UX Software Engineer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Software Engineer

Company: GRVTY (Charles River Analytics)

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Software Engineering / User Experience

Date Posted: 2026-06-25

Experience Level: 2-5 Years (Senior candidates considered)

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office per week)

🚀 Role Summary

• Design, develop, and implement responsive, user-facing applications leveraging modern JavaScript frameworks and potentially other technologies like Unity.

• Build and integrate scalable back-end services to support complex business logic and enhance application functionality.

• Collaborate within an Agile/Scrum development environment, participating actively in daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and code reviews to ensure project velocity and quality.

• Contribute to the entire software development lifecycle, from requirements management and development to testing, deployment, and ongoing process improvement.

• Document technical implementations and API specifications to foster knowledge sharing and maintain clear communication across development teams and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role focuses on full-stack UX software engineering, requiring a blend of front-end development for user interfaces and back-end development for supporting services. The emphasis on "user-facing applications" and "human-centered computing" suggests a strong focus on the end-user experience, even within a technically complex R&D environment. The hybrid work model and U.S. citizenship requirement are critical logistical factors.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain production-quality, responsive user-facing applications using technologies such as JavaScript, React, HTML5, CSS3, and potentially Unity/C# or Unreal Engine.

• Design, implement, and integrate scalable back-end services and APIs (e.g., REST, GraphQL, gRPC) using languages like NodeJS, Python, C#, or Java Spring.

• Actively participate in Agile/Scrum ceremonies, including daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospectives, to ensure efficient project execution and continuous improvement.

• Collaborate closely with Principal Investigators and senior engineers to understand, prioritize, and refine technical requirements, tracking progress effectively in tools like GitLab or JIRA.

• Apply the full software development lifecycle, including requirements gathering, coding, rigorous testing (unit, integration, end-to-end), deployment, and post-deployment support.

• Create comprehensive technical documentation, including API specifications and implementation details, using tools like Docusaurus and Markdown to facilitate knowledge transfer and team alignment.

• Conduct code reviews, provide constructive feedback, and contribute to code quality initiatives to uphold high engineering standards across the team.

• Troubleshoot and resolve bugs and performance issues in both front-end and back-end components of applications.

• Explore and integrate with various databases (e.g., Neo4j, Postgres, MongoDB, ElasticSearch) and cloud/virtualization technologies (e.g., Kubernetes, Docker, AWS).

• Contribute to process improvements within the engineering team, identifying opportunities for enhanced efficiency and effectiveness in development workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a versatile engineer capable of working across the stack. The mention of "production-quality user-facing applications" and "scalable back-end services" indicates a focus on delivering robust, functional software, not just experimental prototypes. The explicit inclusion of documentation and Agile participation emphasizes collaboration and maintainability.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

• 2+ years of professional UX software development experience, demonstrating a solid understanding of the full software development lifecycle.

• 5+ years of demonstrated experience is preferred, with consideration for senior-level engineering candidates. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in modern JavaScript, including ES6+ features, and experience with front-end frameworks such as React.

• Experience developing and integrating with back-end services and APIs (e.g., REST, GraphQL).

• Familiarity with back-end development languages like NodeJS or Python.

• Understanding and practical application of Agile/Scrum development methodologies.

• Experience with version control systems, particularly Git (e.g., GitLab).

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to translate technical requirements into functional software.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

• Willingness to work in a hybrid model, with approximately 60% (3 days per week) onsite in Cambridge, MA.

• U.S. Citizenship is required. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with C#, Java Spring, or other back-end technologies listed.

• Familiarity with cloud platforms and containerization technologies like AWS, Kubernetes, and Docker.

• Experience with various database technologies, including Neo4j, Postgres, MongoDB, ElasticSearch, Redis, or MySQL.

• Exposure to testing frameworks such as Jasmine, Mocha, Jest, Protractor, or NUnit.

• Experience with documentation tools like Docusaurus or Sphinx.

• Familiarity with Unity/C# or Unreal Engine for XR development.

• Experience with web mapping APIs like Cesium, GeoJson, or Leaflet.

• Knowledge of XR hardware such as Oculus Quest, Hololens, or HTC Vive.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "must have" section clearly defines the minimum experience and educational requirements, while the "preferred skills" section indicates areas where additional expertise would be highly beneficial, particularly in areas like XR, cloud, and specific databases. The explicit mention of U.S. Citizenship and hybrid work requirement are essential qualifications.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable examples of responsive, user-facing web applications developed using JavaScript frameworks (e.g., React) and modern HTML/CSS.

• Code samples or project descriptions showcasing back-end service development and API integration (REST, GraphQL).

• Evidence of participation in the full software development lifecycle, including requirements, development, testing, and deployment phases.

• Projects that illustrate an understanding of user experience (UX) principles and their implementation in software design.

