UX/UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Designer

Company: Steampunk

Location: McLean, Virginia, United States

Job Type: OTHER

Category: Design & User Experience

Date Posted: 2026-08-11T00:00:00

Experience Level: 4+ years professional experience

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on applying Human-Centered Design (HCD) principles to solve complex user experience challenges for government clients.

• The position involves end-to-end UX initiative planning and execution, from initial discovery through final interface design and testing.

• Key responsibilities include conducting comprehensive user research, facilitating design thinking workshops, and translating user needs into actionable design solutions.

• Collaboration with cross-functional teams within an Agile framework is essential to deliver intuitive, elegant, and accessible digital interfaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is UX/UI Designer, the description emphasizes a strong focus on the "UX" aspect, including discovery, research, and strategy, indicating a senior or lead role in user experience design. The "UI" component is integrated but secondary to the overall user experience strategy. The mention of "Design Intelligence™ framework" suggests a proprietary methodology Steampunk uses, which candidates should be prepared to learn and apply.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the discovery process by deeply understanding client missions, goals, user ecosystems, current state journeys, and program objectives.

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

• Develop and leverage UX artifacts such as journey maps, service blueprints, personas, and ecosystem maps to inform and craft the user experience strategy.

• Conduct rigorous user research and usability testing, effectively translating findings into implementable digital experience designs.

• Actively collaborate and communicate stakeholder and user needs within a cross-functional Agile team environment.

• Understand and design within the technical, platform, and operational constraints of government systems.

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

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a proactive and strategic designer who can not only execute but also lead the design process from a client engagement perspective. The emphasis on "client mission and goals" and "stakeholders" suggests a consulting-like approach where understanding the client's business context is paramount.

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

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated experience in user research methodologies, including user interviews, discovery and co-creation workshops, heuristic evaluation, and card sorting.

• Proven ability to translate user research insights into actionable design artifacts like personas, journey maps, site maps, and information architecture.

• Expertise in UI design principles, including wireframing, low- and high-fidelity prototyping, and user testing (moderated and unmoderated).

• 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/design into technical sprints.

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

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

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

• Experience working in a project-based environment.

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

• Previous work experience in or with the federal government.

• Previous work experience in a consulting capacity.

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

• A proactive approach to staying current with evolving industry tools and best practices, with the ability to recommend new approaches.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Public Trust Security Clearance is a critical qualification for this role, as it directly impacts eligibility for government client work. The blend of research, strategy, UI design, and Agile experience indicates a need for a well-rounded UX professional. The "bonus points" highlight specific valuable experience for the government sector and consulting.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

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

• Demonstrate how you have applied user research and HCD principles to solve real-world problems.

• Include examples of wireframes, prototypes, user flows, and final UI designs.

• Showcase projects that highlight your understanding of accessibility standards (Section 508).

• Present case studies that detail the problem, your approach, the solutions you designed, and the impact of your work. Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you have documented user research findings, such as synthesized research reports, personas, and journey maps.

• Showcase your ability to create clear and concise wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes.

• Include documentation of usability testing plans, methodologies, and findings.

• Demonstrate how you integrate design processes within Agile sprints, including user stories and story pointing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is explicitly mentioned as a demonstration of "ideology, methods, tools, skills, and craft." This suggests that Steampunk is looking for a designer who can articulate their thought process and strategic approach, not just present finished designs. The emphasis on research and 508 compliance within the portfolio is crucial for government projects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75,000 - $140,000 USD annually. This estimate is based on Steampunk's stated compensation policy, which considers geographic location, contractual requirements, education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience. The range provided is a typical annual salary estimate for this position.

Benefits:

• Steampunk offers a comprehensive total compensation package beyond salary. Specific benefits details can be learned via their website.

• As an employee-owned company, employees are invested in the company's growth and success.

• Participation in the E-Verify program.

• Equal opportunity employer status, ensuring fair consideration for all applicants.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week.

While the role is on-site, specific work schedules may be subject to project demands and client needs within the federal contracting environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is broad, reflecting the variability based on the factors Steampunk explicitly mentions. Candidates with more experience, specific federal government or consulting background, and advanced skills in the preferred areas are likely to command salaries at the higher end of the spectrum. The "employee owned company" aspect is a significant cultural and financial benefit that should be highlighted.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Federal contracting, specifically serving Homeland, Federal Civilian, Health, and DoD sectors.

Company Size: Steampunk is an employee-owned company, indicating a culture of shared ownership and potentially high employee engagement. The specific number of employees is not provided, but the scope of their work implies a medium to large organization.

