Design Lead (UX/UI) (REMOTE)

This position will be part of a team supporting a Federal client with a business and IT modernization project.

The Design Lead ensures the ERAS Platform is intuitive, accessible, and user-centered. This person leads all research and design activities and ensures the team consistently applies human-centered design principles throughout development., * Lead user research activities including usability testing, interviews, and contextual inquiry at regular sprint intervals

• Develop and maintain research plans and share findings with the full team and USDA stakeholders
• Create wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs for all user-facing features
• Ensure designs meet WCAG 2.1 Level A and AA accessibility standards and Section 508 requirements
• Maintain and apply consistent design patterns across the platform for a seamless user experience
• Design for a broad range of users including USDA customers, federal staff, managers, executives, and the general public
• Produce and deliver Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACRs) based on the latest VPAT template
• Collaborate closely with developers to ensure designs are implemented accurately
• Conduct content design work to ensure plain language and clarity throughout the platform
• Ensure page response time goals (under 1.25 seconds to render) are considered in design decisions

• Background in UX research, interaction design, or visual design
• Experience conducting user research in a government or regulated environment
• Proficiency with design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, or similar)
• Strong knowledge of Section 508 and WCAG 2.1 accessibility standards
• Experience working within agile development teams
• Ability to communicate design decisions clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences

Security Requirement:

• Ability to obtain a Public Trust

Education & Experience:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Graphic Design, Psychology, Information Science, or a related field required. Master’s degree preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of UX/UI design and research experience, with at least 2 years on federal government or large public-sector digital products
• Demonstrated portfolio of user-centered design work, including research artifacts, wireframes, and final design deliverables
• Experience conducting usability testing and translating findings into actionable design improvements
• Experience designing accessible digital products that meet Section 508 and WCAG 2.1 standards
• Familiarity with U.S. Web Design System (USWDS) is strongly preferred
• Experience with content design and plain language writing for government audiences

Certifications:

• Nielsen Norman Group UX Certification or similar UX certifications are a plus. DHS Trusted Tester certification is preferred

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off, paid parental leave, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement.

Koniag Technology Solutions, inc a Koniag Government Services company, is seeking a Design Lead (UX/UI) to support KTS and our government customer. The position is remote. This position requires the candidate to be able to obtain a Public Trust., Koniag Government Services (KGS) is an Alaska Native Owned corporation supporting the values and traditions of our native communities through an agile employee and corporate culture that delivers Enterprise Solutions, Professional Services and Operational Management to Federal Government Agencies. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Koniag, we apply our proven commercial solutions to a deep knowledge of Defense and Civilian missions to provide forward leaning technical, professional, and operational solutions. KGS enables successful mission outcomes for our customers through solution-oriented business partnerships and a commitment to exceptional service delivery. We ensure long-term success with a continuous improvement approach while balancing the collective interests of our customers, employees, and native communities. For more information, please visit www.koniag-gs.com.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. Shareholder Preference in accordance with Public Law 88-352