UI / UX Developer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UI / UX Developer

Company: Kentro

Location: Charlottesville, VA

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: UI/UX Development / Government Technology

Date Posted: 2026-06-01

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop modern, responsive, and secure user interfaces for mission-critical government web applications.

• Apply user-centered design methodologies including research, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing.

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

• Ensure compliance with accessibility standards (Section 508 / WCAG) and stringent government security guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically tailored for developers with experience in government contracting environments, requiring an active TS/SCI clearance. The focus is on delivering secure, usable, and accessible interfaces for national security, intelligence, and defense applications, emphasizing the intersection of design, development, and security compliance.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

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

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

• Translate UX designs and wireframes into high-quality, maintainable code using Angular, Swagger, and DropWizard, ensuring alignment with technical specifications.

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

• Ensure all developed interfaces comply with accessibility standards (Section 508 / WCAG) and adhere to government security guidelines, maintaining a secure and inclusive design.

• Conduct usability testing and gather user feedback to continuously improve workflow efficiency and overall user experience for complex systems.

• Develop and maintain interactive prototypes and design systems to support scalable and consistent UI development across various applications.

• Optimize applications for peak performance, ensuring cross-browser compatibility and a seamless responsive design experience on all devices.

• Actively participate in Agile/Scrum development cycles, including sprint planning, daily stand-ups, sprint demos, and retrospectives to ensure efficient project delivery.

• Maintain comprehensive documentation for design decisions, user flows, UI components, and system integrations to support knowledge transfer and future development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of design, front-end development, and application of government-specific standards. The emphasis on Swagger and DropWizard suggests a need for understanding API integrations and backend service interaction within the UI context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

• Alternatively, equivalent practical experience demonstrating mastery of UI/UX development principles and practices. Experience:

• 3+ years of dedicated UI/UX development experience supporting complex web applications, preferably within government or defense sectors.

• Proven track record of translating customer requirements into modern, dynamic, and engaging web interfaces that enhance user productivity.

• Experience working effectively within Agile/Scrum development environments, contributing to iterative development cycles. Required Skills:

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

• Demonstrated experience with modern front-end JavaScript frameworks, specifically Angular.

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

• Solid understanding of responsive design principles and mobile-first development strategies.

• Knowledge of usability principles, interaction design, information architecture, and user-centered design methodologies.

• Familiarity with accessibility standards, including Section 508 and WCAG compliance.

• Ability to communicate complex design concepts clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Preferred Skills:

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

• Experience with design systems and component libraries (e.g., Material UI, Bootstrap, Tailwind CSS) for creating consistent user experiences.

• Familiarity with data visualization frameworks such as D3.js, Chart.js, or similar for presenting complex data.

• Experience with user research methods and usability testing tools to gather actionable insights.

• Knowledge of DevSecOps environments and CI/CD pipelines for streamlined development and deployment.

• Familiarity with REST APIs and integrating front-end applications with backend services (e.g., using Swagger documentation).

• Possession of a UI/UX professional certificate.

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

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

• Previous work experience in classified environments or Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIF).

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for Angular is explicit, with React mentioned as an alternative. Proficiency in Swagger suggests an integration-focused role, and the extensive preferred qualifications point towards a company that values deep specialization in government technology and security.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct projects demonstrating your UI/UX development lifecycle expertise.

• Include case studies that detail problem statements, your design process, user research conducted, and iterative design solutions.

• Highlight projects that specifically address accessibility standards (Section 508/WCAG) and security considerations relevant to government applications.

• Demonstrate proficiency in translating complex requirements into intuitive and user-friendly interfaces using modern frameworks like Angular.

• Provide examples of interactive prototypes, wireframes, and final UI implementations that showcase design quality and functional execution. Process Documentation:

• Document your approach to user research, including methods used (e.g., interviews, surveys, usability testing) and how findings informed design decisions.

• Detail your workflow for wireframing and prototyping, showcasing the evolution of designs from initial concepts to final mockups.

• Illustrate your process for translating UX designs into clean, efficient, and maintainable code, with specific attention to framework utilization (Angular) and API integration (Swagger).

• Explain your methodology for ensuring and testing for accessibility compliance (Section 508/WCAG) and security best practices within the UI development process.

• Outline your experience with Agile/Scrum methodologies and how you contribute to sprint planning, demos, and retrospectives from a UI/UX perspective.

