SCI with Polygraph required)

Red Alpha•Columbia, MD

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Red Alpha is seeking a Front End Developer to build high-quality, user-friendly interfaces with a strong focus on Section 508 compliance. The role combines front-end development with accessibility testing and remediation, using Section 508 standards and screen reader technologies to identify and resolve accessibility issues. The developer will work with an Agile team of software developers, systems engineers, and product owners to develop, test, and deliver interfaces accessible to individuals with disabilities. The position allows three days of telework per week and requires an active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph. The role is offered at Mid, Senior, or SME levels, with the corresponding experience thresholds stated in the posting. The candidate will develop applications using modern JavaScript frameworks, with Vue preferred, and apply accessibility standards and tools throughout design, development, testing, and delivery. The compensation package includes a projected salary range of $130,000–$220,000 and benefits including health, life and disability coverage, 401(k), paid time off, professional development, and bonus programs. Additional listed perks include up to 10% in 401(k) contributions with immediate vesting, up to 25 days of personal time off, 11 paid floating holidays, employer-paid employee premiums for health, dental, and vision insurance, family insurance premium contributions, gym access, and up to $5,250 per year for education, training, certifications, and professional memberships. The company also offers an annual branded-merchandise allowance and company and team events.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Computer Science or a related technical field, or four additional years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Mid level: 3 or more years of relevant software development or engineering experience; Senior level: 8 or more years; SME level: 12 or more years.
Experience developing front-end applications with modern JavaScript frameworks.
Hands-on experience with the JAWS screen reader and familiarity with other assistive technologies.
Strong knowledge of Section 508, WCAG 2.1/2.2 Levels A and AA, and ARIA best practices.
Experience with semantic HTML, accessible forms, keyboard navigation, and focus management.
Proficiency with accessibility testing and auditing tools, including axe DevTools, WAVE, Pa11y, and Lighthouse.
Experience with Git version control and Agile collaboration tools such as Jira and Confluence.
Active TS/SCI security clearance with Polygraph.

Nice To Haves

Vue experience is preferred.
Experience producing VPATs or Accessibility Conformance Reports for federal agency review.
Familiarity with integrating automated accessibility checks into CI/CD pipelines, such as GitLab CI/CD.
Experience with Cypress or similar tools for automated UI and accessibility test scripting.
Familiarity with cloud-based architecture and deployment, such as Amazon Web Services.
Familiarity with government agency reporting and dissemination policies.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and maintain front-end components and interfaces compliant with Section 508 and WCAG 2.1/2.2 AA standards.
Test accessibility using JAWS and other screen readers; identify and resolve issues involving keyboard navigation, focus management, ARIA, color contrast, and semantic HTML.
Perform manual and automated accessibility audits, document findings, and prepare compliance reports as needed.
Collaborate with UX/UI designers, developers, and product owners to incorporate accessibility early in design and advise on accessible design practices.
Work with QA and DevOps to integrate automated accessibility testing tools into CI/CD pipelines for continuous compliance monitoring.
Participate in Agile ceremonies, including sprint planning and demos, and communicate accessibility requirements and tradeoffs to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Benefits

Health, life, and disability insurance.
401(k) contributions of up to 10%, immediately vested.
Paid time off, including up to 25 days of personal time off.
11 paid floating holidays.
Employer-paid premiums for employee health, dental, and vision insurance; the company also pays the majority of family premiums.
Access to a fully equipped gym.
Up to $5,250 per year toward education, training, certifications, and professional memberships.
Bonus programs.
Up to $300 per year for company-branded merchandise.
Company and team events.