Senior Design Thinking Analyst

Location: Hybrid (60% Bethesda, MD; 40% remote)

EMI Solutions is a boutique technology and innovation consulting firm that harnesses disruptive solutions for the greater good. Our team works side‑by‑side with our client‑partners to provide strategic, operational, and technical advisory services across the defense, health, human services, and information technology sectors. We are mission‑driven and love that we get to work with smart, diverse, and passionate people every day.

We consider it a privilege to design and build solutions that improve the health and well‑being of individuals, communities, societies, and our planet.

EMI values candidates with growth mindsets who believe their talents can be developed through hard work, smart strategies, and input from others.

EMI seeks a Senior Design Thinking Analyst dedicated to solving complex problems using advanced analytics, visualizations, and application solutions.

The Senior Analyst will provide strategic guidance, manage projects, and mentor team members while delivering cutting‑edge human‑centered experiences for the team’s Federal and commercial clients. This role bridges high‑level strategy with hands‑on problem solving that incorporates the needs, behaviors, and experiences of end‑users.

• Lead the creation and execution of human‑centered design (HCD) strategies for advanced data dashboards, analytics tools, and software applications.
• Develop and enforce HCD standards, guidelines, and processes across projects.
• Mentor and guide a team of analysts, designers, and developers to ensure quality and innovation.
• Collaborate with partners and clients to define user needs, translate them into solutions, and present compelling recommendations.
• Oversee the development of wireframes, prototypes, and high‑fidelity designs using tools like Figma or Sketch.
• Conduct and supervise HCD and systems thinking research to stay ahead of trends and improve design practices.
• Ensure successful implementation of designs by working closely with developers using frameworks like Google Material Design or React MUI.
• Act as a senior advisor to internal and external teams, driving HCD and systems thinking principles in all projects.
• Apply Lean Six Sigma, graph thinking, and agile methodologies to enhance design efficiency and impact.
• Manage project scopes, timelines, and deliverables, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

• Master’s degree in Cognitive Science, Human‑Computer Interaction, Computer Science, Design, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• At least 6 years of professional experience in HCD or User‑Centered Design (UCD), research, or engineering, including leadership roles.
• Proven ability to lead and manage HCD projects with a strategic vision.
• Deep expertise in complex problem solving and design thinking methodologies.
• Strong portfolio showcasing design leadership, innovation, and end‑to‑end HCD processes.
• Proficiency in design tools such as Figma, Sketch, and Adobe Suite.
• Advanced knowledge of Agile principles and practices.
• Exceptional communication skills with a talent for synthesizing complex concepts into clear, actionable insights.
• Passion for digital transformation and digital innovation.
• U.S. Citizenship or ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance.
• Ability to commute to the DC Metro area.
• A quiet and stable environment to make and receive calls and other communications when working remotely.
• Ability to travel by car, train, or plane; anticipated less than 5% annually.

• Active U.S. Government Secret Security Clearance.
• Certification in User Experience Design, Human‑Centered Design, or Human‑Centered System Thinking.
• Experience with data visualization…