UI/UX Specialist

Synergy Business Innovation & Solutions, Inc. is seeking a highly qualified UI/UX Specialist to support the United States Coast Guard (USCG). This role bridges the gap between design and functionality, leading the end-to-end creation of user-centered application interfaces — from research and wireframes through interactive prototypes and production-ready UI. You'll work closely with a combined Agile team (developers, engineers, product owners) to turn complex, mission-relevant requirements into intuitive, performant digital experiences.

You're a Great Fit If...
You've designed for complex, regulated, or mission-critical systems before, and you're energized — not frustrated — by translating messy operational requirements into clean, usable interfaces. You can hold your own in a room with engineers and government stakeholders alike, and you genuinely enjoy the collaborative parts of the job: pairing with developers, running a workshop, defending a design decision, and occasionally being talked out of one. You see design systems as a way to scale trust and consistency across a portfolio of applications, not just a component library.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Design end-to-end user experiences — from research and information architecture through wireframes, interactive prototypes, and production-ready UI.
• Translate complex, data-heavy operational workflows into clear, efficient interfaces, without oversimplifying the decision logic underneath them.
• Create and maintain a shared design system and component library to ensure visual and interaction consistency across multiple applications.
• Partner with developers to ensure designs are implemented faithfully, providing specs, assets, and design tokens that map cleanly to the frontend framework.
• Conduct user research and usability testing with client and end-user stakeholders — including contextual inquiry with operational, non-desk personnel — and incorporate findings into iterative design improvements.
• Gather, clarify, and document design requirements directly from clients and subject-matter experts who may not speak the language of design or software.
• Design with accessibility in mind, applying Section 508 and WCAG 2.1 AA standards as a baseline, not an afterthought.
• Participate in Agile/Scrum ceremonies and collaborate throughout the full software development lifecycle.

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience (or ability to speak in depth) designing enterprise, operational, or otherwise data-dense applications.
• Proficiency with Figma (required); familiarity with alternative prototyping tools (e.g., Penpot, Framer) a plus.
• Strong foundation in interaction design, information architecture, and visual/UI design.
• Experience creating and maintaining design systems and reusable component libraries.
• Solid understanding of HTML, CSS, and responsive design principles, with the ability to communicate effectively with a development team.
• Experience conducting user research and usability testing, including synthesizing findings into clear design artifacts (journey maps, task flows, etc.)
• Working knowledge of Section 508 / WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards.
• Familiarity with the software development lifecycle and Agile methodologies.
• Comfort navigating ambiguity and shifting priorities common in government environments, with the patience and communication skill to build trust with stakeholders who may be new to modern design/software workflows.
• A genuine collaborator: someone who communicates clearly with technical and non-technical audiences alike, gives and takes feedback well, and enjoys being part of a cross-functional team rather than working in isolation.
• Ability to use AI tools tactically to accelerate research synthesis, prototyping, or documentation — applied with good judgment about what's appropriate in a government environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience designing for Angular applications and familiarity with Angular Material or similar component frameworks.
• Ability to implement front-end designs directly (HTML/CSS/SCSS, comfort working in Angular templates).
• Experience designing geospatial, mapping, dashboard, or other complex data-visualization interfaces.
• Experience in mission-critical or high-stakes domains (defense, logistics, healthcare, finance, emergency operations) where design errors carry real-world consequences.

Education Requirements:

• Required: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

Citizenship & Clearance Requirements:

• Required: US Citizen w/ Public Trust or ability to achieve Public Trust Required

Target Salary Range

Compensation for roles at Synergy is determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the requirements of the role; level of experience; education and certifications; the individual’s combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities; as well as alignment with market data, federal and state laws, and other business and contract considerations. The estimated pay range for this position is: $115,000.00 – $130,000.00. The disclosed range has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case and represent just one component of Synergy’s total compensation package for employees. 

Candidate AI Policy

Synergy is committed to the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. However, we want to ensure a fair candidate evaluation process based on your own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly granted. You are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.

Synergy is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants for employment or its employees on the basis of age, race (including hair texture/style), creed, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military or veteran status, sex, medical condition, pregnancy (childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), physical or mental disability, personal appearance, organ donation and hair length associated with race, genetic information or characteristics, family responsibilities, familial status, marital status, citizenship or immigration status, status as a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking, political affiliation, arrest records and criminal convictions, credit information, matriculation, homeless status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state and local law. Discrimination or harassment based upon these protected categories is expressly prohibited. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including job selection, assignment, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, discipline, and termination.

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