UI Software Engineer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UI Software Engineer Company: Peraton Location: Herndon, Virginia, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Software Engineering / Front-End Development Date Posted: January 4, 2026 Experience Level: 10+ Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design, develop, and implement cutting-edge User Interfaces (UIs) for Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications, focusing on user-centric design and accessibility.
• Collaborate within an Agile software development environment, contributing to requirements, architecture, design, development, and testing phases.
• Spearhead the UI development for an Agentic AI project, working closely with engineers, data scientists, and product managers to deliver innovative solutions.
• Leverage a broad range of front-end technologies and JavaScript frameworks to build robust, scalable, and user-friendly interfaces for diverse customer bases in intelligence, defense, and civilian sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "UI Software Engineer," the description strongly emphasizes AI applications and collaboration with data scientists. This implies a need for understanding AI concepts and how to best visualize complex data and interactions for AI-driven systems, beyond standard web application UI development. The role is situated within a "Strategic Innovation Center," suggesting a focus on forward-thinking, experimental, and high-impact projects.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the UI design, development, and implementation efforts for Agentic Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions, ensuring a seamless and intuitive user experience.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including AI engineers, data scientists, and product managers, to translate complex AI functionalities into user-friendly interfaces.
• Develop and maintain high-quality front-end code using modern JavaScript frameworks (React, Angular, Vue.js), HTML5, and CSS, adhering to best practices for performance and scalability.
• Integrate user-centric design principles and accessibility standards into all UI development activities, ensuring solutions are usable by a diverse range of users.
• Participate actively in an Agile software development lifecycle, including story development, software architecture and design discussions, code reviews, and unit/component testing.
• Contribute to the overall software architecture and design decisions, particularly as they relate to the front-end components and their interaction with AI back-end services.
• Proactively identify and resolve technical challenges related to UI development, demonstrating a strong ability to adapt to new technologies and programming languages.
• Support requirements gathering and user story refinement, providing technical input on UI feasibility and user experience implications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a deep involvement in the full UI development lifecycle, from conceptualization and design to implementation and testing, with a strong emphasis on AI applications. The call for supporting "requirements/story development" indicates a need for proactive engagement in the early stages of project planning.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

• A minimum of 12+ years of progressive experience specifically in UI Software Engineering roles.
• Proven track record of working within Agile software development environments, contributing to iterative development cycles.
• Demonstrated experience with professional software development practices, including robust source code management (e.g., Git), thorough code reviews, and comprehensive unit/component testing.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in front-end technologies: HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS.
• Extensive experience with at least one major JavaScript framework: React, Angular, or Vue.js. Experience with JQuery is also listed.
• Solid understanding and practical application of UX design principles, user-centric design concepts, and web accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG).
• A strong aptitude for quickly learning and adopting new programming languages and technologies as project needs evolve.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving capabilities to address complex technical challenges.
• Demonstrated self-motivation, attention to detail, and the ability to function effectively as a responsible and collaborative team player.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, essential for effective collaboration and documentation.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with front-end testing frameworks and tools such as Cypress, Jest, and Selenium.
• Familiarity with back-end technologies, particularly Java and Python, with an understanding of how they support API development, web services, and web applications.
• Experience developing solutions within Amazon Web Services (AWS) environments, including services like EC2, API Gateway, etc.
• Prior exposure to DevSecOps processes and associated tools, emphasizing secure and efficient software delivery pipelines.
• Previous experience providing technical leadership to development teams, including mentoring junior engineers.
• A proactive approach to anticipating potential problems and taking decisive action, coupled with an innovative mindset for problem resolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "12+ years" requirement for a UI Software Engineer is substantial, indicating a senior or lead role. The emphasis on learning new technologies quickly is crucial for a role in a "Strategic Innovation Center" dealing with emerging AI technologies. The blend of front-end, UX, and preferred back-end/cloud skills suggests a full-stack leaning UI engineer capable of contributing across the stack.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing complex UI projects, with a particular emphasis on applications involving data visualization, interactive dashboards, or AI-driven interfaces.
• Provide case studies or examples illustrating successful UI design and implementation processes, highlighting user-centric design methodologies and accessibility considerations.
• Showcase experience with modern front-end development workflows, including component-based architecture, state management, and integration with back-end APIs.
• Present projects that highlight your ability to adapt to and effectively utilize various JavaScript frameworks (React, Angular, Vue.js) and front-end technologies.

