Software Developer - Front-End

At AQA, we’re committed to advancing education and we’re committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK, we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and it’s our people who make this happen.

Software Developer – Front End

Permanent

Milton Keynes: £48,000 - £55,000

Hybrid/Smart Working

Closing date: Sunday 8th December

Imagine working on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of assessment technology.

If you're passionate about software development and ready to contribute to a ground breaking product, we want to hear from you.

As the Front-End Software Developer, you’ll play a pivotal role in delivering world-class e-Assessment solutions that impact millions of students annually. Join a supportive, collaborative team where your ideas and skills will help revolutionize the way exams are designed, managed, and evaluated.

What will I be doing?

• Utilizing your expert knowledge of React, Typescript, HTML, and CSS to create intuitive, responsive user interfaces that work seamlessly across modern browsers and devices.
• Taking charge of project sprint goals, develop code, participate in code reviews, and address any defects efficiently.
• Engaging in peer programming, contribute to SCRUMs, and work with the team to produce high-quality outputs.
• Championing continuous improvement and upholding information security.

What will I need to succeed?

• Advanced skills in React, Typescript, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, with a strong understanding of UI/UX design principles.
• Proven ability to create adaptive user interfaces that cater to various devices.
• Experience working effectively within Agile methodologies.
• Experience with SASS, Webpack, .Net C#, Bootstrap, REST API Development, GIT, and unit testing frameworks is beneficial but not essential.

What’s in it for me?

• Balance your 35-hour workweek with flexible hours and smart working tools for office and home.
• Enjoy 25 days of annual leave, increasing incrementally to 30 days after five years, plus up to an additional 4 discretionary days over Christmas and New Year.
• Take 5 additional paid days to participate in volunteering activities that are close to your heart.
• Access private medical insurance from day one, covering new and pre-existing conditions.
• Benefit from our Ride-to-Work scheme, gym access or discounts, Headspace app, and an employee assistance programme.
• Receive up to 11.5% employer pension contributions with various options through salary sacrifice.
• Opt for our electric vehicle scheme which includes the car, insurance, MOT, service, and breakdown cover. 

How do I apply?

Read the full job description and upload your most recent CV.

If the role looks of interest and you would like to apply, please do so via our portal. Every application will be provided with a written response!

We are reviewing applications as they come through and reserve the right to close this role early.

AQA is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability status, citizenship, or any other aspect which makes people unique.

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Full Job Description

Summary

Purpose:
The Front End Software Developer is responsible for design, development, and support of the applications that enable AQA to offer the very best in e-Assessment software and services. They have specialist knowledge of developing system interfaces and have the responsibility to translate the creative vision into a working UI that is compatible with both current and legacy browsers.
They need to be innovators and great problem solvers who thrive within a strong team culture. As part of our continuous improvement program Software Developers will suggest system and process improvements, whilst taking a risk-based approach to system changes in an ITIL environment.Job title: Software Developer – Front End
Business Area: Assessment Technology - Scanning & Marking (Milton Keynes)
Department: Assessment Technology
Purpose:
The Front End Software Developer is responsible for design, development, and support of the applications that enable AQA to offer the very best in e-Assessment software and services. They have specialist knowledge of developing system interfaces and have the responsibility to translate the creative vision into a working UI that is compatible with both current and legacy browsers.
They need to be innovators and great problem solvers who thrive within a strong team culture. As part of our continuous improvement program Software Developers will suggest system and process improvements, whilst taking a risk-based approach to system changes in an ITIL environment.
Landscape:
The Assessment Technology group reports directly into the Chief Executive Officer. The group operates in close partnership with the Enterprise Technology and Central Hubs departments
The Assessment Technology group is responsible for the operational systems that deliver millions of GCSE and A-level results annually. It includes the technology for assessment design and production, and the full lifecycle of exams series delivery from entry to post-results services.
Given the seasonal nature and criticality of the Summer exams series, the role will be required to provide hands-on technical expertise through critical issues during the Summer series which may require some unsociable hours.
The Front End Software Developer works within a delivery team using an Agile approach to development. The team consists of a Product Owner, Scrum Master, Business Analysts, Developers and Quality Control resources. Together they are responsible for the delivery of features from a prioritised product backlog.
Activities:
Software Development
Maintain specialist knowledge of HTML, CSS, UI Frameworks, React, Typescript and the Microsoft technology stack.
Be responsible for the development and delivery of the project sprint goals through effective breakdown of tasks, estimates and timely updates in Azure DevOps
Work with Business Analysts, Architects and QC together with own initiative to produce an intuitive user-friendly interface that uses responsive design.
Complete all changes identified at code review or Functional testing, first time.
Take ownership of defects in coded areas and resolve these before Sprint completion
Participate in SCRUMs, Retrospectives and Peer reviews
Demonstrate a pro-active approach to communication within the team including any impediments to be escalated to the Scrum Master.
Support production use of systems through customer fixes, including on-call and some out of hours support.
Quality framework
Adhere to documented company and departmental quality procedures, standards, and methods.
Help to evolve the documented departmental procedures and methods.
Create efficiency in development through promoting continuous process improvement.
Team working
Work closely with other team members, e.g. peer programming and code reviews
Report progress and provide regular feedback to the Development Team Leader and team members
Other responsibilities associated with the role:
Risk Management - Participate in the identification, assessment, planning and management of threats and opportunities as appropriate.
Information Security – take an active part in the preservation of confidentiality, availability and integrity of information assets used in conducting the role and follow additional security procedures associated with specific activities where applicable.
AQA Milton Keynes is a recognised Investor in People. It is our Software Developers responsibility to ensure that their own professional knowledge and job skills are always fully up to date.
These responsibilities are not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. There may be other duties and requirements associated with the post which the company may reasonably require you to perform from time to time.
To be successful in this role, you will need to have:
Excellent knowledge of React, Typescript, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, HTML 5 and CSS3 with good working knowledge of development principles
Working knowledge of delivering a comprehensive UI using Web components
Experience of developing engaging responsive user interfaces that work on the latest browsers and mobile devices.
Experience of the following is desirableSASS
Asset bundling with tools such as Webpack
Build Automation
Unit Testing frameworks
Some experience of .Net C# would be beneficial.
UI Frameworks e.g. Bootstrap
Web Services & REST API Development
GIT
Proven experience of implementing design patterns
Experience of delivering code effectively within an Agile environment
Confidence in delivering key information and team collaboration in Scrum ceremonies and events.
Confidence to speak out, challenge and bring continuous improvements to the development team.