Web Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Web Designer

Company: KBR, Inc.

Location: Chantilly, Virginia, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Digital Design & User Experience Operations

Date Posted: August 26, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on providing Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) support by evaluating and advising on web applications, user interfaces (UI), and user experience (UX) designs within intelligence operations.

• The Web Designer will assess existing websites, dashboards, and analytical tools to ensure they meet mission requirements, usability standards, and accessibility guidelines.

• A key aspect involves collaborating with government stakeholders, developers, and engineers to identify and recommend design improvements and enhancements for digital mission systems.

• The position requires supporting the development of design standards, UX best practices, and governance processes to ensure consistency across critical national security systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within a classified environment, demanding a high level of security clearance and discretion. The primary focus is on applying design principles to enhance intelligence operations, rather than typical commercial web development. The "Operations" aspect is derived from the SETA support function and the critical nature of the systems being designed for operational effectiveness.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Review and evaluate existing web applications, portals, dashboards, and user interfaces specifically supporting Space and Counterspace missions.

• Conduct thorough assessments of user experience (UX), information architecture, navigation structures, and visual design elements to identify actionable improvement opportunities.

• Provide expert recommendations for enhancing usability, accessibility, consistency, and overall user effectiveness across critical web-based intelligence systems.

• Perform detailed reviews of wireframes, mockups, prototypes, and design specifications to ensure strict alignment with evolving mission requirements and established government design standards.

• Evaluate and ensure compliance with critical accessibility requirements, web standards, and government-specific design guidelines, such as Section 508 and USWDS.

• Support the development, implementation, and maintenance of comprehensive UI/UX design standards, style guides, and robust governance processes for digital assets.

• Analyze user feedback, usage metrics, and specific operational requirements to strategically inform design recommendations and guide modernization efforts for intelligence platforms.

• Collaborate effectively with government stakeholders, software developers, engineers, and mission partners to assess proposed design changes and recommend strategic enhancements.

• Document findings, detailed assessments, and actionable recommendations to support informed decision-making and critical system improvements.

• Support testing and validation efforts to ensure implemented design changes successfully achieve intended usability and operational outcomes within mission-critical systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a strategic advisory and evaluation capacity within a government contracting context (SETA support), rather than direct front-end development. The focus is on the application of design principles to mission-critical systems, requiring an understanding of government standards and operational needs.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Web Design, User Experience Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Graphic Design, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a closely related technical field.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in web design, UI/UX design, user research, digital product design, or a directly related design discipline.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in reviewing, evaluating, or designing web applications, websites, complex dashboards, or enterprise-level user interfaces.

• High proficiency with industry-standard design and prototyping tools, including but not limited to Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD), Sketch, or Axure.

• Demonstrated understanding of user experience (UX) principles, information architecture, and user-centered design methodologies.

• Ability to analyze and interpret user feedback, usage data, and complex operational requirements to inform design decisions.

• Excellent communication and documentation skills, with the ability to clearly articulate design recommendations and technical assessments to diverse stakeholders.

• Active Top Secret clearance with eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) and a current Polygraph are mandatory for this role. Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience supporting Department of Defense (DoD), Intelligence Community (IC), or other federal government programs.

• In-depth knowledge of accessibility standards and government web design frameworks, specifically Section 508 compliance and U.S. Web Design System (USWDS) principles.

• Experience supporting data visualization platforms, intelligence analysis tools, or mission-focused operational dashboards critical to national security.

• Familiarity with agile development methodologies and cross-functional team collaboration in a government contracting environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required clearance is a critical qualification that significantly narrows the candidate pool. Preferred skills indicate a strong preference for candidates with prior government or intelligence community experience, highlighting the specialized nature of this role within the defense sector.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 projects demonstrating expertise in UI/UX design, web application evaluation, or dashboard design for complex systems.

• Include case studies that detail the problem statement, your design process, key challenges, and the measurable impact of your design recommendations or implemented solutions.

• Highlight specific examples of how you applied usability principles, accessibility standards (e.g., Section 508), and information architecture to improve user workflows.

