UI Software Engineer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UI Software Engineer
Company: Peraton
Location: Annapolis Junction, Maryland, United States
Job Type: FULL_TIME
Category: Software Engineering / Aviation Technology
Date Posted: October 17, 2025
Experience Level: 2-5 Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for advancing the National Airspace System (NAS) through the FAA's Brand New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS) contract, focusing on the development and implementation of user interface software.
• The position requires close collaboration with government, academia, and industry experts to address complex aviation challenges and contribute to cutting-edge research programs.
• Successful candidates will bridge the gap between research and operational application, ensuring innovative aviation technology solutions are practical, safe, and deployable across the aviation ecosystem.
• The UI Software Engineer will play a key role in design, testing, and innovation initiatives for next-generation aviation systems, directly impacting national air travel safety and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "UI Software Engineer," the context provided by Peraton's involvement with the FAA and the National Airspace System (NAS) strongly suggests a specialization within aviation technology and potentially government contracting. The role is not a generic UI engineering position but one deeply embedded in mission-critical, safety-focused systems.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain user interfaces for critical aviation systems, ensuring intuitive design and seamless user experience.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including UX designers, system engineers, and subject matter experts, to translate requirements into functional UI components.
• Contribute to the design, development, and testing of next-generation aviation systems, focusing on user interaction and data visualization.
• Participate in Agile software development sprints, including planning, coding, code reviews, and testing, to deliver high-quality software.
• Integrate front-end UI components with back-end services and APIs, ensuring robust data flow and system functionality.
• Conduct research and development on technologies supporting the NAS, airport infrastructure, and air traffic management, with a focus on user-facing applications.
• Support safety validation efforts and contribute to ensuring the practical application of innovative solutions within the aviation ecosystem.
• Write clean, maintainable, and well-documented code adhering to professional software development practices and coding standards.
• Troubleshoot and debug UI issues, providing timely resolutions to ensure system stability and performance.
• Stay abreast of emerging UI technologies and best practices, recommending and implementing improvements to enhance user experience and system capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are inferred from the general description of a UI Software Engineer within the context of Peraton's FAA contract. The emphasis on "critical aviation systems," "next-generation aviation systems," and "NAS" indicates a higher level of complexity and responsibility than a typical commercial UI role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a closely related technical field.

Experience:

• 2-5 years of professional experience working as a software engineer with a strong focus on user interface development.
• Proven experience in software development lifecycle, including design, development, testing, and deployment.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in front-end technologies: HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS.
• Extensive experience with at least one major JavaScript framework such as React, Angular, or Vue.js.
• Experience with back-end technologies, particularly Java and Python, for developing APIs and web services.
• Demonstrated experience working in an Agile software development environment.
• Solid understanding and application of professional software development practices, including source code management (e.g., Git), code reviews, and comprehensive testing methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to effectively diagnose and resolve complex technical issues.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for effective collaboration and reporting.
• Ability to work independently and as a responsible, detail-oriented team player.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and adapt to new programming languages and technologies.

Preferred Skills:

• Exposure to FAA programs, systems, or the National Airspace System (NAS).
• Advanced knowledge of aviation systems, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) integration, Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications, or satellite navigation systems.
• Familiarity with FAA research environments or facilities, such as the William J. Hughes Technical Center.
• Understanding of FAA regulations, national airspace policies, or international aviation standards (e.g., ICAO).
• Experience working collaboratively with UX designers and other software engineers in a team setting.
• Experience with front-end testing tools, such as Cypress, Jest, and Selenium.
• Experience with Amazon Web Services (AWS) development, including services like EC2 and API Gateway.
• Prior experience working with DevSecOps processes and tools.
• Previous experience providing technical leadership to a team or mentoring junior personnel.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "2-5 years of experience" is directly stated, and the educational requirement is a standard Bachelor's degree. The listed skills are derived directly from the "Qualifications" section of the original job description. Preferred skills are also explicitly mentioned, highlighting areas that would make a candidate stand out, particularly within the aviation and government contracting domain.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of user interface (UI) projects demonstrating proficiency in front-end technologies and frameworks (e.g., React, Angular, Vue.js).
• Examples of interactive web applications or components that highlight user experience design principles and implementation.
• Documentation of API integrations and back-end service interactions, demonstrating how UI components consume data and functionality.
• Case studies or project descriptions detailing the development process, including problem-solving approaches, testing strategies, and any optimization efforts.
• Evidence of contributions to Agile development workflows, such as participation in sprint planning, code reviews, and iterative development cycles.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of code repositories managed with source code management tools (e.g., Git), illustrating organized and version-controlled development.
• Documentation of testing strategies employed, including unit tests, integration tests, and end-to-end tests for UI components.
• Descriptions of how code reviews were conducted, emphasizing collaboration and quality assurance within the development team.
• Workflow diagrams or explanations of how requirements were translated into development tasks and delivered.
• Any contributions to the continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipeline, particularly related to UI build and deployment processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section infers portfolio requirements based on the stated technical skills and responsibilities. For a UI Software Engineer role, especially in a government contracting context, demonstrating practical application of skills through a portfolio is crucial. The emphasis is on showcasing UI development, integration capabilities, and adherence to professional software engineering practices.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $66,000 - $106,000 USD per year. This range is based on the provided "Target Salary Range" and is typical for a UI Software Engineer with 2-5 years of experience in the Annapolis Junction, MD area. Factors influencing the exact salary within this range include the scope of responsibilities, individual experience, educational background, specific skills and competencies, and contractual considerations.