Process Documentation:

• Documented examples of working within an Agile development framework, including contributions to sprint planning, backlog refinement, and retrospectives.
• Evidence of participation in code reviews, demonstrating an understanding of code quality, maintainability, and team collaboration standards.
• Examples of unit and component testing strategies implemented to ensure UI stability and functionality.
• Showcase experience with version control systems (e.g., Git) and best practices for source code management.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior UI Engineer role, especially one focused on AI innovation, a portfolio is critical. It should not just show finished products but also the process behind them, including design thinking, user research, and iterative development. Demonstrating how UI solutions were integrated with complex systems or data sources will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $112,000 - $179,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Employees may be eligible for overtime pay and shift differential, reflecting the potential for mission-critical work.
• Eligibility for a discretionary bonus, recognizing exceptional performance and contributions.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement savings plans, likely including a 401(k) with potential company match.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications.
• Life insurance and disability coverage.

Working Hours:

• Typically 40 hours per week, aligning with standard full-time employment. Flexibility may be offered based on project needs and team collaboration, but the role is primarily on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is typical for a senior-level UI Engineer in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, considering the 12+ years of experience requirement. The note about overtime and shift differential suggests that some projects may operate under specific government contracting requirements or time-sensitive missions. The "discretionary bonus" indicates potential for performance-based incentives.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: National Security, Technology, Government Contracting, Aerospace & Defense, IT Services. Peraton is a prominent player in the national security sector, providing advanced technology solutions and mission support to government agencies.

Company Size: Peraton is a large enterprise, indicated by its significant presence in the government contracting space. This scale means access to substantial resources, diverse projects, and a wide array of career opportunities.

Founded: While the founding date isn't provided, Peraton has a history of growth through acquisitions, positioning itself as a leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider. This history implies a company focused on evolution and adaptation.

Team Structure:

• The UI Software Engineer will likely be part of a larger software engineering or solutions development team within Peraton's Strategic Innovation Center.
• The role involves reporting to a software engineering manager or lead, with direct collaboration with AI engineers, data scientists, product managers, and potentially project leads.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a core aspect, requiring effective communication and teamwork with individuals from diverse technical and domain backgrounds.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on Agile software development methodologies, promoting iterative progress, flexibility, and continuous feedback.
• Application of modern software development practices, including CI/CD principles, code reviews, and automated testing to ensure quality and efficiency.
• A focus on innovation and problem-solving, particularly in the context of applying AI to national security challenges.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Peraton's focus on national security and mission-critical projects implies a culture that values reliability, security, and technical excellence. The "Strategic Innovation Center" designation suggests an environment that encourages forward-thinking and the exploration of new technologies like AI.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a Senior to Principal level UI Software Engineer position. With 12+ years of experience, the individual is expected to be a technical expert in UI development, capable of independent work, technical leadership, and mentoring.

Reporting Structure: The UI Software Engineer will report to a technical lead or engineering manager within the Strategic Innovation Center. They will work closely with product managers, data scientists, and other engineers on specific project teams.

Operations Impact: The UI Software Engineer's work directly impacts the usability and effectiveness of critical AI solutions for intelligence, defense, and civilian agencies. By creating intuitive interfaces, they enable users to better leverage advanced AI capabilities, thereby enhancing mission success, decision-making, and operational efficiency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI-specific UI development, advanced data visualization techniques, or emerging front-end technologies.
• Leadership Development: Transition into roles such as Technical Lead, UI Architect, or Engineering Manager, guiding teams and shaping technical strategy.
• Cross-Domain Experience: Gain exposure to various mission areas (communications, space, cybersecurity, defense, health) within Peraton, broadening technical and domain knowledge.
• Mentorship: Formal or informal opportunities to mentor junior engineers, sharing expertise and developing leadership skills.
• Certifications & Training: Pursue advanced certifications in cloud platforms (AWS), specific frameworks, or AI/ML concepts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive experience requirement positions this as a senior individual contributor role with potential for leadership. Growth opportunities will likely stem from demonstrating technical mastery, leadership potential, and the ability to contribute to Peraton's strategic innovation initiatives.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, implying a traditional office environment within Peraton's Herndon, VA location. This setting typically fosters direct collaboration, spontaneous discussions, and team cohesion.