Founded: Not specified, but described as a "Change Agent" in the Federal contracting industry, suggesting a history of innovation and disruption.

Team Structure:

• The role involves working within a cross-functional team, including service designers, technologists, data scientists, engineers, solution architects, and change managers.

• Collaboration within an Agile/Scrum team is a core aspect of the work environment.

• The structure implies a matrixed organization where designers work on various projects with different teams. Methodology:

• Steampunk utilizes a proprietary "Design Intelligence™ process" which incorporates human-centered methods to solve complex user experience challenges.

• The company emphasizes a "Change Agent" mentality, aiming to transform client expectations through shared accountability and innovative solutions.

• Data-driven decision-making and a focus on measurable outcomes are implied by the nature of federal contracting and consulting work.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Design Intelligence™ process" is a key differentiator for Steampunk and likely a core part of their operational methodology. Understanding this framework and how it integrates with traditional UX/UI practices will be crucial for candidates. The employee-owned structure suggests a strong focus on employee development and retention.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an experienced UX/UI Designer, likely mid-level to senior, given the 4+ years of experience requirement and the expectation to guide clients and lead UX initiatives.

Reporting Structure: The designer will collaborate with a cross-functional team and likely report to a Design Lead, Program Manager, or a similar senior role within Steampunk's project delivery structure.

Operations Impact: The UX/UI Designer's impact is direct and significant, influencing the usability, accessibility, and effectiveness of digital solutions for U.S. government agencies. This directly contributes to mission success for these clients.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of UX/UI design, such as user research, interaction design, or accessibility compliance for government applications.

• Leadership: Progress into lead designer roles, guiding junior designers, managing client relationships, and owning larger project components.

• Methodology Mastery: Become a subject matter expert in Steampunk's Design Intelligence™ framework and potentially contribute to its evolution.

• Consulting Acumen: Develop stronger client-facing and business development skills within the federal contracting space.

• Cross-functional Skill Development: Gain exposure to areas like data science, engineering, and change management through project collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a UX/UI Designer at Steampunk appears to be oriented towards both technical specialization and client-facing consulting leadership within the government sector. The employee-owned model may also offer pathways for broader involvement in company growth and strategy.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is explicitly stated as "On-site," indicating a traditional office-based work environment.

Office Location(s): McLean, Virginia. This location is in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, a hub for government contracting and technology firms.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, with regular interaction with a multi-disciplinary team including service designers, technologists, data scientists, engineers, solution architects, and change managers.

• Access to standard design tools and technology infrastructure necessary for UX/UI design and prototyping will be provided.

• The environment likely fosters a problem-solving culture, driven by the need to address complex government mission challenges.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week. However, project-based work in federal contracting can sometimes require flexibility to meet client deadlines or specific sprint commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" requirement is critical. Candidates should be prepared for a physical presence in the McLean, VA office. The collaborative nature of the work suggests an open office plan or dedicated team spaces designed to facilitate communication and brainstorming.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of resume and portfolio to assess foundational skills and experience.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions about UX/UI methodologies, problem-solving approaches, and tool proficiency. Expect to walk through portfolio case studies.

• Client/Stakeholder Simulation: Potentially a scenario-based interview or a presentation to simulate client interaction and assess communication skills.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meeting with potential team members and leadership to evaluate collaboration style and alignment with Steampunk's values and Design Intelligence™ process.

• Security Clearance Process: A separate, thorough background check will be required to obtain the Public Trust Security Clearance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Storytelling: Structure your case studies to tell a compelling story: the problem, your role and process, the solution, and the impact (quantifiable if possible).

• Process Focus: Clearly articulate your thought process, research methodologies, and design decisions. Steampunk values their proprietary "Design Intelligence™" framework, so demonstrating a structured, human-centered approach is key.

• Government Context: If you have government experience, highlight it. If not, emphasize your understanding of user needs, accessibility (Section 508), and working within constraints.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the tools you used and why you chose them. Showcase your proficiency in Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.

• Clarity and Conciseness: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and presents information clearly.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge or a request to critique a given interface or user flow.

• Practice articulating your design rationale and defending your decisions.

• Prepare questions about Steampunk's Design Intelligence™ process, client engagement models, and team collaboration dynamics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on the "Design Intelligence™ process" means candidates should research Steampunk's approach to design and be ready to discuss how their own experience aligns with or can contribute to it. The portfolio review is likely the most critical component of the application.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma.

• Prototyping & Handoff: Zeplin (or similar tools for design handoff).

