SOFTWARE ENGINEER – UX/UI - 7+ yrs of Experience - TS/SCI w/Poly clearance is required- RC

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Software Engineer – UX/UI (TS/SCI w/Poly Required)

Company: Halogen Engineering Group, Inc

Location: Columbia, Maryland, USA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Software Engineering / UX/UI Development

Date Posted: May 12, 2026

Experience Level: 7+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on the development, maintenance, and enhancement of complex software systems, demanding a strong background in both frontend (UX/UI) and backend development.

• The position requires significant experience in designing and implementing software solutions that meet stringent performance and functional standards, often involving complex data manipulation and real-time processing.

• Successful candidates will contribute to the full software development lifecycle, from requirements analysis and design to coding, testing, and integration, with an emphasis on modern technology stacks.

• A critical requirement for this role is an active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance with a Polygraph, ensuring eligibility for sensitive government projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a Software Engineer with a dual focus on User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design and implementation, combined with backend development capabilities. The stringent security clearance requirement (TS/SCI w/Poly) strongly indicates a position within the government contracting or defense sector, likely involving classified or highly sensitive data systems. The emphasis on complex systems suggests a need for robust problem-solving and advanced technical skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and enhance complex and diverse software systems, including processing-intensive analytics, novel algorithm development, manipulation of extremely large datasets, real-time systems, and business management information systems, based upon documented requirements.

• Analyze user requirements to derive software design and performance requirements, translating business needs into technical specifications.

• Design and code new software features or modify existing software to add new functionalities, ensuring seamless integration into new or modified systems and operating environments.

• Debug existing software, identify and correct defects, and provide recommendations for improving documentation and software development process standards.

• Serve as a technical lead or team lead, guiding development efforts and ensuring adherence to project constraints and best practices within an Agile development framework.

• Design and implement complex database or data repository interfaces and queries, as well as develop and implement algorithms to meet or exceed system performance and functional standards.

• Collaborate with system engineers and hardware engineers to derive software requirements, understand project limitations, and define performance requirements and interfaces.

• Oversee one or more software development teams, ensuring the timely and quality completion of work according to the established software development process.

• Coordinate software system installation and monitor equipment functioning to ensure operational specifications are met, and troubleshoot issues as they arise.

• Develop simple to complex data queries for existing or proposed databases or data repositories, ensuring data integrity and accessibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of individual contribution and leadership. The emphasis on "complex and diverse software systems" and "processing-intensive analytics" points towards roles involving significant data processing, potentially in intelligence analysis or high-performance computing environments, common in government contracting. The mention of "novel algorithm development" and "manipulation of extremely large data sets" suggests work with cutting-edge technology and big data challenges.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience as a Software Engineer (SWE) in programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity.

Required Skills:

• Proven UI/UX architecture and frontend development background with expertise in modern web technologies.

• Demonstrated experience in writing backend web API services.

• Proficiency in JavaScript, HTML, and CSS.

• Experience with modern database technologies such as MongoDB and Elasticsearch.

• Proficiency in software configuration management tools, including Git, Trac, or Subversion.

• Knowledge of service-oriented architecture (SOA) principles and practices.

• Experience working within Agile development environments (Scrum, Kanban).

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with React and/or C++.

• Experience with JavaScript 3D libraries such as Three.js.

• Expertise in containerization technologies like Docker/Podman.

• Experience with build automation tools such as Gradle.

• Familiarity with the Spring Boot Framework.

• Knowledge of Kubernetes for container orchestration.

• Experience with cloud deployment environments, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS).

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a full-stack capability, with a strong nod towards modern JavaScript frameworks (React) and significant backend experience using technologies like Spring Boot and NoSQL databases. The inclusion of 3D JavaScript libraries and containerization/orchestration tools (Docker, Kubernetes) suggests the role might involve advanced visualization, complex system deployment, or microservices architecture. The security clearance is paramount and non-negotiable.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate experience in designing and developing user-centric interfaces (UI/UX) with a focus on usability, accessibility, and performance.

• Showcase examples of backend API development, including RESTful services, data modeling, and efficient data retrieval mechanisms.

• Provide case studies or project examples illustrating the integration of frontend and backend components into cohesive, functional systems.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have analyzed user requirements and translated them into detailed software design specifications.

• Documentation or descriptions of your approach to debugging complex software issues and implementing robust solutions.