• Provide examples of wireframes, mockups, interactive prototypes, or final design outputs, clearly explaining your role and contribution to each project.

• Demonstrate proficiency with design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch) through project examples. Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your systematic approach to evaluating existing user interfaces and identifying areas for enhancement.

• Articulate your methodology for translating user needs and operational requirements into actionable design specifications or recommendations.

• Detail your experience in developing or adhering to design standards, style guides, and governance frameworks for digital products.

• Explain how you incorporate user feedback and data analytics into your design iteration and validation processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the SETA nature of the role, the portfolio should emphasize analytical and evaluative skills applied to existing systems, rather than solely showcasing new product development. The ability to document and communicate findings and recommendations is paramount.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $135,200 - $175,000 annually.

Note: This salary range is specific to the Virginia area and may vary based on internal parity considerations.

Benefits:

• Sign-on bonus: Potential for a sign-on bonus to aid in transition.

• Relocation benefits: Assistance may be provided for candidates relocating for the position.

• Short-term incentives: Opportunities for performance-based bonuses tied to project milestones or quarterly achievements.

• Long-term incentives: Potential for equity, stock options, or other long-term financial rewards based on company performance and individual contribution.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

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

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

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

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, standard business hours, with potential for occasional overtime to meet mission critical deadlines or project demands. Flexibility may be expected due to the nature of intelligence operations support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is a benchmark for the Chantilly, Virginia area, reflecting the mid-level experience requirement and the specialized nature of the role. The additional compensation forms (bonuses, LTI) suggest a performance-driven environment common in government contracting.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Defense, Government Services, Technology Solutions. KBR provides science, technology, and engineering solutions to governments and companies around the world. This specific role supports critical intelligence operations, placing it within the national security sector.

Company Size: KBR is a large enterprise, with a significant global presence and a substantial number of employees, indicating a structured corporate environment with established processes and resources.

Founded: KBR has a long history, tracing its roots back to 1901, signifying stability and extensive experience in its served industries.

Team Structure:

• The Web Designer will likely be part of a Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) team, providing specialized expertise to a government client.

• This team is expected to be cross-functional, comprising engineers, analysts, designers, and project managers who collaborate to support specific mission objectives.

• Reporting structure will likely involve a program manager or lead engineer, with direct interaction and reporting to government stakeholders on design-related matters. Methodology:

• The team operates with a strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making, leveraging user feedback and operational metrics to inform design improvements.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are critical, ensuring that digital solutions enhance, rather than impede, mission effectiveness.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely encouraged to streamline processes and improve the delivery of services and insights.

Company Website: https://www.kbr.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: KBR's focus on government contracting, particularly in defense and intelligence, means the company culture likely emphasizes security, compliance, mission focus, and a structured, professional environment. The SETA role implies a close, integrated working relationship with the client's operational teams.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-level, requiring demonstrated experience and the ability to work independently on complex design evaluation and advisory tasks. It's not an entry-level position but offers a solid foundation for specialization within government-focused design or systems engineering.

Reporting Structure: The Web Designer will report to a program manager or lead engineer within the SETA team, with direct oversight and frequent communication required with government client representatives responsible for intelligence operations and digital systems.

Operations Impact: The Web Designer's impact is directly tied to enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of intelligence operations. By improving user interfaces and experiences for critical systems, they contribute to better data analysis, faster decision-making, and ultimately, the successful execution of national security missions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized areas like accessibility compliance, advanced UX research methodologies for classified environments, or data visualization for intelligence analysis.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining relevant certifications in UX, human-computer interaction, or government IT security frameworks.

• Leadership Potential: Progression into lead design roles, program management within SETA contracts, or specialization in system architecture and integration for intelligence systems.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining experience working across diverse technical teams (software development, systems engineering, cybersecurity) within the defense and intelligence sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth in this role is likely tied to increased responsibility within government contracts, specialization in mission-critical design areas, and potential advancement into team leadership or program management roles within KBR's defense and intelligence divisions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, likely within a government facility or a secure KBR office space that supports classified work. This implies a controlled environment with strict access protocols.

