Senior UX Developer (NIH Data Lakehouse Support)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Developer (NIH Data Lakehouse Support)

Company: General Dynamics Information Technology

Location: Rockville, Maryland, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: User Experience / Front-End Development

Date Posted: 2026-06-19T00:00:00

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a hybrid of User Experience (UX) Design and Front-End Development, focused on enhancing the user experience for the NIH Data Lakehouse.

• The Senior UX Developer will be instrumental in translating complex data-intensive research and operational needs into intuitive, efficient, and accessible user interfaces for a diverse range of NIH users.

• Key responsibilities include leading human-centered design initiatives, conducting user research, developing wireframes and prototypes, and implementing scalable UI components using modern front-end technologies.

• The position requires a strong understanding of accessibility standards, data governance principles, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including product owners, engineers, and data stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title specifies "UX Developer," the detailed responsibilities and required skills clearly indicate a hybrid role with a strong emphasis on both UX/UI design and front-end engineering. The "NIH Data Lakehouse Support" context highlights the need for capabilities in managing and presenting complex data, making this role critical for data democratization and usability within a research environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end human-centered design efforts for the Data Lakehouse, encompassing user research, workflow mapping, design, implementation, and iterative improvements.

• Conduct comprehensive user research, usability testing, and stakeholder interviews to gather requirements and inform design decisions for researchers, analysts, and platform administrators.

• Develop detailed wireframes, interactive prototypes, user journey maps, user flows, and interaction models to visualize and refine data search, filtering, access, and review experiences.

• Design intuitive interfaces that clearly communicate complex data, metadata, permissions, and status information, fostering user confidence and understanding.

• Champion accessibility, inclusivity, privacy-aware design principles, and ensure adherence to Section 508 compliance requirements across all developed user interfaces.

• Build high-quality, scalable, and responsive UI components and features to support Data Lakehouse workflows and dashboards, ensuring optimal performance and maintainability.

• Collaborate closely with back-end engineers to ensure design fidelity, technical feasibility, and consistent implementation of user interfaces across the platform.

• Integrate front-end solutions with GraphQL APIs, search services, and other backend systems that power the Data Lakehouse user experience.

• Contribute to and maintain design systems, component libraries, and front-end best practices to promote platform-wide reuse and consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are structured to reflect a typical GTM (Go-To-Market) operations or product development lifecycle, emphasizing user-centricity, iterative design, and cross-functional collaboration. The focus on "data lakehouse workflows" and "data discovery, access, governance, and collaboration" points to a role deeply embedded in enabling data-driven decision-making and research operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While specific degree requirements are not listed, a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, Design, or a related field is typically expected for a Senior-level role. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered. Experience:

• 5–8+ years of progressive experience in User Experience (UX) design, front-end development, or a closely related hybrid role.

• Demonstrated experience supporting scientific, research, healthcare, or public-sector data platforms is highly preferred.

• Experience supporting Federal, HHS OpDiv, or NIH programs is a significant advantage. Required Skills:

• Human-Centered Design: Proven ability to lead and execute human-centered design processes from discovery to delivery.

• UX/UI Design Proficiency: Expertise in creating wireframes, prototypes, journey maps, user flows, and interaction models.

• Front-End Technologies:

  • React: Strong proficiency in building user interfaces with React.
  • Next.js: Experience with this React framework for server-side rendering and static site generation.
  • GraphQL / GQL: Ability to work with and integrate GraphQL APIs.
  • React Component Kits: Familiarity with and ability to build/extend component libraries.
  • TypeScript: Proficiency in TypeScript for robust and maintainable code.

• User Research & Testing: Experience conducting user research, usability testing, and stakeholder interviews.

• Information Architecture: Solid understanding of organizing and structuring information for complex digital products.

• Accessibility Standards: Strong understanding of accessibility principles and Section 508 compliance.

• Complex Workflow Design: Ability to design for intricate user workflows and data-intensive environments.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with enterprise-scale design systems.

• Knowledge of performance optimization techniques, including SSR (Server-Side Rendering) and ISR (Incremental Static Regeneration).

• Familiarity with modern rendering strategies in front-end development.

• Experience designing engagement mechanisms, gamification, or incentive-based features to drive platform adoption and user behavior.

• Experience with Federal, HHS OpDiv, or NIH programs.

• Section 508 experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on React, Next.js, and GraphQL aligns with modern web development stacks used for complex, data-driven applications. The inclusion of "Section 508 compliance" is critical for government contracts and public-facing platforms. The preferred qualifications highlight a desire for candidates who can not only build but also strategize user engagement and have experience within the specific government/research sector.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated UX/UI Design: A robust portfolio showcasing a strong foundation in human-centered design principles, user research methodologies, and the creation of intuitive user interfaces.

• Shipped Digital Products/Experiences: Evidence of successfully launched digital products, complex data platform experiences, or significant feature contributions. This should include examples of the design process from ideation to implementation.

• Front-End Code Samples: Where possible, provide examples or links to code repositories (e.g., GitHub) demonstrating proficiency in React, Next.js, TypeScript, and component-based architecture.

• Problem-Solving & Workflow Design: Case studies or project examples that illustrate the ability to analyze complex user needs and design effective workflows for data discovery, access, and management.

• Accessibility & Compliance: Examples demonstrating an understanding and application of accessibility principles and Section 508 compliance in design and development.

Process Documentation:

• User Research & Analysis: Documentation or case studies detailing how user research was conducted, insights were synthesized, and these insights directly influenced design and development decisions.

• Prototyping & User Flows: Visual documentation of wireframes, interactive prototypes, and user flows that were created to communicate design concepts and gather feedback.

• Component Development & Design Systems: Examples of UI components built, contributions to design systems, and how these elements ensure consistency and scalability.

• Collaboration & Iteration: Evidence of working collaboratively with engineering and product teams, and how feedback loops were used for iterative design improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a hybrid UX Developer role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to showcase both design thinking and technical implementation skills. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their portfolio, explaining the problem, their process, the solutions they designed and built, and the impact of their work, especially concerning data usability and accessibility.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The likely salary range for this position is $110,500 - $149,500 annually.
  • 📝 Enhancement Note: This range is an estimate provided by the employer, based on industry standards for a Senior UX Developer role with the specified experience level and location. Actual compensation will be determined by factors including the candidate's specific experience, geographic location, and any contractual requirements. The absence of a specific contractual requirement might allow for more flexibility outside this range, but candidates should align their expectations with this provided benchmark.

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness:

  • Medical plan options (some with Health Savings Accounts)
  • Dental plan options
  • Vision plan

• Retirement Savings:

  • 401(k) plan with company match (pre and post-tax contribution options)

• Work-Life Balance:

  • Full-flex work weeks where possible
  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) including vacation, sick, and personal time
  • Paid Holidays

• Leave Programs:

  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Military Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Paid Jury Duty Leave

• Income Protection & Insurance:

  • Short-term and Long-term Disability benefits

  • Life Insurance

  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance

  • Personal Accident Insurance

  • Critical Illness Insurance

  • Business Travel and Accident Insurance Working Hours:

• Standard full-time schedule of 40 hours per week.

• The "full-flex work week" mentioned in the benefits description suggests potential for flexibility in daily scheduling, allowing for better work-life integration, though core operational hours will likely be expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive benefits package reflects a commitment to employee well-being and long-term support, common in large government contracting firms. The "full-flex work week" is a significant perk for operations roles that often require focused, uninterrupted work time.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Information Technology and Services, Government Contracting

Company Size: GDIT is a large enterprise, part of General Dynamics, employing over 26,000 experts globally. This size suggests a structured environment with established processes, but also ample opportunities for specialization and career advancement.

