Design Lead – UX/UI

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Lead user research initiatives including usability testing, interviews, and contextual inquiries at regular sprint intervals.

• Develop and sustain research plans while sharing insights with the entire team and USDA stakeholders.

• Create wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs for all user-facing features.

• Ensure that designs comply with WCAG 2.1 Level A and AA accessibility standards as well as Section 508 requirements.

• Maintain and implement consistent design patterns throughout the platform.

• Design specifically for USDA customers, federal personnel, managers, executives, and the general public.

• Produce and submit Accessibility Conformance Reports based on the most current VPAT template.

• Collaborate with developers to guarantee accurate implementation of designs.

• Conduct content design tasks to ensure clarity and plain language throughout the platform.

• Consider page response time goals of under 1.25 seconds when making design decisions.

• Lead design efforts for the ERAS Platform as part of a business and IT modernization project supporting a Federal client.

⛳️ Requirements

• Ability to obtain a Public Trust clearance.

• A Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Graphic Design, Psychology, Information Science, or a related field is required.

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in UX/UI design and research.

• At least 2 years of experience with federal government or large public-sector digital products.

• A demonstrated portfolio showcasing user-centered design work, including research artifacts, wireframes, and final design deliverables.

• Experience in conducting usability testing and converting findings into actionable design enhancements.

• Proven ability to design accessible digital products that comply with Section 508 and WCAG 2.1 standards.

• Background in UX research, interaction design, or visual design.

• Experience in conducting user research within a government or regulated setting.

• Proficient with design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, or similar applications.

• Strong understanding of Section 508 and WCAG 2.1 accessibility standards.

• Experience working in agile development teams.

• Ability to communicate design decisions effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Experience with content design and plain language writing aimed at government audiences.

• Familiarity with the U.S. Web Design System (USWDS) is highly preferred.

• A Master's degree is preferred.

• Nielsen Norman Group UX Certification or similar UX certifications are advantageous.

• DHS Trusted Tester certification is preferred.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• 401(k) retirement plan.

• Paid time off.

• Paid parental leave.

• Life and disability insurance.

• Flexible spending accounts.

• Commuter benefits.

• Tuition reimbursement.