Front End Engineer - React, Next.js, JavaScript (Remote, Contract - Outside IR35)

The Role

We are looking for an experienced Front End Engineer on an Outside IR35 contract basis to deliver user-centric digital services for our public sector clients. This is a fully remote role focused on building accessible, performant web applications aligned with GDS standards. You will work within multidisciplinary agile teams to produce production-quality front-end solutions that make a real difference to public services.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain front-end applications using React and Next.js
• Build accessible, responsive interfaces compliant with WCAG 2.2 AA and GDS Design System
• Collaborate with designers, product owners, and back-end engineers in Agile delivery teams
• Write clean, testable JavaScript/TypeScript with comprehensive unit and integration tests
• Implement server-side rendering (SSR) and static site generation (SSG) using Next.js
• Contribute to technical decision-making and code reviews
• Ensure services meet GDS Service Standard and pass assessments
• Optimise application performance and Core Web Vitals

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong proficiency in React (hooks, context, state management)
• Production experience with Next.js (App Router, SSR, SSG, API routes)
• Advanced JavaScript (ES6+) and ideally TypeScript
• Public sector / government digital delivery experience (e.g., GDS, NHS Digital, HMRC, DWP, MOJ, Home Office)
• Understanding of GOV.UK Design System and accessible front-end development (WCAG 2.2 AA)
• Experience working in Agile/Scrum teams within government delivery frameworks
• Testing: Jest, React Testing Library, Cypress or Playwright
• Version control with Git (GitHub/GitLab)
• RESTful API integration and understanding of microservices architecture

Desirable Skills

• TypeScript (advanced)
• GOV.UK Prototype Kit
• GDS Frontend (govuk-frontend)
• Design systems and component library development
• CI/CD pipelines (GitHub Actions, Jenkins, Azure DevOps)
• Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure)
• Performance optimisation and monitoring
• Accessibility auditing tools (axe, WAVE, PA11Y)