Entry-Level UI Developer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Entry-Level UI Developer

Company: SAIC

Location: Ashburn, VA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Software Engineering / Frontend Development

Date Posted: 2026-06-03T18:47:36

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Focus on designing, developing, and unit testing user interface (UI) components using modern JavaScript frameworks like React and Angular.

• Collaborate within an Agile development framework to gather requirements, iterate on solutions, and deliver user-centric features.

• Provide essential application support during testing and production phases, including the deployment of necessary code fixes.

• Utilize Integrated Development Environment (IDE) tools such as Visual Studio Code to write and manage code efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Entry-Level UI Developer," the AI-detected keywords suggest a broader frontend development scope that may involve interaction with backend APIs and a foundational understanding of full-stack concepts, especially given the mention of technologies like Java, Spring Boot, and SQL. This role is geared towards individuals initiating their careers in software development with a strong emphasis on frontend technologies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop responsive and user-friendly UI interfaces using Angular and/or React, adhering to best practices and design standards.

• Write clean, maintainable, and efficient code for frontend components and features.

• Actively participate in Agile ceremonies, including sprint planning, daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, and retrospectives, to ensure timely delivery and continuous improvement.

• Collaborate closely with UI/UX designers, product managers, and backend developers to translate requirements into functional and visually appealing interfaces.

• Perform unit testing on developed UI components to ensure functionality, performance, and compatibility across different browsers and devices.

• Troubleshoot and resolve defects identified during testing phases and in production environments.

• Assist in the deployment of code to various environments, including staging and production, under the guidance of senior developers.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of development processes and team workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities emphasize hands-on development and active participation in an Agile team, typical for entry-level roles. The need to "work with users" suggests a degree of client-facing interaction or at least direct engagement with stakeholders to refine requirements, a valuable aspect for early-career professionals to develop communication and requirements-gathering skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field is required.

Experience:

• 0-2 years of professional experience in UI development or a closely related software development role.

• Demonstrated experience or strong academic projects involving modern JavaScript frameworks.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in modern JavaScript frameworks, specifically Angular and/or React.

• Strong understanding of fundamental web technologies: HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript (ES6+).

• Experience with Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) such as Visual Studio Code.

• Familiarity with version control systems, preferably Git.

• Basic understanding of UI/UX principles and responsive design.

• Ability to write unit tests for frontend components.

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with backend technologies and APIs (e.g., Java, Spring Boot, RESTful APIs).

• Familiarity with database concepts and SQL.

• Experience with cloud platforms, particularly AWS (e.g., EC2, S3).

• Knowledge of build tools and package managers (e.g., npm, yarn).

• Exposure to UI testing frameworks (e.g., Jest, Jasmine, Karma).

• Understanding of CI/CD pipelines.

• Familiarity with Agile project management tools (e.g., Jira).

• Experience with jQuery, XML, JSON, Unix/Linux environments.

• Understanding of data persistence technologies like JDBC, JPA, Hibernate.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" list is a direct interpretation of the job description's emphasis on React/Angular and the need for a Public Trust clearance. The "Preferred Skills" are derived from the broader list of AI-detected keywords, which indicate a desire for candidates with a more comprehensive, albeit entry-level, understanding of full-stack development and common enterprise technologies. The inclusion of specific backend and database technologies suggests that while the role is UI-focused, exposure to the full development lifecycle is a significant advantage.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase at least 2-3 distinct UI projects demonstrating proficiency in React and/or Angular.

• Projects should highlight responsive design implementation across various screen sizes.

• Include examples of component-based architecture and state management within the chosen framework.

Process Documentation:

• For each project, provide a brief overview of the development process, including:

  • Requirements gathering and interpretation.
  • Design choices and justifications.
  • Key challenges encountered and how they were overcome.
  • The specific tools and technologies used.