Benefits:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage options to support employee well-being.
• Retirement Savings Plan: Often includes a 401(k) with company matching to support long-term financial goals.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and continuous learning to enhance skills.
• Life and Disability Insurance: Protection for employees and their families.
• Potential for Performance Bonuses: Discretionary bonuses may be awarded based on individual and company performance.
• Overtime Pay and Shift Differential: Applicable for roles requiring work beyond standard hours or during non-standard shifts, as per contract and company policy.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week is typically 40 hours.
• The role is primarily on-site, suggesting adherence to standard business hours unless otherwise specified by project needs or contract requirements.
• Flexibility may be available depending on project demands and team coordination, but the core expectation is consistent presence for collaboration and development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is directly from the input. Benefits are inferred based on standard offerings for a company of Peraton's size and industry, particularly within the government contracting sector. Working hours are also standard for a full-time, on-site role, with a note on potential project-specific variations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Defense, Information Technology, National Security, Government Contracting. Peraton operates at the intersection of these sectors, providing mission-critical solutions to government agencies, including the FAA. This context implies a culture focused on mission success, security, and technical excellence. Company Size: Peraton is a large enterprise, employing thousands of individuals globally. This scale suggests structured processes, diverse teams, and significant opportunities for career development. Founded: Peraton has a history rooted in established government contracting entities, with significant recent growth and acquisitions. This background points to a company with deep experience in supporting national security missions and a forward-looking approach to adopting new technologies.

Team Structure:

• The UI Software Engineer will likely be part of a larger engineering team focused on the FAA's Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS) contract.
• This team will comprise various specialists, including other software engineers (back-end, full-stack), UX designers, systems engineers, quality assurance professionals, and potentially domain experts in aviation.
• Reporting will likely be to a team lead or engineering manager, with close collaboration across different functional groups within the project.

Methodology:

