Kearney Activate - Senior Full Stack Developer

Kearney · Washington

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About the Role

As a Seniorr Full Stack Developer at Kearney Activate, you build across the stack, with real strength on the front end — you build dashboards, interfaces, and application logic that are genuinely usable, not just functional. This is a UI-focused role, not a UX design role: you're not expected to run wireframe workshops or own design work — a separate design capability that handles that elsewhere. You are not a front-end specialist who avoids the back end, though: you're expected to be genuinely versatile, comfortable building APIs and data services when the pod needs it. You carry only minor data engineering familiarity — enough to coordinate with our dedicated data architecture team, not to own pipeline work yourself. Forge pods are small, so you'll also work directly with client stakeholders on interface and workflow requirements, and think about the business problem, not just the ticket in front of you.

What you'll do

Design and build front-end features in React/TypeScript, with real ownership of UI quality — dashboards, interfaces, and application logic that make information clear and usable

Build and maintain back-end services and APIs (Python-based) when the work calls for it, keeping true full-stack range

Apply secure coding practices, including familiarity with DoD STIGs (Security Technical Implementation Guides) or similar secure-coding standards

Coordinate with our dedicated data architecture team on pipeline and schema questions as they arise — light coordination, not pipeline ownership

Work within a modern collaborative SDLC: Git branching and pull requests, peer code review, CI/CD pipelines, and automated testing

Deploy and troubleshoot in secure cloud environments

Partner with the data scientist, architect (where present), and product owner to translate requirements into working, well-built features

Engage directly with client stakeholders on interface and workflow requirements — this is requirements-and-delivery-facing, not a design-led conversation

Participate fully in agile delivery: sprint planning, backlog refinement, estimation, testing, and release

Apply modern AI/GenAI tools as a real part of your development workflow — coding assistants, accelerated prototyping, and similar

Who you are

After nearly 100 years, we know this business is fundamentally about making connections — between facts, technologies, and above all, people. We look for collaborative, inquisitive problem-solvers who don't accept the first thing in front of them, who are always unapologetically themselves, and who can build something a client is proud to show off, not just something that works.

In addition, we look for individuals with the following experience or qualities:

4-7 years of professional software development experience (we'll consider strong candidates down to about 3 years), with genuine strength on the front end and solid working range across the back end

A UI builder, not a UX designer — comfortable owning interface quality and interaction logic without expecting to run design workshops

Minor data engineering familiarity — enough to coordinate credibly with our dedicated data architecture team, not to own that function

Strong engineering fundamentals and an instinct for versatility over narrow specialization

Real business acumen expressed through delivery judgment: comfortable engaging a client stakeholder directly on interface and workflow requirements. Forge pods are small, and every person on them needs to be able to represent the work

Exposure to aerospace & defense, large-scale/heavy construction, manufacturing, or supply chain environments is a plus — helpful context, not a filter

Familiarity with DoD security practices (e.g., STIGs) or similar secure-coding standards is a plus

Comfortable operating in fast-paced, iterative delivery with cross-functional and client-facing teams

Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills

Genuine, practical fluency using modern AI/GenAI tools in your own workflow

Required qualifications

Ability to obtain, or current possession of, a U.S. Secret security clearance is required; an active or prior clearance is a strong plus 

Full-time employment

Bachelor's degree in computer science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field — or equivalent demonstrated experience (bootcamp, military technical training, or professional portfolio)

Technical skills and tools

Core (expected):

React, JavaScript/TypeScript — strong UI craft, not UX/design

Python and a modern API framework (e.g., FastAPI)

REST API design and integration

SQL and relational data modeling fundamentals

Git-based version control, CI/CD, and automated testing

AWS fundamentals (or equivalent experience with another major cloud / hyperscaling, e.g., Azure or Google Cloud)

Familiarity with DoD STIGs (Security Technical Implementation Guides) or similar secure-coding standards

Preferred / a plus:

Docker/containerization

Data visualization or BI tooling (e.g., Power BI or similar) beyond basic charting

Experience deploying to cloud environments with elevated security or compliance requirements

Prior consulting or client-facing delivery experience

Location

Washington, D.C. or Arlington preferred.

Boston and other East Coast hubs will be considered.

Must be able to work closely with the team and travel to client delivery sites as required.

U.S.-based only.

  What we can offer you

Every day, our people work to be the difference for our clients, our communities, and our colleagues. Helping them make an impact, they are sustained by a competitive remuneration package plus comprehensive benefits and perks, including but not limited to:

Generous retirement and pension savings contributions.

Comprehensive medical insurance for employees and immediate family.

Gym

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