Graphic Designer​/Usability Manager Security Clearance

Position: Graphic Designer/Usability Manager with Security Clearance
Company Overview At Valida Tek, 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, Valida Tek 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 effo rt s 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, co mbined 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
* Co nduct usability research using methods such as user testing, surveys, card so rt ing, 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 co mmunicate design co ncepts and solutions.
* Identify and resolve co mplex usability challenges quickly and effectively, employing creative problem-solving techniques to design intuitive user interfaces.
* Ensure co mpliance with WCAG 2.1 and other accessibility standards, designing products that are accessible to users with disabilities.
* Provide leadership and mentorship to junior usability expe rt s, fostering a culture of co l lab oration and co ntinuous improvement within the team.
* Co l laborate with cross-functional teams to ensure usability co nsiderations are integrated throughout the design and development process.
* Co mmunicate co mplex usability co ncepts 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 effo rt s using agile development methodologies, ensuring timely delivery of usability enhancements. Qualifications
* Bachelor's degree in a Co mputer 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 with in the DHA theater - highly preferred.
* Must possess an active professional UX Ce rt ification
* Proficient in usability research methods, including user testing, surveys, card so rt ing, and heuristic evaluation.
* Co mprehensive knowledge of usability principles and best practices, with a track re co rd 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 co mmunicate 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 tac kle co mplex usability challenges creatively.
* Strong leadership and mentorship abilities, with experience guiding junior usability expe rt s.
* Effective co mmunication skills, capable of co nveying usability co…