Full Stack Designer/Developer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a UI/UX designer/developer to rapidly prototype and implement Command and Control interfaces for high-stakes environments. You will lead end-to-end UI/UX efforts, create wireframes, and visualize data to support warfighter decision-making.

You will collaborate with algorithm developers, software engineers, and analysts, shaping requirements and ensuring end-user advocacy throughout DevSecOps processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in UI/UX, CS, software eng, web dev, game dev or HCI.
• Experience with full-stack web, game or application development; React/Unity preferred.
• Ability to work with government partners and analysis teams; U.S. citizenship may be required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to UI/UX design and development for Command and Control systems.
• Rapidly create wireframes, storyboards, and intuitive interfaces with data visualization.
• Collaborate across teams to refine concepts and advocate for end users.
• Shape requirements and execute Functional Flow modeling to influence DevSecOps and deployment.
• Implement, maintain, test, and debug designed solutions.
• Produce documentation for code framework, architecture and user guides.

Skills

Wireframing

Unity

Python

C++

Java

JavaScript

HTML/CSS

React

Redux

Angular

Vue

Bootstrap

Git

Docker

SQL

MongoDB

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Unity

Python

C++

JavaScript

HTML/CSS

React

Redux

Angular

Vue

Bootstrap

Git

Docker

JIRA

Job description

Are you passionate about rapidly prototyping, designing, and implementing systems?

Are you a programmer looking for a creative outlet and truly impactful work?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our Human Machine Engineering team at APL!

We are seeking User Interface/User Experience design and development expertise to help us rapidly prototype Command and Control systems of the future. Our multi‑disciplinary team consists of algorithm developers, computer scientists, psychologists, systems engineers, and others who seek to reshape this future through end‑to‑end human systems and performance engineering. With us, you will develop solutions to bridge the gaps in human‑machine warfighting teams in information‑dense, high‑stakes environments to revolutionize and operationalize warfighter‑augmenting capabilities.

In This Role You Will

• Lead and contribute to UI/UX design and development to influence current and future fielded Command and Control systems while advocating for end users.
• Rapidly create wireframes, storyboards, and modern, highly intuitive interface and data visualization designs.
• Work across teams, departments, and organizations to review results, refine concepts, oversee analyses, and propose solutions with a focus on advocating for the warfighter and making sure their voice is heard.
• Shape requirements and use cases and execute on associated Functional Flow modeling to influence the DevSecOps and Digital Engineering processes for deployment of prototyped C2 systems.
• Implement designed solutions, and maintain, test, and debug code.
• Produce documentation to capture code framework, architecture and design decisions, and user guides.

Qualifications

• Hold a Bachelor’s Degree in UI/UX development, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Web Development, Game Development, Human Computer Interaction or equivalent, and/or possess 2 years of experience and responsibilities related to UI/UX implementation for a complex system (military system preferred).
• Have experience with full stack web development, game development, and/or application development (React and Unity experience preferred).
• Have the ability to work independently and with government partners, DoD sponsors, and analysis teams.
• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Are able to obtain a SECRET level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government secret clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you…

• Hold an Active Secret clearance or above.
• Hold a Masters Degree in Information Visualization, UI/UX development, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Web Development, Game Development, Human Computer Interaction, or equivalent.
• Have experience in a team environment focused on rapid prototyping.
• Have at least 5 years of experience related to UI/UX implementation for Navy ship defense systems with practical experience and progressive responsibilities and accomplishments in Cyber, Radar, Surface Electronic Warfare, Mission Planning Ship Self‑Defense System (SSDS), and/or Aegis Combat System.
• Have practical experience with wireframing tools (e.g., Axure, Sketch, Figma, Balsamiq), and a variety of coding languages, tools, and libraries (e.g. Unity, Python, C++, Java, JavaScript, HTML, CSS/Sass/Less, React, Redux, Angular, Vue, Bootstrap, Material UI, Git, GitLab, Atlassian, JIRA, SQL, SQLite, MongoDB, Google Analytics, Docker etc.).

Special Requirements (off‑site # days, clearance, etc.)

Willingness to travel up to 10% as needed.

About Us

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world‑class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

Why Work at APL?

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore‑Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign‑on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$100,000 annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 annually