Senior IT Associate-User Experience Information Architect

Westat; Kansas; Remote; USD 115,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid Parental Leave

Vacation Leave 15 days/yr

Sick Leave 9 days/yr

Holiday Leave 7 govt holidays + 2 flex

Job summary

Westat, Inc. is seeking a seasoned User Experience and Information Architect to transform complex business requirements into intuitive digital experiences across web and mobile platforms.

You will own the full UX lifecycle from research to IA, wireframes, and data visualizations, collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet organizational goals. The ideal candidate brings 7+ years in UX/IA, strong prototyping skills in Figma and Adobe CC, and a proven portfolio of user-centered design,

Qualifications

• 7+ years in UX, IA, or related discipline.
• Certification in UX / UCD or related fields.
• Demonstrated UX methodologies and interaction design.
• Experience with user research, usability testing, heuristic evaluations, and accessibility.

Responsibilities

• Partner with designers, developers, stakeholders to deliver web and mobile experiences.
• Conduct user research: interviews, surveys, usability tests.
• Create personas, journey maps, user flows, and wireframes.
• Evaluate products via accessibility reviews and heuristic analyses.
• Define information architecture based on user and business needs.
• Develop prototypes and data visualizations to communicate findings.
• Collaborate on content strategy and user-focused copy.
• Present findings and recommendations to teams and leadership.

Skills

UX strategy

Information Architecture

Interaction Design

User Research

Usability Testing

Wireframing & Prototyping

Data Visualization

Education

UX / User-Centered Design certification

Tools

Figma

Adobe Creative Cloud

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Description

Westat is a leader in research, data collection and analysis, technical assistance, evaluation, and communications. Our evidence-based findings help clients in government and the private sector accelerate advancements in health, education, transportation, and social and economic policy. Our dedication to improving lives through research and our approach to projects grounded in investigative curiosity, statistical and data rigor, adaptive methods, and advanced technology are why clients find exceptional value in our work.

Job Summary

Westat is seeking a highly skilled User Experience and Information Architect (UX/IA) professional to transform complex business and technical requirements into intuitive, accessible, and impactful digital experiences. This role requires expertise across the full UX lifecycle, including user research, information architecture, interaction design, usability evaluation, content strategy, accessibility, and data visualization. As a member of the Interaction Design (IxD) team you will collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to design innovative web and mobile solutions that enhance user engagement, improve usability, and support organizational objectives. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, creative problem solver, and passionate advocate for user-centered design. This is a US-based remote eligible role.

Job Responsibilities

• Partner with UI designers, developers, business stakeholders, and project teams to define, design, and deliver engaging digital experiences across web and mobile platforms.
• Conduct user research activities, including stakeholder interviews, user interviews, surveys, contextual inquiries, and usability testing.
• Develop user personas, journey maps, user scenarios, and task flows to inform design decisions.
• Evaluate existing products and experiences through heuristic reviews, accessibility assessments, and competitive analyses.
• Define, organize, and optimize information architecture structures based on user needs, business objectives, and technical requirements.
• Create detailed wireframes, process flows, user flows, prototypes, interactive concept demonstrations, and low- to high-fidelity mockups.
• Collaborate with content and marketing teams to develop effective content strategies, messaging, and user-focused copy.
• Design and conceptualize data visualizations, dashboards, reports, and infographics that communicate complex information clearly and effectively.
• Conduct usability studies, A/B testing, and design validation activities to identify opportunities for improvement and enhance user satisfaction.
• Stay current with emerging UX methodologies, industry trends, accessibility standards, and evolving technologies to continuously improve design practices.
• Present design concepts, research findings, and recommendations to project teams, stakeholders, and leadership.

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in UX, Information Architecture, Interaction Design, or a related discipline.
• College education certification in User Experience (UX), User-Centered Design, or related fields.
• Demonstrated expertise in user-centered design methodologies and interaction design principles.
• Experience conducting user research, usability testing, heuristic evaluations, and accessibility reviews.
• Strong portfolio showcasing UX strategy, information architecture, wireframing, prototyping, and design problem-solving.
• Advanced proficiency with Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing solutions for complex enterprise, research, or government environments.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards, including WCAG and Section 508 compliance.
• Experience with data visualization, dashboard design, and analytics-driven decision making.
• Familiarity with design systems and component libraries.
• Experience facilitating workshops, design thinking sessions, and stakeholder engagements.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
• Previous Westat experience preferred.

Requirements

Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Subject to plan requirements, employees may participate in:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Parental Leave
• Vacation Leave (15 days per year)
• Sick Leave (9 days per year)
• Holiday Leave (7 government holidays and 2 floating holidays)
• Professional Development
• Health Advocate
• Employee Assistance Program
• Travel Accident Insurance
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account

Any offer of employment may be contingent upon receipt of acceptable results from a post-offer background screening, if required for the specific position, which may include, for example, identity verification, employment history, motor vehicle driving record history, and criminal or sexual offender records history. Any background screening results will be evaluated through an individualized assessment based on the individual’s specific record and the duties and requirements of the position.

This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 5 days and may be removed from posting after 100 applications have been received.

Employment Eligibility: This is a U.S.-based position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Westat does not offer employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) for this role. Depending on project requirements, some positions may require employees to meet specific residency criteria.

Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Pay Range

The anticipated salary range for this role is $115,300 - $130,000 and will commensurate with experience.