Front-end UI Designer

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

📋 Description

• Create, prototype, and deploy user-friendly, accessible web interfaces for the National Water Prediction Service platform.

• Convert hydrologic modeling outputs, scientific needs, Figma wireframes, and feedback from stakeholders into responsive, touch-friendly web components.

• Enhance information discoverability and improve the functionality of interactive maps and hydrograph displays.

• Ensure a unified design system is maintained across desktop, tablet, and mobile platforms.

• Develop high-fidelity wireframes, interactive UI prototypes, user flow diagrams, and design specifications in Figma for new features within NWPS.

• Create and implement adaptive, touch-friendly layouts for mobile devices and tablets.

• Build dynamic frontend UI components, map control panels, and interactive chart widgets.

• Guarantee that frontend components adhere to Section 508 and WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards.

• Create and uphold an OWP design system and component library consistent with USWDS and OWP branding guidelines.

• Evaluate user feedback, perform A/B usability tests, and enhance navigation structures.

• Collaborate with full-stack developers, geospatial data engineers, and QA testers during Agile sprint cycles.

• Verify that the implemented code aligns with approved Figma designs and meets the required ≥80% statement test coverage.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in User Experience (UX) Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science, Graphic Design, or a related field in computational/design.

• At least 3 to 5 years of professional experience in designing and building public-facing web interfaces, data dashboards, or geospatial applications (5+ years preferred).

• A demonstrated portfolio that highlights responsive web designs, interactive data visualizers (charts/maps), design systems, and Figma wireframes for complex, data-intensive platforms.

• Practical experience in applying Section 508 and WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility guidelines to dynamic, canvas- or SVG-heavy web interfaces.

• Advanced skills in Figma, Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud, user story mapping, and wireframing methodologies.

• Strong knowledge of HTML5, CSS3, SASS, Tailwind CSS, JavaScript (ES6+), TypeScript, and modern frontend frameworks (React, Vue, or Svelte).

• Hands-on experience with web mapping frameworks (MapLibre GL, OpenLayers, Leaflet, or Esri ArcGIS JS API) and charting tools (D3.js, Chart.js, or Plotly).

• Expertise in WCAG 2.1 Level AA, Section 508, ARIA attributes, color contrast verification, screen-reader compatibility (JAWS, NVDA), and automated audit tools (Axe Core, WAVE).

• Familiarity with the U.S. Web Design System (USWDS), design token management, and principles of mobile-first responsive design.

• Proficient with Git repositories (VLab GitLab / GitHub), component testing frameworks (Jest / Cypress), and Agile issue tracking tools (Jira / VLab Redmine).

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.

• Flexible work environment that promotes work-life balance.

• Collaborative team culture with a focus on innovation and creativity.