Lead UI Developer – Hybrid

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead UI Developer – Hybrid Company: Cognizant Location: Santa Clara, California, United States Job Type: Full-time Category: Software Development / Front-End Engineering Date Posted: January 06, 2026 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is for a Lead UI Developer responsible for architecting, developing, and maintaining robust software applications with a strong focus on user experience and functionality.
• The position requires expertise in modern front-end technologies, particularly ReactJS, and a deep understanding of state management, build tools, and testing frameworks.
• The Lead UI Developer will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including UI/UX designers, product managers, and backend developers, to translate user needs into high-quality, responsive interfaces.
• This hybrid role involves a blend of remote work and in-office presence, requiring 2-3 days per week at a Cognizant office in Santa Clara, CA.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the original description focuses on UI Development, the inclusion of "SQL Azure" and "SQL Server" in the requirements summary suggests a potential need for backend integration understanding or a broader scope that might touch upon data layers, which is uncommon for a pure front-end role. This enhancement assumes the core focus remains UI development but acknowledges the potential for data interaction oversight.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain scalable and maintainable React applications, ensuring high performance and responsiveness across various devices and browsers.
• Architect and implement reusable UI components and libraries using React, Redux, and modern JavaScript (ES6+) to promote code consistency and efficiency.
• Translate wireframes, mockups, and user stories into high-quality, responsive, and accessible user interfaces.
• Collaborate effectively with UI/UX designers to ensure the technical feasibility of UI/UX designs and to optimize user experience.
• Work closely with product managers and backend developers to integrate front-end applications with RESTful APIs and backend services.
• Ensure code quality and maintainability through comprehensive unit testing (e.g., Jest, Mocha) and adherence to continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines.
• Evaluate, recommend, and implement new tools, frameworks, and technologies to enhance development efficiency and improve the overall development process.
• Troubleshoot, debug, and resolve complex UI issues, ensuring a seamless and intuitive user experience.
• Maintain and update technical documentation for UI components, libraries, and application architecture.
• Actively participate in Agile ceremonies, including sprint planning, daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, and retrospectives, contributing to team velocity and process improvement.
• Mentor junior developers, providing technical guidance and fostering a culture of learning and best practices within the UI development team.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends and best practices in the React ecosystem, including advancements in Next.js, TypeScript, and server-side rendering.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities have been expanded to reflect the "Lead" aspect of the title, incorporating mentorship, architectural input, and process improvement contributions, which are typical for senior or lead developer roles. The mention of "SQL Azure" and "SQL Server" in the original requirements summary was noted but not explicitly detailed in responsibilities due to the primary focus on UI development; if backend data interaction is a key part, this would need further clarification.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field is typically preferred for lead roles. Equivalent practical experience will also be strongly considered.

Experience:

• 8 to 10 years of professional experience in front-end development, with a significant focus on building complex, scalable user interfaces.
• Proven experience in a Lead Developer or Senior Developer role, demonstrating the ability to guide technical direction and mentor team members.
• Demonstrable experience in process optimization and improving development workflows.

Required Skills:

• Strong core front-end development skills in ReactJS, JavaScript (ES6+), HTML5, and CSS3.
• Expertise in state management solutions such as Redux and React's Context API.
• Proficiency with modern JavaScript build tools like Webpack and Babel.
• Experience with front-end testing frameworks such as Jest and Mocha for unit and integration testing.
• Solid understanding and practical application of version control systems, particularly Git and GitHub.
• Ability to collaborate effectively using project management and communication tools like Jira, Confluence, and Slack.
• Experience in translating UI/UX designs, wireframes, and mockups into functional, responsive web interfaces.
• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies and participation in Agile ceremonies.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with TypeScript for enhanced JavaScript development.
• Knowledge of Next.js for server-side rendering and static site generation.
• Familiarity with backend technologies and databases, such as SQL Server or Azure SQL, for better integration understanding.
• Experience with performance optimization techniques for front-end applications.
• Understanding of CI/CD pipelines and best practices.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG).

