UX Software Engineer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Software Engineer Company: Charles River Analytics, a GRVTY company Location: Cambridge, MA Job Type: Full-Time Category: Software Engineering / UX Development Date Posted: 2026-05-08 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years preferred, Senior considered) Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days/week in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and implement responsive, user-facing applications leveraging modern JavaScript frameworks and potentially other technologies like Unity.
• Design and integrate scalable back-end services to support complex business logic and application functionality.
• Actively participate in Agile/Scrum methodologies, contributing to all phases of the software development lifecycle from requirements to deployment.
• Collaborate closely with senior engineers and Principal Investigators to understand requirements, refine technical specifications, and ensure high-quality software delivery.
• Document technical implementations and API specifications to facilitate knowledge sharing and maintain clear communication across teams and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a UX Software Engineer, emphasizing the creation of user-facing applications. The inclusion of "scalable back-end services" requirement indicates a full-stack development expectation, where the engineer will not only focus on the frontend user experience but also the underlying server-side logic and data management. The emphasis on "hands-on experience developing responsive user-facing applications with JavaScript and potentially other frameworks" alongside "experience developing and integrating with a back-end is required" clearly defines a full-stack responsibility with a strong frontend UX focus.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain responsive and intuitive user interfaces using JavaScript, React, and other relevant front-end technologies.
• Build and integrate robust back-end services using NodeJS, Python, C#, or Java Spring to support application features and data processing.
• Implement features, fix bugs, and conduct thorough code reviews to ensure the quality, performance, and scalability of user-facing applications.
• Collaborate effectively within an Agile/Scrum team environment, participating actively in daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospectives.
• Translate technical requirements and wireframes provided by Principal Investigators and senior engineers into actionable development tasks within GitLab.
• Document technical designs, API specifications, and implementation details using tools like Docusaurus and Markdown for comprehensive knowledge management.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of development processes, workflows, and tooling within the engineering team.
• Gain exposure to and contribute to projects involving XR hardware and web mapping APIs, depending on project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are fleshed out to reflect the full-stack nature of the role and the specific technologies mentioned. The emphasis is on active contribution to the entire software development lifecycle, underscoring the expectation for a candidate who can own features from conception to deployment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of professional software development experience, with a strong emphasis on the full software development lifecycle.
• 5+ years of demonstrated professional experience is preferred, with a strong consideration for senior-level engineering candidates.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in modern JavaScript (ES6+), including experience with frameworks like React.
• Experience developing and integrating scalable back-end services using NodeJS, Python, C#, or Java Spring.
• Solid understanding of API design principles (REST, GraphQL) and experience consuming or developing APIs.
• Familiarity with cloud and virtualization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes.
• Experience with version control systems, particularly GitLab.
• Exposure to Agile/Scrum development methodologies and practices.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with web mapping APIs such as Cesium, GeoJson, or Leaflet.
• Familiarity with XR hardware (Oculus Quest, Hololens, HTC Vive) and associated development frameworks (Unity/C#, Unreal).
• Experience with various database technologies including Neo4j, Postgres, MongoDB, ElasticSearch, Redis, or MySQL.
• Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and development workflow tools (Webpack, npm, yarn, gradle).
• Experience with documentation tools like Docusaurus, Sphinx, or JS Doc.
• Familiarity with testing frameworks such as Jest, Mocha, Protractor, or NUnit.

📝 Enhancement Note: The skills are categorized into required and preferred to provide clarity for applicants. The list of technologies has been expanded to encompass the breadth of the company's stack, highlighting areas of particular interest for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate successful completion of user-facing application projects, showcasing responsive design and intuitive UX.
• Provide examples of back-end service development and integration, highlighting scalability and performance.
• Showcase contributions to projects within an Agile/Scrum framework, explaining your role and impact.
• Include documentation samples (API specifications, technical designs) demonstrating clarity and comprehensiveness.
• Present projects that highlight problem-solving skills and effective application of chosen technologies.

