Ask Front End Developers what's on their mind, and the answer is: code. They make the two-dimensional multi-dimensional and really fun to experience. They are able to walk the line between code junkie and artist and make beautiful unions between form and function. The partnership Front End Developers enjoy with Back End Developers is a match made in cyber-heaven. In the infinite time and space of the web and cloud, server-side meets database and application engineering to create the digital innovations and interactive events we've come to expect and even crave.
Front-end developers are responsible for delivering web and mobile experiences that look and perform superbly across all platforms. This position involves using the latest front-end web technologies to develop code alongside a team of developers (both front and back-end, with different platform specialties).
Collaboration and subject matter expertise: The ultimate goal is to work with other UCD specialists to create digital experiences that inform, inspire and delight, regardless of channel or audience type. The Front End Developer will also work closely with UX Consultants, Technical Architects and client-side staff to interpret user requirements and create appropriate solutions that deliver tangible results.
The front-end developer facilitates dialogue between internal and external clients and teams, and communicates technical information, functionality, and limitations to non-technical teams. This role works closely with both external clients and internal, cross-functional teams on projects that range from a few weeks to a few months in length.
Work will be based in Gloucester (other BAE DI office locations could be considered for the right candidate although some travel will be required). We are happy to support flexible working (e.g. we would consider 4 days per week or personalised working pattern such as early/late starts).
What you could be doing for us:
- Work as a senior front end Developer within a team of coders (BAE and/or client) occasionally taking on a lead role, own specific work areas and coach others when needed.
- Review front end coding requirements. Provide feedback on front end coding standards, accessibility and other technical standards
- Liaise with back end coders to design end-to-end technical solutions
- Take ownership of one or more areas of work including planning, identifying risks and regular reports to the project manager. On very small engagements, they may be expected to assume the duties of a PM if one is not provided.
- Apply BAE standard UCD approaches as well as broader BAE methodologies on client engagements with assistance / direction from senior management, and takes the lead in specific areas.
- Write pure, standards-compliant code
- Work closely with web and mobile designers and translate their designs into websites, apps, and interactive experience
- Test, debug, and build code that works across multiple browsers and digital platforms
- Optimise UI for mobile devices and small-scale screens
- Design and produce native mobile apps
- Develop database-driven applications
- Use external APIs to generate quality applications
Essential skills we are looking for
- Possess expertise in HTML5, JavaScript, CSS, with a good understanding of programming paradigms.
- Exhibit a deep passion for refined, simple design and creating products with high supportability and extensibility
- Have a good knowledge of both waterfall and agile development approaches.
- A good understanding of design and user experience principles
- Relevant degree or Masters, in a related Engineering or Software discipline
- Experience of dealing with cross-browser compatibility requirements
- Understanding of mobile development best practices (e.g. responsive design, graceful degradation etc.)
- Effective verbal and written skills
- Experience with front end web application frameworks such as React, Angular and VueJS
- Experience building reusable/modular JavaScript components
- Data visualisation with Canvas or SVG (e.g. using D3)
- Utilise and configure web bundler and automation tools for deployment
- Knowledge of DevOps best practice and workflows (e.g. CI pipelines)
- Knowledge of containerisation and developer environment utilities (e.g. Docker)
Desirable skills
- Have extensive knowledge of WML, W3C, and WAP standards
- Use their expertise with HTML5, CSS, JavaScript to develop high-quality mobile experiences
- Ensure cross-platform usability across smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices
- Possess knowledge of Photoshop and other creative tools
- Awareness of mobile technologies: iOS, Android, Windows Phone an advantage
- A good understanding of SEO and Web Analytics
- Experience with server side JavaScript (Node)
How we will support you:
- Work-life balance is important; you'll get 25 days holiday a year and, via our flexible benefits package the option to buy/sell and carry over from the year before
- Our flexible benefits package includes; private medical and dental insurance, a competitive pension scheme, cycle to work scheme, taste cards and more
- You'll have a dedicated Career Manager to help you develop your career and guide you on your journey through BAE
- Don't know a particular technology? Your learning and development is key to your future career
- You'll be part of our bonus scheme
- You are welcome to join any/all of our Diversity and Support groups. These groups cover everything from gender diversity to mental health and wellbeing.
Life at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence
We are embracing Hybrid Working. This means you and your colleagues may be working in different locations, such as from home, another BAE Systems office or client site, some or all of the time, and work might be going on at different times of the day. By embracing technology, we can interact, collaborate and create together, even when we're working remotely from one another. Hybrid Working allows for increased flexibility in when and where we work, helping us to balance our work and personal life more effectively, and enhance wellbeing.
Diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of BAE Systems Digital Intelligence. We are proud to have an organisational culture where employees with varying perspectives, skills, life experiences and backgrounds - the best and brightest minds - can work together to achieve excellence and realise individual and organisational potential.
About BAE Systems Digital Intelligence
We use our intelligence-led insights to help defend Governments, Nations and Societies from cyber-attacks and financial crime. Our customers depend on our evolving capabilities to help them safely grow their organisations. Our unprecedented access to threat intelligence, world-leading analysts and market-leading technology means we can help them to adapt, evolve and stay ahead of the criminals.