Frontend Developer - Node.JS, Express, Nunjucks

Frontend Developer - Contract

Location: Newcastle or Leeds hub, 2-3 days per week on site
Duration: Initial contract until March 2027.

An experienced Frontend Developer is required to build accessible, user-centred digital services for a UK government programme. You will work in a multidisciplinary agile team, developing Front End interfaces and supporting integration with Java-based Back End services and Kubernetes environments.

Responsibilities

• Build accessible, responsive, server-rendered interfaces using Node.js, Express and Nunjucks.
• Implement components and patterns using the GOV.UK Design System and GOV.UK Frontend.
• Ensure services meet WCAG 2.2 AA accessibility standards, including semantic HTML, keyboard navigation and assistive technology support.
• Integrate Front End services with Java/Spring APIs and support deployment in Kubernetes environments.
• Write clean, tested, maintainable code and contribute to code reviews and technical design.
• Work with designers, content designers, researchers, product managers, Back End engineers and QA specialists.
• Support accessibility audits, usability testing, performance improvements and GDS service assessment readiness.

Essential experience

• Strong Node.js and Express experience.
• Proven Nunjucks templating experience.
• Hands-on experience with the GOV.UK Design System, GOV.UK Frontend and/or Prototype Kit.
• Strong accessibility knowledge, including WCAG 2.2 AA and progressive enhancement.
• Experience delivering UK government digital services and familiarity with the GDS Service Standard.
• Practical Java and Spring/Spring Boot experience.
• Experience with Kubernetes.
• Strong JavaScript, CSS, HTML and responsive design skills.
• Experience working in agile, multidisciplinary delivery teams.
• Ability to travel to Newcastle or Leeds 2-3 days per week.

Desirable experience

• TypeScript.
• Automated testing, including Jest, Playwright or Cypress.
• Accessibility testing tools and manual screen-reader testing.
• CI/CD, Git, Docker and cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure.
• Experience across GDS discovery, Alpha, beta and live phases.

Key requirement: Candidates must be able to work from the Newcastle or Leeds hub 2-3 days per week. London-based candidates will not be considered.