Principal Frontend Engineer

Who we are

Raft () is a customer‑obsessed non‑traditional small business with a purposeful focus on Distributed Data Systems, Platforms at Scale, and Complex Application Development, headquartered in McLean, VA. Our clients include innovative federal and public agencies that use design thinking, a cutting‑edge tech stack, and a cloud‑native ecosystem. We build digital solutions that impact the lives of millions of Americans.

In this role you will lead the design and development of scalable, user‑centric frontend systems that power Raft’s flagship products. You’ll architect and implement robust solutions using React, Vue, and/or Angular while ensuring security, performance, and reliability across mission‑critical applications. As a hands‑on technical leader, you’ll mentor engineers while spending significant time writing code and solving complex technical challenges. You’ll work closely with customers at deployment sites, gathering feedback and implementing improvements.

This is a U.S. based position. All of the programs we support require U.S. citizenship to be eligible for employment. All work must be conducted within the continental U.S.

• 8+ years of frontend software engineering experience using modern, component‑based UI frameworks.
• Proven experience building and scaling complex user interfaces and component architectures.
• Deep understanding of Dev Sec Ops  principles and practices, including ICAM.
• Experience with containerized frontend deployments and CI/CD pipelines.
• Strong experience with modern frontend architectures and design systems.
• Experience with real‑time data visualization and high‑performance rendering.
• Knowledge of security best practices for enterprise and government systems.
• Proven track record of mentoring engineering talent.
• Proficiency with Agentic AI coding tools (such as Claude Code).
• Excellent problem‑solving and communication skills.
• Fast learner, analytical thinker, hands‑on approach to technical leadership.

• Experience with highly regulated industries or stringent security/compliance standards.
• Familiarity with classification levels and secure development practices.
• Experience with edge computing and tactical deployments.
• Knowledge of AI/ML interface design and data visualization.
• Experience with progressive web apps in air‑gapped environments.
• Background in accessible design (WCAG) and real‑time data rendering.
• Contributions to open‑source projects or technical publications.

• Ability to obtain and maintain an active TS SCI security clearance.
• Preference for candidates with an active clearance.

• Remote with a preference for candidates based in Hawaii, DMV/NCR, Tampa, FL or Hanscom AFB, MA.
• Foreign and domestic travel up to 35% to customer sites.

• Highly competitive salary.
• Fully covered healthcare, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) and company match.
• Take as you need PTO + 11 paid holidays.
• And More!

We’re an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.