Senior User Researcher, Human Centered Design and Human Factors

Accountabilities

• • Lead the planning, design, execution, analysis, and reporting of user research studies throughout the complete research lifecycle, from discovery through validation.
  • Select, recommend, and defend appropriate qualitative and quantitative research methodologies based on program objectives, timelines, constraints, and user needs.
  • Conduct research using approaches such as interviews, contextual inquiry, diary studies, usability testing, surveys, usability metrics, and statistical analysis.
  • Ensure research activities follow evidence-based practices and meet rigorous scientific, ethical, and methodological standards.
  • Review research findings, synthesis, and recommendations for accuracy, clarity, completeness, and relevance before delivery to government stakeholders.
  • Conduct usability and accessibility evaluations that account for diverse users, including individuals with disabilities and people with varying levels of digital literacy.
  • Translate complex research findings into clear, practical recommendations that product, design, engineering, and policy teams can apply to improve services.
  • Collaborate closely with designers, product managers, and engineers to incorporate validated user needs into service and product decisions.
  • Lead technical discussions, workshops, and presentations with government stakeholders, communicating research findings with confidence and credibility.
  • Advise stakeholders on service design standards and digital accessibility practices, including federal guidance such as the U.S. Web Design System and Section 508 requirements.
  • Provide technical direction, coaching, and mentorship to research professionals, promoting consistency, quality, and professional development across studies.
  • Contribute to proposal development and business development initiatives through background research, methodological recommendations, and study design input.
  • Support client relationships and contribute to a collaborative, mission-focused environment where research directly informs public-sector outcomes.

  Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction, User Experience, Psychology, Cognitive Science, Human Factors, Information Science, Anthropology, Sociology, Design Research, or a related discipline; an advanced degree is advantageous.
  • At least 8 years of professional experience conducting user research for digital products or services, ideally within federal or public-sector environments.
  • Strong command of both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and the ability to apply them across different research contexts and stages of product maturity.
  • Demonstrated expertise in digital service design and delivery, including research that informs services from initial concept through launch and continuous improvement.
  • Hands-on experience conducting usability and accessibility evaluations against recognized standards.
  • Proven ability to translate research findings into actionable recommendations that have materially influenced product, service, or design decisions.
  • Exceptional written, verbal, facilitation, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with senior stakeholders.
  • Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving capabilities, combined with sound research judgment.
  • Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, mission-driven environments where research directly influences high-impact public services.
  • Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including product, design, engineering, policy, and program management professionals.
  • U.S. citizenship and willingness to complete a full background check are required due to federal contract requirements.
  • Ability to meet eligibility requirements for a low-level government security investigation and access to sensitive information.
  • Consulting or professional services experience, including managing client relationships and delivering research under fixed timelines, is preferred.
  • Prior federal agency experience is highly desirable, particularly experience supporting agencies such as the CDC, IRS, or DHS.
  • Familiarity with federal customer experience and accessibility policies, including Section 508 and OMB digital experience guidance, is preferred; DHS Trusted Tester experience is a plus.
  • Experience working in Agile or Scrum environments and collaborating with product and engineering teams through sprint-based delivery is advantageous.
  • Experience mentoring or leading research teams across multiple studies, agencies, or programs is preferred.
  • Familiarity with human factors engineering standards and tools such as the System Usability Scale is a plus.
  • Relevant professional certifications, such as NN/g UX Research certification, CCXP, or comparable UX, usability, or research credentials, are advantageous.

  Benefits

  • Annual salary of $110,000–$130,000.
  • Fully remote position within the United States.
  • Top-tier health and dental coverage at 100% for employee coverage.
  • Vision coverage and short- and long-term disability options.
  • Flexible leave culture designed to support work-life balance and personal responsibilities.
  • Floating holiday bank to recognize and celebrate days that are personally meaningful.
  • Generous matching retirement contributions with no vesting period beginning in the third month of employment.
  • Dedicated training and professional development budgets to expand expertise and skills.
  • Paid time off for volunteering and community involvement.
  • Opportunities to participate in employee-led affinity groups.
  • Access to product and service discounts through a certified B Corp network.
  • Mission-driven work focused on improving public services and creating meaningful impact for communities.
  • Opportunity to grow into broader research and leadership responsibilities as the program develops.
  • Contingent position: employment and start date are dependent on contract award, client approval, final staffing requirements, and completion of required background or access procedures.