Gui Developer

GUI Developer

This role focuses on front-end development for next-generation operator interfaces supporting Anti-Submarine Warfare and related mission systems. You will modernize and enhance multi-display graphical user interfaces, helping migrate legacy applications to newer platform versions while contributing to a dynamic, tile-based front-end architecture. The position offers long-term involvement on a major re-architecture and modernization initiative with opportunities to shape user experience and interface design in a mission-critical environment.

Responsibilities

• Interpret and refine requirements for enhancements and updates to an existing codebase, ensuring accurate understanding and alignment with user needs.
• Write high-quality, standards-compliant code and perform thorough testing before introducing new features and updating existing functionality across multi-display GUI environments.
• Support the modernization of legacy Java 8 applications as the team upgrades to Java 11 and Java 17, ensuring smooth migration and compatibility.
• Contribute to a new front-end tiles-based architecture using React and JavaScript for dynamic UI components and modular user interfaces.
• Build and enhance graphical user interfaces using JavaFX (preferred) or Java Swing, with a focus on usability and user-centered design.
• Develop and maintain software within a Linux environment (RHEL 8), using tools such as Eclipse, VS Code, or IntelliJ.
• Implement GUI components that operate effectively across multiple visual displays to support complex operator workflows.
• Maintain and update code in Git-based repositories, including workflows that use tools such as GitLab and Gerrit.
• Participate in Agile ceremonies, including sprint planning and iterative development cycles, and contribute to continuous improvement of processes.
• Collaborate closely with systems engineers, developers, and UI/UX stakeholders to optimize operator workflows and reduce cognitive load.
• Integrate front-end components with middleware services and a custom backend database, ensuring reliable data flow and system performance.
• Support containerized deployments using Kubernetes and contribute to CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins.
• Perform integration, system testing, and code updates within established Git, GitLab, and Gerrit workflows.
• Assist with scripting or prototyping using Python for automation or rapid proof-of-concept development when needed.
• Estimate development effort accurately and communicate progress, risks, and technical issues clearly to the team.

Essential Skills

• Strong object-oriented development skills using Java, with hands-on experience in JavaFX or Java Swing GUI development.
• 5+ years of professional Java development experience preferred, with 2–4 years acceptable depending on the depth of GUI development experience.
• Proficiency in GUI development, including multi-display interface design and implementation.
• Experience developing in Linux environments, preferably Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL 6/7/8).
• Ability to work effectively within a collaborative development team and contribute in an Agile environment.
• Experience with Agile development workflows, including participation in sprints and iterative development cycles.
• Ability to interpret requirements, clarify ambiguities, and accurately estimate development effort.
• Understanding of GUI best practices, usability principles, and user-centered design concepts.
• Experience maintaining and managing code in Git-based repositories and working with tools such as GitLab and Gerrit.
• Solid understanding of API interactions, modular frameworks, and multi-component systems.
• Experience integrating front-end applications with middleware and backend database systems.
• Familiarity with CI/CD practices and tools, including Jenkins for automated build and deployment pipelines.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Direct experience with JavaFX for modern UI development and rich client applications.
• Experience with React or other modern JavaScript frameworks for building dynamic front-end components.
• Exposure to containerization and orchestration tools such as Docker and Kubernetes.
• Experience with integrated development environments such as Eclipse IDE, IntelliJ IDEA, or Visual Studio Code.
• Familiarity with Git, GitLab, Gerrit, and Agile development workflows.
• Background supporting Navy, Department of Defense, or other mission-critical systems.
• Python scripting experience for automation, tooling, or rapid prototyping.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to interpret and translate requirements into technical solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of tasks, work independently when needed, and contribute proactively to team success.

Work Environment

You will work in a collaborative, close-knit engineering team focused on mission-critical systems for maritime and defense-related applications. The environment follows Agile methodologies, with regular sprint planning, reviews, and other ceremonies to support iterative development and continuous improvement. Development takes place primarily on Linux platforms, particularly Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL 8), using modern IDEs such as Eclipse, IntelliJ, or VS Code. The team uses Git-based repositories, including GitLab and Gerrit, along with Jenkins-driven CI/CD pipelines to manage integration, testing, and deployment. Front-end technologies include Java, JavaFX, Swing, React, and JavaScript, with integration to middleware services, custom backend databases, and containerized deployments orchestrated with Kubernetes. The culture emphasizes clear communication, shared ownership, and proactive problem solving, offering the opportunity to contribute directly to the design and performance of next-generation operator interfaces.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Manassas, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $59.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Manassas,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 12, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.