SC Cleared Lead Node.JS Developer

Lead Software Developer

Clearance required: BPSS + SC

Nationality requirement: N/A

Location: Remote

Sector: Public

Job Description:

Role Summary

The Node.js Developer designs, builds and deploys digital services for the Flood Hydrology and Hydraulic Modelling Comparison Process, hosted on Defra's Core Delivery Platform (CDP). The role supports rapid, secure and consistent Node.js development by using CDP golden paths, reusable patterns, automated pipelines and Defra software engineering standards. The developers will work as part of a multidisciplinary delivery team to turn user needs and technical designs into working, tested and maintainable software that follows relevant GDS standards.

Key Responsibilities

Build clean, secure and maintainable Node.js code in line with Defra DDTS software engineering standards, relevant GDS standards and the agreed solution architecture. Develop and iterate digital service features, APIs, integrations and supporting components on CDP using Node.js, AWS services and MongoDB where appropriate.

Use GitHub, GitHub Actions, CDP deployment pipelines, standard templates and development patterns to support reliable and repeatable CI/CD, including code-quality checks and agreed quality gates. Write, maintain and run appropriate automated tests, with unit tests as a core expectation and integration and acceptance tests where required.

Develop and integrate with AWS cloud infrastructure and services, including potential SQS/SNS messaging, and implement secure OAuth-based authentication in accordance with platform patterns. Support technical design discussions, estimation, backlog refinement and delivery planning with the wider team.

Troubleshoot defects, performance issues and deployment problems across development, test and production environments. Contribute to observability, logging, monitoring and operational readiness so the service can be supported effectively after launch. Work with testers, business analysts, user-centred design specialists, architects and product stakeholders to ensure outputs meet user and business needs.

Required Technical Competencies

Strong commercial experience developing and supporting Server Side applications and digital services in Node.js, using modern software engineering practices and Git-based version control. Strong understanding of secure coding, OAuth authentication, automated testing, continuous integration and continuous deployment using GitHub and GitHub Actions, including code-quality controls and quality gates.

Experience designing and integrating APIs and data flows, and working with MongoDB and service-based architectures; familiarity with asynchronous messaging patterns such as AWS SQS and SNS. Experience developing applications using AWS cloud infrastructure and services, containerised workloads and DevOps practices.

Ability to deliver Node.js services on Defra's Core Delivery Platform by applying its reusable patterns, deployment pipelines, golden paths and platform guardrails. Understanding of relevant GDS standards and Defra software development standards, including accessibility, performance, security and other non-functional requirements for public sector digital services. Experience working collaboratively in agile multidisciplinary teams and contributing to the iterative delivery of working, tested software.

Aptitudes/Personal Attributes

Practical and delivery-focused, with a strong commitment to building usable, reliable services. Collaborative and proactive, able to work effectively with technical and non-technical colleagues. Quality-minded, with attention to maintainability, security, testing and operational support.

Curious and adaptable, willing to learn platform patterns and apply emerging good practice. Comfortable working at pace while managing technical detail and delivery priorities. Clear communicator, able to explain development choices, risks and trade-offs in plain language.