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Human Centered Design Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Human-Centered Design (HCD) Expert Category: Digital Customer Experience Main location: United States, Virginia, Fairfax Position ID:J0726-0412 Employment Type: Full Time Position Description: CGI is ...

Support Agile and human-centered design practices to improve digital experiences for Veterans and VA employees. * Perform other duties as assigned in support of program objectives. What You'll Bring

Disruption Designer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$85K - $150K/yr

Steampunk is the explosive collision of human-centered design and traditional government contracting. We are an employee-owned company with a startup mindset and time-tested approaches tailored for ...

SkillBridge Partner

Mclean, VA · On-site

$117K/yr

Steampunk is the explosive collision of human-centered design and traditional government contracting. We are an employee-owned company with a startup mindset and time-tested approaches tailored for ...

SkillBridge Partner

Mclean, VA · On-site

$117K/yr

Steampunk is the explosive collision of human-centered design and traditional government contracting. We are an employee-owned company with a startup mindset and time-tested approaches tailored for ...

Senior Service Designer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Steampunk is the explosive collision of human-centered design and traditional government contracting. We are an employee-owned company with a startup mindset and time-tested approaches tailored for ...

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Human Centered Design information

See Virginia salary details

$26.3K

$43.9K

$59.5K

How much do human centered design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for human centered design in Virginia is $43,865.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,200.00 and $47,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a human centered design do?

A human centered design professional focuses on creating products, services, or systems that prioritize the needs, preferences, and behaviors of users. They use research methods like user interviews and usability testing to inform design decisions, often working with tools such as prototypes and design software to improve user experience. This approach ensures solutions are intuitive, accessible, and effective for the target audience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in human centered design, and why are they important?

Thriving in Human Centered Design requires expertise in user research, prototyping, and problem-solving, typically supported by a background in design, human-computer interaction, or a related field. Familiarity with design software such as Sketch, Figma, or Adobe Creative Suite, as well as usability testing tools, is common, and some roles may value certifications like Certified Professional in Human-Centered Design (CPHCD). Strong communication, empathy, and collaboration skills enable designers to accurately understand user needs and work effectively within multidisciplinary teams. These qualifications are crucial for creating solutions that genuinely address user problems and deliver measurable value to organizations.

What is human centered design?

A Human Centered Design (HCD) job focuses on creating products, services, or systems that prioritize the needs, behaviors, and experiences of users. Professionals in this field use research, prototyping, and iterative testing to develop human-friendly solutions. Roles may include UX designers, service designers, or design strategists, working across industries like tech, healthcare, and public services. The goal is to ensure usability, accessibility, and satisfaction while aligning with business and societal needs.

What can you do with a human centered design degree?

A human centered design degree prepares individuals for roles focused on creating user-friendly products, services, and experiences. Graduates can work as UX designers, user researchers, interaction designers, or product designers, often utilizing tools like wireframing and prototyping, and may pursue certifications in usability or user experience to enhance their skills.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of someone working in human centered design?

Professionals in Human Centered Design typically start their day by reviewing user feedback and identifying pain points to refine design concepts. You might conduct user interviews, facilitate usability tests, or collaborate with cross-functional teams including product managers, developers, and marketing specialists to ensure designs align with both user needs and business goals. Creating wireframes, prototypes, and user journey maps are common tasks, as is the continuous iteration of solutions based on real-world feedback. This dynamic routine ensures that the final product is both intuitive for users and effective for stakeholders.

What are the most commonly searched types of Human Centered Design jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Human Centered Design jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Human Centered Design jobs in Virginia? For Human Centered Design jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Human Centered Design jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Human Centered Design jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Human Centered Design jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Human Centered Design job openings:
Infographic showing various Human Centered Design job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 88% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,865 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Human-Centered Design (HCD) Expert

CGI Inc.

