UX Researcher - Defense Aviation

OverviewSteerBridge Strategies is a modern technology company delivering innovative, mission-focused solutions to the U.S. Government and private sector. Leveraging deep expertise in federal acquisition, digital transformation, and emerging technologies, we deliver agile, commercial-grade capabilities that accelerate operational effectiveness and drive measurable mission success.At the core of SteerBridge is our people—especially the veterans whose leadership, problem-solving mindset, and commitment to excellence elevate every project we support. We don't simply hire exceptional talent; we cultivate it, creating meaningful career pathways for veterans, military spouses, and professionals who share our passion for advancing technology and strengthening the missions we serve.SteerBridge is seeking a UX Researcher to support a mission-critical Defense Aviation platform used by federal customers. This role focuses on understanding operational workflows in aviation readiness and sustainment environments and translating those insights into usable product experiences.The researcher will work directly with designers, engineers, data scientists, and domain experts to ensure the system supports fleet readiness monitoring, maintenance planning, logistics coordination, and operational decision-makingUnlike traditional research roles, this position requires the ability to move from research insight to prototype concepts. The ideal candidate can conduct research, synthesize findings, and help design interface concepts and workflow models that demonstrate how solutions should function in operational environmentsSteerBridge applies proven design patterns such as Medallion Architecture to structure, validate, and operationalize data within aviation analytics platforms. UX research ensures these architectural patterns translate into clear, usable, and decision-ready experiences for operators working in high-consequence environmentsBenefitsHealth insuranceDental insuranceVision insuranceLife Insurance401(k) Retirement Plan with matchingPaid Time OffPaid Federal HolidaysKey ResponsibilitiesUser Research and DiscoveryPlan and conduct qualitative and quantitative UX research including interviews, contextual inquiries, surveys, and workflow analysisObserve operational environments to understand real-world constraints and decision-making patternsConduct usability testing on prototypes and production systemsSynthesize research findings into insights that guide product decisionsDevelop personas, journey maps, and operational workflow modelsResearch-Driven Design and PrototypingTranslate research findings into prototype concepts that demonstrate improved workflowsCreate wireframes and interaction models to visualize research-informed solutionsCollaborate with product designers to refine design conceptsSupport information architecture and interaction design decisionsValidate design concepts through iterative usability testingSystems and Product CollaborationWork closely with engineers and data teams to ensure system architecture aligns with user workflowsPartner with product owners and subject matter experts to balance operational needs with technical constraintsParticipate in backlog refinement and design reviewsSupport design-to-development handoffs with clear research documentationDomain and Competitive ResearchConduct domain analysis of aviation logistics and sustainment systemsAnalyze competing tools and operational practices to inform product directionRequired QualificationsU.S. Citizenship required3+ years of experience in UX research, human factors, or applied product researchStrong command of research methodologies including interviews, usability testing, and research synthesisAbility to translate complex operational environments into clear user insightsExperience working with complex enterprise or government software systemsExperience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams including engineers, designers, and data scientistsStrong communication skills with the ability to present insights to both technical and non-technical audiencesPreferred QualificationsExperience with aviation, defense, logistics, or fleet management systemsExperience supporting enterprise analytics or decision-support platformsFamiliarity with data-driven interfaces such as dashboards or operational planning toolsExperience with Figma or similar prototyping toolsCompensation$115,000 - $135,000 a yearAnnually, commensurate with experience and locationSteerBridge Strategies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all qualified applicants and employees are treated with respect and dignity—regardless of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.We also provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws. If you require assistance during the application process, we encourage you to reach out so we can support your needs.J-18808-Ljbffr