Founded: General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) has a long history, evolving through various acquisitions and integrations, with its roots tracing back decades. This deep history signifies stability and extensive experience in serving government clients.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team Context: This role supports the NIH Data Lakehouse, implying a team focused on critical data infrastructure for biomedical research. The team likely includes data engineers, platform administrators, data scientists, and other UX/UI professionals.

• Reporting Structure: As a Senior UX Developer, the role will likely report to a UX/Design Lead, a Development Manager, or a Program Manager overseeing the NIH contract.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The position requires extensive collaboration with product owners, engineers, data scientists, platform stakeholders, and potentially NIH researchers and administrators to ensure user needs are met and technical feasibility is achieved.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: The role necessitates a data-driven approach, using user research, analytics, and feedback to inform design and development decisions for the Data Lakehouse.

• Agile/Iterative Development: Given the context of supporting a complex platform, an agile or iterative development methodology is highly probable, allowing for continuous improvement and adaptation.

• Human-Centered Design: A core methodology for this role, ensuring that user needs and experiences are at the forefront of all design and development efforts.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: GDIT's focus on government contracts means a culture that values security, compliance, and mission-critical delivery. The specific context of supporting the NIH Data Lakehouse implies a dynamic environment focused on scientific advancement and data integrity.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior UX Developer

• This level signifies a seasoned professional expected to lead significant design and development initiatives, mentor junior team members, and influence technical and design strategies. The role requires a blend of deep UX/UI expertise and strong front-end development skills. Reporting Structure:

• Likely reports to a manager or lead within the GDIT program supporting the NIH. This structure provides guidance and oversight while allowing for significant autonomy in design and development execution. Collaboration will extend across multiple technical and operational teams. Operations Impact:

• The impact of this role is directly tied to enabling efficient and effective data access, discovery, and utilization for NIH researchers and stakeholders. By improving the user experience of the Data Lakehouse, this role contributes to accelerating scientific research, improving data governance, and fostering collaboration within the NIH ecosystem. This indirectly supports the critical mission of advancing health outcomes. Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX/UI for data-intensive platforms, scientific visualization, or specific NIH research domains.

• Leadership: Transition into Lead UX Designer, UX Manager, or Technical Lead roles within GDIT's broader health and federal IT sectors.

• Skill Expansion: Develop advanced skills in areas like data governance UX, AI/ML interface design, or complex system integration.

• Mentorship: Guide and mentor junior developers and designers, contributing to team development and knowledge sharing.

• Cross-Project Mobility: Opportunities to work on different projects within GDIT's extensive portfolio, particularly in health and federal IT.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title, coupled with the "NIH Data Lakehouse Support" context, suggests a role with substantial responsibility and the potential for significant career growth within a large, mission-focused organization. The emphasis on data platforms positions this role at the forefront of digital transformation in scientific research.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Remote with potential for occasional on-site collaboration.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Rockville, Maryland, but the role is designated as remote.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is remote, GDIT's presence in Rockville, MD, for the NIH contract suggests that occasional on-site meetings or team gatherings might be beneficial or required, especially for critical project phases or initial onboarding.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Despite being remote, the role emphasizes collaboration through virtual tools, video conferencing, and shared digital workspaces. The team likely utilizes platforms for real-time communication and project management.

• Tools & Technology: Access to GDIT's standard suite of development and collaboration tools, including robust project management software, communication platforms, and potentially secure development environments.

• Operations Team Interaction: Regular interaction with a distributed team, requiring strong communication skills and proactive engagement to maintain team cohesion and project momentum.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week, with potential for flexibility in daily scheduling due to the "full-flex work week" benefit. This allows for better management of personal tasks alongside project deadlines, crucial for maintaining productivity in a remote setup.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature of the role necessitates a self-disciplined approach and proficiency with remote collaboration tools. The "full-flex work week" offers a significant advantage for work-life balance, which is a key consideration for many operations professionals.

