UX Researcher – Cyber Operations & Analyst Experience 

Location: Columbia, Maryland, Annapolis Junction, Maryland, Telework options
Clearance Required: TS//SCI with Polygraph 
Compensation Range: $110,000 - $260,000

 

What You’ll Do 
This role is focused on understanding how cyber analysts work — their tools, workflows, challenges, and decision points. You’ll lead research that exposes friction, identifies latent needs, and informs the design of secure, usable, and effective systems that support cyber operations. Your insights will shape how Shadow delivers clarity in environments filled with complexity, noise, and pressure. 

This is field-focused work: you may observe analysts at work, review SOC workflows, or conduct contextual interviews inside operational environments. 

 

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

• Are deeply curious about how people use systems in real-world operational settings 

• Can surface insights even when users are constrained in what they can share 

• Understand the stakes and sensitivities of cyber operations 

• Have worked in—or supported—classified or technical environments 

• See research as a tool for both empathy and strategy 

 

Why Shadow 
In cyber missions, poor design creates blind spots. At Shadow, we treat research as operational infrastructure — a way to ensure the systems we build help people detect, act, and decide faster. If you want your research to reduce complexity and increase mission precision, this is the role for you. 

 

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.