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Headless Developer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

MSD

Senior Full Stack Web Developer

Rockville, MD · On-site

$101K - $154K/yr

Development & Architecture • Design and implement headless web applications using Next.js and ... Engineering, or other related science or engineering discipline is required. Advanced degree ...

AVIXA, Inc

Web Developer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Web Developer Reports To: Director, Digital Product Department: Content Delivery FLSA Status ... Integrate and manage content from a headless CMS, preferably Storyblok. * Consume REST APIs to ...

McFadyen Digital

Senior Full-Stack Developer

Vienna, VA · Remote

This is a hands-on delivery role for an engineer who can own backend architecture, ship production ... If you thrive in headless, API-first environments and want high-impact work with clear deliverables ...

Staffingine LLC

Adobe AEM Developer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

Adobe AEM Developer Job Location: Bethesda, MD Job Type: Contract * AEM Development: Design ... Headless/SPA Support: Implement modern JavaScript frameworks (React/Angular) and integrate them ...

Marriott

FLEX Senior Software Engineer

Bethesda, MD

$130K - $172K/yr

Experience integrating headless AEM with modern front-end technologies such as React, Nextjs, and GraphQL * Knowledge of advanced AEM capabilities including personalization, content targeting ...

Tecknomic LLC

Web Developer

Washington, DC · On-site

Preferred Qualifications Experience with headless or decoupled Drupal architectures. Familiarity ... Acquia Drupal Developer or Site Builder certification. Experience working in Agile/Scrum ...

BCC-NIH

Technical Lead

Bethesda, MD · On-site

Design and support headless CMS capabilities for modern frontend applications. * Oversee GraphQL ... Mentor developers and provide technical guidance across CMS and backend work. * Collaborate with ...

Mondo

Mid Level Full Stack Developer

Washington, DC · Remote

$55 - $65/hr

Mid-Level Full Stack Developer, location is Remote. The start date is August 17 for this contract ... Experience working with enterprise or headless CMS platforms * Strong understanding of WCAG ...

BCC-NIH

Technical Lead

Bethesda, MD · On-site

Design and support headless CMS capabilities for modern frontend applications. * Oversee GraphQL ... Mentor developers and provide technical guidance across CMS and backend work. * Collaborate with ...

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Headless Developer information

See Washington, DC salary details

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$59

$92

How much do headless developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for headless developer in Washington, DC is $59.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.72 and $73.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Headless Developer?

A Headless Developer specializes in building applications using headless architecture, where the frontend (user interface) is decoupled from the backend (content management or data source). This allows developers to create flexible, scalable, and customizable digital experiences across multiple platforms like web, mobile apps, and IoT devices. Headless Developers typically work with APIs to connect the backend to various frontends, enabling faster development cycles and easier content delivery. Their expertise is valuable for organizations seeking omnichannel solutions and modern web development practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Headless Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Headless Developer, you need a strong background in web development, API design, JavaScript frameworks (such as React or Vue), and a solid understanding of headless CMS platforms. Familiarity with tools like Contentful, Strapi, GraphQL, RESTful APIs, and version control systems (e.g., Git) is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and adaptability to rapidly changing technologies are valuable soft skills. These competencies ensure seamless integration of backend and frontend systems, delivering flexible, scalable digital experiences.

How does a Headless Developer typically collaborate with designers and backend teams on projects?

As a Headless Developer, you will often work closely with designers to implement user interfaces using frontend frameworks, while collaborating with backend teams to integrate APIs and data sources. This role requires strong communication skills to ensure the visual and functional aspects of the application align with both design guidelines and backend capabilities. Expect to participate in regular stand-ups, code reviews, and planning sessions where cross-team coordination is essential for delivering seamless digital experiences. Effective collaboration is key to addressing challenges that arise from decoupling the frontend and backend.

What is the difference between Headless Developer vs Front-End Developer?

