Entry Level Mobile Application Developer Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Important Notice for Applicants:
At Bixal, we want to ensure a transparent and secure application process for all candidates. Official communication will come from an email address ending in @bixal.com or from @bixal.na.teamtailor-mail.com. Messages from other sources may be fraudulent, and you should exercise care to avoid any links or attachments included.
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If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation to complete your application, we're here to help. Please reach out to us at talent@bixal.com and let us know how we can support you. You do not need to share personal details or disclose the nature of your request. You can expect a response from a team member within 24 hours during the regular work week and on the next operating day during the weekend or holidays.

Bixal is a consulting company headquartered in Fairfax, VA, working alongside governments and organizations to help them deliver better services and experiences to the communities they serve. Using evidence-based knowledge and technology, Bixal empowers clients to deliver on their missions more effectively by fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement.

Our values:

• People-First: Emphasizing the importance of people in all aspects of work.

• Collaboration and Transparency: Valuing teamwork and open communication.

• Growth Mindset: Encouraging innovation and continuous improvement.

• Creating Lasting Impact: Focusing on meaningful outcomes and positive change.

About the role:

Bixal is seeking a Mobile Application Developer to join our digital services team to support FEMA’s Office of External Affairs in delivering secure, accessible, and user-centered digital services across websites, mobile applications, and communication platforms to better serve the public, emergency managers, and disaster survivors. This effort encompasses end-to-end design, development, content management, analytics, and continuous improvement of FEMA’s digital ecosystem to ensure consistent, high-quality customer experiences aligned with federal standards and mission needs.

The Mobile Application Developer will support FEMA’s Mission by designing, developing, and maintaining secure, scalable, and user-centered mobile applications that enhance the delivery of critical information and services to the public. This role is responsible for full lifecycle mobile development, from requirements through deployment and maintenance, ensuring compliance with federal standards, accessibility (Section 508), and DHS/FEMA security requirements. The developer will work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality mobile solutions that integrate with FEMA’s broader digital ecosystem, including websites, content management systems, and cloud-based infrastructure, while supporting continuous improvement of user experience across FEMA digital services.

This is expected to be a full-time, remote, project-based position contingent on contract award. While the majority of the work is expected to be conducted virtually, there is potential for occasional travel for on-site meetings and working sessions at the discretion of the client.

This is a full-time position contingent on contract award by our client, with a defined performance period of one year with two one-year option periods. This role offers you a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on a project that aligns with Bixal’s mission of delivering innovative, human-centered solutions. While the role has a fixed duration, we are committed to transparency and collaboration, keeping you informed about contract updates and new opportunities. At Bixal, we support your professional journey, ensuring your experience reflects our inclusive, purpose-driven culture and prepares you for future success.

The salary range for this role is $120,000 – $130,000. In the spirit of transparency, most offers tend to land near the midpoint of the range. We make compensation decisions thoughtfully, considering your experience, the skills you bring, and our commitment to internal equity. Fairness and transparency are core to how we operate.

Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, test, and deploy native mobile applications supporting FEMA digital services, ensuring alignment with federal digital experience standards and IDEA requirements

• Develop and maintain mobile applications using technologies such as Java, JavaScript, and open-source mobile frameworks, integrating with backend systems built on Ruby-on-Rails, PHP, and MySQL

• Perform full-stack development activities, including front-end mobile interfaces and backend service integration to support dynamic, data-driven applications

• Support all phases of the Systems Engineering Life Cycle (SELC), including requirements analysis, design, development, testing, deployment, and documentation

• Conduct routine maintenance, including implementing security patches, resolving defects, and ensuring compliance with DHS/FEMA cybersecurity and vulnerability remediation requirements

• Develop and execute comprehensive test plans, including functional, regression, and Section 508 accessibility testing for mobile applications

• Collaborate with UX/CX teams to implement human-centered design principles and ensure consistent, accessible, and user-friendly mobile experiences

• Integrate mobile applications with cloud-based environments (e.g., AWS), APIs, analytics platforms, and third-party systems to enable scalable and data-informed services

• Utilize ticketing systems and agile practices to manage development tasks, provide status updates, and support continuous delivery pipelines

• Monitor mobile application performance and user behavior, providing recommendations for optimization and improved customer experience

• Ensure compliance with Section 508, W3C, and federal accessibility and usability standards across all mobile solutions

• Provide surge support during disaster operations, including rapid development, troubleshooting, and deployment of mobile capabilities as needed

• Other relevant duties as assigned and qualified/trained to perform

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field

• Minimum 8 years of experience as a full-stack developer, including demonstrated experience developing native mobile applications for iOS and Android

• Proven experience developing native mobile applications using Java and JavaScript, along with backend technologies such as Ruby-on-Rails, PHP, and MySQL

• Demonstrated experience managing and supervising cross-functional Agile development teams

• Demonstrated experience working within the Federal Government contracting environment, supporting DHS IT programs

• Strong experience with mobile application architecture, API integration, and cloud-based environments (e.g., AWS)

• Experience supporting mobile applications through the full Systems Engineering Life Cycle (SELC), including documentation and ATO-related artifacts

• Proven ability to implement secure coding practices and support compliance with federal cybersecurity requirements

• Experience developing and executing test plans, including accessibility (Section 508) and regression testing

• Familiarity with Drupal and integration with mobile applications

• Experience working in Agile or DevSecOps environments, using ticketing and collaboration tools

• Knowledge of human-centered design (HCD) and ability to collaborate with UX/UI teams to deliver high-quality user experiences

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust security clearance

How We Support Our Team:

• Flex hours

• 401K with matching incentive

• Parental Leave

• Medical/dental/vision benefits

• Flex Spending Account

• Company provided short-term disability and life insurance

• Commuter benefits

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• 11 Paid holidays

Our company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all individuals and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs.