Lead Frontend Engineer/UX Systems Lead

OverviewOur clients, a rapidly growing/expanding AI-focused software development company supporting federal agencies, is seeking a Lead Frontend Engineer / UX Systems Lead to own frontend architecture and UX systems for a complex, operational creative platform.The platform includes personas, generative media workflows, conversational agents, timelines, asset management, asynchronous generation pipelines, versioning, reviews, labs/experiments, and collaborative workflows. This role focuses on building scalable frontend systems and ensuring UX cohesion across dense, information-rich operational interfaces — not marketing-style frontend experiences.About the OrganizationDelivers mission-critical technology for those who protect what matters. Builds AI-enabled capabilities purpose-built for federal law enforcement and national security partners. Work sits at the intersection of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, identity technology, and advanced generative workflows. Operates with a startup mentality focused on technical depth, creative problem-solving, and ownership.Hybrid Work LocationHybrid role based out of Reston. Virginia locationCollaborative engineering environment with close partnership between frontend, backend, and platform teamRole SummaryThe Lead Frontend Engineer / UX Systems Lead will drive frontend architecture, interaction consistency, and UX cohesion across a rapidly evolving product suite. This role is responsible for ensuring architectural integrity and preventing UX sprawl as experimental features mature into core workflows.The ideal candidate combines deep frontend engineering expertise with strong UX systems thinking, particularly for complex operational applications involving asynchronous processing, realtime systems, conversational interfaces, and dense workflow management.Key ResponsibilitiesDrive frontend architecture and interaction consistency across the product suiteBuild, maintain, and evolve a scalable design system shared across multiple applicationsOwn UX cohesion across complex workflows, including long-running jobs, uploads, and batch actionsDesign and refine conversational and agent-based interfacesSupport editors, inspectors, timelines, and version historiesEnable effective comparison and review workflowsEstablish and maintain standards for:State managementAccessibilityKeyboard navigationLayout systemsInformation hierarchyPrevent product and UX sprawl as experimental features mature into core workflowsCollaborate closely with backend and platform engineers to deliver system-level frontend solutionsDesign truthful asynchronous UX patterns, including:Partial progress statesRetries and recovery flowsOptimistic updatesServer-authoritative updatesStreaming and realtime feedbackRequired QualificationsExtensive experience leading frontend architecture for complex operational applicationsStrong background building and maintaining large-scale React and TypeScript applicationsDemonstrated ability to design and implement cohesive UX systems across multiple product areasExperience working with realtime or websocket-heavy applicationsAbility to translate ambiguous or early-stage product concepts into clear, structured workflowsComfortable collaborating closely with backend and platform engineering teamsPreferred QualificationsDeep understanding of UX consistency, interaction design, and mental model stabilityExperience designing dense, information-rich interfaces prioritizing operational clarityFamiliarity with AI- or agent-integrated user interfacesExperience using and extending MUI component systemsStrong proficiency with Figma and design-to-engineering workflowsPreference for capability-driven applications over traditional CRUD-style dashboardsWhat Success Looks LikeFirst 30 days: Gain deep understanding of platform architecture, workflows, and UX challenges while identifying areas of inconsistency and technical debtFirst 90 days: Deliver architectural improvements and establish scalable frontend standards across key product areasFirst 6 months: Drive a unified UX system across the platform, improving workflow consistency, operational clarity, and frontend scalability