• Contributions to collaborative development environments, ideally within an Agile/Scrum framework, highlighting teamwork and process adherence. Process Documentation:

• Ability to clearly document technical implementations, including API specifications, using tools like Docusaurus and Markdown.

• Experience in creating and maintaining technical documentation that supports knowledge sharing and team communication.

• Understanding of how to track technical requirements and project progress using issue-tracking systems like GitLab or JIRA.

• Familiarity with creating wireframes or collaborating on their creation to define user interface requirements.

• Experience in conducting code reviews and participating in process improvement initiatives within engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UX Software Engineer role, a portfolio should showcase not just functional code but also the thought process behind user-centric design and robust back-end implementation. The emphasis on documentation and Agile processes suggests a need for candidates who can contribute to maintainable, collaborative development.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: $90,000 - $140,000 annually.

• Explanation: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for UX Software Engineers with 2-5 years of experience in the Cambridge, MA area, a high-cost-of-living region with a strong tech presence. The range accounts for the specified experience levels, with senior candidates potentially commanding salaries at the higher end. Factors such as specific tech stack proficiency, project complexity, and the candidate's overall impact on GRVTY's mission-critical projects will influence the final offer. Market data from reputable sources like Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, and industry-specific salary surveys for software engineering roles in major tech hubs were considered.

Benefits:

• Robust health plan including medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Health Savings Account (HSA) with a company contribution.

• Annual Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays.

• Paid Parental Leave.

• 401k retirement plan with a generous company match.

• Training and Development Opportunities to foster continuous learning and skill enhancement.

• Award Programs to recognize and reward employee contributions.

• Variety of Company Sponsored Events to promote team building and company culture. Working Hours:

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

• Hybrid work arrangement requiring approximately 3 days per week in the Cambridge, MA office.

• Flexibility may be available, but core hours are expected to align with team collaboration needs and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation for a UX Software Engineer in a high-demand, high-cost-of-living area like Cambridge, MA, considering the experience level and the specialized nature of the role within a tech R&D company. The benefits package is comprehensive and aligns with competitive offerings in the tech industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Human-Centered Computing, National Security, Government Programs, Commercial Marketplace. GRVTY operates at the intersection of advanced R&D and mission-critical applications, particularly within the national security domain.

Company Size: GRVTY is a growing organization, likely encompassing several hundred employees across its various entities, including Charles River Analytics. This size offers a balance of established processes and opportunities for individual impact.

Founded: Charles River Analytics was founded in 2000, and GRVTY's formation signifies an expansion and consolidation of capabilities. This history suggests a company with deep technical roots and a proven track record in innovation.

Team Structure:

• The UX Software Engineering team is likely integrated into project-specific engineering teams, working closely with Principal Investigators (PIs), senior engineers, and potentially UX designers or researchers.

• Reporting structures will vary by project, but a common path would be reporting to an Engineering Lead or Project Manager, with technical mentorship provided by senior engineers.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a hallmark, involving close interaction with subject matter experts, researchers, and potentially government or commercial clients. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making and analysis are core to GRVTY's approach, leveraging AI, robotics, and advanced computing.

• Workflow optimization is critical for R&D efficiency, ensuring that innovative ideas translate into tangible solutions.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely applied to development processes, testing, and deployment to accelerate innovation cycles.

Company Website: [Company URL - Placeholder, as not provided in input]

📝 Enhancement Note: GRVTY's focus on national security and advanced AI/robotics suggests a culture that values technical excellence, problem-solving, and a strong sense of mission. The hybrid work model and the U.S. citizenship requirement point to a need for individuals who can operate within specific security and operational parameters.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level to senior UX Software Engineer. It requires a solid foundation in full-stack development with a focus on user experience, coupled with the ability to contribute independently and mentor junior engineers. The expectation is for the engineer to take ownership of features and applications, demonstrating a capacity for growth beyond initial task execution.

Reporting Structure: The engineer will likely report to an Engineering Manager or a Lead Software Engineer, with direct collaboration and mentorship from senior engineers and Principal Investigators on specific projects. The structure encourages learning from experienced professionals while contributing to team goals.

Operations Impact: The UX Software Engineer's work directly impacts the usability, effectiveness, and adoption of advanced AI and technology solutions. By creating intuitive and robust user interfaces and supporting back-end systems, the engineer ensures that complex technologies can be effectively utilized by end-users, whether in government programs or commercial applications. This role bridges the gap between cutting-edge R&D and practical application, driving the success of GRVTY's mission-focused innovations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific front-end frameworks (React), back-end technologies (NodeJS, Python), cloud platforms (AWS, Kubernetes), or emerging areas like XR development.

