Lead UI Software Engineer

***ACTIVE SECRET OR TOP SECRET CLEARANCE REQUIRED

The Opportunity

StaffRight Associates is recruiting for a premier Aerospace & Defense client based in the Reston, Virginia area. The client needs a Lead UI Software Engineer to head a five-person team of developers and designers. The team builds advanced browser-based platforms for simulation and optimization software that recreates intricate physical systems.

The client's engineers work in small, tight-knit groups alongside research scientists and fellow software engineers. You'll help shape each product at every stage: early ideas, prototypes, visualization, build-out, validation and release. This role sits where software engineering, scientific discovery and design meet. Team members get wide latitude to use their strengths and keep learning new ones. If you like hard problems, refined user experiences and colleagues pushing the limits of science and technology, this role gives you real technical ownership from first sketch to final launch.

What You'll Do

• Lead and mentor a group of five developers and designers, set the technical direction and raise the standard of craftsmanship.
• Architect modern, responsive browser-based applications built with TypeScript/JavaScript and React.
• Craft intuitive interfaces that make sophisticated scientific and engineering software easy to approach.
• Engineer interactive visualizations and analytical tools that help users read intricate models and simulation outputs.
• Translate what research scientists and software engineers need technically into seamless experiences for users.
• Drive thorough prototyping, testing, debugging and tuning to get the most out of performance, security and usability.
• Champion quality at every phase of the software lifecycle, from first ideas through production release.

What You Bring

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a closely aligned technical discipline
• 8+ years of hands-on UI Software Development, including proven experience leading a team
• Deep proficiency in JavaScript or TypeScript, React, HTML and CSS
• A track record of delivering Front-End Web Applications
• Practical UI/UX Design experience or a firm grasp of User-Centered Design
• Clear, persuasive communication, both written and spoken
• Ability to work fully on-site in the Reston area

Preferred

• Working knowledge of Java or Python
• Exposure to Spring Boot, Redux, WebGL or OpenGL
• Experience designing interfaces for data-heavy, scientific or engineering software
• Familiarity with Front-End Testing and Mocking Frameworks
• Understanding of REST APIs, Back-End Development, and Relational Databases or Document Databases
• Experience in Web Performance Optimization, tuning applications for speed, responsiveness and security
• A current Top Secret or Secret clearance

Compensation & Total Rewards

• Base salary of $150,000–$175,000 per year
• Full-time, direct-hire position
• Top-tier benefits package
• Paid relocation

Joining StaffRight Associates

When you partner with StaffRight Associates in your search for your next role, you're doing more than pursuing a job, you're aligning yourself with a team of experts committed to placing top-tier talent in truly impactful positions. We take pride in fostering professional growth and connecting forward-thinking individuals with organizations that value innovation and excellence. We look forward to showcasing your expertise in a way that resonates with our clients and opens the door to meaningful opportunities.