Senior Web Accessibility Developer

As a Senior Web Accessibility Developer, you will be responsible for developing, testing, and maintaining high-quality React applications with a strong emphasis on backend integration and accessibility. You will work with both designer-generated components and build new features from scratch, ensuring seamless integration with our backend services (GCP or Appwrite). Your expertise in React and full-stack integration will be critical in creating accessible and user-friendly experiences for all users.

Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. We are unable to sponsor H1B visas for this position.

Key Responsibilities:
Design and develop responsive, secure, and high-performance applications (using frameworks like React, Svelte, Vue) with backend integration.
Implement accessible web designs following WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards as well as newly developed approaches.
Integrate frontend applications with cloud backend services (GCP or Appwrite).
Collaborate with UX/UI designers to ensure the design meets accessibility and usability standards.
Conduct accessibility testing and audits to identify and fix accessibility issues.
Participate in team meetings and collaborate across different time zones as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree (Computer Science, Web Development, or a related field) or equivalent work experience.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in React/Vue/Svelte or similar development.
Strong proficiency in modern frameworks, TypeScript/JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and JSON.
Experience with backend integration and cloud services (GCP, AWS, Azure, or Appwrite).
Experience with manual and automated accessibility testing (Lighthouse, aXe, Pa11y, Wave, SkipTo Headlines)
Proven experience with web accessibility standards and practices (WCAG, ARIA, screen reader testing, live regions, focus management).
Knowledge of integrating front-end applications with backend APIs and Databases
Experience with state management solutions (Redux, Context API, Zustand).
Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git).
Experience with software process tools such as Jira and Gitlab

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with Google Cloud Platform services or Appwrite.
Knowledge of Node.js and backend development.
Experience with real-time data synchronization and WebSocket implementations.
Familiarity with design systems and component libraries.
Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Beyond Technical Skills:
We are looking for a developer who:
Innovates and applies accessibility standards to new technologies.
Balances teamwork with independent problem-solving.
Adapts quickly in ambiguous environments and engages stakeholders to define next steps.

If you are passionate about creating accessible digital experiences and thrive in a collaborative, customer-centric environment, we want to hear from you!

Benefits:
Competitive salary and benefits package.
Opportunity to work on innovative projects with real-world impact.
Flexible working hours and remote work options.
Inclusive and supportive work environment.

How to Apply:
Please send your resume, portfolio or specific web application project, and a cover letter explaining why you are passionate about accessibility.
ViTAL is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

About Us:
ViTAL is part of a joint initiative, Inclusio, dedicated to creating inclusive and accessible digital experiences for the blind and visually impaired. As part of an NSF grant initiative led by Saint Louis University (SLU), our mission is to ensure that our products are usable by everyone, including people with disabilities, enhancing the quality of life for individuals with visual impairments. This is a fixed-term engagement for the grant period (approximately 1 year).