• Peraton's approach to projects like the BNATCS contract emphasizes a rigorous, mission-driven methodology. This includes a strong focus on Agile software development practices for iterative progress and adaptability.
• Data analysis and insights are critical for understanding system performance, user behavior, and the impact of new technologies on the National Airspace System.
• Workflow planning and optimization are essential for ensuring efficiency, safety, and reliability in aviation systems.
• Automation and efficiency practices are employed to streamline development, testing, and deployment processes, especially within DevSecOps frameworks.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Company information is derived from the provided "Peraton Overview" and general knowledge of the aerospace and defense industry. The team structure and methodology are inferred based on the nature of the project (FAA contract) and common practices in large government contracting firms.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an individual contributor with 2-5 years of experience, fitting into a mid-level engineering track. It offers the opportunity to gain specialized knowledge in aviation technology and government systems, which can be a significant career differentiator. Reporting Structure: The UI Software Engineer will report to a lead or manager within the engineering team responsible for the FAA contract. Collaboration will extend across various technical disciplines and potentially with government stakeholders. Operations Impact: The work directly impacts the safety, efficiency, and modernization of the National Airspace System (NAS). Contributions will influence how millions of passengers and aviation professionals interact with air traffic control systems, making the role highly impactful.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in UI development for critical systems, aviation technology, or specific FAA programs.
• Leadership Potential: Progress into roles like Senior UI Software Engineer, Technical Lead, or mentoring junior engineers, as suggested by preferred qualifications.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience in system engineering, back-end development, DevSecOps, and other areas relevant to large-scale government projects.
• Domain Expertise: Develop specialized knowledge in air traffic management, AI in aviation, UAS integration, or satellite navigation, becoming a valuable asset in the aerospace and defense sector.
• Further Education/Certifications: Pursue advanced degrees or industry certifications relevant to aviation or software engineering.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis is based on the specified experience level and the nature of the role within Peraton's FAA contract. The growth paths are standard for mid-level engineers but are contextualized within the specific domain of aviation technology and government contracting.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position, indicating a traditional office environment where employees work from Peraton's facilities. This setting promotes direct collaboration, team cohesion, and access to on-site resources. Office Location(s): Annapolis Junction, Maryland. This location is within a hub for government contracting and technology, offering proximity to federal agencies and a strong professional network. Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be a collaborative office setting designed to facilitate teamwork among engineers and other project members.
• Access to Peraton's standard IT infrastructure, development tools, and potentially specialized aviation simulation or testing environments will be provided.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with team members, project managers, and potentially government representatives will define the daily work experience.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is likely Monday through Friday, with 40 hours per week.
• While the role is on-site, there may be occasional requirements for flexibility to meet project deadlines or address urgent system needs, common in mission-critical environments.
• Adherence to specific government facility access and security protocols will be part of the daily routine.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the job dictates the assumptions about the work environment. Annapolis Junction, MD, is known for its concentration of defense and government contracting firms, influencing the expected professional atmosphere.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with core qualifications.
• Technical Interview(s): Expect to discuss your experience with front-end technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, frameworks like React/Angular/Vue.js), back-end technologies (Java, Python), and API integrations. This may include coding challenges or whiteboard exercises.
• Behavioral Interview: Questions will assess your problem-solving skills, communication abilities, teamwork, and how you handle specific work situations, particularly in an Agile context.
• Portfolio Review: Be prepared to walk through selected projects from your portfolio, explaining your role, the technical challenges, your solutions, and the outcomes.
• FAA/Government Context Discussion: Questions may probe your understanding of or interest in aviation systems, government contracting, and security clearance processes.
• Final Interview: Likely with a hiring manager or senior leadership to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 projects that best showcase your UI development skills, framework expertise, and experience with API integrations. Prioritize projects that demonstrate complexity and problem-solving.
• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions to each project, especially if it was a team effort. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "improved page load time by X%").
• Showcase Process: Be ready to discuss your development process, including how you approached requirements, tackled challenges, tested your code, and collaborated with others.
• Technical Depth: Be prepared to dive into the technical details of your implementations, including architectural decisions, framework choices, and API interactions.
• Tailor to Aviation: If you have any projects related to data visualization, complex dashboards, or systems that require high reliability, emphasize these.

Challenge Preparation:

• Coding Challenges: Practice common JavaScript, HTML, and CSS problems. Be ready for algorithm and data structure questions relevant to front-end development. Familiarize yourself with common testing frameworks.
• System Design: For mid-level roles, you might encounter questions about designing a basic UI component or a simple web application, focusing on scalability, maintainability, and user experience.
• Agile Scenarios: Prepare to discuss your experience with Agile methodologies, including sprint planning, stand-ups, retrospectives, and how you handle changing requirements.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Think of examples where you encountered a difficult technical problem and how you systematically approached its resolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is compiled by anticipating the typical interview process for a UI Software Engineer role in a government contracting environment. The emphasis on portfolio review and technical challenges is standard, with specific advice tailored to Peraton's mission and the FAA contract.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Front-End Frameworks: React, Angular, Vue.js (experience with at least one required).
• Core Web Technologies: HTML5, JavaScript (ES6+), CSS3.
• JavaScript Libraries: JQuery (may be used for legacy systems).
• Version Control: Git (essential for source code management).
• Build Tools: Webpack, Babel, npm/yarn (common in modern JavaScript development).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Testing Frameworks: Cypress, Jest, Selenium (preferred for front-end testing).
• Browser Developer Tools: Chrome DevTools, Firefox Developer Tools for debugging and performance analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• Backend Technologies: Java, Python (for APIs and web services).
• API Development: RESTful API design and implementation.
• Cloud Platforms: AWS (preferred, including EC2, API Gateway).
• DevSecOps Tools: Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, security scanning tools, and automated deployment processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This list is generated directly from the skills and preferred qualifications mentioned in the job description. The inclusion of AWS, DevSecOps, and specific testing tools reflects modern software development practices often found in companies like Peraton.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: A strong commitment to achieving project objectives and supporting the critical mission of the FAA and national security.
• Technical Excellence: Dedication to high-quality engineering, robust code, and innovative solutions.
• Collaboration: Emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and mutual support among team members.
• Integrity & Security: Adherence to strict security protocols and ethical standards, paramount in government contracting.
• Adaptability: Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and evolving project requirements.

