Graphic Designer/Usability Manager

Company Overview At ValidaTek, we modernize and optimize IT services to solve some of the most critical challenges facing federal civilian and defense agencies. From customers to partners to top-talent employees, ValidaTek puts people first, empowering them to exceed expectations and transform government organizations. Our employees are building purpose-driven careers, not just filling jobs. We bring together people with many different perspectives, experiences, and talents to drive innovation and achieve more together than we can individually. Our commitment to quality and performance optimization is the reason why our IT Service Projects and New Development Projects have been appraised at CMMI Maturity Level 5, positioning us as one of a handful of elite companies to receive the highest form of third-party validation. Summary We are seeking a skilled Graphic Designer/Usability Manager to lead our usability efforts and enhance the user experience across our digital products. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in usability research methods, UX design tools, and accessibility standards, combined with exceptional leadership skills to mentor junior team members. This role will be pivotal in applying usability principles and best practices to create user-friendly, accessible designs that meet the needs of all users. Responsibilities Conduct usability research using methods such as user testing, surveys, card sorting, and heuristic evaluations to gather insights and inform design decisions. Apply a deep understanding of usability principles and best practices to enhance the usability of digital products, ensuring a seamless user experience. Utilize UX design tools such as Sketch, Figma, Adobe XD, InVision, Miro, and Otter.ai to create wireframes, prototypes, and mockups that effectively communicate design concepts and solutions. Identify and resolve complex usability challenges quickly and effectively, employing creative problem-solving techniques to design intuitive user interfaces. Ensure compliance with WCAG 2.1 and other accessibility standards, designing products that are accessible to users with disabilities. Provide leadership and mentorship to junior usability experts, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement within the team. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure usability considerations are integrated throughout the design and development process. Communicate complex usability concepts clearly and effectively to non-technical stakeholders, ensuring alignment on project goals and objectives. Manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously, demonstrating strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize effectively. Lead project planning, estimation, and tracking efforts using agile development methodologies, ensuring timely delivery of usability enhancements. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in a Computer Science related field and 5+ years of UX design experience. Experience may be substituted in lieu of degree. Active DoD Secret clearance - preferred. Must be able to obtain a DoD Public Trust. Experience within the DHA theater - highly preferred. Must possess an active professional UX Certification Proficient in usability research methods, including user testing, surveys, card sorting, and heuristic evaluation. Comprehensive knowledge of usability principles and best practices, with a track record of applying this knowledge to improve digital products. Experience with UX design tools such as Sketch, Figma, Adobe XD, InVision, Miro, and Otter.ai . Strong ability to create wireframes, prototypes, and mockups that clearly communicate design ideas and solutions. Familiarity with WCAG 2.1 and other accessibility standards, with experience designing accessible user interfaces. Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to tackle complex usability challenges creatively. Strong leadership and mentorship abilities, with experience guiding junior usability experts. Effective communication skills, capable of conveying usability concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences. Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively in a fast-paced environment. Experience with agile development methodologies, leading project planning, estimation, and tracking efforts. This is an exciting opportunity for a Graphic Designer/ Usability Manager to make a significant impact on our digital products, leading a talented team in creating user-friendly and accessible experiences for our diverse user base. Posted Min Pay Rate USD $72,614.00/Yr. Posted Max Pay Rate USD $113,459.00/Yr. Salary Disclosure Actual salary will be based on a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, geographic location, contract affordability, internal equity, education, and certifications. The upper end of the salary range may be reserved for individuals who have demonstrated tenure with the company, seniority, and proven excellent performance. This includes factors such as education, certifications, and extensive/unique experience beyond what is required. EEO Statement ValidaTek is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. Applicants who are selected for employment will be required to verify authorization to work in the United States. Offers of employment will be contingent upon passing a post-offer background check. ValidaTek