[Hiring] Human-Centered Design Lead @ICF

Role 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

Qualifications

• Active Secret clearance or higher
• 6–8 years of experience in human‑centered design, UX design, service design, or related discipline

Requirements

• 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

Benefits

• ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider
• Equal opportunity employer
• Reasonable accommodations available for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs
• Support for candidates requiring AI accommodations during the interview process

Pay Range

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is: $130,687.00 - $222,169.00