Office Location(s): Herndon, Virginia. This location is within the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, offering access to a large tech talent pool and proximity to various government agencies and industry partners.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is likely designed to facilitate collaboration, with shared office spaces, meeting rooms, and potentially specialized labs for innovation projects.
• Access to standard office technology, high-performance computing resources for development, and relevant software licenses will be provided.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with team members, including engineers, data scientists, and project management, will be frequent, encouraging knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is likely 40 hours per week. While adherence to a regular schedule is expected, Peraton's mission-driven nature may occasionally require flexibility to meet critical project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a preference for direct collaboration and team synergy, which can be beneficial for complex, innovative projects requiring rapid iteration and shared problem-solving.

📄 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. Be prepared to discuss your career trajectory and interest in Peraton's mission.
• Technical Interview(s): Expect one or more technical interviews focusing on UI development principles, JavaScript frameworks, problem-solving, and potentially algorithmic challenges. Prepare to discuss specific projects from your portfolio.
• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present selected projects from your portfolio. Focus on your role, the challenges faced, your solutions, and the impact of your work.
• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Questions designed to assess your teamwork, communication, problem-solving approach, and how you handle specific workplace scenarios.
• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership or a hiring manager to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and final offer details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-4 of your most relevant and impactful projects. For this role, prioritize projects involving complex UIs, data visualization, or AI integrations.
• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your specific contributions, the technologies used, the challenges encountered, your solutions, and the measurable outcomes or impact.
• Highlight Processes: Emphasize your approach to UI design, user-centric principles, accessibility, and your experience within Agile environments. Showcase how you collaborated with cross-functional teams.
• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical architecture, code structure, and specific implementation details of your projects.
• Tailor to Peraton: If possible, subtly align your project selection and discussion points with Peraton's focus on national security and innovation.

Challenge Preparation:

• Coding Challenges: Practice common front-end coding challenges focusing on JavaScript, DOM manipulation, and framework-specific problems (e.g., React component design, state management).
• System Design: Be ready to discuss how you would approach designing a UI for a complex application, considering scalability, performance, and user experience.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare to walk through your thought process for solving technical or design problems, demonstrating logical reasoning and structured problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the senior nature of the role and the emphasis on innovation, the interview process will likely be rigorous. A well-prepared portfolio presentation is crucial for demonstrating technical expertise and communication skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• JavaScript Frameworks: React, Angular, Vue.js (deep expertise required in at least one; familiarity with others is beneficial).
• Core Web Technologies: HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript (ES6+).
• Version Control: Git (essential for collaborative development).
• Build Tools: Webpack, Babel, or similar for modern JavaScript development workflows.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Front-end Analytics: Tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or custom event tracking for user behavior analysis.
• Performance Monitoring: Tools for monitoring front-end performance and identifying bottlenecks.
• Data Visualization Libraries: D3.js, Chart.js, or framework-specific charting components for presenting complex data.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned, understanding how UIs interact with back-end systems (APIs, microservices) is key. Experience with API integration and understanding of RESTful services is important.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and tools (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI, Azure DevOps) is a plus, especially for DevSecOps exposure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is strong proficiency in modern front-end development, particularly with JavaScript frameworks. The preferred skills in testing tools, back-end technologies, and AWS indicate a desire for a versatile engineer who can contribute across the stack and within modern cloud-native environments.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: A strong commitment to supporting national security missions and delivering high-impact solutions.
• Innovation & Curiosity: Encouraging exploration of new technologies, especially AI, and finding novel ways to solve complex problems.
• Excellence & Quality: A dedication to producing high-quality, reliable, and secure software through rigorous development practices.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Valuing open communication, mutual support, and collective problem-solving among team members.
• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding ethical standards and taking ownership of responsibilities.