Process Documentation:

• Detail your experience in managing requirements, from understanding initial needs to tracking them in tools like GitLab.
• Illustrate your understanding of the full software development lifecycle, from development through testing and deployment.
• Explain your approach to code reviews, merge requests, and the overall quality assurance process.
• Provide examples of how you contribute to process improvement initiatives within development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a software engineering role, a portfolio is crucial. This section emphasizes practical application of skills, focusing on demonstrable projects that align with the job description's requirements for both front-end and back-end development within an Agile context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $100,000 - $180,000 USD per year.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $100,000 - $180,000 USD is considered competitive for a mid-level to senior UX Software Engineer in the Cambridge, MA area, reflecting the high cost of living and the demand for skilled tech talent in the region. This range accounts for the specified experience levels (2+ years to senior).

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Life and disability insurance policies.
• Generous paid maternity and paternity leave.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education and professional development.
• Monthly gym allowance to support employee wellness.
• Complimentary on-site parking.
• Ample paid time off (PTO) for work-life balance.
• Substantial retirement contribution plans.
• Performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Employee ownership as part of a GRVTY company.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours, with an expectation of flexibility to support project deadlines and Agile sprint commitments. A hybrid work arrangement requires 3 days per week in the Cambridge, MA office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is extensive, highlighting Charles River Analytics' commitment to employee well-being and professional growth, which is a significant draw for talent in competitive tech markets. The inclusion of employee ownership is a unique and valuable perk.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology Research & Development, AI, Robotics, Smart Sensing, Human-Centered Computing, Government Programs, Commercial Marketplace Innovation. Company Size: Charles River Analytics is part of GRVTY, a larger organization, indicating a blend of a specialized R&D environment with the resources of a more substantial entity. This provides opportunities for both focused innovation and broader impact. Founded: Charles River Analytics became an employee-owned company in 2012, and joined forces with GRVTY in 2026, signifying a history of innovation and strategic growth.

Team Structure:

• The UX Software Engineer will be part of a team of technological entrepreneurs focused on R&D.
• Collaboration is emphasized, with engineers working closely with Principal Investigators, senior engineers, and cross-functional team members.
• The team operates within an Agile/Scrum framework, promoting iterative development and continuous feedback.
• Mentorship from senior engineers is a key component of the team's structure, supporting career development.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Innovation: Emphasis on leveraging data and advanced technologies like AI to solve complex problems.
• Agile Development: Utilization of Agile/Scrum for iterative design, development, and deployment.
• User-Centric Design: Focus on creating responsive and intuitive user-facing applications.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Encouraging teamwork across disciplines to achieve mission-focused innovations.

Company Website: https://cra.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is portrayed as collaborative, innovative, and employee-focused, with a strong emphasis on advanced technology and problem-solving. The integration into GRVTY suggests expanded capabilities and resources.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level UX Software Engineer, with clear pathways for senior-level advancement. The responsibilities indicate a need for an individual who can contribute independently to production-quality applications while also benefiting from mentorship.

Reporting Structure: The engineer will report to a senior engineer or Principal Investigator who will define project requirements and provide mentorship. Collaboration will extend to cross-functional teams, including other engineers and potentially project leads.

Operations Impact: As a UX Software Engineer, the impact is directly tied to the usability, functionality, and success of user-facing applications. This role contributes to delivering cutting-edge solutions for government programs and commercial markets, directly influencing the company's innovative output and client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in JavaScript, React, back-end development, and explore emerging technologies like XR and advanced AI.
• Career Progression: Clear path for advancement from mid-level to senior engineer, with potential for technical leadership roles.
• Project Diversity: Exposure to a wide range of challenging R&D projects, allowing for continuous learning and application of skills across different domains.
• Mentorship and Learning: Direct mentorship from senior engineers and access to learning resources to foster professional growth.
• Employee Ownership: Opportunity to benefit from the company's success as an employee-owned entity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are framed around technical mastery, career progression, and the unique benefits of working in an R&D-focused, employee-owned company. The emphasis on mentorship is a key aspect for mid-level engineers.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, requiring 3 days per week in the Cambridge, MA office. The company promotes a casual environment.

