Software Technical Lead Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Westat is a leader in research, data collection and analysis, technical assistance, evaluation, and communications. Our evidence-based findings help clients in government and the private sector accelerate advancements in health, education, transportation, and social and economic policy. Our dedication to improving lives through research and our approach to projects grounded in investigative curiosity, statistical and data rigor, adaptive methods, and advanced technology are why clients find exceptional value in our work.

Job Summary
Westat is seeking a software technical lead developer (Senior IT Associate) to support an NIH program focused on the design, development, and integration of clinical and research systems. This role will lead technical implementation efforts, guide development teams, and ensure scalable, secure, and interoperable solutions across a complex, multi-system environment. The ideal candidate brings strong full-stack development experience, API design expertise, and familiarity with modern DevOps practices. This position is contingent upon the award of the contract.
This position has a hybrid arrangement to work onsite at our Bethesda, MD office 3 days per week and 2 days per week from your home office.
Job Responsibilities
    Lead the design, development, and delivery of custom software applications supporting clinical and research initiatives.
    Provide technical leadership across the full software development lifecycle, including architecture, design, development, testing, and deployment.
    Develop and maintain APIs and integration services to enable interoperability across enterprise systems and external platforms.
    Guide the use of modern development frameworks and technologies, including TypeScript, Python, and front-end frameworks such as React and Vue.
    Oversee containerization and deployment strategies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes) to support scalable and resilient systems.
    Lead system integration and migration efforts across legacy and modern platforms.
    Implement and promote DevOps practices, including CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and infrastructure as code.
    Collaborate with program leadership, architects, QA, and operations teams to ensure alignment with program goals and technical standards.
    Mentor and support development team members, promoting best practices in coding, documentation, and system design.
Basic Qualifications
    Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
    Minimum of 10 years of experience in software development, including full-stack application development.
    Experience with programming languages and frameworks such as TypeScript, Python, and modern JavaScript frameworks (e.g., React, Vue.js).
    Experience developing APIs using technologies such as Java and Node.js.
    Experience with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
    Experience supporting enterprise system integrations and migrations.
    Experience working within Agile, Scrum, and/or DevOps delivery models.
Preferred Qualifications
    Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or a related field.
    Experience supporting NIH, HHS, or other federal health agencies.
    Familiarity with cloud-native architectures (e.g., AWS, Azure) and microservices-based design.
    Experience with data interoperability standards (e.g., FHIR, RESTful APIs) in healthcare or research environments.
    Experience with CI/CD tools (e.g., Jenkins, GitHub Actions, GitLab CI).
    Knowledge of security best practices in application development (e.g., OAuth2, role-based access control).
    Experience working in regulated environments (e.g., GxP, 21 CFR Part 11).
    Strong problem-solving skills and ability to lead technical decision-making in complex environments
Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Subject to plan requirements, employees may participate in:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Parental Leave
• Vacation Leave (20 days per year)
• Sick Leave (9 days per year)
• Holiday Leave (7 Government Holidays and 2 Floating Holidays)
• Professional Development
• Health Advocate
• Employee Assistance Program
• Travel Accident Insurance
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account

Any offer of employment may be contingent upon receipt of acceptable results from a post-offer background screening, if required for the specific position, which may include, for example, identity verification, employment history, motor vehicle driving record history, and criminal or sexual offender records history. Any background screening results will be evaluated through an individualized assessment based on the individual's specific record and the duties and requirements of the position.

This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 5 days and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.

Employment Eligibility: This is a U.S.-based position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Westat does not offer employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) for this role. Depending on project requirements, some positions may require employees to meet specific residency criteria.

Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
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