📝 Enhancement Note: The AI-derived experience level of "5-10" is slightly adjusted to "8 to 10 years" for the Lead role, aligning with typical expectations for such a position. The preferred skills section includes TypeScript and Next.js, which are common extensions of React expertise, and also incorporates the mentioned "SQL Azure" and "SQL Server" as a point of preferred familiarity rather than a strict requirement, given the UI focus.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A portfolio showcasing successful UI development projects, ideally demonstrating complex React applications and responsive design implementation.
• Case studies highlighting process improvements or efficiency gains achieved in previous development roles.
• Examples of reusable component libraries or design systems developed and implemented.
• Documentation or examples of how metrics were used to track and improve UI performance or user experience.

Process Documentation:

• The candidate should be prepared to discuss their approach to workflow design and optimization within a front-end development context.
• Evidence of implementing automation or efficiency improvements in development or testing processes.
• Examples of how performance metrics and user feedback were used to iterate on and improve application functionality.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Lead UI Developer, the portfolio should emphasize not just the final product but also the thought process behind the architecture, component reusability, and any improvements made to the development lifecycle or user experience. This section infers the need for demonstrated process ownership and impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $97,000 - $114,000 Annually

• This salary range is based on the provided information and reflects industry standards for a Lead UI Developer with 8-10 years of experience in the Santa Clara, California area, considering the hybrid work model.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance coverage.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) including paid holidays.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Short-term and Long-term Disability insurance.
• Paid Parental Leave to support new parents.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) for opportunities to invest in Cognizant.
• Access to various wellbeing programs to support work-life balance.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time position, typically 40 hours per week.
• The hybrid work model requires 2-3 days per week in the Cognizant office located in Santa Clara, CA, with flexibility for remote work on other days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range and benefits are directly extracted from the provided job description. The "Working Hours" section clarifies the hybrid nature and office commitment, aligning with the "Hybrid" work arrangement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Information Technology and Services, IT Consulting and Services. Cognizant operates globally, providing digital, technology, consulting, and operations services. Company Size: Cognizant is a large enterprise, employing over 300,000 people worldwide, which implies a structured environment with established processes and opportunities for diverse project involvement. Founded: 1994. With a long history, Cognizant has a well-established presence and a deep understanding of the IT services landscape.

Team Structure:

• The UI development team is likely part of a larger engineering or technology department.
• The Lead UI Developer will report to a Development Manager or Engineering Director.
• Close collaboration is expected with UI/UX designers, product managers, backend developers, QA engineers, and potentially DevOps teams.

Methodology:

• Cognizant typically operates using Agile methodologies, emphasizing iterative development, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• The team will likely employ practices such as Scrum or Kanban for project management.
• Data-driven decision-making and a focus on delivering measurable value to clients are key.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Company information has been sourced from general knowledge about Cognizant and its industry positioning. The team structure and methodology are inferred based on typical large IT consulting firm operations and Agile development practices.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Lead UI Developer

• This role represents a significant step beyond a Senior UI Developer, involving technical leadership, architectural input, and team mentorship. It sits at the senior individual contributor level, with potential for progression into management or specialized technical architect roles.

Reporting Structure:

• The Lead UI Developer will report to a higher-level engineering manager.
• They will be responsible for guiding and mentoring other UI developers within their project team.