Collaboration Style:

• Agile & Iterative: Working in short cycles, with regular feedback loops and continuous adaptation.
• Cross-Functional: Engaging actively with engineers, data scientists, product managers, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment and shared understanding.
• Open Communication: Encouraging direct and honest dialogue, constructive feedback, and knowledge sharing.
• Problem-Solving Oriented: A collective drive to tackle challenges head-on and find effective solutions through teamwork.

📝 Enhancement Note: Peraton's culture, particularly within its Strategic Innovation Center, likely blends the discipline required for national security work with the agility and forward-thinking needed for cutting-edge technology development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex AI Integration: Designing intuitive UIs for sophisticated AI models that may involve complex data relationships and probabilistic outputs.
• Rapid Technology Evolution: Staying abreast of fast-paced advancements in AI, front-end technologies, and cloud computing.
• Security Requirements: Navigating stringent security protocols and compliance standards inherent in national security projects.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring seamless communication and integration between UI development and AI/data science teams with potentially different technical languages and priorities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI & ML Fundamentals: Gaining a deeper understanding of AI/ML concepts to better inform UI design for AI applications.
• Advanced Cloud Technologies: Expanding expertise in AWS services and cloud-native development patterns.
• Technical Leadership: Developing skills in mentoring, team leadership, and architectural design for complex systems.
• Industry Conferences & Training: Opportunities to attend relevant conferences, workshops, and pursue certifications to enhance skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges will revolve around the intersection of advanced AI technology and user interface design, requiring continuous learning and adaptation. Growth will be fueled by tackling these complex challenges and developing expertise in emerging tech areas.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• UI for AI: "How would you approach designing a UI for an agentic AI system that needs to present complex, real-time insights to intelligence analysts? What are the key considerations for user trust and interpretability?" (Prepare to discuss concepts like explainable AI (XAI) visualization, confidence scoring, and interactive exploration of AI outputs.)
• Agile & Collaboration: "Describe a time you had to collaborate with data scientists or back-end engineers on a complex feature. What were the challenges, and how did you ensure the UI met their technical requirements while remaining user-friendly?" (Focus on communication strategies, trade-offs, and successful integration.)
• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a critical UI component is causing significant performance issues. Walk us through your process for diagnosing and resolving this problem, from initial identification to final implementation." (Demonstrate a structured, analytical approach, including debugging tools and optimization techniques.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Peraton's mission in national security, and specifically about working with AI technologies?" (Research Peraton's mission statement and recent projects.)
• "How do you approach staying current with rapidly evolving front-end technologies and AI trends?" (Highlight continuous learning habits, personal projects, and industry engagement.)
• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a positive and productive collaborative culture." (Align your response with Peraton's values of teamwork and innovation.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each project, quantify the results or impact whenever possible (e.g., "reduced task completion time by X%", "improved user adoption by Y%", "enabled Z new functionality").
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (screenshots, prototypes, live demos if possible) to showcase your work.
• Explain Your Role Clearly: Be specific about what you did versus what the team accomplished. For senior roles, highlight leadership, architectural decisions, and mentoring contributions.
• Address Technical Details: Be ready to deep-dive into the architecture, code quality, and technology choices behind your projects.
• Connect to the Role: Frame your experience and projects in the context of Peraton's AI focus and national security mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily emphasize practical application of UI principles to AI, strong problem-solving skills, and effective communication within a cross-functional, mission-driven environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Peraton careers portal link provided.
• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight the 12+ years of UI engineering experience, specific JavaScript frameworks (React, Angular, Vue.js), UX design, accessibility, and any experience with AI, data visualization, or cloud technologies. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 3-4 key projects that best demonstrate your UI design, development, and problem-solving skills, especially those related to complex data or AI. Ensure you can clearly articulate your role, process, and impact for each.
• Research Peraton: Understand Peraton's mission, its role in national security, and its focus on innovation and AI. This will help you tailor your responses during interviews and demonstrate genuine interest.
• Practice Interview Questions: Prepare for technical, behavioral, and portfolio presentation questions, focusing on demonstrating expertise, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit for a mission-critical, innovative environment.

⚠️ 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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