Design Thinking / User Experience Analyst

EMI Advisors LLC (EMI Advisors) is a boutique technology and innovation consulting firm that harnesses disruptive solutions for the greater good. Our team works side-by-side with our client partners to provide strategic, operational, and technical advisory services across the health, human services, defense, and information technology sectors. We are mission-driven and love that we get to work with smart, diverse, and passionate people every day. We consider it a privilege to design and build solutions that improve the health and well-being of individuals, communities, societies, and our planet.

EMI values candidates with growth mindsets who believe their talents can be developed through hard work, smart strategies, and input from others. We strive to create the best space to bring people together and solve complex problems.

Role:

EMI Advisors is seeking a Design Thinking / User Experience Analyst who can apply innovative human-centered design to the user interfaces and overall experiences of our advanced analytics, visualizations, and application solutions.

The Analyst will be a key member of EMI’s advanced analytics and visualization team, which assists our Federal and commercial clients in creating clarity across highly complex operations. The ideal candidate will be an analytical and creative designer who can grasp user needs and solve problems with minimal supervision. The Analyst will collaborate closely with data visualization analysts, data scientists, developers, business owners, and senior leaders in developing more user-friendly and intuitive solutions to attract and delight our clients.

Job Status: Full-time exempt

Location: Hybrid (Bethesda 60%; Remote 40%) 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Create wireframes and prototypes for data dashboards and analytics tools in close collaboration with data analysts.

  • Build user interface (UI) and visual guidelines for implementation by developers leveraging UI libraries such as Google Material Design or React MUI.

  • Design in varied contexts from pen and paper sketching to high fidelity tools such as Figma or Sketch to low code environments.

  • Contribute to user experience (UX) initiatives with assignments across various workstreams and domains.

  • Conduct primary and secondary research for the development of UX recommendations.

  • Stay current on emerging research, industry, and technology trends related to design thinking and/or data visualization.

  • Act in a consultative and advisory role to various levels and functions within EMI and with Federal and commercial customers.

  • Apply ‘solutions-minded systems thinking’ and Lean Six Sigma methodologies throughout projects.

  • Own the scope and timeline for assigned projects and communicate statuses within the team and external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Cognitive Science, Human Computer Interaction, Computer Science, Design and/or the equivalent combination of education, training, or experience.

  • At least 2 years of experience in UX engineering, UX design, or UX Research.

  • Deep knowledge of UX best practices.

  • High degree of creative problem solving from big picture to little details, with the ability to move nimbly between strategy and execution.

  • Ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects with minimal direction.

  • Experience in quantitative or qualitative design research.

  • Intermediate knowledge of design tools such as Figma, Sketch, and/or Adobe Suite.

  • Interest in data visualization or information design.

  • Experience with Agile methodologies and principles (Scrum, XP, Lean).

  • Advanced communication skills, with a strong ability to synthesize and communicate ideas visually, verbally, and in writing.

  • Great attention to detail and problem-solving aptitude.

  • U.S. Citizenship or ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance. 

  • Ability to community within the DC metro area.

  • Qualified for work under Executive Order 14042, Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, which requires vaccination against COVID-19.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Professional certifications in User Experience Design, Human Centered Design, or Design Thinking.

  • Master’s degree in Cognitive Science, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, and/or Design.

  • Experience with data visualization software such as Tableau or D3.

  • Knowledge of Edward Tufte’s Fundamental Principles of Analytical Design.

  • Familiarity with Graph Theory or Graph Visualization.

  • Familiarity with basic front-end web development conventions, computing principles, or creative coding.

  • Experience working on a fast-paced government-funded effort, preferably with the Department of Defense.

  • U.S Government Secret Security Clearance (active or interim)

Perks of being an EMI Advisors Team Member:

  • 401(k)

  • Health benefits

  • Medical & Dental Insurance

  • Tuition Assistance

  • Referral program

  • Paid time off

  • Flexible Work Schedule

Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

To apply, please send your resume or CV and cover letter to hello@emiadvisors.net with “Design Thinking User Experience” as the subject line.