collaborative, designed to facilitate teamwork among cross-functional project teams.

• Access to standard office technology, design software, and potentially secure government-required systems.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with colleagues, project managers, and potentially government clients during on-site engagements.

• The environment is expected to be professional and mission-focused, aligning with government contracting standards.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week is typical, but the nature of government contracting and client-facing roles may require flexibility to meet project deadlines or client availability. This might involve occasional extended hours or adjusted schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" requirement, particularly in McLean, VA, strongly suggests potential work on government contracts that may require specific clearances or security protocols, making physical presence in an approved facility essential for operational security and collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the hiring manager to delve deeper into experience, technical skills, and understanding of the role and Steampunk's approach.

3. Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: A critical stage where candidates present their portfolio, discussing their process, problem-solving skills, and how they apply human-centered design and Agile methodologies. Expect to walk through specific case studies.

4. Team/Client Interview: Meeting with potential team members and/or client representatives to assess collaboration style and ability to integrate into the project environment.

5. Final Interview/Offer: Final discussions and potential offer extended.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate your Design Intelligence™ or similar human-centered design process. Use your portfolio to tell a story about how you approach problems, conduct research, iterate designs, and measure success.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your designs (e.g., improved user satisfaction, reduced task completion time, increased efficiency).

• Highlight Collaboration: Showcase examples of how you’ve worked effectively with cross-functional teams (developers, product managers, stakeholders) and government clients.

• Demonstrate 508 Compliance: Explicitly show how you've considered and implemented accessibility standards in your work.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with tools like Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, and prototyping software, explaining why you choose specific tools for certain tasks.

• Tailor to Steampunk: Research Steampunk's Design Intelligence™ framework and reference how your experience aligns with their methodology.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge or a deep dive into a past project that requires you to articulate your problem-solving approach.

• Practice explaining complex design decisions in a clear, concise manner.

• Anticipate questions about your experience with government clients, Agile development, and user research methodologies.

• Be ready to discuss how you handle constraints, feedback, and conflicting requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount. Candidates must demonstrate not just design skill but also a strategic, process-oriented approach that aligns with Steampunk's consulting model and the operational demands of government projects. This is where candidates showcase their ability to manage and execute design operations effectively.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma, Zeplin. Candidates should be proficient in at least one of these primary design suites and comfortable with prototyping tools.

• Collaboration: Agile project management tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence, Trello), communication platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams).

• User Research Tools: Tools for conducting remote usability testing, surveys, and interview transcription (e.g., UserTesting.com, SurveyMonkey, Lookback).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) is beneficial for understanding user behavior post-launch.

• Experience with data visualization tools for reporting research findings and design impact. CRM & Automation:

• Salesforce: Mentioned as a "bonus point," indicating that experience with Salesforce implementations or designing for Salesforce platforms is highly valued, suggesting integration with enterprise systems.

• Understanding of how UX/UI integrates with broader CRM and automation workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in modern design and prototyping tools is essential. The mention of Salesforce suggests a need to understand how UX/UI designs integrate with complex enterprise systems, a key aspect of GTM and sales operations enablement. Familiarity with government-specific platforms or security protocols might also be relevant.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Human-Centered: A core value driving all design and development processes, ensuring user needs are paramount.

• Client-Focused: Dedication to achieving client missions and delivering impactful solutions.

• Innovation & Change: A drive to challenge traditional methods and introduce new thinking, particularly in the federal sector.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork, cross-functional integration, and shared accountability.

• Quality & Excellence: Commitment to producing high-quality deliverables and achieving mission-driven excellence.

• Continuous Learning: Encouragement to stay abreast of evolving industry tools and best practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with diverse teams (designers, engineers, data scientists, change managers) is expected.

• Agile Mindset: Embracing iterative processes, feedback loops, and agile ceremonies.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Effective communication and partnership with government clients and internal stakeholders.

• Open Feedback: A culture that values constructive feedback for continuous improvement of designs and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Steampunk's values are deeply intertwined with its "Design Intelligence™" approach. Operations professionals in this environment would thrive by demonstrating adaptability, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a commitment to collaborative execution that drives tangible results for government clients.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Government Contracts: Understanding the unique constraints, security requirements, and procurement processes within the federal government sector.

• Translating Complex Missions: Effectively translating intricate government missions and user needs into intuitive digital experiences.

• Balancing Innovation with Constraints: Implementing cutting-edge design while adhering to strict regulations, legacy systems, and 508 compliance.

• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Ensuring effective communication and integration between design, technology, and client stakeholders with diverse backgrounds and priorities.

• Adapting to Evolving Tools & Practices: Staying current with the rapid pace of change in UX/UI tools, methodologies, and government technology standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX/UI Techniques: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like advanced user research, service design, or interaction design.

• Government Sector Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of specific federal agencies, their missions, and operational challenges.

• Consulting Skills Development: Training and experience in client management, workshop facilitation, and strategic advisory.

• Agile & Lean Practices: Further development of skills in agile methodologies and lean UX principles.

• Tool Proficiency: Exploring and mastering new design and collaboration tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role are typical of operations roles in government contracting: balancing innovation with strict requirements, managing diverse stakeholders, and navigating complex project lifecycles. Growth opportunities focus on developing specialized expertise and strategic influence within this niche.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for understanding a complex government client's mission and translating it into user needs." (Focus on discovery, research, and stakeholder engagement.)

• "How do you ensure your designs are not only user-friendly but also compliant with Section 508 accessibility standards?" (Highlight your knowledge of 508, testing, and iterative design.)

• "Walk us through a project where you had to balance user needs with significant technical or contractual constraints. What was your approach and the outcome?" (Demonstrate problem-solving and adaptability.)

• "How have you integrated your UX/UI work into an Agile/Scrum development process? Provide specific examples of your contributions to sprints." (Showcase operational integration.)

• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with engineers, data scientists, or other non-design professionals. How did you ensure effective communication and alignment?" (Focus on cross-functional collaboration.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Steampunk's Design Intelligence™ framework and its application in government contracting?" (Research their approach and articulate alignment.)

• "How do you see your role contributing to Steampunk's mission of being a 'Change Agent'?" (Connect your skills to their innovative culture.)

• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you contribute to a collaborative team culture." (Align with their emphasis on teamwork and innovation.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each case study as a narrative: the problem, your approach (methodology, research), the solution (designs, prototypes), and the impact (results, learnings).

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is visually clean, easy to navigate, and highlights key design decisions and outcomes.

• Process Emphasis: Clearly articulate the "why" behind your design choices, referencing user research, data, and established UX principles.

• Tool Demonstration: Be prepared to discuss your toolchain and why you selected specific tools for different project phases.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time; focus on the most impactful projects and the core of your process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily emphasize the candidate's ability to articulate their design process and its operational impact, not just showcase finished products. Demonstrating an understanding of the federal contracting environment and Steampunk's unique methodology will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Designer position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that demonstrate experience with government clients, complex problem-solving, human-centered design, and Agile methodologies. Emphasize case studies that showcase your end-to-end process.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly states your years of experience, proficiency in required design tools (Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite), knowledge of 508 compliance, and experience with Agile/Scrum. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, research methods, and collaboration strategies. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions and be ready to present your portfolio confidently.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Steampunk, their Design Intelligence™ framework, their work in the federal sector, and their company values. Understand their mission to be a "Change Agent."

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.