Principal UX Architect

MetroStar is looking for a Principal UX Architect that is passionate about delivering mission critical services that improve the quality of the experience for all the federal government’s customers. The right person will be a guiding force for the cross-functional teams and help cultivate a human-centered culture across all work streams. They will help identify and set product/service strategy, envision complex UX ecosystems and inspire teams to push the boundaries of the “status quo”. They can also formulate and socialize a clear vision of the future of federal service design and have the courage to challenge the traditional role of designers in IT teams. The right person understands the connection between human-factors psychology, user interface design, technology, and customer experience. They can facilitate difficult discussions about priorities and can effectively improve trust between people and federal services.

The team in which this role will operate is responsible for supporting USCIS fulfill its critical mission providing legal paths to citizenship. In this role, the person will apply their passion for mission, craft, and delivery to guide research and design processes, mentor talented team members, and collaborate with leaders across product, development, and engineering teams to create trustworthy and equitable experiences. They will also serve as a trusted Subject Matter Expert within MetroStar and help grow the company’s internal experience design capabilities. Join us and be a game changer!

Don’t meet every single "Must Have"? Studies have shown that women, people of color and the LGBTQ+ community are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At MetroStar we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic culture, so if you’re excited about this role, but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to go ahead and apply. We pride ourselves on making great matches, and you may be the perfect match for this role or another one we have. Best of luck! – The MetroStar People & Culture Team

You're a great fit if you:

• Be a passionate advocate for all people.
• Ground ideas in research, analytics, and insights collected throughout the entire user journey.
• Establish clarity of direction and a shared vision of success that is championed by team members, stakeholders, and product owners.
• Build relationships, and work in collaboration with team members, stakeholders, product owners, and technical team leads.
• Identify, plan, and lead human-centered design activities in an agile/iterative environment that balances short-term needs with the long-term strategy.
• Champion the use of design patterns, best practices, and standards, and continuous improvement based on research initiatives and feedback (e.g., diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility).
• Help enhance processes, communication, and delivery through new norms that improve how work is done — from discovery to delivery.
• Be a thought leader, influential, and accountable to help build a collaborative design community where big and bold ideas are welcomed, and outside-the-box thinking is encouraged.
• Be a thoughtful mentor and role model for early career talent.

You'll love this opportunity if you have: (This is the stuff you MUST have to be a fit)

• 8+ years of digital service experience using human-centered design approaches to deliver large, complex, and interconnected experiences.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to motivate and guide a team of designers.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Thought leadership skills in the UX, CX, HCD, UI design, research and strategy spaces.
• Bachelor's degree in design or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a DHS Suitability clearance.

We'll REALLY love you if you have: (This is the bonus stuff that makes you stand out)

• An advanced degree or certification in design, Human Factors, or related field.
• Thoughtful portfolio demonstrating the ability to lead design at scale.
• Experience working with diverse, global audiences.
• Understanding of Federal policies guiding digital services (e.g., Accessibility and Section 508, Customer Experience, and Design).
• Excellent leadership skills to create a supportive, inclusive, collaborative, and empowering team culture.
• Ability to lead teams through ambiguity and provide clear vision and direction for the team.

The Admin Stuff: In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

The Legal Stuff: MetroStar Systems is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of MetroStar Systems.