• Instances where you have contributed to or led the improvement of software development processes, standards, or documentation.

• Portfolios should highlight contributions to system performance optimization and algorithm development, quantifying improvements where possible.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role with this level of experience and security clearance, a portfolio should not just list projects but demonstrate a deep understanding of the software development lifecycle, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to articulate technical decisions. For UX/UI, showcase wireframes, mockups, prototypes, and user flow diagrams alongside the implemented code. For backend, provide examples of API design, database schema, and performance tuning efforts. Quantifiable results (e.g., performance improvements, defect reduction rates) are highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The projected annual compensation for this position is between $186,000 and $192,000 USD.

Benefits:

• Medical Insurance: Three plans available through CareFirst: two Platinum PPO Plans ($0 Deductible) and one HSA Plan ($1500 deductible). Halogen pays 100% of Medical Premium Costs up to $25,000 annually. Includes CareFirst Wellness Rewards Program.

• Dental Insurance: Provided through Guardian, with Halogen covering 50% of plan costs.

• Vision Plan: Provided through Guardian, with Halogen covering 100% of plan costs.

• 401K Retirement Plan: Company contributes 10% of salary, automatically vested and paid in each pay period.

• Life Insurance, AD&D, Short and Long Term Disability Coverage: Comprehensive coverage provided.

• Paid Time Off: 20 Paid Time Off Days annually.

• Holidays: 6 Federal Holidays and 5 Floating Holidays.

• Bonuses: Performance and billable hour-based bonuses may be awarded.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, with a "Day" shift schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a senior-level software engineer with specialized skills and a high-level security clearance in the Maryland area. The company's contribution to medical premiums (up to $25,000) and the 10% 401K contribution are significant benefits. The "Performance and billable hours" bonus structure is common in government contracting, indicating that project success and client satisfaction are key performance indicators.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government Contracting / Technology Services. Halogen Engineering Group likely operates within the defense, intelligence, or broader public sector, providing specialized software engineering and technical solutions.

Company Size: Specific size not provided, but the presence of multiple benefits plans and a structured 401K contribution suggests a company of moderate to large size, capable of supporting a significant workforce.

Founded: Founded data not provided.

Team Structure:

• The role implies integration into a software development team, likely composed of other software engineers, UX/UI designers, system architects, and potentially project managers.

• Given the "Serve as team lead" responsibility, there may be opportunities for mentorship and formal leadership within project teams.

Methodology:

• The company explicitly mentions working in Agile development environments, indicating a preference for iterative development, frequent feedback loops, and adaptable project management.

• Emphasis on "complex and diverse software systems" suggests a methodical approach to problem-solving, likely involving detailed requirements analysis, robust design patterns, and rigorous testing protocols.

• The need for specific software components implies a focus on modular design and potentially the reuse of existing code or components where feasible.

Company Website: Halogeneng.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Operating in the government contracting space means the company culture likely emphasizes professionalism, adherence to security protocols, and a strong commitment to mission objectives. Teamwork and collaboration are crucial, especially when dealing with complex, multi-faceted projects requiring diverse skill sets. The company's ability to offer comprehensive benefits and a substantial 401K match indicates a commitment to employee well-being and long-term retention.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is a Senior Software Engineer role, requiring significant technical expertise (7+ years) and leadership potential. It sits at the higher end of individual contributor roles, with clear pathways into technical leadership or management.

Reporting Structure: The candidate will likely report to a Software Engineering Manager, a Project Lead, or a Program Manager, depending on the specific project structure. They may also have direct reports or lead a small team.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is substantial, directly contributing to the functionality, performance, and user experience of critical software systems. Success in this role can influence project outcomes, client satisfaction, and the company's ability to secure future contracts, particularly in sensitive government sectors.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like advanced UI/UX frameworks, performance optimization, cloud-native architectures (Kubernetes, AWS), or complex algorithm design.

• Leadership Development: Transition into a formal team lead or technical lead role, mentoring junior engineers and taking on greater project management responsibilities.