• If possible, include insights into how the UI was tested and validated.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role, a formal "Portfolio" might be less about extensive professional projects and more about well-documented academic projects, personal projects, or contributions to open-source. The emphasis is on demonstrating foundational understanding and practical application of the required UI technologies and development processes. The AI-detected keywords strongly suggest a need to showcase proficiency in core web technologies and modern JavaScript frameworks.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Entry-Level UI Developers in the Ashburn, VA area with a Bachelor's degree and 0-2 years of experience, a typical salary range would be $65,000 - $85,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the cost of living in the Northern Virginia region and the specific technical skills required.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k)) with company matching.

• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Professional development opportunities, including training and certifications for relevant technologies.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

• Access to company resources and tools for continuous learning and skill enhancement.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time workweek of approximately 40 hours.

• The role is strictly on-site, requiring presence at the Ashburn, VA location.

• While core hours will be established, there may be some flexibility depending on project needs and team collaboration, but this is an on-site role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on typical entry-level developer compensation in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, considering SAIC's general compensation philosophy as a large government contractor. The requirement for a Public Trust clearance is a significant factor for this role, and the benefits should reflect support for this process.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: SAIC operates within the Government & Public Sector, specifically focusing on technology integration, IT solutions, and professional services for defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets. This industry context implies a focus on mission-critical applications, security, and adherence to stringent government standards.

Company Size: SAIC is a large enterprise, with approximately 23,000 employees and annual revenues of around $7.3 billion. This size suggests a stable, established organization with structured processes, a wide range of career opportunities, and significant resources for employee development and project execution. For operations professionals, this means potential for working on large-scale, complex projects and navigating established corporate structures.

Founded: SAIC was founded in 1969. This long history indicates deep experience, a strong understanding of evolving technological landscapes, and a proven track record in delivering solutions, particularly within the government contracting space.

Team Structure:

• The UI Development team is likely part of a larger software engineering or IT solutions division.

• Team members will collaborate closely with backend developers, system architects, QA testers, and project managers.

• Reporting structure will typically involve a lead developer or a project manager, with potential for direct interaction with higher-level management on larger programs.

Methodology:

• SAIC emphasizes an Agile development approach, focusing on iterative development, continuous feedback, and rapid adaptation to evolving requirements.

• Data analysis and insights are crucial for understanding project performance, user feedback, and system effectiveness, even for UI roles.

• Workflow planning and optimization are key to ensuring efficient project delivery within government contracting timelines and budgets.

• Automation practices are likely integrated into development and deployment pipelines to enhance efficiency and reliability.

Company Website: https://www.saic.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights SAIC's role as a major government contractor. This means the work environment will likely be structured, security-conscious, and focused on delivering mission-critical solutions. For operations professionals, understanding the nuances of government contracts, security clearances, and large-scale project management is key.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an Entry-Level position, designed for individuals at the beginning of their software development careers, typically with 0-2 years of experience. The scope of responsibility is focused on executing assigned development tasks under guidance, learning core technologies, and contributing to team objectives.

Reporting Structure: The UI Developer will report to a Lead UI Developer or a Project Manager within a larger program or division. Interactions will be primarily with immediate team members (other developers, QA, designers) and potentially product owners or government liaisons for requirement clarification.

Operations Impact: While this is an entry-level UI role, the impact is significant in ensuring the usability, accessibility, and effectiveness of software applications. A well-designed UI directly influences user adoption, efficiency, and satisfaction, which are critical for the success of any mission-critical system SAIC develops for its clients. Positive UI/UX contributes to client satisfaction and can influence future contract awards.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deep expertise in React or Angular, becoming a go-to specialist within the team or company.

• Full-Stack Development: Expand skills into backend development, cloud technologies (AWS), and database management, transitioning into a full-stack developer role.

• Technical Leadership: Progress to a Senior UI Developer, Tech Lead, or Architect role, guiding technical decisions and mentoring junior developers.

• Project Management: Develop skills in project planning, execution, and stakeholder management, potentially moving into a Project Manager or Scrum Master role.

