Junior User Experience Researcher/Designer

Who We Are

[REDACTED] was founded to help federal agencies deliver order of magnitude improvement in digital products and services with a focus on Customer and User Experience. Core services include digital strategy, digital product management, system design development & optimization for applications and IT. See us at [REDACTED].

Position Summary

As a Junior User Experience Researcher/Designer with [REDACTED], you’ll help raise the bar for user experience of federal and defense agencies. This will require developing an in-depth understanding of agency missions, the varied needs of their users and applicable policy, in addition to all the industry standard responsibilities and qualifications of the role.

We are seeking a talented and enthusiastic User Experience Researcher/Designer with 0-4 years of professional experience to join our growing team. In this role, you will contribute to the design and development of user-centered products of federal agencies by conducting user research, designing user interfaces, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams. This is an excellent opportunity for a driven individual to grow their UX skills and contribute to impactful products.

What You'll Do

User Research:

• Assist in conducting user research activities, including user interviews, surveys, quantitative analysis and usability testing.
• Analyze user data and contribute to the development of survey analysis, user personas, journey maps, and other user-centered artifacts.
• Support the creation of research reports and presentations.

UX Design:

• Create wireframes, mockups, and prototypes under the guidance of senior UX designers.
• Participate in design reviews and critiques.
• Learn and apply UX best practices to design solutions.
• No need to be an amazing visual designer, but core understanding of hierarchy, typography, and spatial relationships is important.

Collaboration:

• Collaborate effectively with product managers, engineers, UX teammates and other stakeholders.
• Communicate design decisions and rationale clearly and concisely.

Professional Development:

• Actively seek opportunities to learn and grow your UX skills.
• Stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in UX research and design.

What You Will Bring To The Table

• Masters degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) strongly preferred.
• 0-4 years of practical experience in the UX field
• Strong understanding of user-centered design principles.
• Demonstrated proficiency in qualitative and quantitative user research methodologies.
• Proficiency in design tools such as Figma, with good file setup hygiene and solid prototyping skills.
• Excellent communication (especially written) and interpersonal skills.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to listen and learn quickly, think critically about your own work, and adapt to new challenges.
• Portfolio demonstrating hands-on experience applying UX principles.

Who You Are

You are a team player who thrives in environments where standards are high, teams may be small, and impact is visible. You are comfortable operating without excessive structure and know how to create clarity where it doesn’t exist. You do not need hand-holding, but you are collaborative and generous with your expertise.

You are motivated by mission-driven work and understand the responsibility that comes with designing for federal and defense environments. You can balance user-centered design with regulatory constraints, platform capabilities and limitations, policy requirements, and security realities.

You:

• Take ownership without waiting to be asked
• Communicate confidently with senior federal stakeholders
• Know how to defend design decisions with data and rationale
• Are adaptable when priorities shift
• Care deeply about quality and usability, even in complex systems
• See ambiguity as an opportunity, not a blocker

Additional Information

Security Clearance Requirement: Secret Required (or willingness to apply for Secret)

Location: We are looking to grow our presence in Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, and Washington DC areas. Although your day-to-day will be remote, team members in these hubs have the opportunity to engage with local teammates.

Work Environment: [REDACTED] is a growing federal digital services firm. We operate with high accountability, lean teams, and a strong sense of ownership. This role requires comfort with ambiguity, initiative, and a bias toward action.

Benefits: [REDACTED] offers competitive compensation, health and welfare benefits, flexible ways of working, and generous time off policies including vacation/PTO, sick leave, and parental leave.

Equal Opportunity Employer: [REDACTED] is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and business need without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.