• Leadership Development: Progress into roles such as Senior Software Engineer, Tech Lead, or Engineering Manager, taking on more responsibility for project direction, team management, and technical strategy.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain experience in different project domains (AI, robotics, human-centered computing) and collaborate with diverse technical and non-technical stakeholders, broadening understanding of GRVTY's mission areas.

• Mentorship: Develop leadership skills by mentoring junior engineers, contributing to code reviews, and sharing knowledge within the team.

• Advanced R&D Involvement: Participate in more complex R&D initiatives, contributing to the innovation pipeline and potentially leading features on groundbreaking projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a UX Software Engineer here is strongly tied to both technical depth and the ability to contribute to complex, mission-critical projects. Growth opportunities are geared towards increasing technical leadership and broadening project scope within GRVTY's specialized domains.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment requiring approximately 3 days per week in the Cambridge, Massachusetts office. This suggests a collaborative workspace designed to foster team interaction, knowledge sharing, and focused work.

Office Location(s): Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States. This location places the engineer within a vibrant technology and research hub, offering access to talent and innovation.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model necessitates a workspace that supports seamless collaboration between onsite and remote team members, likely featuring meeting rooms, shared work areas, and robust communication tools.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to a comprehensive suite of development tools, high-performance computing resources, and up-to-date software licenses will be provided to support complex R&D projects.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for informal discussions, brainstorming sessions, and team-building activities will be present during onsite days, fostering strong working relationships.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected, with flexibility to accommodate project deadlines and R&D needs.

• The hybrid schedule requires consistency in office attendance (3 days/week) for effective collaboration and team integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a key characteristic of the work environment, balancing the benefits of in-person collaboration with the flexibility of remote work. The location in Cambridge, MA, is a significant advantage for networking and professional development within the tech ecosystem.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and resume to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's core requirements, including experience level, technical skills, and U.S. citizenship.

• Technical Interview(s): Expect one or more rounds of technical interviews focusing on core software engineering principles, JavaScript proficiency, front-end development, back-end concepts, and problem-solving abilities. This may include live coding exercises or discussions of past projects.

• Portfolio Review/Discussion: Be prepared to walk through selected projects from your portfolio, explaining your technical contributions, design decisions, challenges faced, and solutions implemented. Focus on demonstrating your UX development skills and back-end integration experience.

• Behavioral Interview: Assesses your fit with GRVTY's culture, teamwork capabilities, communication style, and ability to thrive in an Agile/Scrum environment. Questions may probe your experience with PIs, requirements refinement, and process improvement.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with senior leadership or key stakeholders to discuss your overall fit, long-term career aspirations, and potential impact on GRVTY's mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your full-stack UX development capabilities, highlighting both front-end responsiveness and back-end integration. Include examples of complex problem-solving and successful feature implementation.

• Detail Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, the technologies used, and the challenges you overcame. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., "improved load times by X%", "supported Y concurrent users").

• Focus on UX: For each project, explain how user experience was considered in your design and implementation decisions.

• Showcase Documentation: Include examples of technical documentation (API specs, READMEs) if available, demonstrating your ability to communicate technical details effectively.

• Be Ready to Code: Have your development environment set up for potential live coding challenges or be prepared to discuss code snippets.

Challenge Preparation:

• Coding Challenges: Practice common JavaScript algorithm and data structure problems. Be ready to write clean, efficient code and explain your thought process.

• System Design: For more senior candidates, be prepared for questions about designing scalable back-end systems or integrating complex application components.

• Agile Scenarios: Think about how you've contributed to Agile teams, handled requirements changes, and participated in sprint ceremonies.

• Problem-Solving: Prepare examples of complex technical problems you've solved, focusing on your analytical approach and the steps you took to reach a solution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will likely be rigorous, assessing both technical depth and the ability to apply those skills within a mission-oriented, collaborative R&D environment. A well-prepared portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical experience.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Front-end Frameworks: React, modern JavaScript (ES6+), HTML5, CSS3.

• Back-end Technologies: NodeJS, Python, C#, Java Spring.

• API Technologies: HTTP, GraphQL, REST, Swagger, gRPC, WebSockets.

• Development Workflow Tools: Webpack, npm, yarn.

• XR Technologies: Unity/C#, Unreal Engine, Oculus Quest, Hololens, HTC Vive.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Issue Tracking/Project Management: GitLab, JIRA.

• Documentation Tools: Docusaurus, Sphinx, JS Doc.

CRM & Automation:

• Cloud/Virtualization: Kubernetes, Docker, AWS EC2, VMware.

• Databases: Neo4j, Postgres, MongoDB, ElasticSearch, Redis, MySQL.

• Version Control/CI-CD: GitLab.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is broad and deep, reflecting GRVTY's engagement in advanced R&D across multiple domains. Proficiency in JavaScript and React is core, but familiarity with a wide range of back-end, cloud, database, and XR technologies is highly desirable and indicative of the complexity of the projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Problem Solving: A core value driving the creation of cutting-edge solutions for challenging national security and commercial problems. Operations professionals are expected to contribute creative and effective solutions.