• Domain Expertise: Gain in-depth knowledge of specific government sectors (e.g., defense, intelligence) SAIC serves, becoming a valuable asset for specialized projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career growth path for a UI Developer at a large firm like SAIC is typically well-defined, offering opportunities to specialize, broaden skill sets, or move into leadership and management tracks. The emphasis on government sector work means that gaining domain expertise can be a significant differentiator for long-term career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is 100% on-site in Ashburn, VA for the first year, indicating a traditional office environment within a SAIC facility or a client site. This setting typically promotes direct collaboration, team cohesion, and adherence to established company protocols.

Office Location(s): Ashburn, Virginia, specifically at a "Customer Site." This suggests a secure environment, potentially within a government facility or a client's operational area, which may have specific access and security requirements.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be a professional office setting, possibly with cubicles or shared office spaces designed for focused development work.

• Access to standard office equipment, high-speed internet, and necessary development hardware/software will be provided.

• Opportunities for informal collaboration with team members will be readily available due to the on-site nature of the role.

• The environment will be structured and professional, aligning with government contracting standards.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week. While specific daily start and end times may have some flexibility, the expectation is consistent on-site presence during core business hours to facilitate team collaboration and meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Customer Site" designation implies that the work environment and potentially some protocols might be dictated by the client's requirements, in addition to SAIC's internal policies. This is common in government contracting and requires adaptability.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

• Technical Interview(s): Expect one or more interviews focused on technical skills. This may include:

  • Questions about React and Angular concepts, component lifecycle, state management, and best practices.
  • Coding challenges or whiteboard exercises focusing on JavaScript, HTML, and CSS.
  • Discussions about problem-solving approaches for common UI development scenarios.
  • Questions about your understanding of Agile methodologies.

• Portfolio Review: Be prepared to walk through your projects, explaining your role, design decisions, technical implementation, and lessons learned.

• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: Assess your teamwork, communication skills, problem-solving under pressure, and alignment with SAIC's values and the team's working style.

• Security Clearance Process: For this role, a significant part of the process will involve initiating and completing the background investigation for a Public Trust clearance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 2-3 of your strongest projects that best showcase your React and Angular skills, responsive design capabilities, and problem-solving abilities.

• Explain Your Role and Contributions: Clearly articulate what you built, the technologies you used, and the specific challenges you overcame.

• Highlight Process and Rationale: Discuss your development process, why you made certain design or technical choices, and what you learned.

• Demonstrate Code Quality: Be ready to discuss code structure, readability, and any testing you performed.

• Focus on Impact: Even for entry-level projects, discuss the intended outcome or user benefit of your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Practice Coding: Work through common JavaScript, HTML, and CSS coding challenges. Focus on algorithms, data structures, and DOM manipulation.

• Understand Framework Concepts: Deeply review the core concepts of React (components, props, state, hooks, context API) and Angular (components, modules, services, data binding, RxJS).

• Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer questions about teamwork, problem-solving, and handling challenges.

• Research SAIC: Understand the company's mission, values, and the types of projects they undertake, especially in the government sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a government contractor like SAIC often includes a strong emphasis on security clearance requirements and a structured technical evaluation. Candidates should be prepared for both technical and behavioral assessments, with a focus on demonstrating foundational skills and a commitment to the development process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Frontend Frameworks: React, Angular (primary focus).

• IDE: Visual Studio Code (explicitly mentioned). Other IDEs like IntelliJ IDEA or Eclipse might be used by backend teams.

• Version Control: Git (standard for most development teams).

• Build Tools: npm, yarn, Webpack, or similar for JavaScript package management and bundling.

• Browser Developer Tools: Chrome DevTools, Firefox Developer Tools for debugging and performance analysis.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated for UI, insights from analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or custom solutions) might inform UI/UX decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core UI development tasks, but understanding how frontend applications integrate with backend systems and potentially CRM APIs is beneficial.

• Automation tools will be used in CI/CD pipelines for builds, testing, and deployments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily weighted towards modern frontend development tools, with specific mentions of React, Angular, and Visual Studio Code. The AI-detected keywords also point to a broader ecosystem including backend technologies, cloud services, and database integration, suggesting that while the role is frontend-centric, exposure to the full stack is advantageous and likely integrated into the development workflow.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: A strong emphasis on contributing to the success of SAIC's clients and national security objectives. Operations professionals are expected to understand the "why" behind their work.

