Aptive is seeking a UX Researcher to support IT enterprise human capital program strategy and support services within the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

The UX Researcher will support HRS programs in providing effective and efficient HR IT solutions that deliver an outstanding user experience developed through human-centered design (HCD) best practices. In this position, you will be responsible for conducting design activities aimed at bringing together user needs, business needs, and technical capabilities to create a cohesive and intuitive end user experience. The successful candidate will be proactive with demonstrated success managing multiple, concurrent tasks in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment.

This position is a full-time, contingent hire.

• Provide support for HCD research activities to understand user needs to inform product direction and validate design decisions.
• Listen to the users, gather data and translate it into valuable information for the design team.
• Create research plans detailing project goals and strategies for engaging users, write scripts for interviews and usability testing, and synthesize and report on research findings.
• Design and execute a variety of research studies, including user testing, field studies, usability tests, concept tests, group discussions, etc.
• Conduct user research activities (e.g., usability testing, interviews, ideation sessions, workshops) and present recommendations based on findings.
• Collaborate to define intent, development, testing, and refinement of prototypes.
• Work with development teams to create, iterate, and deliver design specifications for product development and incorporating research into the software development process.
• Utilize UX research processes consisting of collecting, processing, analyzing data, finding weak points, suggesting ways to fix, and testing solutions with the users to get feedback.
• Collaborate with design and product teams across OPM’s suite of tools to encourage shared processes, tools, and design principles.

• 6+ years of relevant experience in UX.
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Computer Engineering, Information Technology or other related field.
• Experience using HCD approaches to understanding user needs and behavior.
• Strong customer interaction skills and a demonstrated ability to work with various stakeholders across multiple tasks.
• Experience with UX tools (Google Analytics, Hotjar, Notion, G Suite, Maze, Lookback, Miro, Figma, Mural, etc.).
• Strong portfolio of case studies and completed projects showcasing problem-solving skills, attention to detail, interaction design, and visual design.
• Minimum of an active Secret Clearance or Tier 4 Public Trust
• Ability to obtain a Public Trust clearance.

• Experience with federal agencies and their tools, processes, and frameworks.
• Ability to identify organizational goals and challenges, design engagements and make change in organizations.
• Experience leading user research activities and presenting recommendations based on findings.
• Proficiency with varying fidelity using tools such as Sketch, InVision, Figma, React, Blazor, Axure, Adobe Cloud, or other industry standard tools.

Aptive is a modern federal consulting firm focused on human experience, digital services, and business transformation. We harness creativity, technology, and culture to connect people and systems to impact the world. We’re advisors, strategists, and engineers focused on people, above all else.

We believe in generating success collaboratively, leaving client organizations stronger after every engagement and building trust for the next big challenge. Our work inspires people, fuels change and makes an impact. Join our team to be part of positive change in your community and our nation.

Aptive is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran status, age, disability, or any other protected class.

Veterans, members of the Reserve and National Guard, and transitioning active-duty service members are highly encouraged to apply.