Office Location(s): Cambridge, Massachusetts, accessible by public transportation.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment likely supports collaboration, with opportunities to interact with fellow engineers and project teams during on-site days.
• Technology Access: Employees will have access to the necessary development tools, software, and potentially specialized hardware for R&D projects.
• Team Interaction: The hybrid model is designed to balance focused individual work with essential team collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule: Full-time hours are expected, with flexibility to accommodate project needs and Agile sprint cycles. The hybrid model requires a structured on-site presence to facilitate teamwork and communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is detailed, specifying the required in-office days and underscoring the balance between independent work and team collaboration that is common in modern tech environments.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and application to assess qualifications against the job requirements, with a focus on relevant technical skills and experience.
• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions covering JavaScript, front-end frameworks (React), back-end technologies (NodeJS, Python), API design, and Agile methodologies. Expect coding challenges or problem-solving exercises.
• Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present and discuss their past projects, highlighting their contributions, technical decisions, and the impact of their work.
• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meetings with potential team members and hiring managers to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with the company's innovative and collaborative culture.
• Final Interview: Possibly with senior leadership to discuss career aspirations and overall fit within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Full-Stack Capabilities: Highlight projects demonstrating both strong front-end UX design and robust back-end implementation.
• Quantify Impact: Use metrics where possible to demonstrate the success of your applications (e.g., user engagement, performance improvements, bug reduction).
• Explain Technical Choices: Be prepared to articulate the rationale behind your technology selections, architectural decisions, and problem-solving approaches.
• Demonstrate Agile Contribution: Provide examples of how you’ve worked within Agile teams, contributed to sprint goals, and participated in process improvements.
• Document Clearly: Ensure any code samples or project documentation you share are clean, well-commented, and easy to understand.

Challenge Preparation:

• Coding Exercises: Practice coding problems focused on JavaScript, data structures, algorithms, and common front-end/back-end patterns.
• System Design: Be prepared to discuss how you would design scalable back-end services or complex user interfaces.
• Agile Scenario: Think about how you would handle common Agile scenarios, such as scope changes, requirement ambiguity, or team conflicts.
• Technology Deep Dive: Review the specific technologies listed in the job description, particularly React, NodeJS, Python, and API concepts.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides practical advice for candidates, emphasizing the importance of a portfolio that showcases full-stack capabilities and the ability to articulate technical decisions and impact. The interview process is detailed to help applicants prepare effectively.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Front-end Development: JavaScript, React, HTML5, CSS3.
• Back-end Development: NodeJS, Python, C#, Java Spring.
• API Technologies: HTTP, GraphQL, REST, Swagger, gRPC, WebSockets.
• Version Control & CI/CD: GitLab.
• Issue Tracking: GitLab, JIRA.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While specific tools aren't listed, expect to work with systems that track application performance, user engagement, and bug reporting. Experience with any common analytics platforms would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not explicitly mentioned, but familiarity with how front-end and back-end systems integrate with business logic and potentially CRM systems is valuable.

Development Workflow & Environment:

• Containerization & Orchestration: Docker, Kubernetes.
• Cloud Platforms: AWS (EC2).
• Virtualization: VM Ware.
• Build Tools: Webpack, grunt, gulp, npm, yarn, gradle.
• Operating Systems: Windows, Linux (RHEL, Ubuntu), OSX.

Specialized Technologies:

• Databases: Neo4j, Postgres, MongoDB, ElasticSearch, Redis, MySQL.
• Documentation: Docusaurus, Sphinx, JS Doc.
• Testing: Jasmine, Mocha, Jest, TapeJS, Protractor, NUnit, Storybook.
• Web Mapping: Cesium, GeoJson, Leaflet.
• XR Hardware: Oculus Quest, Hololens, HTC Vive, Steam VR HMDs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is comprehensive, reflecting the diverse R&D projects at Charles River Analytics. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate familiarity with a majority of these technologies, with a particular focus on JavaScript, React, and at least one back-end language.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A core value driving the company's mission to solve complex problems with cutting-edge technology.
• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork, knowledge sharing, and cross-functional interaction.
• Excellence: Commitment to delivering high-quality, production-ready software solutions.
• Problem-Solving: A culture that encourages tackling challenging technical issues with creative and effective solutions.
• Continuous Learning: Fostering an environment where employees are encouraged to develop new skills and stay abreast of technological advancements.
• Employee Ownership: A unique value that promotes a shared sense of responsibility and success among all team members.

