UX Designer II
Location: Columbia, MD (Hybrid, up to 2 days telework per week)
Salary Range: $100,000 to $135,000
Security Clearance: TS/SCI with FS Polygraph

At Shadow Strategies, you will join a culture defined by innovation, purpose, and meaningful impact. We seek driven individuals ready to bring their unique strengths to a dynamic team dedicated to solving critical challenges. If you are inspired by complexity, motivated by clarity, and committed to excellence, we invite you to become part of something exceptional.

We are hiring a UX Designer I to support the design and refinement of mission-critical national security systems. You will contribute to research, prototyping, and collaborative development of user-centered solutions that make complex systems intuitive and effective.

What You’ll Do

Design and conduct user research activities such as surveys, interviews, and focus groups
Document detailed user workflows, personas, tasks, and use cases
Create interactive prototypes, wireframes, and interface specifications
Conduct usability testing and translate insights into design improvements
Collaborate with developers, engineers, and stakeholders to align designs with technical constraints and mission needs

Required Skills and Experience

Proven ability to translate user needs into functional interface designs
Experience collaborating with technical teams to build user-centered systems
Strong understanding of UX principles and human-centered design
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, Adobe XD, and PenPot
Experience conducting usability testing and iterating on feedback

Preferred Qualifications

Certification in Human-Centered Computing, Human Factors, or related disciplines
Experience designing for accessibility and Section 508 compliance
Familiarity with IC or DoD user environments
Years of Experience and Degree Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Human-Centered Design, or related field and 5 years of relevant experience
Without a degree: 9 years of relevant UX design experience
Work Environment
Based in Columbia, MD with up to 2 days of telework per week
Collaborative and high-impact mission team
Opportunities to grow your skills and contribute to national-level work

What You’ll Know Up Front

At Shadow, we don’t wait until the offer to talk about value. We are transparent because we respect your time and your talent.

What Comes With It

You will have what you need to do your best work:
Fully covered health insurance for medical, dental, and vision
Paid parental leave: 16 weeks if you give birth, 4 weeks if your partner does
Flexible leave: 36 days total each year, including 25 days of PTO and 11 paid holidays
401(k) for your future
Short- and long-term disability
Annual health stipend if you opt out of Shadow’s 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 .

Shadow Strategies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a workplace that values diversity and fosters inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

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.