Lead UX Designer

Us:

At Aretec, Inc., we are catalysts for change within the federal government landscape.
Specializing in advanced analytics, machine learning, data analysis, cybersecurity, and
business optimization, we empower federal agencies to achieve their most critical missions.
As a premier partner and prime vendor, we deliver innovative, high-impact solutions that
address complex challenges and drive national progress. Our commitment to excellence and
innovation positions us at the forefront of transforming governmental operations, enhancing
efficiency, and making a lasting difference in the lives of citizens.

You:

You are an experienced UX leader with a strong understanding of federal digital service
standards, accessibility compliance, and enterprise search design. You thrive in complex,
regulated environments and excel at creating user-centered solutions that make
mission-critical systems more intuitive and efficient. Your background in government and
enterprise environments allows you to bridge the gap between user needs, business goals,
and technical constraints delivering designs that are as functional as they are elegant.

What We re Looking For:

We are seeking a Lead UX Designer to guide the user experience strategy and design for our
enterprise search and digital transformation initiatives within the federal space. You will play a
key role in defining user journeys, ensuring accessibility compliance, and enhancing
information discovery across systems. Leading user research, design strategy, and
prototyping for enterprise-scale applications. Collaborating with cross-functional teams
including developers, data scientists, and product managers. Designing and maintaining
information architectures and design systems that scale across agencies. Applying
accessibility standards (Section 508, WCAG 2.1/2.2) and federal design principles (USWDS).
Guiding stakeholders through complex design decisions and advocating for user-centered
outcomes.

The Skills We re Looking For:

Essential Federal UX Skills
- Federal digital services and compliance expertise
- Section 508 / WCAG 2.1 2.2 compliance
- Understanding of ATO processes
- Familiarity with USWDS / USDS principles
- Federal stakeholder and procurement management

Core UX Competencies
- User research, journey mapping, and service design
- Information architecture and taxonomy design
- Wireframing and prototyping (Figma, Axure RP)
- Design system creation and governance
- Data-informed design decision-making

Enterprise Search-Specific Skills
- Search interface design (faceted search, filters, query builders)
- Search results and relevance visualization
- Zero-results handling and query suggestions
- Metadata schema and tagging strategy
- Federated search experience design

Technical Skills
- Tools: Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, Miro/Mural, Axure RP
- Basic HTML/CSS/JS understanding
- Familiarity with Elasticsearch, Solr, or Google Cloud Platform Cloud Search
- Analytics platforms: Google or Adobe Analytics

Soft Skills
- Strong communication and stakeholder management
- Translating complex systems into intuitive UX
- Excellent presentation and documentation skills
- Leadership in change management and iterative design

The Expectations of the Job:

Day One:
- Immerse yourself in Aretec s culture and ongoing initiatives.
- Review UX research, enterprise search projects, and design systems.

Day Thirty:
- Conduct stakeholder interviews and UX assessments.
- Contribute to search UX improvements and compliance audits.

Day Sixty:
- Lead design workshops and propose search experience frameworks.
- Present prototypes and insights to internal and client teams.

Day Ninety:
- Own the UX roadmap for enterprise search modernization.
- Mentor junior designers and define UX governance standards.
- Deliver measurable improvements to usability and accessibility.

Benefits:

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
401(k) with Employer Match
Certification Stipends
Professional Development Opportunities
Flexible Work Arrangements
Generous PTO and Holidays

Citizenship Requirement:
position.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
Aretec, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an
inclusive environment for all employees and applicants.