Ux Designer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a mission-focused UI/UX Designer to support a United States Department of Defense customer. This role supports the design, development, modernization, and sustainment of government websites, enterprise portals, and mission applications that enable process management, data collection, analytics, and decision support across DoD operations.

The ideal candidate applies human-centered design principles, agile methodologies, and modern web best practices to deliver secure, scalable, intuitive digital products that balance mission requirements with user needs. The UI/UX Designer will collaborate closely with product owners, developers, cybersecurity teams, and mission stakeholders to ensure timely, high-quality product delivery and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Site Design and Development

• Design, create, build, configure, and maintain Government websites and web applications (e.g., SharePoint, OpenText Content Server, and other Government web platforms).
• Apply user-centered design (UCD) methodologies and UX frameworks to ensure solutions are usable, intuitive, and aligned with mission objectives.
• Develop information architecture, interaction design, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity UI designs.
• Ensure designed sites support process management, workflow automation, request tracking, reviews, and data visualization.
• Maintain assigned Government applications and portals within agreed schedules to ensure customer satisfaction and no more than two (2) validated complaints per month.
• Ensure compliance with Section 508 accessibility standards, DoD cybersecurity requirements, and enterprise architecture constraints.

2. Product Development & Agile Delivery

The UI/UX Designer will support full product lifecycle delivery using agile and human-centered design practices.

Product Strategy & Planning

• Collaborate with S6O66 to prioritize and refine backlog items; adapt priorities as directed.
• Conduct product kick-off meetings for new and existing products.
• Facilitate discovery activities, including:
  • User and stakeholder interviews
  • Business process reviews
  • Content audits
  • Assessment of related features
  • Data and analytics analysis
• Define Minimum Viable Product (MVP) functionality for new initiatives, including:
  • Epics and user stories
  • Information architecture
  • Interaction design
  • Functional and technical requirements
  • Data and integration requirements
• Develop and maintain product plans and roadmaps outlining:
  • Prioritized epics and user stories
  • Strategy and recommendations
  • Level of effort (LOE) and complexity
  • Evaluation, maintenance, and enhancement plans
• Recommend modular, reusable design patterns and scalable design systems.
• Evaluate and recommend best-in-class third-party solutions when appropriate instead of custom development.

3. Agile Development & Engineering Collaboration

• Work within an agile, continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) environment with the capability for multiple production releases per day.
• Ensure solutions align with Twelve-Factor App principles and modern web application best practices.
• Collaborate with developers to ensure annotated, linted, and standards-compliant code implementation.
• Support custom integrations between new products and existing Government systems.
• Track and manage technical debt items in the product backlog.

4. Testing, Quality Assurance & Accessibility

• Develop and execute comprehensive testing and QA plans prior to product launch.
• Create automated test scripts and conduct:
  • Unit testing
  • Functional testing
  • Integration testing
  • Performance testing
  • Security testing
  • Section 508 compliance testing
• Supplement automated testing with manual testing when required.
• Ensure full traceability of user stories to test cases and results.
• Deliver documented test reports prior to launch.
• Develop and execute pre-launch checklists to mitigate risk.
• Conduct post-production usability testing to evaluate holistic user experience and identify areas for improvement.

5. Analytics, KPIs & Reporting

• Define, implement, and track analytics aligned to S6O66-defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Embed analytics into new and existing products to measure performance and user engagement.
• Update publicly available KPIs, outcome measures, and launch information.
• Create and maintain product “one-sheets” including:
  • Value proposition
  • KPIs
  • Screenshots of key features
• Develop monthly executive-level reports for S6O66 leadership, including dashboards, scorecards, and visual summaries.
• Provide ad hoc analytics and presentation materials upon request.
• Continuously evaluate products against established KPIs and notify the designated Product Owner within 24 hours of identifying anomalies or issues.

• Bachelor’s degree in UX Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience designing and delivering enterprise web applications.
• Demonstrated experience applying human-centered design and agile methodologies.
• Experience designing for secure, regulated, or government environments.
• Strong proficiency in:
  • Wireframing and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Adobe XD)
  • Information architecture and usability testing
  • Analytics platforms and KPI tracking
• Experience working in CI/CD environments and collaborating with software engineers.
• Knowledge of Section 508 and accessibility best practices.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting DoD customers or other federal agencies.
• Familiarity with SharePoint and enterprise content management systems.
• Experience implementing or contributing to design systems.
• Understanding of cybersecurity and secure development lifecycle requirements in DoD environments.
• Experience with automated testing frameworks and DevSecOps pipelines.