UI / UX Developer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UI / UX Developer

Company: Kentro

Location: Charlottesville, VA

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: UI/UX Development, Front-End Engineering

Date Posted: March 30, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop intuitive, accessible, and secure user interfaces for mission-critical applications within national security, intelligence, and defense environments.

• Apply user-centered design methodologies, including research, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing, to enhance user experience and operational efficiency.

• Translate UX designs and wireframes into high-quality, responsive front-end code using modern frameworks and technologies.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including engineers, product owners, and government stakeholders, to ensure mission alignment and technical feasibility.

• Ensure all developed interfaces adhere to strict accessibility standards (Section 508 / WCAG) and government security guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is highly specialized due to the requirement for an active TS/SCI clearance and the focus on government customer applications. The integration of specific technologies like Angular, Swagger, and DropWizard, alongside design tools and accessibility standards, indicates a need for a developer with a strong understanding of secure development practices and user experience within a regulated environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement modern, responsive user interfaces for secure web-based applications.

• Conduct user research, create wireframes, develop interactive prototypes, and perform usability testing to validate design concepts and improve user workflows.

• Translate UX designs, wireframes, and customer requirements into high-quality, maintainable code using Angular, Swagger, and DropWizard.

• Collaborate closely with software engineers, product owners, and government stakeholders to refine requirements, gather feedback, and ensure mission objectives are met.

• Guarantee compliance with accessibility standards (Section 508 / WCAG) and government security guidelines throughout the development lifecycle.

• Optimize applications for peak performance, seamless cross-browser compatibility, and robust responsive design across various devices.

• Develop and maintain design systems and component libraries to ensure consistency and scalability in UI development.

• Actively participate in Agile/Scrum ceremonies, including sprint planning, daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, and retrospectives, contributing to team velocity and process improvement.

• Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for design decisions, user flows, UI components, and system architecture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of pure UI/UX design, front-end development, and direct collaboration within a government contracting context. The emphasis on security, accessibility, and specific technologies like Swagger and DropWizard suggests a need for a developer who can navigate complex technical and compliance requirements.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a closely related technical field, OR equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years of dedicated UI/UX development experience, specifically supporting web applications.

• Proven experience translating customer requirements into modern, dynamic, and engaging web interfaces.

Required Skills:

• Strong proficiency in front-end development languages: HTML5 and CSS3.

• Deep understanding and practical experience with JavaScript frameworks, including Angular and React.

• Experience utilizing UI/UX design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, or similar platforms.

• Comprehensive knowledge of responsive design principles and mobile-first development strategies.

• Solid understanding of core usability principles, interaction design concepts, and information architecture.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience supporting Department of Defense (DoD), Intelligence Community (IC), or Federal Civilian agencies.

• Familiarity with developing and utilizing design systems and component libraries (e.g., Material UI, Bootstrap, Tailwind CSS).

• Experience with data visualization frameworks such as D3.js, Chart.js, or similar tools.

• Hands-on experience with usability testing tools and conducting user research methodologies.

• Knowledge of DevSecOps environments and familiarity with CI/CD pipelines.

• Understanding of RESTful APIs and their integration with backend services.

• Experience designing complex dashboards, analytics platforms, or specialized mission systems.

• Knowledge of security and compliance requirements for government systems (e.g., NIST, FedRAMP).

• Proven experience with accessibility compliance standards (WCAG / Section 508).

• Prior experience working in classified environments or SCIF settings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong foundation in front-end technologies and UI/UX principles, with a significant preference for candidates who have experience within the government sector and understand its unique compliance and security demands. The explicit mention of Angular and React, alongside Figma/Adobe XD, points to essential tool proficiencies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3 demonstrable UI/UX development projects, ideally with a focus on web applications.

• Projects should highlight a clear user-centered design process, from initial research and concept generation to final implementation and iteration.

• Include examples of wireframes, interactive prototypes, and final UI designs, clearly articulating design decisions and rationale.

• Demonstrate proficiency in translating complex requirements into intuitive and user-friendly interfaces, with a focus on efficiency and usability.

Process Documentation:

• Provide documentation or case studies detailing your involvement in the end-to-end UI/UX development lifecycle.

• Explain your approach to user research, information architecture, and interaction design for specific projects.

• Detail your experience in translating designs into functional code, referencing specific technologies like Angular, HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript.

• Illustrate how you've incorporated feedback from usability testing and stakeholder reviews to refine designs and improve application performance.

• Document your understanding and application of Agile/Scrum methodologies within your development process.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, especially for demonstrating the application of UI/UX principles within a government context. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their design process, highlight specific contributions to projects, and showcase how they've met technical and compliance requirements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The estimated salary range for a UI/UX Developer with 3+ years of experience in Charlottesville, VA, requiring a TS/SCI clearance, is typically between $100,000 and $140,000 annually. This range is influenced by the specific level of clearance, the depth of experience with the required technologies, and the highly specialized nature of government contracting work.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive healthcare benefits package.

• Paid time off (PTO) for work-life balance.

• Supplemental benefits to enhance coverage.

• 401k retirement plan with a generous employer match.

• Access to discount perks and employee rewards programs.

• Significant investment in employee growth through education reimbursement for certifications, degrees, or professional development courses.

• Opportunities for professional growth and networking to foster continuous learning and skill enhancement.

• Company-funded activities for fun and team building, including virtual and in-person events like happy hours, holiday celebrations, and fitness/wellness events.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week.

• While on-site, the company endeavors to create a positive and engaging workspace that balances hard work with enjoyable activities and team-building events, suggesting a supportive and flexible approach to the work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on industry benchmarks for UI/UX Developers in the Charlottesville, VA area, factoring in the critical requirement for a TS/SCI clearance and the niche government sector. The benefits package is robust, with a strong emphasis on professional development and work-life balance, reflecting the company's investment in its employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology Services and Consulting, Government Contracting. Kentro operates within the specialized sector of providing advanced technology solutions and support to U.S. government customers, particularly in national security, intelligence, and defense. This industry demands high levels of security, compliance, and reliability.

Company Size: Kentro is recognized as a growing company, having been listed on Inc. 5000's Fastest Growing Private Companies and receiving other growth awards. This suggests a dynamic environment, likely with a moderate to large employee base, offering opportunities for advancement while maintaining a sense of community.

Founded: While the founding date isn't explicitly stated, Kentro's multiple ISO certifications (27001, 20000-1, 9001), CMMI ML 3 ratings, and CMMC Level 2 certification indicate a mature organization with established processes and a commitment to quality and security standards that have been developed over time.

Team Structure:

• The UI/UX Developer will likely be part of a larger software development or engineering team, potentially within a dedicated mission support unit.

• Reporting is expected to be to a UI/UX Lead, Engineering Manager, or Project Manager, with close collaboration with Product Owners and government stakeholders.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: Emphasis on using user data, feedback, and testing results to inform design decisions and drive continuous improvement.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: Focus on streamlining user workflows, enhancing application efficiency, and improving overall user experience through structured design processes.

• Automation and Efficiency Practices: While not a primary focus for this role, understanding how UI/UX can contribute to automation and efficiency in government operations is beneficial.

Company Website: https://kentro.us

📝 Enhancement Note: Kentro's culture appears to be deeply rooted in supporting government missions, emphasizing quality, security, and professional growth. The company's numerous certifications and industry recognition highlight a commitment to excellence and a positive work environment, particularly for those in technical roles supporting national security.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at the Mid-Level. It requires a solid foundation of 3+ years of experience, demonstrating the ability to work independently on assigned tasks while also contributing to team projects. The expectation is for the developer to apply established UI/UX principles and front-end development techniques effectively, with some guidance on highly complex or novel challenges.

Reporting Structure: The UI/UX Developer will typically report to a Senior Software Engineer, Engineering Manager, or a dedicated UI/UX Lead. They will work closely with Product Owners and potentially government Contracting Officer Representatives (CORs) or technical liaisons, requiring clear communication and the ability to manage stakeholder expectations.

Operations Impact: The UI/UX Developer's impact is critical for the success of mission-critical applications. By creating intuitive, efficient, and secure interfaces, they directly influence the operational effectiveness and decision-making capabilities of government personnel operating in sensitive environments. A well-designed UI can reduce errors, speed up task completion, and improve user adoption, thereby enhancing overall mission success and security.

Growth Opportunities:

• UI/UX Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced UX research methods, interaction design patterns for complex systems, and leading design sprints.

• Front-End Architecture: Transition into roles focusing on front-end architecture, establishing design systems, and guiding technology choices for scalable user interfaces.

• Leadership: Move into Lead UI/UX Designer or Engineering Management roles, mentoring junior developers and leading project teams.

• Domain Expertise: Develop deeper knowledge of specific government sectors (e.g., intelligence analysis, defense operations) to create even more impactful and contextually relevant user experiences.