• Domain Expertise: Gain in-depth knowledge of specific government sectors (e.g., intelligence, defense) and their unique technological and security requirements, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Cross-Functional Roles: Potential to move into related fields such as systems architecture, DevOps engineering, or specialized security engineering roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a candidate with a TS/SCI w/Poly clearance, career growth is often tied to the ability to obtain further clearances or work on increasingly complex and classified projects. The company's commitment to development can be inferred from its benefits package and the nature of the work, which inherently demands continuous learning. The "team lead" aspect is a clear indicator of potential upward mobility within the technical track.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site in Columbia, Maryland. This suggests a traditional office setting with dedicated workspaces.

Office Location(s): Columbia, Maryland. This location is within a significant hub for government contracting and technology firms in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Workspace Context:

• Expect a professional, secure office environment conducive to focused work, especially given the security clearance requirements.

• Access to necessary development tools, hardware, and potentially specialized software required for government projects will be provided.

• Opportunities for collaboration with colleagues in person, fostering team cohesion and knowledge sharing, are inherent in an on-site setting.

Work Schedule: The role specifies a "Day" shift, implying standard business hours. While Agile methodologies promote flexibility, the on-site nature and security requirements likely mean adherence to a structured schedule is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is critical, especially for roles demanding high-level security clearances. This ensures adherence to strict physical and network security protocols. The Columbia, Maryland location places the candidate in proximity to major government agencies and defense contractors, offering a stable and in-demand job market.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to verify basic qualifications, including experience level and security clearance status.

• Technical Interview(s): One or more rounds focusing on software engineering principles, coding challenges (potentially live coding), system design questions, and in-depth discussion of past projects and technical skills. Expect questions tailored to UX/UI design principles and backend API development.

• Behavioral Interview: Assessment of soft skills, teamwork, problem-solving approach, and cultural fit. Questions may focus on how you handle challenges, collaborate with others, and contribute to team success.

• Security Clearance Verification: Formal process to confirm the validity and status of your TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a hiring manager or senior leadership to discuss the role's strategic importance and final alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your UI/UX and backend API development skills, aligning with the job description's requirements (e.g., complex systems, modern tech stack).

• Structure for Clarity: For each project, clearly outline the problem statement, your role and contributions, the technologies used, the challenges faced, and the solutions implemented. Use visuals (screenshots, diagrams) generously for UI/UX projects.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, include metrics demonstrating the success of your work (e.g., improved user engagement, reduced load times, increased API efficiency, successful integration).

• Code Samples: Be prepared to share relevant code snippets (if permissible and non-proprietary) or discuss your coding style, architectural patterns, and debugging approaches.

• Security Awareness: Be mindful of any proprietary or classified information. Prepare to discuss your experience in secure environments without revealing sensitive details.

Challenge Preparation:

• Coding Challenges: Practice common data structures and algorithm problems, focusing on efficiency and clean code. Be ready for problems related to web development (e.g., DOM manipulation, API calls).

• System Design: Prepare to discuss how you would design a scalable, secure, and performant web application or API, considering aspects like database choice, caching, load balancing, and security measures.

• UX/UI Design Scenarios: Be ready to critique a given interface, suggest improvements, or sketch out a user flow for a hypothetical feature.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the security clearance requirement, expect a thorough vetting process. The interview process will heavily scrutinize technical proficiency and the ability to work within a secure, potentially classified, government environment. Highlighting experience with government or defense projects, even if abstractly, will be beneficial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Frontend Frameworks/Libraries: React (preferred), HTML, CSS, JavaScript.

• 3D JavaScript Libraries: Three.js (preferred).

• Backend Technologies: Web API services, Spring Boot Framework (preferred), C++ (familiarity).

• Databases: MongoDB, Elasticsearch.

• Containerization & Orchestration: Docker, Podman, Kubernetes.

• Build & Automation: Gradle.

• Cloud Platforms: AWS (experience preferred).

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Software Configuration Management:

• Proficiency in tools such as GIT, Trac, or Subversion is required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is modern and comprehensive, covering frontend, backend, databases, containerization, and cloud deployment. A candidate strong in React, Spring Boot, Docker, Kubernetes, and cloud platforms will be highly competitive. Experience with Three.js is a specific plus, suggesting potential for advanced visualization or simulation applications.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Security First: Paramount importance placed on adherence to security protocols, data protection, and clearance maintenance.

• Mission Focus: Strong dedication to achieving project objectives and supporting the client's mission, often within government or defense contexts.

• Technical Excellence: Commitment to high-quality code, robust design, and continuous improvement in software engineering practices.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working effectively within teams, sharing knowledge, and supporting colleagues to achieve common goals.

