Senior UX/Human Design Specialist

About theta.

theta. is an SBA-Certified 8(a) & HUBZone digital integration and management firm based in Baltimore, MD, working to create a world where tech works for everybody. Our mission is to bridge the gap between the intersection of innovation & technology and practical applications that serve the public interest.

We specialize in creating software that enhances efficiency, security, and accessibility in government operations. Our commitment to be of service, be passionate, and be different drives us to deliver projects that make a significant impact.

This position is contingent upon contract award.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Senior UX/Human Design Specialist to ensure that real user workflows and decision points drive requirements, usability outcomes, and delivery priorities.

You will conduct lightweight research, map decision-centered workflows, prototype solutions, and translate findings into backlog-ready work with clear acceptance criteria, helping delivery teams reduce friction and improve usability, not just “make screens pretty.”

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct user research (interviews, task analysis, usability testing) and synthesize actionable findings.
• Map user workflows and decision points; identify friction and failure modes.
• Create prototypes/wireframes and collaborate with engineers on implementation.
• Translate usability findings into user stories and acceptance criteria.
• Support measurement of usability outcomes and iterative improvements
• Ensure accessibility and usability considerations are integrated into the definition of done.

Basic Qualifications

• 8+ years of UX/HCD/human factors experience on complex systems.
• Proven ability to run research and translate results into requirements/stories.
• Experience designing for constrained environments (accessibility, security, low bandwidth).
• Strong collaboration skills with product and engineering in a sprint-based delivery pattern.
• Strong communication skills (clear artifacts, concise findings, actionable recommendations).
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Must be able to meet any other requirements for government contracts for which they are hired (e.g., must reside in the U.S., Security Clearances)
• Some of our clients may request or require travel from time to time. If this concerns you, we encourage you to apply and discuss it during your initial interview.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting federal or defense software programs.
• Experience with mission/operational users (e.g., public safety, emergency ops, defense operations).
• Familiarity with accessibility standards and usability metrics.

Experience with multi-system workflows and information-dense interfaces.

Why Join theta.?

• Work on mission-driven modernization efforts serving the public interest
• Collaborate with product, engineering, and delivery teams that value usability and workflow fit
• Help ensure systems are designed for the real-world decisions users must make
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits

If you are a driven, results-oriented UX/Human Design Specialist who wants your research and design work to directly improve how critical government systems support real decisions and workflows, we encourage you to apply. If you're excited by fast, iterative delivery, where findings become backlog-ready work and usability improves sprint by sprint, we invite you to join our team at theta.

Salary Range

$125,000 - $140,000 (DOE and project-specific details)