UX Designer with Security Clearance
The UX Designer at Confidential Client will design and implement user-centered web applications supporting defense and intelligence missions, requiring an active TS/SCI clearance. This role involves collaborating with clients and development teams to create innovative, research-driven designs, guiding projects from concept through implementation in a secure, AI-driven environment.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, IT.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
Confidential Client is hiring a UX Designer with an active security clearance to help design web-based applications used by defense and intelligence users. In this role you will lead user research, create interaction and visual design solutions, and collaborate closely with engineering and product teams to deliver mission-focused software.
- Conduct user research, interviews, and usability testing to develop user empathy and validate design decisions
- Translate research and requirements into wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity UI designs
- Define user flows, information architecture, and interaction patterns for complex web applications
- Partner with product managers and engineers to align design with technical constraints and roadmaps
- Participate in agile ceremonies (daily standups, planning, retrospectives, demos) and facilitate design critiques
- Create and maintain design documentation, component libraries, and handoff artifacts (Figma, FigJam, etc.)
- Mentor junior designers and contribute to team design processes and best practices
Minimum Qualifications
- U.S. citizenship and an active/current TS/SCI clearance
- Bachelor’s degree in UX/UI Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, or a related field
- 2+ years of professional UX/UI design experience (entry through mid-level candidates welcome)
- A strong, demonstrable design portfolio showing user-centered, web-based product work
- Practical experience using Figma and FigJam; familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud, Sketch, InVision, or Procreate is a plus
- Applied knowledge of Design Thinking and Human-Centered Design methods
- Strong communication skills and experience working directly with stakeholders and engineering teams
Preferred / Nice-to-Have
- Experience designing for defense, intelligence, or other mission-critical environments
- Background in web product design, information architecture, and interaction design
- Experience with branding, visual identity, or graphic design
- Prior experience mentoring junior designers or interns
- Comfort working in agile product teams
Clearance & Eligibility
- Must be a U.S. citizen eligible to hold a TS/SCI clearance. Applicants will be subject to a security investigation and must meet classified information access requirements.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range: $90,000 - $190,000 (range provided by Confidential Client; final compensation depends on experience, location, and other factors)
- Benefits (eligibility details determined by Confidential Client) may include medical, dental, vision, HSA/FSA, 401(k), disability, life insurance, and other voluntary coverages
- Full-time employees working a regular schedule are typically eligible for benefits per Confidential Client policy
Location & Work Arrangement
- Job location: Herndon, VA (primary work location per the listing)
- Work arrangement: position supports telecommute / remote-capable work while serving a Herndon-based program (applicant location requirements: United States). Confirm final work arrangement and on-site expectations during interview.
Why This Role?
Join a team designing mission-focused products where your UX work directly impacts national security outcomes. This role is a good fit for designers who want to apply human-centered design in complex, high-impact domains, who enjoy cross-functional collaboration, and who hold a current security clearance.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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