Mobile Application Developer

Bixal•Fairfax, VA

46d•Remote

About The Position

Bixal is seeking a Mobile Application Developer to join our digital services team to support FEMA’s Office of External Affairs in delivering secure, accessible, and user-centered digital services across websites, mobile applications, and communication platforms to better serve the public, emergency managers, and disaster survivors. This effort encompasses end-to-end design, development, content management, analytics, and continuous improvement of FEMA’s digital ecosystem to ensure consistent, high-quality customer experiences aligned with federal standards and mission needs. The Mobile Application Developer will support FEMA’s Mission by designing, developing, and maintaining secure, scalable, and user-centered mobile applications that enhance the delivery of critical information and services to the public. This role is responsible for full lifecycle mobile development, from requirements through deployment and maintenance, ensuring compliance with federal standards, accessibility (Section 508), and DHS/FEMA security requirements. The developer will work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality mobile solutions that integrate with FEMA’s broader digital ecosystem, including websites, content management systems, and cloud-based infrastructure, while supporting continuous improvement of user experience across FEMA digital services. This is expected to be a full-time, remote, project-based position contingent on contract award. While the majority of the work is expected to be conducted virtually, there is potential for occasional travel for on-site meetings and working sessions at the discretion of the client. This is a full-time position contingent on contract award by our client, with a defined performance period of one year with two one-year option periods. This role offers you a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on a project that aligns with Bixal’s mission of delivering innovative, human-centered solutions. While the role has a fixed duration, we are committed to transparency and collaboration, keeping you informed about contract updates and new opportunities. At Bixal, we support your professional journey, ensuring your experience reflects our inclusive, purpose-driven culture and prepares you for future success.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field
Minimum 8 years of experience as a full-stack developer, including demonstrated experience developing native mobile applications for iOS and Android
Proven experience developing native mobile applications using Java and JavaScript, along with backend technologies such as Ruby-on-Rails, PHP, and MySQL
Demonstrated experience managing and supervising cross-functional Agile development teams
Demonstrated experience working within the Federal Government contracting environment, supporting DHS IT programs
Strong experience with mobile application architecture, API integration, and cloud-based environments (e.g., AWS)
Experience supporting mobile applications through the full Systems Engineering Life Cycle (SELC), including documentation and ATO-related artifacts
Proven ability to implement secure coding practices and support compliance with federal cybersecurity requirements
Experience developing and executing test plans, including accessibility (Section 508) and regression testing
Familiarity with Drupal and integration with mobile applications
Experience working in Agile or DevSecOps environments, using ticketing and collaboration tools
Knowledge of human-centered design (HCD) and ability to collaborate with UX/UI teams to deliver high-quality user experiences
Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust security clearance

Responsibilities

Design, develop, test, and deploy native mobile applications supporting FEMA digital services, ensuring alignment with federal digital experience standards and IDEA requirements
Develop and maintain mobile applications using technologies such as Java, JavaScript, and open-source mobile frameworks, integrating with backend systems built on Ruby-on-Rails, PHP, and MySQL
Perform full-stack development activities, including front-end mobile interfaces and backend service integration to support dynamic, data-driven applications
Support all phases of the Systems Engineering Life Cycle (SELC), including requirements analysis, design, development, testing, deployment, and documentation
Conduct routine maintenance, including implementing security patches, resolving defects, and ensuring compliance with DHS/FEMA cybersecurity and vulnerability remediation requirements
Develop and execute comprehensive test plans, including functional, regression, and Section 508 accessibility testing for mobile applications
Collaborate with UX/CX teams to implement human-centered design principles and ensure consistent, accessible, and user-friendly mobile experiences
Integrate mobile applications with cloud-based environments (e.g., AWS), APIs, analytics platforms, and third-party systems to enable scalable and data-informed services
Utilize ticketing systems and agile practices to manage development tasks, provide status updates, and support continuous delivery pipelines
Monitor mobile application performance and user behavior, providing recommendations for optimization and improved customer experience
Ensure compliance with Section 508, W3C, and federal accessibility and usability standards across all mobile solutions
Provide surge support during disaster operations, including rapid development, troubleshooting, and deployment of mobile capabilities as needed
Other relevant duties as assigned and qualified/trained to perform