• Integrity & Trust: Paramount in government contracting, especially with the requirement for security clearances. Honesty, ethical conduct, and reliability are non-negotiable.

• Excellence & Innovation: Striving for high-quality solutions and embracing new technologies to solve complex problems effectively.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with diverse teams, sharing knowledge, and supporting colleagues to achieve common goals.

• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to learning, adapting, and refining processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: UI developers will work closely with backend engineers, QA testers, DevOps, and project managers, requiring clear communication and mutual respect.

• Agile Practices: Collaboration is structured around Agile methodologies, encouraging open communication, regular feedback loops, and iterative development.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing best practices, code reviews, and technical insights to elevate the entire team's capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: SAIC's culture, as a major government contractor, likely emphasizes professionalism, security, and a results-oriented approach. For operations roles, understanding how individual contributions tie into larger mission objectives and client satisfaction is key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapidly Evolving Technologies: Keeping pace with the fast-changing landscape of frontend frameworks and tools.

• Security Clearance Requirements: Navigating the process of obtaining and maintaining a Public Trust clearance, which can be time-consuming and requires strict adherence to protocols.

• Complex Project Requirements: Working on projects with intricate functionalities and stringent government compliance standards.

• Integrating with Legacy Systems: Potentially needing to interface UI components with older backend systems or services.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Formal Training: Access to SAIC's internal training programs and resources for upskilling in various technologies.

• Certifications: Opportunities to pursue industry-recognized certifications in cloud computing (AWS), Agile methodologies, or specific frameworks.

• Mentorship: Guidance from senior developers and leaders who can provide career advice and technical direction.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of government contracts allows for broad experience across different sectors and technical challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge for this role is likely the security clearance process, which is a prerequisite for many government contracting positions. Growth opportunities are abundant within a large organization like SAIC, offering clear paths for specialization and advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a project where you used React or Angular. What was your role, what challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?"

  • Preparation: Have 1-2 detailed project examples ready. Use the STAR method to structure your answer, focusing on your specific contributions, technical solutions, and learnings.

• "How do you ensure your UI is responsive and accessible across different devices and browsers?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your understanding of responsive design techniques (media queries, flexbox, grid) and accessibility standards (WCAG, ARIA attributes). Mention browser developer tools for testing.

• "Walk me through your process for debugging a UI issue."

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for SAIC, specifically in this role?"

  • Preparation: Research SAIC's mission, values, and recent projects. Connect your career aspirations and skills to the company's goals, especially its role in government contracting.

• "How do you handle feedback on your code or designs?"

  • Preparation: Emphasize your openness to constructive criticism, your ability to learn from feedback, and your commitment to improving your work and contributing to team success.

• "What are your long-term career goals in software development?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Clarity and Conciseness: Present your projects efficiently, highlighting key features and technical achievements.

• Tell a Story: Frame each project as a problem you solved. Explain the context, your solution, and the outcome.

• Be Ready for Technical Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific code snippets, framework choices, or architectural decisions.

• Showcase Your Process: Discuss your approach to development, including planning, coding, testing, and iteration.

• Engage Your Interviewers: Make it a conversation, not a monologue. Ask clarifying questions and ensure they understand your contributions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should balance technical proficiency in UI development with an understanding of the government contracting environment and SAIC's specific culture and requirements, particularly the security clearance.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud portal link.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your React, Angular, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS skills, along with any relevant project experience (academic, personal, or internship). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your online portfolio (e.g., GitHub, personal website) is up-to-date and showcases your strongest UI development projects. Include clear README files for each project explaining its purpose, technologies used, and how to run it.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common UI development and behavioral interview questions, using the STAR method for behavioral questions and focusing on technical depth for coding challenges. Be prepared to discuss your portfolio projects in detail.

• Research SAIC and the Role: Understand SAIC's mission, values, and the specific requirements of this entry-level UI Developer position. Familiarize yourself with the importance of security clearances in government contracting.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.