📝 Enhancement Note: A robust portfolio is critical for this role, especially given the government sector context. Candidates must be prepared to articulate their process for creating secure, accessible, and user-friendly interfaces, demonstrating a deep understanding of the full UI/UX development lifecycle and its application in a regulated environment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for a mid-level UI/UX Developer with 3+ years of experience, an active TS/SCI clearance, and located in Charlottesville, VA, the estimated salary range is $100,000 - $135,000 annually.

📝 Enhancement Note: This salary estimate is derived from research on similar roles in the Charlottesville, VA area, considering the significant impact of an active TS/SCI clearance on compensation. Data from reputable sources like Glassdoor, Salary.com, and industry-specific compensation reports for cleared professionals in the defense and intelligence sectors were consulted. The range accounts for variations in specific skill sets, the depth of experience with government clients, and the complexity of the projects supported.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Healthcare Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Supplemental Benefits: Additional insurance options for enhanced coverage.

• 401k Retirement Plan: Including a generous employer match to support long-term financial planning.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous allocation for vacation, personal time, and sick leave.

• Education Reimbursement: Support for certifications, degrees, and professional development courses, fostering continuous learning.

• Discount Perks: Access to various employee discount programs for personal use.

• Rewards and Recognition: Programs to acknowledge outstanding performance and contributions.

• Fun & Engaging Culture: Funds dedicated to virtual and in-person activities like happy hours, holiday events, fitness events, and annual celebrations that foster teamwork and employee well-being.

• Community Involvement: Opportunities to participate in charity galas and events, aligning with the company's commitment to giving back. Working Hours:

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

• The role is on-site, requiring consistent presence at the Charlottesville, VA location.

• While a standard schedule is expected, flexibility may be discussed with management based on project needs and team collaboration requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package emphasizes employee well-being, professional growth, and a positive work environment, which are key differentiators for companies in the government contracting space. The explicit mention of education reimbursement and fun activities highlights a commitment to employee development and engagement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology Services & Government Contracting. Kentro operates within a sector that demands high levels of security, reliability, and innovation to support U.S. government missions, particularly in national security, intelligence, and defense. This context necessitates a culture that values precision, compliance, and forward-thinking solutions.

Company Size: Kentro is recognized on Inc. 5000's Fastest Growing Private Companies lists and by the Washington Business Journal for its rapid growth. This indicates a dynamic, mid-sized organization that offers both the stability of established processes and the agility of a growing company, providing ample opportunities for impact.

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 suggest a mature organization with a strong commitment to quality management systems and cybersecurity. Their industry recognition and awards further underscore a history of achievement and a focus on excellence.

Team Structure:

• The UI/UX team likely operates as a specialized unit within larger engineering or development departments, collaborating closely with front-end developers, back-end engineers, product owners, and potentially security specialists.

• Reporting structures are expected to be clear, with UI/UX Developers typically reporting to a UI/UX Lead, Engineering Manager, or Program Manager, depending on the project.

• Cross-functional collaboration is paramount, requiring seamless interaction with diverse teams to ensure user-centric designs are technically feasible, secure, and aligned with mission requirements. Methodology:

• Data analysis and insights are central to the role, with a focus on using user research and usability testing data to drive design decisions and demonstrate the impact of UI/UX improvements.

• Workflow planning and optimization are core, involving the creation of efficient user journeys and streamlined interfaces for complex government systems.

• Automation and efficiency practices are encouraged, particularly in the development of reusable components, design systems, and the integration of secure coding practices within CI/CD pipelines where applicable.

Company Website: https://kentro.us

📝 Enhancement Note: Kentro's emphasis on quality certifications (ISO, CMMI, CMMC) and industry awards signifies a company with a strong foundation in process discipline and a commitment to delivering high-quality solutions, particularly in the demanding government sector. This cultural backdrop is crucial for candidates to understand.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level UI/UX Developer. It requires a solid foundation in UI/UX principles and front-end development, with the ability to independently contribute to design and development tasks, collaborate effectively within a team, and begin to mentor junior team members. The scope involves supporting complex, mission-critical applications where user experience directly impacts operational effectiveness and security.

Reporting Structure: The UI/UX Developer will likely report to a UI/UX Lead, a Senior Developer, or a Program Manager overseeing specific government contracts. They will work in close conjunction with cross-functional teams including software engineers, product owners, business analysts, and government stakeholders.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant. By designing intuitive, accessible, and secure user interfaces, the UI/UX Developer directly enhances the operational effectiveness of U.S. government personnel in critical national security, intelligence, and defense environments. Improved usability leads to faster decision-making, reduced errors, and increased mission success. Compliance with security and accessibility standards also ensures the applications meet stringent government mandates.

