UI/UX Designer

About The Company

Essex Management, a proud part of the Emmes Group, is a leading biomedical informatics and health information technology consultancy founded in 2009 and headquartered in Rockville, Maryland. The company specializes in developing and managing complex health and biomedical information programs for clients across federal government agencies, research academia, and private sector organizations. As a subsidiary of Emmes Group, Essex Management benefits from a rich legacy of over 47 years in clinical research, with a focus on advancing medical discovery through innovative solutions. Emmes Group has established industry-leading capabilities in areas such as cell and gene therapy, vaccines, infectious diseases, ophthalmology, rare diseases, and neuroscience. The organization is committed to making a tangible impact on patients' lives by integrating innovation and collaboration into its culture. They foster a performance- and people-driven environment, seeking talented professionals passionate about research and healthcare innovation.

About The Role

The Staff UI/UX Designer at Essex Management is a senior-level position within the Modern Technology \& Engineering team, focused on enhancing and leading the Human Centered Design (HCD) capabilities of the organization. This role involves both strategic and operational responsibilities, including developing user interfaces, design systems, and providing overarching design strategy and leadership to support life science research initiatives. The successful candidate will work on client-facing projects as well as internal company initiatives, aiming to grow Essex’s HCD expertise. The role offers significant opportunities for career growth within an innovative technology environment, collaborating with premier research organizations. The ideal candidate will own and drive the design process from inception through implementation, ensuring the delivery of clean, accessible, and modern UI solutions aligned with the company's design principles and standards. This position requires a proactive approach to mentoring team members, participating in business development activities, and advocating for best UI/UX practices across multiple projects. The role also involves conducting accessibility reviews, contributing to design documentation, and supporting cross-functional teams to deliver impactful user experiences.

Qualifications

• 10\+ years of UI/UX design experience with a strong portfolio of professional web design work
• Bachelor’s or Graduate degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or related field
• Deep understanding of design techniques, principles, and frameworks including wireframing and prototyping
• Expertise in accessibility standards, tools, VPAT reviews, and inclusive design practices
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD)
• Experience with design collaboration tools such as Figma
• Working knowledge of HTML, CSS (SCSS), and tools like LucidChart
• Experience with USWDS (United States Web Design System) is preferred
• Possession of UI/UX certifications such as Nielsen Norman Group UX Certification or Human Factors International CUA is a plus
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to articulate concepts confidently to diverse audiences
• Meticulous attention to detail and a methodical approach to design processes

Responsibilities

• Own and advance the Human Centered Design (HCD) capability within the organization
• Lead the development of innovative UI/UX solutions that address complex research and client needs
• Collaborate with engineering leads, product managers, and business stakeholders to initiate and scope design efforts
• Create and maintain design systems, wireframes, prototypes, and documentation that adhere to accessibility standards and best practices
• Provide UI/UX leadership and advocacy across multiple projects, establishing design vision, strategy, and brand consistency
• Work within a collaborative, agile environment to deliver high-quality design deliverables tied to project features
• Utilize UX research methods such as card sorting and story mapping to inform design decisions
• Mentor and guide junior designers, fostering professional development and growth
• Participate in UI/UX candidate interviews and contribute to the hiring process
• Lead in-house design projects aimed at enhancing the company's HCD capabilities
• Support business development efforts by providing design content and reviewing proposals
• Conduct VPAT reviews to ensure accessibility compliance across projects
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams outside of engineering to support branding and UI/UX initiatives

Benefits

• Flexible approved time off to support work-life balance
• Tuition reimbursement program to support continuous learning
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching
• Remote work flexibility across the United States
• Paternal and maternal leave policies
• Casual dress code and a collaborative work environment
• Opportunities for volunteering through Emmes Cares community engagement program

Equal Opportunity

Emmes is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to these factors.