📄 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/Design Assessment: This may involve a portfolio review session where candidates present their work, discuss their design process, and answer technical questions related to front-end development (React, Next.js, TypeScript, GraphQL).

• Skills-Based Interview: A more in-depth interview focusing on problem-solving, user research methodologies, accessibility standards, and experience with complex data platforms. This could include scenario-based questions or a small take-home assignment.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential team members and key stakeholders (e.g., product owners, engineers) to evaluate collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with team dynamics.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or program manager to discuss the role's strategic importance and overall fit within GDIT's NIH program.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your hybrid UX/front-end skills, particularly those involving data platforms, complex workflows, or government/research contexts if possible.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate: the problem you were solving, your role, your design and development process, the challenges encountered, the solutions implemented, and the measurable impact or outcomes.

• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize how you worked with cross-functional teams, incorporated feedback, and navigated technical constraints.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your code, architectural decisions, and the specific technologies used (React, Next.js, TypeScript, GraphQL).

• Address Accessibility: Clearly explain how you incorporated accessibility principles and Section 508 compliance into your work.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design philosophy, your approach to user research, how you handle conflicting requirements, and your experience with data visualization or complex data systems.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: You might be asked to critique an existing interface, propose improvements for a given data scenario, or sketch out a user flow for a specific task within the Data Lakehouse context.

• Technical Challenge: A coding exercise might focus on building a React component, implementing a specific UI pattern, or demonstrating proficiency with TypeScript.

• Problem-Solving: Be ready to discuss how you would approach designing a feature for data discovery, managing user permissions, or visualizing complex metadata. Focus on your process and rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a role like this will heavily weigh the portfolio. Candidates should be prepared to defend their design choices, explain their technical implementation, and demonstrate a deep understanding of user-centered design within a complex, regulated environment like NIH.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Front-End Frameworks: React, Next.js

• Languages: TypeScript, JavaScript

• API Interaction: GraphQL

• Component Libraries: Proficiency with or ability to work with React component kits and potentially enterprise design systems.

• Design & Prototyping Tools: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, or similar for wireframing, prototyping, and user flow creation.

• Version Control: Git (e.g., GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket) for code management and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a data analyst role, understanding how to integrate with or interpret data from analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, custom dashboards) to inform UX decisions is beneficial.

• Familiarity with data visualization libraries (e.g., D3.js, Chart.js) might be advantageous for dashboard components. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role's core function, but understanding how user data flows into and out of systems can be helpful context. Development Environment:

• Familiarity with modern front-end build tools (e.g., Webpack, Vite), package managers (e.g., npm, yarn), and testing frameworks (e.g., Jest, React Testing Library).

📝 Enhancement Note: The specified technologies (React, Next.js, GraphQL, TypeScript) are standard for modern, scalable web applications, particularly those requiring dynamic data handling. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these tools in the context of building user-facing applications for data platforms.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A strong commitment to supporting the NIH's mission of advancing health and scientific discovery through robust data infrastructure.

• User-Centricity: Prioritizing the needs and experiences of researchers, analysts, and administrators in all design and development efforts.

• Excellence & Quality: Maintaining high standards for design fidelity, code quality, performance, and accessibility.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive and communicative environment where team members work together effectively, sharing knowledge and supporting each other.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Embracing new technologies and methodologies to continuously enhance the Data Lakehouse platform and user experience.

• Integrity & Compliance: Adhering to strict security protocols, data governance policies, and government regulations (e.g., Section 508).

Collaboration Style:

• Remote-First: A highly collaborative approach leveraging virtual tools for communication, project management, and design reviews. This includes regular stand-ups, virtual whiteboarding sessions, and asynchronous communication channels.

• Cross-Functional Partnerships: Working closely with product managers, engineers, data scientists, and stakeholders to ensure alignment and successful delivery of features.