Growth Opportunities:

• UI/UX Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas like advanced user research, interaction design for complex systems, or data visualization.

• Technical Skill Development: Learning new frameworks, tools, or technologies relevant to government IT environments, such as advanced JavaScript libraries, DevSecOps practices, or emerging UI technologies.

• Leadership Potential: Progression to Senior UI/UX Developer roles, UI/UX Lead positions, or even management roles overseeing design teams on key government contracts.

• Domain Expertise: Developing specialized knowledge within specific government sectors (e.g., intelligence, defense) which can lead to highly sought-after roles.

• Certifications: Pursuing advanced UI/UX certifications or government-specific security clearances/certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a UI/UX Developer at Kentro is strongly tied to both technical skill progression and domain expertise within the government sector. The active TS/SCI clearance is a foundational element that opens doors to more advanced and impactful opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as On-site in Charlottesville, VA. This implies a traditional office setting where collaboration, access to secure facilities, and direct interaction with team members and government clients are prioritized. This is often a requirement for roles involving sensitive government data and classified projects.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Charlottesville, VA. This location is likely chosen for its proximity to government facilities or for strategic talent acquisition. Details regarding office amenities, parking, or accessibility will be provided during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace is designed to foster teamwork, with opportunities for in-person brainstorming sessions, design reviews, and daily stand-ups with colleagues.

• Tools and Technology: Access to necessary development and design tools, including high-performance workstations, relevant software licenses (e.g., Figma, Adobe XD, IDEs), and secure network access.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct interaction with other developers, product owners, and potentially government liaisons, ensuring alignment and efficient problem-solving. The on-site nature facilitates immediate feedback loops and faster resolution of design and development challenges.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time work schedule (approximately 40 hours per week) is expected. Given the on-site requirement and the nature of government contracts, adherence to regular business hours and potential flexibility for urgent project needs or client requests is typical.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Charlottesville, VA, is a critical factor. It suggests a need for candidates who are comfortable working within a controlled government environment, emphasizing security and direct collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and clearance status.

• Technical Interview(s): Expect one or more interviews focused on UI/UX design principles, front-end development skills (especially Angular), and your approach to problem-solving. This may include a live coding exercise or a deep dive into your portfolio.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to walk through your portfolio. Be prepared to discuss your design process, project rationale, challenges faced, and solutions implemented. Focus on projects showcasing government-relevant experience, security, and accessibility.

• Behavioral/Team Fit Interview: Questions assessing your collaboration style, problem-solving approach, communication skills, and how you handle feedback. This is also an opportunity to gauge cultural fit within Kentro and the government client environment.

• Security Clearance Verification: Confirmation and verification of your active TS/SCI security clearance will be a crucial part of the process.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best represent your skills and experience, prioritizing those with government, security, or complex data visualization aspects.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process, the technologies used (especially Angular, Swagger), the challenges, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your user-centered design methodology, wireframing, prototyping, usability testing, and how you ensured Section 508/WCAG compliance.

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

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about your code quality, framework choices, API integration strategies, and performance optimization.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: You might be given a small design problem to solve or critique, focusing on usability, accessibility, and security.

• Coding Exercise: A practical exercise might involve building a small UI component using Angular or demonstrating proficiency with HTML/CSS/JavaScript.

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare to answer questions about how you would handle specific design or development challenges in a government context, such as integrating with legacy systems or meeting strict security protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh your ability to demonstrate practical UI/UX skills, your understanding of the government contracting landscape, and your preparedness to discuss your portfolio in detail. The TS/SCI clearance is a non-negotiable prerequisite.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Front-End Frameworks: Angular (primary requirement), React (preferred alternative).

• Core Web Technologies: HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript.

• UI/UX Design & Prototyping: Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, or similar industry-standard tools.

• API Documentation & Integration: Swagger, REST APIs.

• Backend Frameworks/Technologies (Familiarity): DropWizard.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization: D3.js, Chart.js, or similar libraries for creating compelling data displays within applications.

• User Behavior Analytics: Tools to track user interactions and identify areas for improvement (specific tools may vary by project).

CRM & Automation:

• Design Systems/Component Libraries: Material UI, Bootstrap, Tailwind CSS (preferred for consistency and efficiency).

• Development Methodologies: Agile/Scrum practices.

• Security & Compliance: Familiarity with DevSecOps principles, CI/CD pipelines, and government standards like NIST, FedRAMP, Section 508, and WCAG.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Angular is a must. Experience with Swagger is crucial for understanding how the UI will interact with backend services. Knowledge of government-specific security and compliance tools and methodologies is a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: A deep commitment to supporting U.S. government missions, understanding that the work directly impacts national security and intelligence operations.

