The NICHD Office of OIT requires continued planning and technical support for IT application and website development and maintenance, Section 508 Compliance, database and data mart support, application infrastructure support, and other technical services including but not limited to the support of new and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine learning (ML)/Robotic Process Automation (RPA), NICHD and/or NIH Wide. The focus of these IT support activities is creation, development, maintenance, operation, and support of a web application infrastructure that provides an efficient, effective, reliable, and secure computing environment in support of NICHD’s and NIH’s mission and supports staff in the efficient and effective utilization of these capabilities.

The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) was established as one of the 27 institutes and centers within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1962. NICHD’s mission is to lead research and training to understand human development, improve reproductive health, enhance the lives of children and adolescents, and optimize abilities for all.

• Design, develop, enhance, and maintain enterprise web applications and websites supporting mission-critical federal programs.
• Lead the full Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), including business analysis, requirements gathering, solution design, development, testing, deployment, operations, maintenance, and system retirement.
• Design and develop scalable, multi-tier applications with backend database integration and cloud-based architectures.
• Collaborate with government stakeholders, business users, project managers, and cross-functional technical teams to translate business requirements into secure, high-quality technical solutions.
• Develop system architectures, technical designs, interface specifications, and implementation plans for new applications and system enhancements.
• Integrate applications with enterprise systems and APIs to support data sharing, authentication, and business processes.
• Support cloud and on-premises application environments, including development, testing, staging, and production systems.
• Develop and maintain applications utilizing Microsoft Azure, SharePoint, Drupal, SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, and other enterprise technologies.
• Perform software installation, configuration, upgrades, customization, and ongoing maintenance of commercial and custom software solutions.
• Conduct business process analysis, feasibility studies, scope definition, cost estimates, and project planning activities.
• Lead application development projects from concept through production deployment, ensuring adherence to schedule, quality, and performance objectives.
• Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including business requirements, functional specifications, system design documents, interface control documents, test plans, implementation plans, security documentation, and configuration management artifacts.
• Develop intuitive, user-centered interfaces using the U.S. Web Design System (USWDS) and modern web development best practices.
• Conduct usability research, stakeholder interviews, and user acceptance activities to improve application functionality and user experience.
• Develop and execute unit, integration, system, user acceptance, and usability testing to ensure reliable, high-quality software releases.
• Support release management, configuration management, change control, and production deployments.
• Monitor application performance and system availability, troubleshoot production issues, and implement corrective actions to ensure reliable system operations.
• Maintain and update website content, perform website administration activities, and support content management platforms.
• Analyze website usage metrics and performance data to identify trends and recommend improvements.
• Ensure applications and websites comply with Section 508 accessibility requirements and applicable federal standards, policies, and security requirements.
• Implement and maintain security controls to protect sensitive information, including Personally Identifiable Information (PII), in accordance with federal cybersecurity and privacy requirements.
• Develop user documentation, training materials, and knowledge transfer resources; deliver instructor-led and virtual training sessions as needed.
• Collaborate with infrastructure, cybersecurity, database, and DevSecOps teams to deploy and support enterprise applications.
• Mentor junior developers, perform code reviews, and promote software engineering best practices across the development team.
• Support multiple federal customers and adapt to evolving mission priorities while delivering high-quality technical solutions.

• At least 4 years of experience with overseeing application development and ensuring quality control.
• At least 5 years’ experience in .Net and SharePoint 2016/2019/SE/SPO, along with MVC, Ajax.
• More than 5 years’ experience with Nintex K2 automation.
• Experience with ActivePDF products, Telerik Radcontrols and iText/iTextSharp, SharePoint Search.
• Experience writing web service calls.
• At least 5 years’ experience writing stored procedures for both SQL Server and Oracle.
• At least 3 years’ experience using USWDS.
• Experience with claims-based authentication.

Requires BS/BA degree in related field (or equivalent)

Anticipated Salary Range: $109,000–$145,000 

Actual compensation will be determined based on the selected candidate's experience, qualifications, certifications, and other business considerations.

This position is contingent upon contract award.

Work Location: Fully Remote with occasional on site meetings in Bethesda, MD

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, Regular Business Hours

At Ardent Eagle Solutions, we offer a comprehensive benefits package to our employees and their families:

• Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage
• Matching 401(k) Plan
• Continuing Education Assistance
• Paid Time Off
• Free parking is available for the night shift Operations Watch Officers

This job description is intended to describe the general scope of work and level of work that is needed to perform while on task with Ardent Eagle Solutions. Other duties may be assigned. Selected candidates may undergo a government security investigation and must fulfill eligibility criteria for accessing classified information. US citizenship may be a prerequisite for certain roles.

Ardent Eagle Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to disability or protected veteran status.