• Adaptability & Problem-Solving: A culture that values creative solutions to complex technical challenges and the ability to adapt to evolving requirements.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a structured approach to collaboration, particularly within Agile frameworks, involving regular stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospectives.

• Close interaction with system engineers and potentially end-users to ensure software meets requirements and performs optimally.

• A culture that encourages constructive feedback and continuous learning from team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's position as a government contractor dictates a culture that is likely highly professional, disciplined, and security-conscious. Teamwork is essential for tackling complex projects, and a proactive, problem-solving attitude is highly valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Security Clearance Management: Maintaining an active TS/SCI with Polygraph requires ongoing vigilance and adherence to strict regulations.

• Complex System Integration: Integrating diverse software components and ensuring seamless operation within large, complex systems can be technically demanding.

• Evolving Technology Landscape: Staying current with rapidly advancing technologies (e.g., AI, cloud-native, advanced frontend frameworks) while working on long-term government projects.

• Balancing Innovation and Security: Implementing new technologies and features while adhering to stringent security protocols and potential legacy system constraints.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Training: Opportunities to pursue certifications or advanced training in specialized areas like cloud computing (AWS, Azure), container orchestration (Kubernetes), or specific programming languages/frameworks.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential for mentorship from senior engineers and architects, fostering technical and career growth.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of government contracts can provide exposure to different domains, technologies, and problem sets.

• Leadership Pathways: Clear paths for advancement into technical lead or management roles for high-performing individuals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior roles in secure environments, emphasizing continuous learning and adaptation. The growth opportunities are significant, especially for those seeking to deepen their technical expertise or move into leadership within the government contracting sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Technical Deep Dive: Be prepared to discuss your experience with React, Spring Boot, Docker, Kubernetes, and databases like MongoDB and Elasticsearch in detail. Be ready to explain design choices, trade-offs, and problem-solving approaches.

• System Design: Practice designing a scalable, secure web application or API. Consider aspects like user authentication, data storage, API endpoints, and deployment strategies.

• UX/UI Principles: Be ready to discuss your approach to user-centered design, accessibility, and creating intuitive interfaces. You might be asked to critique an existing design or propose solutions for user experience challenges.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare examples of how you've debugged complex issues, optimized system performance, or implemented novel algorithms. Quantify your impact whenever possible.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Security Mindset: Emphasize your understanding of and commitment to security protocols. Discuss any experience you have working in secure environments or with classified data (without revealing specifics).

• Agile Experience: Be ready to discuss your experience in Agile teams, your role in sprints, and how you contribute to continuous improvement.

• Teamwork and Collaboration: Prepare examples of how you've collaborated effectively with diverse teams, including engineers, stakeholders, and potentially clients.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your portfolio presentation around a compelling story for each project, highlighting the "why," "what," and "how."

• Technical Articulation: Clearly explain the technical challenges and your solutions, using appropriate terminology but ensuring clarity for a potentially mixed technical audience.

• Visual Aids: Use diagrams, screenshots, and code snippets (if appropriate) to illustrate your points effectively. For UI/UX, live demos or interactive prototypes are ideal.

• Focus on Impact: Conclude each project discussion by summarizing the outcomes and the value delivered.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will likely have a strong technical focus, with significant weight given to your ability to handle complex systems and maintain security. Your portfolio presentation should be crisp, clear, and demonstrate a deep understanding of both frontend and backend development principles, as well as your ability to work within a secure, government-contracting environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Halogeneng.zohorecruit.com.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 7+ years of software engineering experience, specific skills in UI/UX architecture, frontend/backend development, and proficiency with the listed technologies (React, Spring Boot, Docker, Kubernetes, etc.). Ensure your TS/SCI w/Poly clearance status and date are clearly stated.

• Portfolio Preparation: Compile a digital portfolio showcasing 3-5 of your most relevant projects. Focus on demonstrating your ability to develop complex systems, your UI/UX design skills, and your backend API development expertise. Be ready to discuss your contributions, the technologies used, and the outcomes achieved, especially in secure environments.

• Security Clearance Confirmation: Be prepared to provide details regarding your TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance during the application or initial screening process. This is a mandatory requirement.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Halogen Engineering Group, Inc. and its role in the government contracting sector. Understand their mission and typical project types to better align your experience and articulate your interest 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.