UX Researcher - Human Insight in Mission Contexts Job at Shadow Strategies, Columbia, MD

Q1BiR1hab0t5Sjlwc2Job3ZLdkdrSnJNeUE9PQ==
  • Shadow Strategies
  • Columbia, MD

Job Description

UX Researcher – Human Insight in Mission Contexts 

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

 

What You’ll Do 
This role is centered on discovering what users actually need — not just what they say they want. You’ll lead research efforts to understand workflows, uncover edge cases, and document real-world constraints faced by analysts, operators, and mission users. Your work will inform design, shape strategy, and anchor development decisions in user reality. 

Some assignments will include travel — opportunities to visit field sites, observe live environments, or conduct contextual research in mission settings. 

We’re building teams across experience levels and welcome researchers ready to work in technical, complex, and often ambiguous environments. 

 

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

  • Are driven to understand the why behind user behaviors 

  • Know how to gather insight even when access is limited 

  • Can synthesize complexity into actionable research findings 

  • Are comfortable in environments where technical constraints are real 

  • Care deeply about the people behind the mission 

 

Why Shadow  
At Shadow, research isn't an afterthought. It’s a strategic lever. We operate in environments where user needs are nuanced, high-stakes, and often underrepresented. If you want your work to have real impact and your findings to shape real systems, this is your place. 

 

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:  

 


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.

Job Tags

Contract work, Temporary work, Flexible hours,

Similar Jobs

Resource Lighting + Controls

Quotations Specialist Job at Resource Lighting + Controls

 ...also play a vital role in developing internal company processes to better manage in-house projects and increase team awareness of pricing strategies and methodologies that can improve overall bidding success rates. The Quotations Specialist serves as the eyes and... 

New paradigm staffing

Remote Health Information Technician (Entry-Level) Job at New paradigm staffing

 ...Were looking for a detail-oriented and motivated Entry-Level Health Information Technician to join New Paradigm Staffing , supporting healthcare partners with digital record accuracy and data quality. This role is ideal for someone passionate about data integrity... 

NGP, Inc.

Project Manager Job at NGP, Inc.

 ...across the heavy civil, industrial and municipal markets since 2005. We are dedicated to quality service, safety, and effective project management for our clients, executing small to large-scale projects on time with proven expertise. North Georgia Pipeline, Inc. is... 

SST Direct

Construction Laborer Job at SST Direct

 ...We are seeking dependable, hardworking Construction General Laborers for a direct-hire opportunity supporting battery storage, substation, and utility-scale solar projects. The first assignment will be in Houston, TX, with ongoing travel required to project sites throughout... 

The State of Kansas

Federal Grant Manager Job at The State of Kansas

 ..., approximately 460,301 acres of leased or owned public lands, management of four hatcheries, and four nature centers. To meet our mission...  ...state. The agency is primarily funded through license fees, grants and federal funds that are provided through the Pittman-...