Operations Impact:

• Directly impacts the user experience and usability of client-facing applications, influencing client satisfaction and adoption.
• Contributes to the technical strategy and implementation roadmap for front-end solutions, driving innovation and efficiency.
• Plays a key role in ensuring the quality and maintainability of codebases, reducing technical debt and operational costs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced React patterns, performance optimization, or emerging front-end technologies.
• Architectural Design: Transition into a UI Architect role, focusing on high-level system design and technical strategy.
• Management Track: Move into a Software Development Manager role, leading larger teams and overseeing multiple projects.
• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain experience in related areas like DevOps, cloud technologies, or specific industry domains through project assignments.
• Professional Development: Access to Cognizant's extensive training programs, certifications, and opportunities to attend industry conferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis assumes a typical career progression within a large IT services company like Cognizant, focusing on the leadership and mentorship aspects inherent in a "Lead" role.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment. This involves a combination of remote work and in-office presence. Office Location(s): Santa Clara, CA. This location is in the heart of Silicon Valley, offering access to a vibrant tech ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model allows for focused remote work while also encouraging in-person collaboration and team building during office days.
• Office days are expected to be collaborative, facilitating direct interaction with team members, designers, and product stakeholders.
• Access to standard office amenities and potentially specialized development workstations or collaboration spaces.
• The environment is expected to be fast-paced and client-focused, typical of a large IT consulting firm.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week).
• Flexibility is provided through the hybrid arrangement, allowing for a balance between personal needs and business requirements. Specific office days (2-3 per week) will be coordinated with the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the work environment is tailored to the "Hybrid" work arrangement and the specific location mentioned, emphasizing the blend of flexibility and in-office collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Technical Interview(s): Expect one or more technical interviews focusing on core front-end concepts, ReactJS expertise, problem-solving skills, and architectural thinking. This may include live coding exercises.
• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to discuss your portfolio, focusing on specific projects, your role, technical decisions, and the impact of your work. Be prepared to walk through code samples or architectural diagrams.
• Lead/Architectural Discussion: A conversation focused on your experience with leading teams, mentoring, system design, and strategic thinking related to UI development.
• Behavioral/Cultural Fit: Questions designed to assess your collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with Cognizant's values and team dynamics.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or client stakeholder, depending on the project.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your skills as a Lead UI Developer, focusing on complexity, impact, and leadership.
• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, especially any leadership or architectural decisions you made.
• Showcase Process Improvement: Include examples where you improved development processes, code quality, or team efficiency. Quantify results where possible.
• Demonstrate Technical Depth: Be ready to discuss your technical choices, trade-offs, and how you've handled challenges. Prepare to walk through key code snippets or architectural diagrams.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects (e.g., performance improvements, user engagement increases, reduction in bugs).
• Tailor to Cognizant: If possible, highlight projects that align with Cognizant's focus areas (digital transformation, client solutions, etc.).

Challenge Preparation:

• Coding Challenges: Practice common front-end coding problems, focusing on JavaScript algorithms, data structures, and React component implementation. LeetCode, HackerRank, or similar platforms can be useful.
• System Design: Prepare to discuss how you would architect a scalable and maintainable UI for a hypothetical application. Consider state management, component architecture, API integration, and testing strategies.
• Scenario-Based Questions: Anticipate questions about how you would handle team conflicts, technical disagreements, or project challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice tailored to a Lead UI Developer role, emphasizing the importance of a strong portfolio that showcases leadership and process improvement, alongside technical proficiency.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Core Framework: ReactJS
• State Management: Redux, Context API
• JavaScript Versions: ES6+
• Build Tools: Webpack, Babel
• Testing Frameworks: Jest, Mocha
• Version Control: Git, GitHub
• Project Management/Collaboration: Jira, Confluence, Slack

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned for this role, experience with front-end analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude) and performance monitoring tools (e.g., Lighthouse, WebPageTest) is often beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this UI development role, but understanding how front-end applications integrate with backend systems and potentially CRM platforms is valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools and technology stack are directly extracted from the provided job description and AI-derived skills. The "SQL Azure" and "SQL Server" mentioned in the original prompt are noted as potentially relevant for integration understanding, though not primary UI development tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Focus: Delivering high-quality solutions that meet client needs and drive business value.
• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders to achieve common goals.
• Innovation: Embracing new technologies and methodologies to drive digital transformation.
• Excellence: Striving for high standards in code quality, performance, and user experience.
• Continuous Learning: Staying updated with industry trends and investing in professional development.

