As a User Experience Designer in the Department of National Defence, you will create intuitive and accessible digital experiences that support military operations and serve Canadian defence personnel and the public. You'll apply design thinking and user research methodologies to develop interfaces, applications, and digital solutions that improve how people interact with defence systems and services. Your work will directly impact the effectiveness and efficiency of critical defence operations and initiatives.
In this role, you will conduct user research and usability testing, create wireframes and prototypes, collaborate with developers and stakeholders, and ensure compliance with accessibility standards and government design guidelines. You'll work on diverse projects ranging from operational systems to public-facing digital services, always keeping the end-user at the centre of your design decisions. Your contributions will help modernize defence technology and improve the digital workplace for military and civilian personnel.
You'll work in a collaborative, fast-paced environment within DND's innovation and digital transformation teams. You may work across multiple projects simultaneously, participate in agile development processes, and engage with subject matter experts and end-users to validate design solutions. This is an excellent opportunity to apply your design expertise to meaningful work that supports Canadian national defence.
Key Responsibilities
Perform innovation and change management duties in support of departmental operations, Prepare correspondence, reports, and administrative documents, Coordinate schedules, meetings, and logistics, Maintain records and filing systems
Required Skills
Organizational skills, Written and oral communication, MS Office proficiency, Time management, Attention to detail, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
Most positions require a bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Interaction Design, User Experience Design, or a related field such as Computer Science, Psychology, or Communications. Some candidates enter this career with diplomas in graphic design or related disciplines combined with demonstrated UX design experience.
Relevant certifications and professional development may include Nielsen Norman Group UX certifications, Google UX Design Certificate, Interaction Design Foundation courses, or certifications in accessibility standards (WCAG, AODA). DND provides professional development opportunities to deepen expertise in areas such as service design, accessibility, emerging technologies, and government digital standards.
Successful candidates typically have a strong portfolio demonstrating UX design work, knowledge of design tools (Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch), experience with user research methods, and familiarity with web accessibility standards and government design systems. Continuous learning is encouraged through conferences, workshops, and internal training programs.
Entry Plans
Entry into this career typically occurs through public service staffing competitions advertised on the Public Service Commission (PSC) website and GC Jobs. DND regularly recruits User Experience Designers at various levels depending on operational needs and budget availability.
You may enter as a recent graduate through targeted recruitment initiatives or as an experienced designer through open competitions. The Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) and the Post-Secondary Recruitment Campaign (PSRC) provide pathways for students and recent graduates. Lateral moves from other federal departments are also possible for those already in the Public Service with transferable UX design experience.
Competitions typically assess your portfolio, design thinking approach, technical skills, and ability to work in a government environment. Some positions may use staffing pools that allow qualified candidates to be hired as vacancies arise. Bilingualism (English and French) may be required for some positions, particularly those involving communication with diverse stakeholder groups.
Part-Time Options
User Experience Designer positions at DND offer flexibility typical of professional roles in the federal Public Service. Many positions support part-time arrangements, including job sharing and reduced-hour work, subject to operational requirements and supervisor approval.
Remote and hybrid work options are increasingly available for this role, particularly for design research, prototyping, and collaborative design work that can be conducted outside a traditional office setting. However, some project phases may require on-site presence for in-person collaboration with development teams, stakeholders, and end-users conducting usability testing.
DND is committed to supporting work-life balance through flexible work arrangements, compressed work weeks, and telework options. The specific flexibility available depends on the project requirements, team structure, and individual circumstances. These arrangements are discussed during hiring and can be negotiated as part of your employment agreement.