Office Location(s): Chantilly, Virginia, specifically at 15020 Conference Center Drive, Suite 100. This location is in a hub for government contractors and federal agencies, offering proximity to key stakeholders.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be collaborative, requiring close interaction with government personnel and fellow SETA team members.

• Access to specific government-approved tools and technology stacks will be provided, likely including secure workstations and specialized software for design and communication.

• Opportunities for direct engagement with end-users and decision-makers within the intelligence community will be frequent, fostering a deep understanding of operational needs.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is typically 40 hours per week, during regular business hours. However, given the critical nature of intelligence operations and national security, flexibility may be required to meet urgent deadlines, support specific mission events, or accommodate client needs, potentially including occasional overtime or adjusted hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and classified environment are defining characteristics. Candidates should expect a professional, secure, and mission-focused workspace with stringent protocols.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will likely review applications for basic qualifications, including clearance status and relevant experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: An interview with the hiring manager to assess technical skills, experience with design tools, and understanding of UX/UI principles as applied to government systems. Be prepared to discuss your portfolio.

• Technical Assessment/Case Study: A potential exercise or case study focusing on evaluating a sample interface or proposing design improvements for a hypothetical mission-critical scenario. This assesses problem-solving and design thinking.

• Team/Stakeholder Interview: Interviews with potential team members and/or government client representatives to evaluate cultural fit, collaboration style, and ability to communicate effectively within a classified environment.

• Final Offer: Based on the collective feedback from all stages.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Prioritize Relevance: Showcase projects that best demonstrate your experience with evaluating existing systems, applying usability and accessibility standards, and designing for complex user needs, especially if any government or intelligence-related work is included.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically. For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenges faced, your design process, the tools used, and the outcomes or impact.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics or specific examples to illustrate the positive impact of your design contributions (e.g., "improved task completion time by X%", "reduced user error rate by Y%").

• Highlight Tool Proficiency: Clearly indicate the design and prototyping tools used in each project.

• Prepare to Discuss: Be ready to walk through your portfolio in detail, explaining your design decisions and rationale, especially concerning user-centricity and adherence to standards.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Research KBR, their work in the defense/intelligence sector, and the U.S. Web Design System (USWDS) and Section 508 compliance.

• Focus on Evaluation: Practice evaluating existing interfaces for usability, accessibility, and alignment with functional requirements. Think about common pitfalls in government or enterprise applications.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare to address hypothetical design challenges related to intelligence analysis, operational dashboards, or secure web applications.

• Communication Skills: Practice articulating complex design concepts and recommendations clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh security clearance and the ability to work within a government contracting framework. The portfolio review will focus on practical application of design principles to enhance operational effectiveness and compliance with specific government standards.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD), Sketch, Axure, or similar industry-standard tools. Proficiency in at least one is essential, with familiarity across several being a significant advantage.

• Collaboration Platforms: Secure versions of common collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack) may be used, along with internal KBR and client-specific project management and communication systems.

• Wireframing & Information Architecture Tools: Balsamiq, Miro, or similar tools for conceptualizing and mapping out user flows and site structures.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While direct analytics tool usage might be limited for the designer, understanding how to interpret user feedback, usage data, and performance metrics from tools like Google Analytics (or government equivalents) is beneficial.

• Familiarity with dashboarding tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, or client-specific solutions) used for visualizing operational data is a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable for this role, as it's focused on UI/UX design for operational systems rather than customer relationship management or marketing automation. However, understanding how user interfaces integrate with backend systems and data sources is important.

• Familiarity with Content Management Systems (CMS) might be relevant if the applications utilize them.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is on design and prototyping tools. Understanding how these designs integrate with backend systems and data sources is key, but direct experience with CRM or marketing automation tools is not expected for this specific role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: A deep commitment to supporting the client's national security objectives and ensuring the effectiveness of intelligence operations.

• Integrity & Security: Upholding the highest standards of honesty, ethical conduct, and security protocols due to the classified nature of the work.

• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork and open communication across diverse technical and government teams to achieve shared goals.