Collaboration Style:

• Agile & Iterative: Working in sprints, with regular feedback loops and adaptability to changing requirements.
• Cross-functional: Close partnership with UI/UX designers, product managers, backend engineers, and QA.
• Mentorship-Oriented: Senior members like the Lead UI Developer are expected to guide and support junior team members.
• Open Communication: Utilizing tools like Slack and Confluence for transparent communication and knowledge sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: These values and collaboration styles are inferred based on Cognizant's reputation as a large IT consulting firm and standard practices in modern software development teams.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing innovation with client requirements: Integrating cutting-edge technologies while ensuring stability and meeting client-specific needs.
• Managing technical debt: Maintaining code quality and refactoring legacy components in a fast-paced, client-driven environment.
• Cross-functional alignment: Ensuring seamless integration and communication between front-end, back-end, and design teams.
• Staying current: Keeping up with the rapid evolution of the JavaScript and React ecosystems while delivering on project timelines.
• Hybrid work coordination: Effectively collaborating and maintaining team cohesion across remote and in-office settings.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced React & JavaScript: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like performance optimization, advanced patterns, or specialized libraries.
• Cloud Technologies: Exposure to cloud platforms like Azure (given the mention of Azure SQL) and their integration with front-end applications.
• TypeScript & Next.js: Formal training or project work to master these increasingly important front-end technologies.
• Leadership Skills: Development programs focused on mentoring, technical leadership, and project management.
• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining relevant certifications in cloud, development, or project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are derived from the role's seniority, the hybrid work model, and the nature of working within a large IT consulting organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Technical Architecture: "Describe how you would architect a scalable and maintainable UI for a complex e-commerce platform using React. What state management approach would you choose and why?"
• Problem Solving: "Walk me through a challenging bug you encountered in a React application. How did you diagnose it, and what was your solution?"
• Leadership & Mentorship: "How do you approach mentoring junior developers? Describe a time you had to guide a team through a difficult technical challenge."
• Process Improvement: "What steps have you taken in previous roles to improve the UI development process or enhance code quality? Provide specific examples and outcomes."

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working at Cognizant, and specifically in this Lead UI Developer role?"
• "How do you approach collaboration with UI/UX designers and backend developers?"
• "Describe your experience with Agile methodologies and how you contribute to sprint ceremonies."
• "How do you stay updated with the latest trends in front-end development?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your portfolio presentation like a story, outlining the problem, your solution, your specific contributions, the technologies used, and the impact/results.
• Code Snippets: Be prepared to show concise, well-commented code examples that highlight your best practices, component design, or problem-solving approach.
• Visual Aids: Use diagrams for architecture, user flow, or data structures where appropriate.
• Quantify Impact: Emphasize metrics related to performance, user engagement, or development efficiency.
• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your technical choices, challenges faced, and lessons learned.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions and preparation tips are designed to align with the "Lead" responsibilities, focusing on technical leadership, architectural thinking, process improvement, and the ability to articulate complex technical concepts and project outcomes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead UI Developer position:

• Submit your application through the Cognizant careers portal via the provided URL.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 8-10 years of experience in front-end development, with a strong emphasis on ReactJS, lead responsibilities, and any contributions to process improvements or architectural design. Use keywords from the job description.
• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a portfolio that showcases your most impactful UI development projects. Prepare to discuss your role, technical decisions, and quantifiable results. Focus on projects demonstrating leadership, complex React implementations, and responsiveness.
• Technical Skill Review: Refresh your knowledge of core JavaScript, ReactJS, state management (Redux/Context API), build tools, and testing frameworks. Be ready for live coding exercises and system design discussions.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Cognizant's services, culture, and recent news. Understand their client-centric approach and how this role contributes to their overall mission.

⚠️ 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.

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