Lead Human-Centered Design and User Researcher

Job Family:

Design & Production

Travel Required:

Up to 25%

Clearance Required:

Ability to Obtain Public Trust

What You Will Do:
Our Defense and Security Human Centered Design (HCD) team is looking for a dynamic and creative customer experience (CX) professional who can lead design research for high-impact experience design efforts, including scoping, outreach, developing research protocols, synthesizing findings and developing key artifacts such as user journey maps, presentations, and insights reports, and supporting partnering teams to incorporate customer data into strategic decisions for a federal client. The Lead Human-Centered Design and User Researcher would also be expected to support the creation of an organization-wide customer experience strategy and milestones, including providing relevant industry reference, drafting strategic documents, and socializing key concepts among internal stakeholders. The Lead Human-Centered Design and User Researcher role may involve a shift in focus over time as CX needs shift within the organization and broader national security apparatus.

 

Responsibilities: 

• Lead participatory design activities (e.g., workshops, card sorting) to understand the vision, business model, and user needs. 

• 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. 

• Serve as the voice of the customer while meeting the needs of the client.  

• 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 and maintain a Public Trust clearance

• Bachelor's degree

• SIX (6) years of professional office experience, including THREE (3) years of human centered design related experience

• Ability to travel to client site locations in the Washington, DC, metro area, as needed

What Would Be Nice To Have:

• Bachelor's degree in human centric design, UX design, service design, instructional design or related discipline

• Knowledge of accessibility and 508 requirements

• Ability to introduce and apply fresh ideas and creative human-centered design solutions to stimulate discussion and thinking in both internal and 
  external stakeholder engagements

• Proficiency in design software tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma) to create visual representations and training materials

• Demonstrated familiarity with Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) and Agile Scrum methodologies

• One or more certifications in UI, UX, or CX

• Nielsen 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 qualif