• Collaboration: Tools commonly used in Agile environments (e.g., Jira, Confluence) for user stories and sprint management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed, experience with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) and the ability to interpret data for design improvements would be beneficial.

• Understanding how to use data to inform design decisions and measure success is implied by the role's focus on impact. CRM & Automation:

• Experience with Salesforce is listed as a "bonus point," suggesting it's a relevant platform, particularly for government clients who may utilize it for constituent management or internal operations.

• Understanding how user interfaces integrate with backend systems and workflows is important.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma, Sketch, and Adobe Creative Suite is a baseline requirement. The mention of Zeplin indicates a need for understanding design handoff processes to developers. Familiarity with Agile project management tools is also expected.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Design Intelligence™: A core value centered around a human-centered, strategic approach to solving complex problems.

• Change Agent: A proactive mindset aimed at transforming client expectations and delivering innovative solutions.

• Shared Accountability: As an employee-owned company, there's likely a strong emphasis on collective responsibility and contribution to success.

• Client Mission Focus: Dedication to understanding and supporting the critical missions of government clients.

• Continuous Improvement: A drive to stay current with industry best practices and tools, fostering a learning environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, working within multi-disciplinary teams (designers, technologists, data scientists, etc.) in an Agile framework.

• Emphasis on clear communication, both written and verbal, for stakeholder management and team integration.

• A culture that likely encourages the sharing of insights and feedback to refine designs and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Steampunk's identity as a "Change Agent" and their "Design Intelligence™" process suggest a culture that values innovation, strategic thinking, and a proactive approach to client challenges. The employee-owned structure likely fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Government Sector Nuances: Navigating the specific requirements, security protocols, and procurement processes of U.S. government agencies.

• Complex Mission Challenges: Addressing user experience issues for critical government functions, which often involve large user bases and significant impact.

• Balancing Innovation with Constraints: Designing effective solutions within the often-strict technological and regulatory constraints of government systems.

• Client Engagement: Effectively translating design expertise into client-understandable terms and managing diverse stakeholder expectations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in government-specific UX requirements, accessibility standards, and emerging design technologies.

• Mentorship: Potential to learn from experienced designers, consultants, and technical leads within Steampunk.

• Project Diversity: Exposure to a wide range of government projects, providing varied experience and problem-solving scenarios.

• Consulting Skills: Development in client management, strategic advisory, and business development within the federal sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be adapting UX/UI design principles to the unique context of federal government clients, which requires understanding specific regulations, security clearances, and mission objectives. Growth opportunities are strongly tied to developing specialized expertise within this niche.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance user needs with strict technical or regulatory constraints. How did you approach it?" (Focus on your process, research, and compromise strategies).

• "How do you incorporate Section 508 compliance into your design process from the outset?" (Highlight proactive measures and specific techniques).

• "Walk us through your approach to conducting user research for a new government-facing digital product." (Detail your methods, participant recruitment, and synthesis).

• "How would you apply Steampunk's Design Intelligence™ framework to solve [a hypothetical government client problem]?" (Research their framework and demonstrate how you'd integrate it). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working with government clients and Steampunk specifically?" (Connect your values and career goals to their mission).

• "How do you foster collaboration within a cross-functional Agile team?" (Provide examples of your communication and teamwork skills).

• "As an employee-owned company, what do you see as the advantages and potential challenges of this model?" (Demonstrate understanding of their business structure). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio around 2-3 key projects that best showcase your skills in research, UI design, and problem-solving.

• Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your process (research, ideation, design, testing), the solution, and the measurable impact.

• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals of wireframes, prototypes, and final designs. Annotate them to explain your design choices.

• Q&A Readiness: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your design decisions, the tools you used, and how you handled challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should thoroughly research Steampunk's "Design Intelligence™" process and their work in the federal sector. Be ready to articulate how their experience and approach align with the company's mission and methodology. Expect to be asked about your ability to work with government clients and understand their unique needs.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Designer position:

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

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in UX/UI design, user research, prototyping, accessibility (Section 508), Agile methodologies, and any federal government or consulting experience. Use keywords from the job description.

• Refine Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, showcases your best work with a strong emphasis on process and impact, and clearly demonstrates your ability to meet the requirements. Prepare to walk through specific case studies.

• Prepare for Interviews: Research Steampunk, their Design Intelligence™ process, and the federal contracting landscape. Practice answering common UX interview questions and prepare insightful questions to ask the interviewers.

• Security Clearance Awareness: Be prepared for the background check process required for the Public Trust Security Clearance.

⚠️ 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.