Senior Web Developer

Overview

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation.

Job Description Summary

The Senior Web Developer is responsible for creating visually appealing, user-friendly websites that align with company’s business goals, combining creativity with technical skills in design and front-end development. Responsible for auditing existing platforms and establishing an active plan to redesign and enhance our public-facing website and our intranet channels. This role drives engagement and builds trust at first contact.

The incumbent is tasked with creating a new visual presence, transform and write content, develop a content management schedule to keep the website current, and ensure websites are functional and optimized for user experience.

This role will be on-site 3-days a week in our Cambridge, MA facility.

Duties / Responsibilities

• Recommendation of Host Site: Evaluate and develop an active plan to redesign current public-facing website and determine a host platform that will improve ser experience and interface. Requires extensive knowledge to transition (end-to-end) from current to a best-in-class platform.
• Front-End and Back-End Coding: Lead design, development, and ongoing management of external website and build, configure, and maintain Draper's intranet pages created on SharePoint.
• Content Management Strategy: Develops and maintains a proactive content management strategy to ensure relevant information is posted and sites remain current.
• Testing and Optimization: Performs compatibility and accessibility testing across browsers and devices, optimize for speed and scalability, and implement SEO/AEO elements.
• Project Management: Participate in planning, prototyping, and documentation, sometimes leading projects or mentoring junior developers.

Skills/Abilities

• Strong Communication Skills: Ability to create and streamline content, interact and partner with subject matter experts, and understand industry regulations. Able to translate client requirements into functional, visually appealing designs. Demonstrated Experience: Managed or redesigned a website from end-to-end.
• Technical Skills: While primarily focused on design, this candidate must have experience with HTML, Content Management System platforms, Python, JavaScript, Google Analytics, and web development proficiency. Must also have proficiency in graphic design software, e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and front-end frameworks. Documenting design processes and maintaining backfiles for websites. Ensure accessibility for users with disabilities, following web standards.
• Design and Content Creation: Graphic design, and user experience (UX)/user interface (UI) understanding.
• Content Management: Create, manage, and optimize digital content, including search & answer engine optimization (SEO/AEO).
• SharePoint: Knowledge and skills of SharePoint development for building solutions in SharePoint and Microsoft Teams. Understanding of Microsoft Graph AP and REST API principles to securely connect and manipulate SharePoint data.
• UX/UI Understanding: Ability to translate user goals into intuitive online experiences, including wireframes, mockups, and style guides.
• Problem-solving and Attention to Detail: Strong analytical skills to troubleshoot issues and optimize website performance.

Education

• Bachelor of Science or equivalent
• Certifications preferred include Adobe Certified Expert (ACE), Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD), or front-end framework certifications.

Experience

• 8 years of knowledgeable website development experience.

Additional Job Description

Applicants selected for this position may be required to obtain and maintain an US government security clearance.

Connect With Draper for Future Opportunities! If you don't find the right posting in our Career Opportunities, you may submit your resume for future consideration.

• Job Location - City: Cambridge
• Job Location - State: Massachusetts
• Job Location - Postal Code: 02139-3563

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $95,000.00 - $245,000.00

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement's approved rates by location and role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits.

Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities.