Human-Centered Design (HCD) Specialist
WFH Flexible-Washinton, DC (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Washinton+DC+USA)
Job Type
Full-time
Description
Overview
Tanaq Technical Services (TTS), a division of St. George Tanaq (SGT) Corporation, is an 8(a) Alaskan Native Small Business that specializes in delivering Enterprise Integrated Technology Solutions and Support Services to the Federal Government. TTS's innovative approach combines proactive strategies, efficient processes and emerging technologies to deliver seamless, integrated services for our clients. TTS prides itself in being Mission Driven, People Focused. To learn more about us, visit https://tanaq.com/tanaq-technical-services.
About the Role
We are seeking a Human-Centered Design (HCD) Specialist to support HUD's Application Development Programming Services (ADPS) program by conducting research and analysis to ensure AI modernization solutions are designed around the needs of HUD stakeholders, citizens, and mission users.
This role emphasizes user research, design thinking support, and customer experience (CX) validation to help ensure that AI-enabled systems are ethical, accessible, and aligned with HUD's mission. The HCD Analyst will work closely with senior designers, data scientists, developers, and program leadership to translate user insights into actionable inputs for proofs of concept (PoCs) and pilots.
This is a hybrid remote position based in Washington, D.C. that will require some onsite work at the customer's locations. An estimated 25% annual travel within the U.S. will be required.
Responsibilities
Support user research activities, including stakeholder interviews, surveys, usability studies, journey mapping, and service blueprinting.
Assist in developing personas, user stories, and experience maps that inform system and interface design.
Contribute to design thinking workshops by capturing insights, refining requirements, and documenting outcomes.
Partner with UX, UI, and development teams to ensure user insights are reflected in 508-compliant digital interfaces.
Develop and maintain HCD artifacts (personas, journey maps, wireframes, service design documentation).
Support CX validation efforts, including survey design, data collection, and basic analysis to measure the impact of AI-enabled capabilities.
Document and maintain HCD-related artifacts in HUD's repositories to support transparency, compliance, and knowledge sharing.
Assist in preparing presentations, demos, FAQs, and communication materials that summarize design insights for HUD leadership and stakeholders.
Requirements
Required Experience and Skills
2 or more years of experience applying Human-Centered Design in IT modernization, digital transformation, or AI/ML projects.
Experience conducting user research and usability testing in multi-stakeholder environments.
Familiarity with federal IT programs or regulated industries preferred.
Exposure to AI/ML solution design or experience addressing explainability, bias, or user trust challenges is preferred.
Previous experience supporting HUD OCIO preferred.
Ability to pass required Federal background screening and obtain and maintain both government clearance and customer approval.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.
Technical Skills
Proficiency with design and prototyping tools (Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, Miro, InVision).
Knowledge of user research methods (interviews, surveys, @contextual inquiry, usability testing).
Familiarity with journey mapping, persona development, and service design methods.
Understanding of Section 508 accessibility standards.
Ability to translate technical or AI concepts into intuitive, user-friendly artifacts.
Core Competencies
Detail-oriented and analytical mindset with strong problem-solving skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including documentation.
Collaborative team player able to support UX, AI/ML, DevOps, and program staff.
Commitment to inclusivity, ethical design, and accessibility.
Flexibility to adapt in Agile, fast-paced environments with multiple concurrent initiatives.
Education and Training
Bachelor's degree in Human-Centered Design, Service Design, Psychology, Human Factors, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Information Science, or related field.
Certifications in Design Thinking, UX, or CX methodologies preferred.
Master's degree in Data Science, AI, or related field preferred.
Python, machine learning, or data science certifications preferred
Physical Requirements
Candidates must reside in or within daily commuting distance of Washington, D.C.
Must be willing and able to travel an estimated 25% of time within the U.S.
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. May need to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
Pay Range
The projected annual salary range for this position is $100,000 - $125,000 USD. Please note that the salary information listed is a good faith estimate for this position and a general guideline only. Multiple factors are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, the candidate's relevant work experience, skills, education, certifications, and competencies that align with the specified role, geographic location, as well as business considerations and contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.
Benefits Information
Benefits offered may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Tanaq. Full-time US-based employees gain access to healthcare benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision), Basic Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k), Flexible Spending Account, EAP, Education Reimbursement, Paid Time Off and Holidays.
Who We Are
Tanaq Technical Services (TTS) strives to deeply understand and analyze our clients' vision, needs, and requirements so we may provide alternative solutions, empowering them to choose the best resolution. We aim to achieve excellence by delivering on our commitments to our clients, employees, and partners.
Our Commitment to Non-Discrimination
Tanaq Technical Services is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Tanaq complies with the Drug-free Workplace Act of 1988 and E-Verify.
If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance completing any part of the application process, please email accommodation@tanaq.com to request a reasonable accommodation. This email is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
Notice on Candidate AI Usage
Tanaq is committed to ensuring a fair and competitive interview process for all candidates based on their experience, skills and education. To ensure the integrity of the interview process, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during phone, in person and virtual interviews is not allowed. However, candidates who require a reasonable accommodation that may involve AI are required to contact us prior to their interview at accommodation@tanaq.com.
To apply for this and other positions with our company, visit:
https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/31dd0607-5fe1-43cc-a916-35084f250a54/Tanaq-Technical-Services-LLC