Collaboration Style:

• Agile & Iterative: Working in sprints, with regular feedback loops and continuous improvement.
• Cross-Functional: Close interaction with developers, designers, QA, and potentially systems engineers and government stakeholders.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing best practices, code reviews, and learning from each other's experiences.
• Problem-Solving Oriented: A collective effort to identify and resolve technical challenges efficiently and effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: These values and collaboration styles are inferred based on Peraton's industry (Aerospace & Defense, Government Contracting) and the nature of the project (FAA BNATCS contract), which demands high levels of reliability, security, and teamwork.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Legacy System Integration: Potentially working with or integrating into existing, older FAA systems that may have complex architectures or outdated technologies.
• Security Compliance: Adhering to stringent government security standards and clearance requirements, which can add complexity to development and deployment.
• High Stakes Environment: The critical nature of air traffic control means that errors can have significant consequences, requiring meticulous attention to detail and rigorous testing.
• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with advancements in AI, UAS, and satellite navigation while integrating them into established aviation infrastructure.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Aviation Training: Opportunities to gain deep knowledge of the National Airspace System, air traffic control, and aviation regulations.
• Advanced Technology Exposure: Working with cutting-edge technologies like AI, machine learning, and advanced simulation tools within a real-world application context.
• DevSecOps Practices: Gaining hands-on experience with modern secure software development and deployment pipelines.
• Mentorship Programs: Access to experienced engineers and leaders who can provide guidance and career development support.
• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Potential for attending relevant conferences or obtaining certifications in aviation, cybersecurity, or advanced software development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are identified based on the inherent complexities of working on a large-scale government contract for a critical infrastructure system like the FAA's NAS. Growth opportunities are standard for a mid-level engineer but are framed within the specific domain and company context.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• UI/UX Philosophy: Be prepared to discuss your approach to designing user-friendly and efficient interfaces, especially for complex systems where user error can be critical. How would you balance functionality with simplicity?
• Framework Expertise: Expect deep dives into your chosen JavaScript framework (React, Angular, Vue.js). Be ready to discuss component architecture, state management, and common patterns.
• API Integration: How do you handle asynchronous operations, data fetching, error handling, and state synchronization when integrating front-end with back-end APIs?
• Agile Experience: Describe a time you worked in an Agile team. What was your role in sprint planning, retrospectives, and how did you adapt to changing priorities?
• Problem-Solving: Describe a challenging bug you encountered in a UI project. How did you diagnose it, what steps did you take to fix it, and what did you learn?

Company & Culture Questions:

• Interest in Aviation: Why are you interested in working on aviation technology and the FAA's mission?
• Government Contracting: What is your understanding of working in a government contracting environment, including security clearance requirements?
• Teamwork: Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to team success.
• Adaptability: How do you approach learning new technologies or adapting to new project requirements?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Context First: For each project, briefly explain the problem it solves, the user it's for, and the overall goals.
• Your Contribution: Clearly delineate your specific responsibilities and technical decisions. Use "I" when discussing your actions.
• Technical Walkthrough: Show key code snippets or demonstrate the live application, explaining the architecture, framework usage, and any complex logic.
• Metrics & Impact: If possible, present data showing the positive impact of your work (e.g., performance improvements, user satisfaction metrics, efficiency gains).
• Lessons Learned: Conclude by discussing challenges faced and what you learned from the project.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to the specific technologies, environment (FAA contract), and role level. Emphasis is placed on demonstrating both technical proficiency and an understanding of the mission-critical nature of the work.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UI Software Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the Peraton careers portal, ensuring your resume is up-to-date and highlights relevant UI development experience and technical skills.
• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a portfolio that showcases 2-3 of your strongest UI projects. Prioritize examples that demonstrate proficiency in HTML5, JavaScript, CSS, a major JavaScript framework (React, Angular, Vue.js), and any experience with API integrations or back-end technologies like Java or Python. For each project, be ready to explain your specific contributions, technical challenges, and solutions.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords from the job description, such as "UI Software Engineer," "front-end technologies," "JavaScript frameworks," "Agile," "Java," "Python," and any relevant aviation or government contracting experience. Quantify your achievements whenever possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice answering technical questions related to front-end development, JavaScript frameworks, and API integrations. Prepare to discuss your problem-solving approach and behavioral questions related to teamwork and adaptability. Rehearse presenting your portfolio projects.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Peraton's mission, its work with the FAA, and the importance of the National Airspace System. Understand the company's values and culture to better articulate your fit during interviews.

⚠️ 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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