Freelance Next Js Developer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Science Systems and Applications Inc. (SSAI) is seeking a full-stack web developer to support NASA Earth Science programs. The developer will be responsible for building and maintaining modern, secure and responsive web applications used by program managers, researchers, and principal investigators for reporting, access management, deliverables, and science operations. The developer will join a team responsible for designing and administering comprehensive relational MySQL databases for managing the research activities. As a full-stack developer, this position requires both client and server side coding experience, building database schemas and queries, API creation and deploying applications ensuring end-to-end functionality. Responsibilities also include modernizing legacy applications and leveraging AI functionality to enhance user experience with a conversational, interactive search experience.

The position can be for onsite work at Goddard Space Flight Center but up to 100% telework can be arranged.

Responsibilities:

• Build and maintain full-stack applications with Next.js, React, TypeScript, and Node.js Develop user-facing features, dashboards, forms, and data-driven interfaces.
• Design and extend API routes and backend services for reporting, user, and project workflows.
• Write efficient relational database queries and maintain Prisma-based schemas to MySQL; Deploy, troubleshoot, and support applications in Linux, Git and Docker environments.
• Modernize legacy Perl and JQuery applications and migrate older functionality into current platforms.
• Collaborate with program managers and end users to translate requirements into working features and maintainable software.
• Maintain and improve secure authentication flows (OIDC), authorization and role-based access control.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) and a minimum of 5 years of work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong professional experience with Next.js, React, JavaScript, REST API design and TypeScript Experience with Tailwind CSS and responsive UI development.
• Skilled SQL developer proficient in writing complex queries, data retrieval and reporting, with a thorough understanding of MySQL relational databases and their underlying schemas.
• Experience with Prisma or comparable ORM and data-access tooling.
• Comfortable working in Linux environments, Shell scripting, Git-based workflows, and containerized Docker deployments.
• Experience building server-side applications with Node.js and Express.js or similar frameworks.
• Knowledge of secure coding practices for production web applications.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
• US Citizenship or Permanent Residency required.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience building secure sign-in, authentication, and authorization workflows.
• Familiarity with OIDC / OAuth2 / JWT authentication flows.
• Experience with AI chatbot implementation and integrating LLMs into front-end components.
• Knowledge of federal government IT security requirements and NASA Launchpad.
• Experience modernizing legacy Perl or jQuery-based applications.
• Experience supporting data-heavy dashboards, reporting systems, and interactive applications.
• Interest in Earth science, research support systems, or mission-driven technical work.

EEO/AA Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities

Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands to touch, handle or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee frequently is required to talk and hear and occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.