Human-Center Design Lead (Top Secret cleared)
ICF, Washington, DC, United States
Description
The Human‑Centered Design (HCD) Lead will guide user‑focused design strategy for large‑scale DoD platform build and modernization efforts. This role ensures systems are intuitive, accessible, and mission‑aligned by embedding user research, UX best practices, and iterative design into the full system development lifecycle. The HCD Lead will work closely with engineering, product, cybersecurity, and government stakeholders to deliver solutions that meet operational, security, and usability requirements.
Job Location
Although this position is remote, the candidate needs to live in the Washington DC metro area. If you accept this position, you should note that ICF does monitor employee work locations and blocks access from foreign locations/foreign IP addresses, and also prohibits personal VPN connections. You may be asked to travel once a quarter to an office or client site. Our core work hours are 8am - 5pm Eastern Time with the option to start earlier or work later depending on your time zone.
What You Will Do
Lead human‑centered design efforts across enterprise‑scale DoD build and modernization initiatives
Define and implement HCD/UX strategy aligned to mission objectives, user needs, and technical constraints
Plan and conduct user research activities including interviews, journey mapping, usability testing, and stakeholder workshops
Translate research findings into actionable design artifacts such as personas, user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and service blueprints
Partner with product owners, developers, and architects to integrate HCD practices into Agile and DevSecOps workflows
Ensure solutions meet DoD standards for accessibility, usability, and security
Support requirements definition, concept development, and design reviews with government stakeholders
Provide design leadership, mentorship, and quality oversight for UX and design team members
Balance user needs with compliance, cybersecurity, and operational constraints typical of classified environments
What You Will Bring With You
Active Secret clearance or higher
6–8 years of experience in human‑centered design, UX design, service design, or related discipline
What We Would Like You To Bring With You
Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related technical field.
2 years’ experience working with DCSA
Experience supporting large‑scale system builds or modernization programs, preferably within DoD or federal environments
Strong background in user research, interaction design, and usability testing
Experience working in Agile/Scrum development environments
Ability to translate complex technical systems into intuitive user experiences
Strong communication skills and experience briefing senior government and program stakeholders
Working at ICF
ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting‑edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future. We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read ourEEO policy. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please emailCandidateaccommodation@icf.comand we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations. Read more aboutworkplacediscriminationrights or our benefit offerings which are included in theTransparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.
Candidate AI Usage Policy
At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in‑person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process. However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance atcandidateaccommodation@icf.com. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.
Pay Range
There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position. The pay range for this position based on full‑time employment is: $130,687.00 - $222,169.00 DC Remote Office (DC99)
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The Human‑Centered Design (HCD) Lead will guide user‑focused design strategy for large‑scale DoD platform build and modernization efforts. This role ensures systems are intuitive, accessible, and mission‑aligned by embedding user research, UX best practices, and iterative design into the full system development lifecycle. The HCD Lead will work closely with engineering, product, cybersecurity, and government stakeholders to deliver solutions that meet operational, security, and usability requirements.
Job Location
Although this position is remote, the candidate needs to live in the Washington DC metro area. If you accept this position, you should note that ICF does monitor employee work locations and blocks access from foreign locations/foreign IP addresses, and also prohibits personal VPN connections. You may be asked to travel once a quarter to an office or client site. Our core work hours are 8am - 5pm Eastern Time with the option to start earlier or work later depending on your time zone.
What You Will Do
Lead human‑centered design efforts across enterprise‑scale DoD build and modernization initiatives
Define and implement HCD/UX strategy aligned to mission objectives, user needs, and technical constraints
Plan and conduct user research activities including interviews, journey mapping, usability testing, and stakeholder workshops
Translate research findings into actionable design artifacts such as personas, user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and service blueprints
Partner with product owners, developers, and architects to integrate HCD practices into Agile and DevSecOps workflows
Ensure solutions meet DoD standards for accessibility, usability, and security
Support requirements definition, concept development, and design reviews with government stakeholders
Provide design leadership, mentorship, and quality oversight for UX and design team members
Balance user needs with compliance, cybersecurity, and operational constraints typical of classified environments
What You Will Bring With You
Active Secret clearance or higher
6–8 years of experience in human‑centered design, UX design, service design, or related discipline
What We Would Like You To Bring With You
Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related technical field.
2 years’ experience working with DCSA
Experience supporting large‑scale system builds or modernization programs, preferably within DoD or federal environments
Strong background in user research, interaction design, and usability testing
Experience working in Agile/Scrum development environments
Ability to translate complex technical systems into intuitive user experiences
Strong communication skills and experience briefing senior government and program stakeholders
Working at ICF
ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting‑edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future. We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read ourEEO policy. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please emailCandidateaccommodation@icf.comand we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations. Read more aboutworkplacediscriminationrights or our benefit offerings which are included in theTransparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.
Candidate AI Usage Policy
At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in‑person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process. However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance atcandidateaccommodation@icf.com. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.
Pay Range
There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position. The pay range for this position based on full‑time employment is: $130,687.00 - $222,169.00 DC Remote Office (DC99)
#J-18808-Ljbffr