Senior User Experience Researcher

Title: Sr. UX Researcher

Location: Washington, DC

Department: Delivery – Government Contract

Job Description:

We serve as a partner at the intersection of innovation and our clients' needs, efficiently crafting meaningful user experiences for government and commercial customers. By breaking down complex problems to their fundamental elements, we create modern digital solutions that drive efficiencies, maximize taxpayer dollars, and deliver essential outcomes that serve the people. 

Why Work at Element?

Make an impact that resonates-join our vibrant team and discover how you can improve lives through digital transformation.  Our talented professionals bring unparalleled energy engagement, setting a higher standard for impactful work. Come be a part of our team and shape a better future. 

Position Summary:

Element Solutions is looking for a motivated and highly experienced Senior UX Researcher to support a government contract working hybrid, with additional on-site presence as required by the client.  The Senior UX Researcher is responsible for leading user research efforts to better understand user needs, behaviors, and challenges when interacting with products, services, or digital platforms. This role applies qualitative and quantitative research methods to generate insights that inform product design and development. The Senior UX Researcher collaborates with designers, product managers, and technical teams to create intuitive and efficient user experiences that align with both user expectations and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct user research and analysis to understand user needs, behaviors, motivations, and pain points related to digital products or services.
• Plan and execute qualitative and quantitative research methods including interviews, surveys, usability testing, contextual inquiries, and user journey analysis.
• Translate research findings into actionable insights and design recommendations that guide product and user experience improvements.
• Design and prototype user interfaces and user experience concepts that are intuitive, efficient, and aligned with user needs and business goals.
• Collaborate with product managers, designers, developers, and stakeholders to integrate user-centered design principles throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Evaluate product designs through usability testing and user feedback, iterating to improve usability and overall product effectiveness.
• Develop research documentation including user personas, journey maps, usability reports, and research summaries.
• Advocate for user-centered design practices across project teams and organizational initiatives.
• Stay informed on UX research methodologies, tools, and industry trends to continuously improve research practices.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction, User Experience, Psychology, Design, Information Science, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience conducting UX research and supporting product design initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience applying user research methods and usability testing techniques.
• Experience translating research insights into design improvements and product strategy recommendations.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present research findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to synthesize complex research data into clear, actionable insights.
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Passion for improving user experiences through evidence-based design.
• US Citizenship required. 
• Must reside in the Continental US; and be within driving distance to Washington, DC.
• Depending on the government agency, specific requirements may include public trust background check or security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), UX Design, or related field.
• Experience with prototyping and design tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar platforms.
• Experience supporting economic, financial, data-intensive, or analytical business domains.
• Experience conducting research for digital platforms, enterprise software, or government systems.
• Familiarity with accessibility standards (WCAG) and inclusive design practices.
• Experience collaborating within Agile product development environments.

$145,000 - $185,000 a year

The likely salary range for this position is $145,000-$185,000.  The salary offered will depend on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills, education, geographic location, internal equity, business needs, and other factors permitted by law. Posted pay ranges are a general guideline only and are not a guarantee of compensation or salary.

 

Our People

We invest in the lives of our employees, both in and out of the workplace, by providing competitive pay and benefits packages. Benefits offered may include health care, dental, vision, life insurance; 401(k); paid time off including PTO, holidays, and any other paid leave required by law. 

 

 Location

 Be in your Element. This position is hybrid in Washington, DC and will require additional on-site work as requested by the client.

 

Element is an equal opportunity employer  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected class.