Design Thinking / User Experience (UX) Analyst

EMI Solutions; Bethesda (MD); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Medical & Dental Insurance

Short-term Disability

Tuition Assistance

Referral Program

Paid Time-Off

Job summary

EMI Solutions in Bethesda, MD invites a Design Thinking / UX Analyst to help shape user experiences for advanced analytics and visualizations. The role blends research, design thinking, and collaboration with data scientists, developers, and executives to create intuitive interfaces.

You'll wireframe dashboards, define UI guidelines, and prototype across tools like Figma, Sketch, and Material Design, applying Lean Six Sigma principles where relevant.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Cognitive Science, Human Computer Interaction, Computer Science, Design and/or the equivalent combination of education, training, or experience.
• At least 2 years of experience in UX engineering, UX design, or UX Research.
• Deep knowledge of UX best practices.
• High degree of creative problem solving from big picture to little details, with the ability to move nimbly between strategy and execution.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects with minimal direction.
• Intermediate knowledge of design tools such as Figma, Sketch, and/or Adobe Suite.
• Interest in data visualization or information design.
• Experience with Agile methodologies and principles (Scrum, XP, Lean).
• Advanced communication skills, with a strong ability to synthesize and communicate ideas visually, verbally, and in writing.
• Great attention to detail and problem-solving aptitude.

Responsibilities

• Create wireframes and prototypes for data dashboards and analytics tools in close collaboration with data analysts.
• Build user interface (UI) and visual guidelines for implementation by developers leveraging UI libraries such as Google Material Design or React MUI.
• Design in varied contexts from pen and paper sketching to high fidelity tools such as Figma or Sketch to low code environments.
• Contribute to user experience (UX) initiatives with assignments across various workstreams and domains.
• Conduct primary and secondary research for the development of UX recommendations.
• Stay current on emerging research, industry, and technology trends related to design thinking and/or data visualization.
• Act in a consultative and advisory role to various levels and functions within EMI and with Federal and commercial customers.
• Apply ‘solutions-minded systems thinking’ and Lean Six Sigma methodologies throughout projects.
• Own the scope and timeline for assigned projects and communicate statuses within the team and external stakeholders.

Skills

UX design

UX Research

Creative problem solving

Communication skills

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Cognitive Science, HCI, CS, Design

Tools

Figma

Sketch

Adobe Suite

Job description

Design Thinking / User Experience (UX) Analyst

Location: Hybrid (60% Bethesda, MD; 40% remote)

About the Company:

EMI Solution is seeking a Design Thinking / User Experience Analyst who can apply innovative human-centered design to the user interfaces and overall experiences of our advanced analytics, visualizations, and application solutions.

The Analyst will be a key member of EMI’s advanced analytics and visualization team, which assists our Federal and commercial clients in creating clarity across highly complex operations. The ideal candidate will be an analytical and creative designer who can grasp user needs and solve problems with minimal supervision. The Analyst will collaborate closely with data visualization analysts, data scientists, developers, business owners, and senior leaders in developing more user-friendly and intuitive solutions to attract and delight our clients.

About the Role:

EMI is seeking a Design Thinking / User Experience Senior Analyst who can apply innovative cognitive thinking to the user interfaces and overall experiences of our advanced analytics, visualizations, and application solutions.

This Analyst will be a key member of EMI’s advanced analytics and visualization team, which is responsible for assisting our Federal and commercial clients in creating clarity across highly complex operations. This will include collaborating closely with data visualization analysts, data scientists, developers, business owners and senior leaders to develop innovative solutions to complex design challenges that result in exceptional user experiences.

Key Responsibilities:

• Create wireframes and prototypes for data dashboards and analytics tools in close collaboration with data analysts.
• Build user interface (UI) and visual guidelines for implementation by developers leveraging UI libraries such as Google Material Design or React MUI.
• Design in varied contexts from pen and paper sketching to high fidelity tools such as Figma or Sketch to low code environments.
• Contribute to user experience (UX) initiatives with assignments across various workstreams and domains.
• Conduct primary and secondary research for the development of UX recommendations.
• Stay current on emerging research, industry, and technology trends related to design thinking and/or data visualization.
• Act in a consultative and advisory role to various levels and functions within EMI and with Federal and commercial customers.
• Apply ‘solutions-minded systems thinking’ and Lean Six Sigma methodologies throughout projects.
• Own the scope and timeline for assigned projects and communicate statuses within the team and external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Cognitive Science, Human Computer Interaction, Computer Science, Design and/or the equivalent combination of education, training, or experience.
• At least 2 years of experience in UX engineering, UX design, or UX Research.
• Deep knowledge of UX best practices.
• High degree of creative problem solving from big picture to little details, with the ability to move nimbly between strategy and execution.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects with minimal direction.
• Intermediate knowledge of design tools such as Figma, Sketch, and/or Adobe Suite.
• Interest in data visualization or information design.
• Experience with Agile methodologies and principles (Scrum, XP, Lean).
• Advanced communication skills, with a strong ability to synthesize and communicate ideas visually, verbally, and in writing.
• Great attention to detail and problem-solving aptitude.

Job Requirements:

• Ability to commute to the DC Metro area.
• A quiet and stable environment to make and receive calls and other communications when working remotely.
• U.S. Citizenship and authorized to work in the United States.
• Ability to hold a U.S. Government Secret security clearance.
• Ability to travel by car, train, or plane; anticipated less than 5% annually.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional certifications in User Experience Design, Human Centered Design, or Design Thinking
• Master’s degree in Cognitive Science, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, and/or Design.
• Experience with data visualization software such as Tableau or D3.
• Knowledge of Edward Tufte’s Fundamental Principles of Analytical Design.
• Familiarity with Graph Theory or Graph Visualization.
• Familiarity with basic front-end web development conventions, computing principles, or creative coding.
• Experience working on a fast-paced government-funded effort, preferably with the Department of Defense.

Benefits and Perks:

• 401(k)
• Medical & Dental Insurance
• Short-term Disability
• Tuition Assistance
• Referral Program
• Paid Time-Off

EMI is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. EMI makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time. For more information, please email [e-mail].

Please let us know if you require accommodations or have questions during the application or interview process by emailing us at [e-mail].