Lead Application Developer

Job Summary

We are seeking a Subject Matter Expert (SME)-level Lead Application Developer to lead the design and development of new and modernized applications for the U.S. Census Bureau's Decennial Transformation and Application Modernization (DTAM) effort. This role provides technical and management leadership on major application development assignments, applying coding and documentation best practices and adhering to USCB technical and security requirements and SDLC frameworks. The Lead Application Developer delivers cloud-native, microservices-based solutions using a DevSecOps methodology spanning front-end, back-end, and full-stack development. Decision-making and domain knowledge may have a critical impact on overall program implementation. May supervise others.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop applications spanning purpose-built custom, COTS, GOTS, low-code/no-code, SaaS, and open-source solutions
• Develop front-end, back-end, and full-stack components, including UI/UX, databases and data structures, microservices, and serverless architectures
• Build cloud-native applications with containerization, CI/CD integration, and infrastructure-as-code deployment strategies
• Incorporate application security (encryption, MFA, authentication, and authorization), error handling, logging, and 508 compliance into design
• Manage and maintain version control, quality assurance, technical documentation, and deployment strategies
• Apply a DevSecOps methodology and implement CI/CD pipelines for rapid, reliable, and secure releases
• Perform and support testing necessary for application development, including unit and integration testing
• Perform and support data migration and system integration activities
• Lead, support, and participate in code reviews and audits
• Incorporate functional and non-functional requirements into design and follow the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
• Document and formalize application design and development best practices for adoption across teams

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field
• 15+ years of experience providing technical and management leadership on major application development assignments (SME level)

Required Skills

• Expert experience developing cloud-native applications using microservices, containerization, and serverless architectures
• Strong front-end, back-end, and full-stack development skills across multiple languages and platforms
• Demonstrated experience implementing DevSecOps CI/CD pipelines and secure coding practices
• Experience with version control, automated testing, and deployment automation (IaC)
• Familiarity with Section 508 accessibility compliance and secure application design

Certifications

Desired:

• Cloud certification (AWS / Azure / Google)

Desired Skills

• Experience modernizing legacy applications to cloud-native architectures
• Familiarity with AI/ML, business intelligence, or robotic process automation integration
• Experience with scaled agile (SAFe) delivery in a federal environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical briefing to stakeholders

Security Clearance

• U.S. Citizenship required

Benefits and Programs

B&A is proud to offer three robust individual and family medical plans to full time employees, including a Health Savings Account (HSA) option as well as two tiers of dental coverage, vision, life & AD&D, disability, accident, hospital indemnity, and critical illness insurance. In addition to these benefits, B&A employees enjoy paid time off, B&A sponsored trainings and certifications, pet insurance benefits, commuter transit benefits and a free subscription to a virtual exercise platform (NEOU). B&A's 401(k) plan is available to all employees and includes a company matching contribution.

B&A has launched several programs to focus on employee engagement, wellness, and assistance. These include:

• The B&A Cares program: 30/60/90-day wellness check ins, personal development, financial management, and stress management seminars, and more
• A formal mentorship program
• Job shadowing and cross training opportunities
• Brand Ambassador program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Access to various support resources to include counseling, legal guidance, financial planning, and more
• Monthly teambuilding events
• B&A Annual Wellness Challenges: #StepWithB&A, #WalkDuringLunchWithB&A, #VolunteeringWithB&A, #ExerciseDuringLunchWithB&A, and more

At B&A, we place significant importance on improving the communities and lives of citizens across the nation through our involvement, technology expertise, and employees. B&A puts an emphasis on charitable efforts in the Northern Virginia area, including Capital Area Food Bank pantry drives, book donations, Hope for Henry Foundation events, and many more. In recognition of all these efforts, B&A has been named a Companies as Responsive Employers (CARE) award recipient by Northern Virginia Family Services and nominated by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce for Outstanding Corporate Citizenship Award.