Job Description

UX Researcher – Human Insight in Mission Contexts 

Location : Maryland or Colorado 
Clearance Required: TS//SCI with FS 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.

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