• Certifications: Pursue advanced certifications in UX design, accessibility, or specific government security protocols to enhance professional value.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within specialized government contracting, allowing for deep technical skill development or a transition into leadership. The emphasis on impact underscores the importance of user experience in high-stakes operational environments.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is explicitly stated as "Onsite in Charlottesville, VA," indicating a traditional office-based work environment. This setting is conducive to the hands-on collaboration, secure communication, and team integration required for government projects.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Charlottesville, VA. This location is known for its technology sector, particularly in support of government and defense initiatives, offering a professional and potentially collaborative ecosystem for tech professionals.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office setting will facilitate direct interaction with colleagues, fostering immediate feedback loops and team cohesion essential for Agile development and mission success.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Access to standard office technology, secure networks, and potentially specialized development and design software will be provided. The company's ISO and CMMI certifications suggest a well-managed IT infrastructure.

• Team Interaction Opportunities: Daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, and informal discussions will provide ample opportunities for interaction with fellow developers, product owners, and other team members, promoting knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected for this full-time position. The company's emphasis on "work hard; we play hard" suggests that while dedication to the mission is paramount, there's also a commitment to fostering a positive and engaging workplace culture that includes social and wellness events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Charlottesville, VA, is a key factor for candidates. It implies a need for local candidates or those willing to relocate, and it highlights the importance of in-person collaboration for this specialized role within the government sector.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with the required skills, experience, and security clearance.

• Technical Interview 1 (UI/UX Focus): Discussion of your design process, UX principles, and experience with design tools (Figma, Adobe XD, etc.). You may be asked to walk through specific portfolio projects, explaining your design rationale and problem-solving approach.

• Technical Interview 2 (Development Focus): Assessment of your front-end development skills, particularly with Angular, HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript. Expect questions on responsive design, accessibility standards (Section 508/WCAG), and API integration.

• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Evaluation of your collaboration skills, problem-solving abilities, and how you handle challenges in a team environment, especially within a government context. Questions may focus on your experience with Agile/Scrum and working with stakeholders.

• Security Clearance Verification: Formal verification of your active TS/SCI security clearance will be a critical step.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a hiring manager or senior leadership to discuss role fit, company culture, and career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-4 of your strongest projects that best showcase your UI/UX design and front-end development skills, particularly those relevant to complex web applications or government systems.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly articulate: the problem statement, your role and responsibilities, the design process followed (research, wireframing, prototyping, testing), the technologies used, key design decisions, challenges overcome, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Highlight Process and Rationale: Focus not just on the final design but on the "why" behind your decisions. Explain your thought process for user flows, interaction patterns, and visual design choices.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the front-end code implementation, including your use of Angular, HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript, and how you ensured responsiveness and accessibility.

• Prepare for Specificity: Be ready to discuss how you've addressed Section 508/WCAG compliance and any security considerations in your past projects.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: You might be given a hypothetical scenario or a small design challenge to solve within a time limit. Focus on a structured approach: understand the requirements, sketch out ideas, refine a chosen concept, and articulate your solution.

• Coding Challenge: A practical coding task to assess your proficiency with Angular, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. Focus on clean code, efficiency, and adherence to best practices.

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions that test your problem-solving skills, such as how you would handle conflicting stakeholder feedback, improve a poorly designed interface, or implement a new feature under tight deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly vet both technical skills and suitability for a secure government environment. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly articulates process and impact is essential for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Front-End Frameworks: Angular (primary), React (familiarity is a plus).

• Core Web Technologies: HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript (ES6+).

• UI/UX Design & Prototyping: Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch (proficiency expected in at least one).

• API Interaction: Swagger (for documentation and interaction with APIs), experience with RESTful APIs.

• Backend Framework (Contextual): DropWizard (understanding its role in backend services context).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Usability Testing Tools: Experience with tools for conducting and analyzing user tests.

• Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with web analytics tools to understand user behavior, though direct implementation might be less common for this role.

• Data Visualization: Experience with frameworks like D3.js, Chart.js (preferred) for presenting data within interfaces.

CRM & Automation:

• Design Systems: Experience with or knowledge of building/using design systems and component libraries (e.g., Material UI, Bootstrap, Tailwind CSS).

• Version Control: Git, GitHub/GitLab/Bitbucket for code management and collaboration.

• CI/CD Awareness: Familiarity with DevSecOps environments and CI/CD pipelines (preferred).

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Angular is a key technical requirement, complemented by strong foundational web technologies and design tools. Familiarity with how UI/UX interacts with backend services (Swagger, DropWizard) and data visualization is highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: A deep commitment to supporting the success of U.S. government missions is paramount. This translates to dedication, reliability, and an understanding of the stakes involved.