AspectHeadless DeveloperFront-End Developer
Primary FocusBuilding and integrating decoupled backend systems with APIs for flexible content deliveryDesigning and implementing user interfaces and user experiences for websites and applications
Required SkillsAPI integration, backend development, JavaScript frameworks, CMS knowledgeHTML, CSS, JavaScript, UI/UX design, responsive design
Work EnvironmentOften collaborates with backend teams, works on headless CMS and API-driven platformsPrimarily works on client-side development, visual design, and user interaction

While both roles involve JavaScript and web development, a Headless Developer specializes in backend and API integration for flexible content management, whereas a Front-End Developer focuses on creating engaging user interfaces and experiences. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers target the right skills and responsibilities for each role.

What are popular job titles related to Headless Developer jobs in Washington, DC? For Headless Developer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Headless Developer jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Headless Developer jobs in Washington, DC are:
Headless Developer jobs near you

Full Stack Developer - Wagtail CMS

Black Canyon Consulting

Bethesda, MD • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Overview

Black Canyon Consulting (BCC) is searching for a Full Stack Developer with experience in Wagtail CMS backend development and modern front-end development. This role will support the development, adoption, and delivery of CMS-driven, accessible, and scalable public-facing web platforms using Wagtail, Django/Python, React, Next.js, GraphQL APIs, Headless CMS, and the NCBI Web Design System. 

You will join NCBI's team of web developers and software engineers to build robust, flexible web applications, APIs, and services. This role calls for an expert web developer - with knowledge and experience in modern web development, testing, UI design and usability principles, and ability to work effectively with user researchers, designers, product managers, scientists, security and DevOps engineers

 Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Develop and maintain Wagtail CMS features using Django and Python. 
  • Build responsive, accessible front-end interfaces using React, Next.js, JavaScript/TypeScript, HTML, and CSS.
  • Support the adoption of Wagtail CMS at NCBI by following established architecture, standards, documentation, and best practices. 
  • Support the adoption of the NCBI Web Design System by implementing reusable components, patterns, and design standards. 
  • Integrate front-end applications with headless CMS APIs, including GraphQL and REST. 
  • Create and manage Wagtail page models, StreamField blocks, snippets, workflows, and admin customizations. 
  • Support multisite Wagtail implementations and structured content delivery. 
  • Collaborate with UX, content, backend, DevOps, product, and stakeholder teams. 
  • Optimize websites for accessibility, performance, SEO, scalability, and maintainability. 
  • Participate in troubleshooting, code reviews, testing, documentation, release planning, and production support. 
Required qualifications:
  • BS in Computer Science   
  • 3+ years of Full stack Web applications development, using Django, React, and Next.js. 
  • Experience with Wagtail CMS, Django, and Python. 
  • Experience with React, Next.js, JavaScript/TypeScript, HTML, and CSS. 
  • Experience with GraphQL APIs, REST APIs, and headless CMS integration. 
  • Understanding of Wagtail content modeling, StreamField, snippets, workflows, and multisite setup. 
  • Experience implementing components from a Web Design System or component library. 
  • Strong understanding of accessibility, including Section 508 and WCAG. 
  • Familiarity with PostgreSQL, Git, CI/CD, testing, and modern development workflows. 
  • Ability to work collaboratively across technical and non-technical teams.  
Preferred qualifications:
  • Experience with public-facing government, scientific, biomedical, or research websites. 
  • Familiarity with U.S. Web Design System or similar design systems.
  • Experience with Wagtail in a headless or hybrid architecture. 
  • Familiarity with Docker, cloud hosting, CDN configuration, search integration, SEO, analytics, and automated testing.
  • Experience supporting CMS or design system adoption across teams or products
  • Experience developing Django web applications and services
Benefits and Salary

We attract the best people in the business with our competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision coverage, 401k plan with employer contribution, paid holidays, vacation, and tuition reimbursement.

We offer a competitive salary commensurate with experience and location. If you enjoy being a part of a high performing, professional service and technology focused organization, please apply today!

Apply