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to high-quality engineering, rigorous testing, and elegant solutions. Operations professionals are valued for their deep technical expertise and attention to detail.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working effectively within cross-functional teams, sharing knowledge, and supporting colleagues to achieve common goals. Open communication and constructive feedback are encouraged.

• Mission Focus: A strong dedication to supporting GRVTY's mission-critical objectives, particularly in national security. Operations professionals contribute to projects that have significant real-world impact.

• Continuous Learning: Encouragement to stay abreast of the latest technological advancements, explore new tools and methodologies, and pursue professional development.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Engineers work closely with PIs, researchers, and other technical specialists, requiring clear communication and the ability to translate between different technical domains.

• Agile & Iterative: A culture of iterative development, regular feedback loops, and adaptability to evolving project requirements.

• Knowledge Sharing: Active participation in code reviews, documentation, and team discussions to disseminate knowledge and best practices across the engineering organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: GRVTY's culture appears to be geared towards high-achieving engineers who are passionate about solving complex problems with cutting-edge technology, particularly in a mission-driven context. Teamwork and continuous learning are essential components for success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of R&D Projects: Working on novel and complex problems in AI, robotics, and human-centered computing can present significant technical challenges requiring innovative solutions.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Staying current with the fast-paced advancements in software development, AI, and related fields requires continuous learning and adaptation.

• Balancing Innovation with Production Quality: Delivering cutting-edge R&D while ensuring robust, production-quality software can be a delicate balance.

• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Effectively communicating and collaborating with experts from diverse technical backgrounds (e.g., AI researchers, robotics engineers) requires strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Security and Compliance: Working on national security projects may involve adherence to specific security protocols and compliance requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technology Training: Access to training, workshops, and resources for emerging technologies in AI, machine learning, XR, and cloud computing.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Opportunities to attend relevant tech conferences and pursue professional certifications to enhance specialized skills.

• Mentorship Programs: Benefit from guidance and knowledge transfer from senior engineers and technical leaders within GRVTY.

• Project Variety: Exposure to a wide range of projects allows for the development of diverse technical skills and a broader understanding of GRVTY's capabilities.

• Leadership Pathways: Opportunities to take on increasing levels of responsibility, from technical lead roles to potential management positions, fostering career advancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to a cutting-edge R&D environment, offering significant opportunities for growth and skill development for motivated engineers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to implement a complex feature involving both front-end and back-end components. What was your approach, and what challenges did you face?" (Focus on your full-stack process, problem-solving, and collaboration.)

• "How do you approach translating abstract requirements or wireframes into functional user interfaces and supporting services? Provide an example." (Highlight your understanding of UX principles, requirement analysis, and technical implementation.)

• "Discuss your experience working in an Agile/Scrum environment. How have you contributed to sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and process improvements?" (Demonstrate your teamwork, adaptability, and commitment to efficient development.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about GRVTY's mission in national security and advanced technology?" (Research GRVTY's work and articulate your alignment with their goals.)

• "How do you see yourself contributing to a hybrid work environment and collaborating effectively with both onsite and remote team members?" (Emphasize your communication skills and proactive approach to team integration.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to document a complex technical system or API. What methods did you use, and why?" (Showcase your documentation skills and understanding of knowledge sharing.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your role and contributions, the technical solutions implemented (front-end and back-end), key challenges, and the outcome/impact.

• Highlight UX Impact: Explicitly explain how user experience was a consideration in your design and development choices.

• Demonstrate Technical Breadth: Be prepared to discuss the full stack, including APIs, databases, and deployment considerations.

• Showcase Collaboration: Mention how you worked with team members, PIs, or stakeholders.

• Keep it Concise: Focus on the most impactful aspects of your work and be ready for Q&A to delve deeper.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of strong technical skills, a user-centric mindset, and the ability to thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven R&D environment. Quantifiable achievements and clear communication are key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Software Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Greenhouse job board.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience with JavaScript, React, back-end development, full-stack projects, Agile methodologies, and any relevant technologies from the job description (e.g., Unity, cloud platforms, specific databases). Emphasize your UX development experience and full software development lifecycle involvement.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 strong projects that showcase your responsive front-end development, back-end integration, and UX considerations. Be ready to present these, detailing your role, technical challenges, and solutions.

• Research GRVTY: Understand their mission, the types of technologies they work with (AI, robotics, human-centered computing), and their focus on national security. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Practice Interview Questions: Prepare for technical, behavioral, and portfolio review questions, focusing on clear communication, problem-solving, and your ability to collaborate effectively. Practice explaining your technical decisions and project outcomes.

⚠️ 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.