Fairfax, VA • On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


CGI rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

147th of 223 rated it services


Job description

Human-Centered Design (HCD) Expert
Category: Digital Customer Experience
Main location: United States, Virginia, Fairfax
Position ID:J0726-0412
Employment Type: Full Time
Position Description:
CGI is seeking a Human Centered Design (HCD) Expert to join a high performing Agile team supporting a portfolio of IT application development and modernization for a large federal agency. You will conduct user research, facilitate design activities, and create prototypes and design artifacts that improve usability across a complex ecosystem of applications. This is an opportunity to apply HCD methods at scale while partnering with product owners, developers, analysts, and stakeholders in a fast paced environment.
The ideal candidate is a structured thinker who is highly collaborative, curious, and comfortable engaging users and team members to uncover needs and translate them into clear design direction. This role requires strong communication skills, initiative, and the ability to manage competing priorities in an evolving environment.
This position can be located in Fairfax, VA or Lafayette, LA. A hybrid working model is acceptable.
Due to the nature of government contracts, US citizenship is required.
Your future duties and responsibilities:
. Communicate effectively and respectfully with team members, customers, partners, and management, both in person and virtually.
. Conduct user research through interviews, usability testing, workflow analysis, and surveys.
. Synthesize research into personas, journey maps, service blueprints, and other design artifacts.
. Participate in Agile ceremonies and contribute to backlog refinement, feature shaping, and solution design.
. Lead or support design workshops, design studios, and collaborative working sessions.
. Produce wireframes, prototypes, and conceptual workflows using tools such as Figma and Miro.
. Validate design decisions through iterative testing and feedback cycles.
. Ensure designs follow accessibility standards and align to USWDS or client design frameworks.
. Maintain documentation, research notes, and reusable design assets.
. Support user acceptance activities through usability validation and release readiness checks.
. Assist in preparing user guides, training materials, and support resources when needed.
Required qualifications to be successful in this role:
. Bachelor's degree
. Excellent verbal and written communication skills
. At least 4+ years of related HCD, UX research, or service design experience in the IT industry
. Strong collaboration skills with team members and stakeholders
. Experience conducting user research and translating findings into actionable design guidance
. Ability to create wireframes, prototypes, and user flows
. Ability to work effectively within a team environment under tight timelines
Desired qualifications/non essential skills required:
. Experience working with JIRA and Confluence
. Familiarity with federal programs, procurement, or complex enterprise systems
. Knowledge of accessibility standards (Section 508, WCAG) and USWDS
. Experience with Figma, FigJam, Miro, Axure, or similar design tools
. Experience producing high fidelity HCD deliverables such as personas, service blueprints, and usability test plans
. Experience applying HCD methods within Agile delivery
. Experience extracting user insights from IT behavior tools such as Datadog Real User Monitoring, Google Analytics, or similar
CGI is required by law in some jurisdictions to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. The determination of this range includes various factors not limited to skill set, level, experience, relevant training, and licensure and certifications. To support the ability to reward for merit based performance, CGI typically does not hire individuals at or near the top of the range for their role. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range for this role in the U.S. is $79,600.00 $172,400.00.
CGI Federal's benefits are offered to eligible professionals on their first day of employment to include:
. Competitive compensation
. Comprehensive insurance options
. Matching contributions through the 401(k) plan and the share purchase plan
. Paid time off for vacation, holidays, and sick time
. Paid parental leave
. Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
. Wellness and Well being programs
#CGIFederalJob
#MW 9
#ClearanceJobs
Skills:
  • Accessibility
  • Agile
  • Communication
  • Qualitative user research
  • User-Centered Design

What you can expect from us:
Together, as owners, let's turn meaningful insights into action.
Life at CGI is rooted in ownership, teamwork, respect and belonging. Here, you'll reach your full potential because...
You are invited to be an owner from day 1 as we work together to bring our Dream to life. That's why we call ourselves CGI Partners rather than employees. We benefit from our collective success and actively shape our company's strategy and direction.
Your work creates value. You'll develop innovative solutions and build relationships with teammates and clients while accessing global capabilities to scale your ideas, embrace new opportunities, and benefit from expansive industry and technology expertise.
You'll shape your career by joining a company built to grow and last. You'll be supported by leaders who care about your health and well-being and provide you with opportunities to deepen your skills and broaden your horizons.
Come join our team-one of the largest IT and business consulting services firms in the world.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, sex, religion, creed, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, pregnancy, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and gender expression, familial status or responsibilities, reproductive health decisions, political affiliation, genetic information, height, weight, or any other legally protected status or characteristics to the extent required by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws where we do business.
CGI provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation to apply for a job in the U.S., please email the CGI U.S. Employment Compliance mailbox at US_Employment_Compliance@cgi.com. You will need to reference the Position ID of the position in which you are interested. Your message will be routed to the appropriate recruiter who will assist you. Please note, this email address is only to be used for those individuals who need an accommodation to apply for a job. Emails for any other reason or those that do not include a Position ID will not be returned.
We make it easy to translate military experience and skills! Click here to be directed to our site that is dedicated to veterans and transitioning service members.
All CGI offers of employment in the U.S. are contingent upon the ability to successfully complete a background investigation. Background investigation components can vary dependent upon specific assignment and/or level of US government security clearance held. Dependent upon role and/or federal government security clearance requirements, and in accordance with applicable laws, some background investigations may include a credit check. CGI will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrests and conviction records in accordance with all local regulations and ordinances.
CGI will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with CGI's legal duty to furnish information.

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