Who are we?

Independent Software is a consulting, product, and solutions firm dedicated to the practical application of software and system engineering technologies to solve complex problems. We bring together world class engineers with proven engineering best practices, domain expertise, commercial technologies, and proven agile management approaches to create high value solutions aimed at helping our customers meet their most critical business and mission objectives.

Why Independent Software?

We are focused on continual learning and evolution. We don’t do things because “that’s the way we’ve always done things”; we listen to our employees and adapt to the changing marketplace. We look at the big picture and encourage our engineers to get training and certifications in emerging technologies that will help shape our customer’s mission.

We’ve been profitable year after year. We’re always on the lookout for great engineers to join the team and we recognize that our employees are the heart and soul of what we do. We focus on recruiting talented people, treating them right, and then allowing them to do what they do best. No red tape. No micromanagement. Smart people want to work with smart people, and we love people who are passionate about what they do and finding ways to do it better.

Top Reasons to Work at Independent Software:

Great people deserve even better benefits, from comprehensive healthcare coverage and generous leave time to discounts with all our vendors.
You are not just a job title. That's why we tip the work-life balance scale in your favor. It's not about being billable, it's about being valuable.
Whether you're working on-site or in our offices, your role at Independent Software is just as critical to our success as your coworker's.
We're constantly researching and implementing the latest technology, so you've always got the right tools at your disposal.
As we've grown, we've retained that small company feel. When we say we have an open-door policy, we actually mean it.
Independent Software is comprised of wonderfully generous folks. We believe in supporting the causes our employees care about. Bring us an opportunity to help and we'll listen.
Teamwork got us where we are today. Our collaborative environment allows you to maximize your true potential.
The work we do is exciting, critical stuff. No matter your role at Independent Software, you're helping us keep the nation safe and secure.
We have a history of great achievement, and, with each year, our company gets even bigger and better. As we grow, so does the opportunity for our employees.
We host a variety of fun employee and family events throughout the year to say thanks for all that you do to make Independent Software a technology leader as well as a phenomenal place to work.

Benefits:

Competitive salary
Company Sponsored Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans
Company Paid Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability and Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Your retirement plan is an important benefit you shouldn’t overlook. We offer a 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust that offers a powerful way to enhance your long-term financial well-being by investing in yourself. We offer immediate eligibility and company matching.
A generous Paid Time Off and Holiday package
Paid training! We encourage all employees to seek out training opportunities like conferences, certification courses and seminars.
We truly believe the right work-life balance can exist, and it's here at Independent Software. Our work is extremely important, but your job is just a part of who you are. When you enjoy your life outside of our walls, you're at your best the next time you walk through our doors. We do all we can to assure that happens every day.

Independent Software is an Equal Opportunity Employer EOE, M/F/D/V.

User Experience Designer, Level 2

Annapolis Junction, MD

Full Time

Web Development

Mid Level

What You Will Do

As a User Experience Designer at Independent Software, you will lead the planning, design, and development activities that define how users interact with critical systems, devices, and tools. You will apply a user-centered approach to create intuitive, functional, and visually engaging experiences that align with mission and product strategy requirements.

You will be responsible for gathering user requirements, creating design mockups and prototypes, analyzing toolsets, and collaborating with developers, stakeholders, and subject matter experts to ensure successful implementation. This position requires strong visualization, interaction design, and communication skills, as you will regularly engage with end users, leadership, and engineering teams.

Key Responsibilities:

Operate in an agile development environment, delivering regular UX feedback.
Conduct user experience research and optimization studies.
Create final visual designs, storyboards, interaction flows, and interface guidelines.
Develop rapid prototypes and iterate on multiple design solutions in collaboration with Product Owners.
Review implementation with developers to ensure adherence to design standards.
Engage directly with stakeholders to capture requirements and present solutions.
Lead the design lifecycle, including interviewing customers, defining requirements, creating prototypes, and presenting solutions.
Manage diverse engineering teams to conduct UX research and drive optimization efforts.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

Minimum of 10 years of experience in User Experience Design, with at least 5 years leading full project life cycle design.
Strong expertise in creating prototypes, wireframes, and visual designs.
Ability to work effectively across teams and communicate with diverse stakeholders.
Demonstrated success applying a user-centered approach to design.

Desired Skills

Advanced degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, or related field.
Experience supporting government or defense-sector projects.
Strong background in design systems, accessibility, and usability standards.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related discipline (4 additional years of UX design experience may substitute for a degree).

Clearance Requirement:

Must possess an active TS/SCI with Polygraph security clearance to be considered for this role.

We’re an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

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