UX Strategist – Experience Vision and Mission Alignment 

Location: Maryland
Clearance Required: TS//SCI with Polygraph 
Compensation Range: $110,000 - $260,000 

 

What You’ll Do 
This role bridges user experience, systems thinking, and mission objectives. As a UX Strategist, you’ll shape the vision for how complex systems should function from a user-centered perspective — not just at the screen level, but across workflows, data flows, and operational realities. You’ll work closely with product leads, engineers, researchers, and mission stakeholders to ensure that the right problems are being solved the right way. 

Some assignments include travel — meeting with mission users, conducting working sessions with stakeholders, or assessing in-field tools and processes. 

We’re building strategic design capability across levels and welcome applicants who think critically about both design and mission. 

 

Who This Might Be a Fit For 
This could be a great fit if you: 

• Think across systems, not just interfaces 

• Translate user insight into strategic direction for design and delivery 

• Help teams prioritize what matters — even when everything feels urgent 

• Can frame decisions clearly for both designers and decision-makers 

• Have experience in complex domains or environments where design maturity varies 

 

Why Shadow 
At Shadow, strategy is lived, not laminated. UX isn’t just aesthetics — it’s how systems perform when real people rely on them. Our work often reshapes how teams operate, decide, and succeed. If you’re drawn to complexity, intent, and long-term impact, this is where your thinking belongs. 

 

Interested? 
If this role sounds like a fit, we encourage you to reach out — we’re actively shaping teams for upcoming work. 

 

What Comes With It 

You’ll have what you need to do your best work: 

• Fully covered health insurance – medical, dental, vision 

• Paid parental leave – 16 weeks if you give birth, 4 weeks if your partner does 

• Flexible leave – designed to support real life, not restrict it 

• 401(k) – for your future 

• Short- and long-term disability – because life happens 

• Annual health stipend – if you opt out of our insurance 

 

The Extras? They're Built In 

No points systems. No bean bags. Just clarity, autonomy, and a mission that matters. 

Elite talent deserves elite support. Our benefits empower you to excel professionally and personally, recognizing your value through comprehensive health coverage, disability protection, and meaningful well-being initiatives. By investing in you, we ensure you have the tools, resources, and support you need to thrive—inside and outside of work. 

See our benefit plan here: https://www.shadowstrategies.io/benefits 

 

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Shadow Strategies is committed to providing an environment where all individuals are treated with respect and fairness. We embrace individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.  

Our Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, training, and compensation. We do not tolerate discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.  
 

Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements.