Shadow Strategies

Location: Columbia, MD Clearance Required: TS//SCI with CI Polygraph Experience: 10+ years Salary Range: $ 165,000 - $185,000 This is a pipeline position. Shadow is actively building a bench for a cyber-focused contract with anticipated award in late fall 2026. What You'll Do This role focuses on aligning user experience with operational outcomes in cyber mission environments. As a UX Strategist, you'll shape how Shadow designs systems that support analysts, operators, and decision-makers in complex, high-velocity domains. You'll help teams identify what matters, prioritize user needs, and ensure that design efforts reflect mission goals from day one. Your work will help ensure that experience strategy isn't separate from mission strategy- it's part of it. Core responsibilities include: * Gathering user stories and developing detailed user personas and journey maps that reflect real operational workflows
* Conducting user research to understand current system experiences, identify friction, and surface latent needs
* Collaborating with engineering and product teams to define features that address user gaps and mission requirements
* Creating wireframes and prototypes that translate complex workflows into intuitive, high-fidelity interface concepts
* Designing and executing usability studies to validate designs and drive evidence-based iteration Who This Might Be a Fit For This could be a great fit if you: * Bring 10 or more years of UX practice-formal training, hands-on experience, or both
* Have direct experience supporting offensive cyber operations or related mission environments
* Think in systems, not just screens
* Can advocate for users while supporting mission constraints
* Have experience aligning product direction with operational intent
* Know how to frame design impact for technical and mission audiences
* Understand the real-world demands of cyber, intel, or security workflows Why Shadow At Shadow, strategy is more than a phase. It's how we ensure that the tools we build support the people who rely on them. In cyber operations, good design isn't optional- it's decisive. If you seek clarity , lead with purpose, and design for impact, you'll fit right in. Interested ? If this role sounds like a fit, we encourage you to reach out- we're actively shaping teams for upcoming work. What Comes With It You'll have what you need to do your best work: * Fully covered health insurance - medical, dental, vision * Paid parental leave - 16 weeks if you give birth, 4 weeks if your partner does * Flexible leave - designed to support real life, not restrict it * 401(k) - for your future * Short- and long-term disability - because life happens * Annual health stipend - if you opt out of our insurance The Extras? They're Built In No points systems. No bean bags. Just clarity, autonomy, and a mission that matters. Elite talent deserves elite support. Our benefits empower you to excel professionally and personally, recognizing your value through comprehensive health coverage, disability protection, and meaningful well-being initiatives. By investing in you, we ensure you have the tools, resources, and support you need to thrive-inside and outside of work. See our benefit plan here: https://www.shadowstrategies.io/benefits Equal Opportunity Commitment Shadow Strategies is committed to providing an environment where all individuals are treated with respect and fairness. We embrace individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Our Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, training, and compensation. We do not tolerate discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. Salary Transparency Salary is determined by various factors , including but not limited to location, the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements.