Lead Software Engineer

Important Notice For Applicants

At Bixal, we want to ensure a transparent and secure application process for all candidates. Official communication will come from an email address ending in @bixal.com or from talent@bixal.com. Messages from other sources may be fraudulent, and you should exercise care to avoid any links or attachments included.

Bixal will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

Need Assistance or a Reasonable Accommodation?

If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation to complete your application, we're here to help. Please reach out to us at talent@bixal.com and let us know how we can support you. You do not need to share personal details or disclose the nature of your request. You can expect a response from a team member within 24 hours during the regular work week and on the next operating day during the weekend or holidays.

Why Bixal?

Bixal is a consulting company headquartered in Fairfax, VA, working alongside governments and organizations to help them deliver better services and experiences to the communities they serve. Using evidence-based knowledge and technology, Bixal empowers clients to deliver on their missions more effectively by fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement.

Our Values

• People-First: Emphasizing the importance of people in all aspects of work.
• Collaboration and Transparency: Valuing teamwork and open communication.
• Growth Mindset: Encouraging innovation and continuous improvement.
• Creating Lasting Impact: Focusing on meaningful outcomes and positive change.

About The Role

Bixal is seeking a seasoned Lead Software Engineer to join our team supporting a critical digital support channel aimed at improving customers access services and get their questions answered. You will lead a cross-functional agile development team modernizing both the front-end and back-end of the AVA system, enhancing user experience for Veterans and VA staff.

This is a full-time position contingent on contract award by our client, with a defined performance period of one year with two one-year option periods. This role offers you a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on a project that aligns with Bixal’s mission of delivering innovative, human-centered solutions. While the role has a fixed duration, we are committed to transparency and collaboration, keeping you informed about contract updates and new opportunities. At Bixal, we support your professional journey, ensuring your experience reflects our inclusive, purpose-driven culture and prepares you for future success.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $130,000 – $140,000. In the spirit of transparency, most offers tend to land near the midpoint of the range. We make compensation decisions thoughtfully, considering your experience, the skills you bring, and our commitment to internal equity. Fairness and transparency are core to how we operate.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership across the Ask VA frontend and backend (CRM) modernization efforts, including integration with Microsoft Dynamics 365.
• Architect scalable, performant, and maintainable systems while driving system reliability, accessibility, and security.
• Lead sprint planning, guide story decomposition, and support continuous delivery in two-week agile iterations.
• Design, implement, and optimize secure APIs and integrations with VA platforms (e.g., VA.gov, chatbot, VA Notify).
• Expand automated testing coverage (Cypress and other frameworks); support test data creation and regression testing.
• Collaborate closely with VA Product Owners, business stakeholders (20+ business lines), and engineering teams across VA.
• Manage and mitigate technical debt, ensuring consistent progress toward modernization goals.
• Mentor team members and foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
• Ensure Section 508 compliance and contribute to ATO documentation and system monitoring.
• Participate in regular demos, retrospectives, and sprint reviews with VA stakeholders.
• Provide input into roadmap planning and backlog prioritization in coordination with product leadership.
• Other relevant duties as qualified and trained to assume

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, plus at least five (5) years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience
• Demonstrated full-stack development experience, including JavaScript frameworks (e.g., React), Node.js, and API development.
• Proven successful experience leading agile software development teams, including architecture and system design
• Prior work experience with the US federal government
• Experience integrating Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM systems.
• Proven knowledge and application of secure software development practices, automated testing, and CI/CD.
• Successful track record working in agile environments with tools like JIRA, GitHub, and Confluence.
• Knowledge of Section 508 accessibility standards and practices.
• Familiarity with performance monitoring, ATO documentation, and VA TRM alignment.
• Problem-Solving – Ability to troubleshoot complex issues and optimize system performance.
• Collaboration & Communication – Strong ability to work in an agile, remote team environment and explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Adaptability & Growth – Eagerness to learn new technologies, contribute to open-source projects, and iterate on solutions based on feedback.
• Attention to Detail – Commitment to maintaining high standards for security, scalability, and performance.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance.

Nice To Have Skills And Experience

• Prior experience working on federal government contracts
• Familiarity with AI/ML tools to support digital service enhancement and data analysis.
• Hands-on experience with Cypress or other automated testing frameworks.

How We Support Our Team

• Flex hours
• 401K with matching incentive
• Parental Leave
• Medical/dental/vision benefits
• Flex Spending Account
• Company provided short-term disability and life insurance
• Commuter benefits
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 11 Paid holidays

Our company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all individuals and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs.

We leverage technology, communications, data, and human-centered design to help governments and leading organizations be more efficient, effective, and impactful.