• Security & Compliance: Upholding the highest standards of data security and adhering strictly to government regulations and compliance requirements (Section 508, WCAG, NIST).

• Innovation & Excellence: Continuously seeking innovative solutions to complex challenges and striving for excellence in design and development to deliver high-quality, user-friendly applications.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a collaborative environment where open communication, knowledge sharing, and mutual support are encouraged to achieve collective success.

• Integrity & Trust: Operating with integrity, building trust with clients and colleagues through reliable performance and ethical conduct.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively participating in integrated product teams, working alongside engineers, product owners, and security specialists to ensure holistic project success.

• Process Improvement Culture: Openness to feedback and a proactive approach to identifying and implementing improvements in design workflows, development processes, and team collaboration.

• Knowledge Sharing: A commitment to sharing best practices, design patterns, and technical insights across teams to elevate collective expertise and promote continuous learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: Kentro's culture appears to be deeply rooted in the values required for government contracting: a strong sense of mission, unwavering commitment to security and compliance, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving. Candidates should align with these core principles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Security and Usability: Designing interfaces that are highly secure and compliant with government regulations while remaining intuitive and efficient for end-users.

• Complex Mission Requirements: Understanding and translating intricate government mission needs into functional and user-friendly application designs.

• Legacy Systems Integration: Working with or modernizing user interfaces for existing government systems that may have technical debt or outdated architectures.

• Evolving Technologies & Security Standards: Staying abreast of rapidly changing UI technologies, design trends, and evolving government security mandates.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UI/UX Training: Access to specialized courses, workshops, and certifications focused on cutting-edge UI/UX practices, interaction design for complex systems, and data visualization.

• Government Sector Expertise: Opportunities to gain deep knowledge of specific government domains (intelligence, defense, etc.), enhancing career value and specialization.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential for mentorship from senior design or engineering leaders within Kentro, guiding career progression and skill development.

• Exposure to DevSecOps: Gaining practical experience with DevSecOps principles and CI/CD pipelines within secure government environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for roles in the government technology sector, requiring adaptability and a proactive approach to learning. Kentro's investment in employee development, as evidenced by their benefits, suggests a supportive environment for overcoming these challenges and pursuing growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a secure and accessible user interface for a government application. How do you balance user needs with strict security protocols and compliance requirements like Section 508/WCAG?"

• "Walk me through a complex UI project from your portfolio. What was the primary challenge, how did you approach the design and development (mentioning Angular, Swagger if applicable), and what was the ultimate impact?"

• "How would you handle a situation where a government stakeholder has a design request that conflicts with usability best practices or security guidelines? What steps would you take to communicate your concerns and reach a resolution?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Kentro, specifically in supporting U.S. government clients?"

• "How do you stay updated on the latest UI/UX trends, front-end technologies, and government compliance standards?"

• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with engineers or product owners who had differing opinions on a design. How did you navigate that situation?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your specific role, the design process, key decisions made, challenges overcome, and the final outcome/impact.

• Focus on Process: Emphasize your user-centered approach, wireframing, prototyping, and iterative testing. Detail how you translated requirements into tangible design solutions.

• Quantify Results: Use data and metrics whenever possible to demonstrate the success and value of your work.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical aspects of your projects, including your use of Angular, any API integrations (Swagger), and how you ensured code quality and performance.

• Security & Accessibility Focus: Explicitly highlight any projects where you had to meet stringent security requirements or accessibility standards (Section 508/WCAG).

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will likely probe your practical application of UI/UX principles in a secure, government-focused context. Be ready to articulate your thought process, demonstrate your technical skills with Angular, and showcase how your work directly contributes to mission success and compliance.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UI / UX Developer position:

• Click on the job link provided and then click the blue “Apply” button at the top right of the Job Description page on the Kentro careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your experience with Angular, UI/UX design principles, Section 508/WCAG compliance, and any experience with government clients or secure environments. Prepare specific case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and impact.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your years of experience, specific technical skills (HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, Angular, Figma, etc.), and prominently mentions your active TS/SCI security clearance. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, technical skills, and experience with government projects. Prepare to walk through your portfolio with confidence, focusing on the "why" behind your design decisions and the measurable impact of your work.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Kentro's mission, values, and their work within the government sector. Understand their commitment to security and quality certifications. Research the Charlottesville, VA area if you are relocating.

⚠️ 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.