Collaboration Style:

• Agile & Iterative: Collaborative efforts are structured around Agile sprints, with regular communication and feedback loops.
• Cross-Functional Synergy: Engineers are expected to work closely with researchers, Principal Investigators, and other team members to integrate user-facing applications with underlying research and development.
• Open Communication: An environment that encourages open discussion, code reviews, and knowledge sharing to collectively advance projects.
• Mentorship-Driven: Senior engineers actively guide and support junior team members, fostering a culture of learning and shared growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is characterized by a blend of cutting-edge R&D, collaborative teamwork, and a unique employee-ownership model, all contributing to a dynamic and growth-oriented environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Staying current with the fast-paced advancements in AI, robotics, and human-centered computing.
• Diverse Project Scope: Adapting to and contributing effectively across a wide range of R&D projects with varying technical requirements.
• Balancing Innovation with Production: Integrating novel research concepts into robust, production-quality user-facing applications.
• Hybrid Work Dynamics: Effectively collaborating and maintaining team cohesion within a hybrid work model.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technology Exposure: Opportunities to work with and learn about emerging technologies like XR, advanced AI, and complex sensor data processing.
• Full-Stack Mastery: Deepen expertise across the entire technology stack, from front-end UX to scalable back-end services and cloud infrastructure.
• Technical Leadership: Potential to grow into senior engineering roles, mentoring junior developers and leading technical aspects of projects.
• Industry Conferences & Training: Access to resources for continued professional development, staying current with industry best practices and innovations.
• Employee Ownership Benefits: Participating in the growth and success of an employee-owned company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for an innovative R&D environment, offering significant growth potential for engineers willing to embrace continuous learning and complex problem-solving.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex user-facing application you developed. What were the key UX challenges, and how did you address them?" (Focus on problem-solving, technical choices, and user impact.)
• "Walk me through your experience with Agile/Scrum. How have you contributed to sprint planning, code reviews, and process improvements?" (Highlight collaboration and methodology adherence.)
• "How would you approach designing a scalable back-end service for a new feature, given limited upfront requirements?" (Assess system design thinking, API knowledge, and adaptability.)
• "Tell me about a time you had to integrate a new technology or framework into a project. What was your process?" (Evaluate learning agility and technical integration skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Charles River Analytics and our work in AI/Robotics/XR?" (Demonstrate research into the company's mission and technology.)
• "How do you approach collaboration within a hybrid team environment?" (Align with the company's collaborative culture and hybrid work model.)
• "What does 'employee ownership' mean to you, and how might it influence your work?" (Show understanding of the company's unique structure.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio around key projects, clearly outlining the problem, your role, the technologies used, your specific contributions, and the outcomes/impact.
• Quantify: Use data and metrics wherever possible to illustrate the success and impact of your work (e.g., improved load times, increased user engagement, reduced bug rates).
• Explain Decisions: Be prepared to articulate the "why" behind your technical choices, architectural patterns, and problem-solving approaches.
• Showcase Full-Stack: Ensure your presentation highlights both front-end UX design and back-end implementation capabilities.
• Practice: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it's concise, engaging, and effectively communicates your skills and experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides targeted preparation advice, including example questions and strategies for presenting a portfolio, tailored to the specific requirements and culture of Charles River Analytics.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Software Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the official application link provided by Charles River Analytics.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience with JavaScript, React, back-end development (NodeJS, Python), Agile methodologies, and any exposure to XR or mapping technologies. Quantify achievements with metrics where possible.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your full-stack development skills, UX design capabilities, and experience within an Agile environment. Be ready to discuss your contributions, technical decisions, and project outcomes in detail.
• Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with Charles River Analytics' mission, GRVTY's role, and their work in AI, robotics, and human-centered computing. Understand their commitment to innovation and employee ownership.
• Practice Interview Questions: Review common software engineering interview questions, particularly those related to JavaScript, front-end/back-end development, API design, and Agile practices. Prepare to discuss your portfolio projects thoroughly.

⚠️ 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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