About Bright Star

Bright Star is a forward-thinking technology consultancy that specializes in harnessing the power of data and AI to solve complex business challenges. Our team of experts combines deep technical expertise with strategic insight to deliver innovative solutions that drive meaningful impact for our clients.

Role Description

We are seeking a UI/UX Designer to enhance the usability, accessibility, and effectiveness of the Data Analytics and Assessment (DAA) team's digital products within the Bureau of Diplomatic Technology at the Department of State. We are looking for a highly motivated and detail-oriented professional with a strong background in user experience research, user interface design, and human-centered design methodologies.

The ideal candidate will possess a thorough understanding of user-centered design principles and be responsible for translating user needs into intuitive, accessible, and visually engaging digital experiences. The UI/UX Designer works closely with product owners, developers, data analysts, stakeholders, and mission partners to improve the usability and effectiveness of DAA tools and platforms. This role combines strategic UX research and information architecture with the visual execution of UI design to ensure products are functional, efficient, and aligned with mission objectives. The position operates in a highly secure, globally distributed IT environment supporting U.S. diplomatic IT operations. This role requires exceptional communication skills, strong attention to detail, creative problem-solving abilities, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment while advocating for user needs throughout the product lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

Summary: Serves as the primary advocate for users throughout the design and development lifecycle by creating intuitive, accessible, and mission-focused digital experiences. Conducts user research, analyzes user behavior, and translates findings into actionable design solutions that improve usability and user satisfaction. Develops wireframes, prototypes, user flows, and visual designs that align with organizational goals and Department of State standards. Collaborates with product owners, developers, analysts, and stakeholders to ensure products are user-centered, visually coherent, and technically feasible. Ensures all design solutions adhere to accessibility standards, usability best practices, and established design systems while continuously refining products through research, testing, and data-driven decision-making.

• Collect and evaluate user requirements in collaboration with product owners, developers, analysts, and stakeholders.
• Conduct user research activities including interviews, surveys, usability testing, field studies, and A/B testing to identify user needs, behaviors, and pain points.
• Analyze research findings and develop user personas, journey maps, and recommendations to guide design decisions.
• Create and maintain user flows, wireframes, information architecture diagrams, and interactive prototypes.
• Design intuitive and visually engaging user interfaces using tools such as Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, or similar platforms.
• Develop interface elements including navigation systems, menus, dashboards, forms, search functionality, widgets, and interactive components.
• Apply design principles including typography, color theory, responsive layouts, and visual hierarchy.
• Develop graphic and interface designs consistent with Department of State branding and style guidelines.
• Ensure all designs comply with WCAG accessibility standards and usability best practices.
• Conduct competitive analysis and evaluate emerging design trends to improve product effectiveness.
• Present design concepts, findings, and recommendations to stakeholders, supporting decisions with research and evidence.
• Collaborate closely with developers to ensure design feasibility and successful implementation.
• Iterate on designs based on stakeholder feedback, usability testing results, and post-launch analytics.
• Monitor web and mobile usage analytics to identify opportunities for product improvement.
• Participate in design reviews, product strategy discussions, sprint planning activities, and stakeholder presentations.
• Document design decisions, research findings, and design standards.
• Support ongoing mission, product, and user experience initiatives as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), User Experience Design, Graphic Design, Information Science, Computer Science, Psychology, or a related field; may accept additional equivalent experience in lieu of degree.
• 5+ years of experience in UI/UX design, user research, product design, or digital experience design.
• Demonstrated experience conducting user research and translating findings into design solutions.
• Experience creating wireframes, prototypes, user flows, journey maps, and high-fidelity designs.
• Proficiency with design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, InVision, or similar platforms.
• Strong understanding of information architecture, interaction design, and usability principles.
• Knowledge of responsive and mobile-first design methodologies.
• Experience designing accessible solutions in compliance with WCAG standards.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for presenting research findings, design rationale, and recommendations.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within cross-functional teams.
• Active Secret Clearance required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Department of State experience
• Prior government experience
• Demonstrable experience leading teams and building collaborative projects

Job Details

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location:

• Washington, D.C.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Regularly required to sit, talk, and hear
• Frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Equal Employment Opportunity

Bright Star is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Pay: $110,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Are you experienced with making clickable prototypes in Figma or similar tools?

Security clearance:

• Secret (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Washington, DC 20451