About the job Skylight is a digital consultancy using design and technology to help government agencies deliver better public services. We’re at the forefront of a civic movement to reinvent how all levels of government serve families, patients, and many others in today’s digital world. If you want to play a part in driving this critical movement forward, we’d love for you to join our growing team of public interest technologists. The work we do matters. About the project The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is launching one of the most ambitious transformations in government. You’ll join a high‑impact team of product managers, researchers, designers, engineers, and security experts working with HHS leadership to modernize systems people rely on to access healthcare, strengthen cybersecurity that protects personal data, launch digital services used by tens of millions daily, and responsibly integrate data and AI into daily work across the department so teams at every level can make smarter, safer decisions. As a research & design lead on this project, you’ll set standards, guide strategy, and mentor teams while delivering artifacts such as blueprints, prototypes, and decision narratives. You’ll build and evolve design systems, strengthen research operations, and align design quality with accessibility and inclusivity standards. You’ll also prepare federal teams to sustain improvements by sharing knowledge and practices that last—from training and enablement to reusable tools like templates, playbooks, and decision records. What you’ll do Lead research and design across multiple workstreams Establish and maintain design quality standards, accessibility practices (including Section 508), and inclusive design methods Develop and oversee research operations, ensuring ethical and representative participation Guide service and product strategy through artifacts such as blueprints, prototypes, and decision narratives Build and evolve design systems and content operations that support reuse and consistency Mentor and grow researchers and designers, while enabling federal partners to sustain improvements over time Help federal teams sustain improvements by delivering training and enablement, and by leaving behind reusable resources such as templates, playbooks, and decision records What we're looking for Experience leading multidisciplinary design and research programs from discovery through implementation A portfolio demonstrating complex, multi-team work that led to measurable outcomes Knowledge of a range of research methods and the ability to translate insights into actionable design decisions Ability to set and maintain design quality standards, including accessibility under Section 508 Strong collaboration skills with product and engineering partners to align strategy and delivery Clear communication and facilitation skills with executives, stakeholders, and cross-functional teams Commitment to equipping federal teams with documentation, training, and mentoring so improvements last beyond the contract Ability to work effectively in a professional services environment Passion for improving public outcomes through great government services A mindset and work approach that align with Skylight’s core values Nice-to-have qualifications Experience delivering modernization in complex or regulated environments Familiarity with compliance and security contexts such as Authority to Operate (ATO) processes Experience scaling design systems or shared service patterns Background in measuring experience quality and service performance Track record of mentoring researchers and designers and building design practices across organizations Experience working effectively on hybrid or distributed teams Ability to spend time on-site at HHS in Washington, DC — either by being based locally or by traveling periodically for in-person collaboration Other requirements All work must be conducted within the U.S., excluding U.S. territories. Some federal contracts require U.S. citizenship to be eligible for employment. You must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. now and in the future without sponsorship. As a government contractor, you may be required to obtain a public trust or security clearance. You may be required to complete a company background check successfully. Some roles on federal contracts may require a degree or additional years of experience as a substitute. Position type This is a full-time, exempt position. Location This is a remote-friendly role. You can be based anywhere in the U.S. Candidates in the Washington, DC area, or those willing to travel there periodically for in-person collaboration, are especially encouraged to apply. Salary ranges for a Research & Design Lead at Skylight: Staff Research & Design Lead: $170,000–$203,000 Principal Research & Design Lead: $180,000–$230,000 Benefits and well-being Medical, dental, and vision insurance Short-term and long-term disability insurance Life and AD&D insurance Dependent care FSA, healthcare FSA, and health savings account 401(k) with dollar-for-dollar match up to 10% of salary Flexible paid time-off (about 25 days per year) plus 11 paid federal holidays Up to 12 weeks paid time off for new birth, adoption, or foster care Performance rewards, including salary increases, bonuses, and stock options Annual allowance for professional development and tech-related purchases Annual Skylight swag budget Charity donation matching up to $500 per year Flexible, remote-friendly work environment An environment that supports public good Interview tips We want you to have a great interview experience. Visit our join page to learn how our interview process works and review our Career Pathways framework for role skills. Include a portfolio of 1–2 showcase projects with your application. If you need reasonable accommodations during the process, contact recruiting@skylight.digital. Equal Opportunity Skylight is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable law.

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