• Quality & Excellence: Driven by ISO and CMMI certifications, there's a strong emphasis on delivering high-quality, well-engineered solutions and adhering to rigorous standards.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: The company culture promotes a supportive community where individuals work together to achieve common goals, fostering an environment of mutual respect and shared success.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: While grounded in established processes, there's an encouragement to think innovatively and continuously improve designs, workflows, and technical approaches.

• Integrity & Security: Given the nature of government work, a strong ethical compass and unwavering commitment to security protocols are fundamental.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect close collaboration with diverse teams, including engineers, product managers, security specialists, and end-users. Effective communication and the ability to bridge technical and non-technical perspectives are essential.

• Process Review Culture: An environment that encourages constructive feedback during Agile ceremonies (retrospectives) and design reviews, aimed at enhancing both the product and team processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: The company's culture likely supports sharing best practices, design patterns, and technical insights through team meetings, internal documentation, and informal discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Kentro's culture is shaped by its mission-critical work in the government sector. Values like mission focus, quality, and security are deeply ingrained, supported by collaborative teamwork and a drive for continuous improvement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Government Requirements: Understanding and implementing complex security protocols, accessibility standards (Section 508/WCAG), and compliance requirements for government systems can be challenging.

• Balancing Design & Technical Constraints: Integrating cutting-edge UX designs with the strict technical and security limitations inherent in government applications requires creative problem-solving.

• Evolving Technology Landscape: Keeping pace with rapid advancements in front-end technologies and design tools while maintaining compliance with established government standards.

• Stakeholder Communication: Effectively managing expectations and communicating design rationale to diverse stakeholders, including technical teams and non-technical government personnel.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX/UI Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like user research, interaction design for complex systems, or inclusive design.

• Government Sector Domain Knowledge: Gaining in-depth understanding of specific intelligence, defense, or federal agency operational needs to create more impactful solutions.

• DevSecOps and CI/CD Exposure: Learning how UI/UX integrates into secure development pipelines and continuous integration/delivery processes.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to experienced UI/UX professionals and engineering leads for guidance and career development.

• Certification Support: Eligibility for education reimbursement for relevant professional certifications and advanced training.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are primarily technical and compliance-driven, offering significant learning opportunities in specialized areas of government technology development. Growth is geared towards deeper expertise or leadership within this niche.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for translating user research findings into actionable design recommendations for a government application. How do you ensure these recommendations align with security and accessibility mandates like Section 508?"

• "Walk me through a challenging UI/UX project where you had to balance user needs with strict technical or security constraints. What was the problem, your approach, and the outcome?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Kentro and supporting U.S. government missions, particularly in national security or intelligence?"

• "How do you approach collaboration with back-end developers and product owners who may have different priorities or technical perspectives?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each portfolio piece as a narrative. Start with the problem, detail your journey through the design and development process, and conclude with the impact and lessons learned.

• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality visuals (screenshots, mockups, prototypes) to showcase your work. Ensure they are easy to understand and highlight key design elements.

• Process Emphasis: Clearly articulate your design methodology, highlighting your use of research, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing. For each step, explain the rationale.

• Technical Integration: Be prepared to discuss the front-end technologies you used (Angular, HTML, CSS, JS) and how you implemented responsive design and accessibility features.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics or specific examples to demonstrate the success of your designs – e.g., improved task completion time, reduced error rates, positive user feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of UI/UX principles, practical front-end development skills, and the ability to apply them within the specific context of government security and accessibility requirements. A well-rehearsed portfolio presentation is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UI / UX Developer position:

• Click on the job link provided and then select the blue "Apply" button located at the top right of the Job Description page.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects showcasing your UI/UX design process, front-end development skills (especially Angular), and any experience with government-related applications, accessibility standards (Section 508/WCAG), or security considerations.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords from the job description, such as "UI/UX Developer," "Angular," "HTML5," "CSS3," "JavaScript," "Section 508," "WCAG," "Usability Testing," and "TS/SCI clearance." Quantify your achievements with specific metrics where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approach, and technical skills. Prepare specific examples from your portfolio to illustrate your capabilities during interviews. Be ready to discuss your experience with Agile methodologies and working with diverse stakeholders.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Kentro's mission, values, and industry recognition. Understand their commitment to government clients and how your skills can contribute to their success. Prepare questions about the team, projects, and company culture.

• Fully submit the application to ensure Kentro considers you for this position.

⚠️ 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.