• Feedback-Oriented: An open culture of providing and receiving constructive feedback to improve designs, code, and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: GDIT's culture, as a large government contractor, likely emphasizes professionalism, reliability, and a strong sense of purpose. For this NIH-focused role, the "mission-driven" aspect is particularly important, highlighting the impact of the work on scientific research and public health.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Data: Designing intuitive interfaces for extremely complex and diverse datasets, metadata, and permissions within the NIH Data Lakehouse.

• Diverse User Base: Catering to the varied technical skills and needs of researchers, data scientists, analysts, and administrators.

• Balancing Design and Development: Effectively managing the dual responsibilities of UX/UI design and front-end coding, ensuring both are executed to a high standard.

• Government Compliance: Navigating and adhering to strict government regulations, security protocols, and accessibility standards (Section 508).

• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining strong team cohesion and effective communication in a fully remote work environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX for Data: Deepen expertise in UX design specifically for complex data platforms, analytics dashboards, and research tools.

• Cutting-Edge Technologies: Gain experience with evolving front-end frameworks, data visualization techniques, and potentially AI/ML integrations in data platforms.

• Government Sector Expertise: Develop a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within government IT projects, particularly in the health and research sectors.

• Professional Development: Access to GDIT's career development tools, potential for certifications, and opportunities to attend industry conferences.

• Leadership Track: Potential to grow into leadership roles, guiding teams and influencing strategic direction for UX and development within GDIT's federal health sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to working with large-scale government data initiatives. The growth opportunities are substantial, positioning this role as a stepping stone for a career focused on impactful technology solutions in the public sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex data visualization or data interaction challenge you've faced and how you approached designing and developing a solution." (Focus on your process, technical choices, and user impact.)

• "How would you approach designing a user interface for data discovery and access control within a large, multi-tenant data lakehouse like the NIH's?" (Highlight your understanding of user needs, data governance, and security.)

• "Walk us through a project from your portfolio where you significantly improved a user's experience with a complex system. What were the key design and development decisions?" (Be prepared to share screen and discuss your work in detail.)

• "How do you ensure accessibility and Section 508 compliance in your front-end development and design work?" (Provide specific examples and tools you use.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for GDIT and specifically supporting the NIH Data Lakehouse?" (Research GDIT's mission and its work with federal health agencies.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism on your designs or code, especially from team members with different technical backgrounds?" (Emphasize your collaborative and open-minded approach.)

• "Describe your experience working in a remote team environment and how you maintain productivity and collaboration." (Highlight your self-management and communication skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, use a clear narrative: Problem -> Your Role -> Process (Research, Design, Development) -> Solution -> Impact/Outcome -> Learnings.

• Visuals: Use high-fidelity mockups, interactive prototypes, and clear diagrams. If possible, show brief video demos of functionality.

• Technical Depth: Be ready to discuss the specific technologies used (React, Next.js, TypeScript, GraphQL), architectural patterns, and any custom component development.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your work (e.g., improved task completion time, increased user satisfaction scores, reduced error rates).

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that showcase your ability to handle complex data, design for scientific/research users, and adhere to compliance standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, assessing both creative design thinking and solid engineering skills. Candidates should prepare to articulate their thought process and demonstrate practical application of their expertise, particularly in the context of government-related data projects.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Developer position:

• Submit your application through the GDIT careers portal using the provided link.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your most relevant projects that highlight your hybrid UX/front-end development skills, with a focus on data platforms, complex workflows, and accessibility. Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., personal website, dedicated platform) and professionally presented.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience with React, Next.js, TypeScript, GraphQL, user research, and Section 508 compliance. Use keywords from the job description and quantify your achievements with specific metrics where possible.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice walking through your portfolio projects, clearly articulating the problem, your solution, and the impact. Be ready to discuss your design process and technical implementation details.

• Research GDIT and NIH: Understand GDIT's mission, its work in the federal health sector, and the importance of the NIH Data Lakehouse. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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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