Washington, DC, USA
4 days ago
Lead Human-Centered Design and User Researcher

Job Family:

Design & Production


Travel Required:

Up to 25%


Clearance Required:

Ability to Obtain Secret

What You Will Do:


Our Defense and Security Human Centered Design (HCD) team is looking for a dynamic and creative user experience (UX) professional who can bridge the gap between engineers and users to create business value for a defense client.  

The Lead Human-Centered Design and User Researcher will evaluate the Army’s current logistics, finance, and acquisition community enterprise systems user population and user experiences to understand user affinities, user experience complexity, and user requirements. The HCD and Lead Human-Centered Design and User Researcher will collaborate with Organizational Change Management, strategic communications, design and development, testing and training support systems teams to design an intuitive user experience across multiple business areas from entry level users to executive level. 

As the development activities evolve, candidates are expected to take ownership within product teams, leading workshops, conducting research, and collaborating across different areas. The Lead Human-Centered Design and User Researcher role may involve a shift in focus, including increased involvement in training and testing development. 

Responsibilities: 

Lead participatory design activities (e.g., workshops, card sorting) to understand the vision, business model, and user needs. Collaborate with key stakeholders and Product Owner to define vision and product experience. Serve as the voice of the user while meeting the needs of the client. Translate complex qualitative and quantitative research data, business goals, and requirements into functional designs. Derive actionable insights by leading user research activities and translating insights into prototypes. Conduct, design, and analyze user experience and usability testing results, incorporating findings into the product. Create human-centered design solutions considering market analysis, customer feedback, and usability findings. Demonstrate knowledge of accessibility and 508 requirements. Utilize strong facilitation, brainstorming, and collaboration skills.


What You Will Need:

US Citizenship and the ability to obtain an interim SECRET and maintain a SECRET federal clearanceBachelor's degree SIX (6) plus years of prior relevant experienceKnowledge of accessibility and 508 requirementsIntermediate proficiency in design software tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma) to create visual representations and training materialsAbility to introduce and apply fresh ideas and creative human-centered design solutions to stimulate discussion and thinking in both internal and 
external stakeholder engagementsAbility to travelAbility to work onsite in a Guidehouse Office or Client Office

What Would Be Nice To Have:

An ACTIVE and CURRENT SECRET federal security clearance; or higherBachelor's degree in human centric design, UX design, service design, instructional design or related disciplinePreference will be given to candidates within reasonable driving distance of a Guidehouse Office or Client Office locationAdvanced proficiency in design software tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma) to create visual representations and training materialsDemonstrated familiarity with Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) and Agile Scrum methodologiesOne or more certifications in UI, UX, or CXNielsen Norman certification(s)


What We Offer:

Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.

Benefits include:

Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance

Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays

Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus

Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Basic Life & Supplemental Life

Health Savings Account, Dental/Vision & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts

Short-Term & Long-Term Disability

Student Loan PayDown

Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities

Skills Development & Certifications

Employee Referral Program

Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach

Emergency Back-Up Childcare Program

Mobility Stipend

About Guidehouse
Guidehouse is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.


Guidehouse will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law or ordinance including the Fair Chance Ordinance of Los Angeles and San Francisco.


If you have visited our website for information about employment opportunities, or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Guidehouse Recruiting at 1-571-633-1711 or via email at RecruitingAccommodation@guidehouse.com. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodation.


Guidehouse does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Guidehouse and Guidehouse will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.

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