• Excellence & Innovation: Striving for high-quality design solutions and embracing innovative approaches to solve complex operational challenges.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of responsibilities and delivering reliable, high-performing design support.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with software engineers, systems engineers, cybersecurity analysts, and government stakeholders to ensure design solutions are technically feasible, secure, and meet operational requirements.

• Feedback-Driven: Embracing a culture of constructive feedback, both giving and receiving, to continuously improve design quality and user experience.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in team discussions, sharing insights on design best practices, and contributing to the collective knowledge base of the SETA team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is heavily influenced by the government client's environment, prioritizing security, mission success, and a structured, professional approach to problem-solving.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Classified Environments: Adapting to strict security protocols, limited information sharing, and specialized tools within a classified setting.

• Bridging User Needs and Technical Constraints: Balancing user experience goals with complex technical limitations and stringent government requirements.

• Evolving Mission Requirements: Adapting designs to rapidly changing intelligence priorities and operational needs.

• Stakeholder Management: Effectively communicating and managing expectations across diverse government stakeholders with varying technical backgrounds and priorities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Training: Opportunities to attend training focused on advanced UX research for sensitive environments, accessibility standards for government applications, or specific intelligence analysis visualization techniques.

• Industry Conferences: Potential to attend relevant industry conferences focused on defense, intelligence, or UX design within government sectors.

• Mentorship: Access to experienced engineers and designers within KBR who can provide guidance on career progression and technical skill development in the defense contracting space.

• Exposure to Cutting-Edge Technology: Working with advanced systems and technologies used in national security operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are primarily driven by the unique operational and security context. Growth opportunities are geared towards specialization within the defense/intelligence design domain and advancing within government contracting roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for evaluating an existing web application's user interface and user experience. What criteria do you prioritize?" (Focus on structured evaluation, usability heuristics, accessibility checks).

• "How do you ensure your design recommendations align with both user needs and strict government or security requirements?" (Discuss balancing user-centricity with compliance, security protocols, and technical feasibility).

• "Walk me through a project where you had to advocate for a specific design solution. How did you present your case and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a case study from your portfolio, emphasizing communication and persuasive skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for KBR and supporting intelligence operations?" (Research KBR’s mission and tailor your response to their defense/intelligence focus).

• "How do you approach collaboration with technical teams and government stakeholders who may have different priorities or levels of technical understanding?" (Highlight your communication and interpersonal skills, emphasizing diplomacy and clarity).

• "How do you stay current with UX/UI trends and best practices, especially those relevant to government or secure environments?" (Showcase your commitment to continuous learning and adaptation). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, frame it as a narrative: the problem, your approach, the solution, and the impact.

• Focus on Process: Emphasize how you arrived at your design decisions, not just the final visuals. Detail your research, analysis, and iteration steps.

• Highlight Compliance: If applicable, explicitly mention how you addressed accessibility (Section 508) or other relevant government standards in your work.

• Be Concise and Clear: Present information efficiently, focusing on the most impactful aspects of your contributions. Be prepared for detailed follow-up questions.

• Demonstrate Tool Mastery: Briefly show your proficiency with your primary design tools, explaining why you chose them for specific tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expect questions that probe your understanding of government contracting environments, security clearance implications, and your ability to apply design principles to mission-critical, rather than commercial, systems. Your portfolio is a critical tool for demonstrating this.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Web Designer position:

• Submit your application through the KBR Careers portal via the provided link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights experience relevant to UI/UX evaluation, web application assessment, government design standards (Section 508, USWDS if applicable), and proficiency with required design tools. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that showcases 3-5 of your strongest projects, focusing on those that demonstrate your ability to analyze existing systems, improve user experience, and adhere to design standards. Be ready to walk through it.

• Research KBR & the Role: Understand KBR's mission in defense and intelligence. Familiarize yourself with the U.S. Web Design System and Section 508 compliance, as these are key requirements.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers for common interview questions, focusing on your experience with SETA support, classified environments, and applying design principles to operational effectiveness.

⚠️ 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.