Title: Design Lead - UI/UX

Employment Type: Contract to Hire

Location: Remote

Who We Are:

Rackner is a software consultancy that builds cloud-native solutions for startups, enterprises, and the public sector. We are an energetic, growing consultancy with a passion for solving big problems for both startups and enterprises. We enable digital transformation for large organizations through the newest in distributed technologies as we are laser focused on end-to- end application development, DevSecOps, AI/ML and systems architecture and our methodology focuses on cloud-first and cost-effective innovation. Our customers hail from a diverse, ever-growing list of industries. We work with small startups, hypergrowth companies, and some of the largest enterprises.

Position Overview:

We are on the lookout for a visionary Design Lead to spearhead our customer/user experience (CX/UX) strategies, crafting products that captivate and engage users at every interaction for the Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN). This role supports applications with uses such as streamlining the flow of relevant information between responders in emergency situations. The ideal candidate will be at the forefront of CX/UX methods and technology trends, leveraging their expertise to drive the execution of CX/UX strategies that align with our goals.

Contract to Hire:

This role is for a bid with Homeland Security. The initial phase for the successful candidate will include a roughly 2 hour oral presentation to Homeland Security along with a few weeks of practice for up to a few hours each day (contract). Upon successful award of the contract we will transition to a full time hire.

Responsibilities:

UI/UX Strategy Execution: Manage all aspects of UI/UX planning, prioritization, and decision-making processes. Act as a staunch advocate for UI/UX activities supporting mission needs, ensuring their broader adoption and implementation.
Design Leadership: Lead and engage in sessions that utilize UI/UX design methods and strategies effectively, fostering a culture of innovation and user-centric design.
Design Development: Translate user needs into actionable design concepts, personas, user journeys, information architecture, user flows, wireframes, and visual design prototypes. Utilize tools like Figma, Mural, and Optimal Workshop to bring these designs to life.
User Research: Conduct comprehensive user research and usability testing, synthesizing the results to iteratively improve products. Ensure that design decisions are informed by solid user insights.
Collaboration: Work closely with product managers, software developers, and leadership to communicate the UI/UX vision, discuss trade-offs, and make informed decisions.
Design System Implementation: Champion the use of the U.S. Web Design System (USWDS) and section 508 in all products, ensuring consistency, accessibility, and compliance with federal standards.
Content Strategy: Drive a plain language content strategy to enhance the user experience, making it straightforward and accessible for all users.

Requirements:

5+ years relevant experience
Demonstrated experience in executing UI/UX strategies and a proven track record of developing engaging user-centered products.
Web and mobile responsive design experience
Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment
Keen attention to detail
Ability to present ideas in user friendly language to non-technical staff and end users
Experience in dealing with difficult interpersonal situations
Self-motivated, with strong ability to work both independently and with teams and managers as appropriate

Additional Info/Benefits

Rackner embraces and promotes employee development and training, and covers the cost of certifications relevant to a position and the technologies/services provided. Fitness/Gym membership eligibility, weekly pay schedule and employee swag, snacks, & events are offered as well!

401k with 100% matching up to 6%
Highly competitive PTO
Great health Insurance with large network of providers
Medical, Dental and Vision
Life insurance, and short + long term disability
Industry-Leading Weekly Pay Schedule
Home office & equipment plan