Mobile Application Developer - U.S. Coast Guard

Description

Vistra is seeking a Mobile Application Developer to support the U.S. Coast Guard Office of Governmental Public Affairs (CG-092). The developer will lead the full lifecycle of secure, user-friendly mobile apps—from gathering requirements and designing interfaces to building architecture, integrating systems, and implementing security features like SSO, MFA, and encryption. Key duties include usability and security testing, deploying apps to internal and public platforms, and providing documentation, training, and post-launch support. The role also maintains feedback channels to ensure adoption, compliance, and continuous improvement. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop an employee facing mobile application. 
• Conduct stakeholder interviews to gather business use cases and employee needs.  
• Define functional requirements and document them in a Product Requirements Document (PRD)  
• Identify user roles, access levels, and permission structures.  
• Produce a detailed Feature List and User Stories mapped to employee workflows.  
• Develop wireframes and interactive prototypes for all primary screens.  
• Conduct at least two rounds of usability testing with representative employees.  
• Design user interfaces in accordance with the client’s branding guidelines and accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1).  
• Deliver final UI mockups for all supported devices (iOS, Android).  
• Define the technical architecture for the application, including front-end, back-end, APIs, and data layers.  
• Develop or integrate with required backend systems (e.g., HRIS, payroll, scheduling platforms).  
• Implement secure authentication mechanisms including SSO and MFA.  
• Establish role-based access control (RBAC) at both the application and API levels.  
• Build mobile application using agreed-upon technology (e.g., React Native, Flutter, or native SDKs).  
• Implement core features such as login, dashboard, messaging, notifications, task tracking, and profile management.  
• Ensure offline access and syncing capabilities, if applicable.  
• Apply encryption to all sensitive data, both at rest and in transit.  
• Implement and test all required security protocols (OAuth2, TLS, encryption, secure local storage).  
• Conduct a security audit, including penetration testing and vulnerability scanning.  
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations.  
• Implement audit logging and monitoring for all privileged actions.  
• Develop a QA Test Plan covering functional, regression, and usability testing.  
• Conduct cross-platform testing on supported devices and OS versions.  
• Deliver bug reports and a resolution plan for identified issues.  
• Facilitate a UAT (User Acceptance Testing) cycle with the client’s team.  
• Prepare and configure deployment to Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and/or enterprise distribution platforms.  
• Coordinate internal rollout and phased deployment strategy.  
• Provide documentation for app installation and provisioning (including MDM support if applicable).  
• Set up monitoring tools (e.g., crash reporting, analytics, error tracking).  
• Provide 30/60/90-day post-launch support for bug fixes and critical patches.  
• Set up a support ticketing process or escalation path for technical issues.  
• Provide documentation for future developers including API specs, architecture diagrams, and deployment procedures.  
• Develop training materials including user guides, video tutorials, and FAQs. 
• Conduct virtual or on-site training sessions for employee users and administrators.  
• Create and implement a communication plan to support employee adoption.  
• Establish a feedback mechanism (e.g., in-app surveys or forms) for ongoing user improvement.  
• Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, media, software development, or related field., and at least ten (10) years of relevant experience, OR  
• Master’s degree or higher in business, communications, media, software development, or related field and at least five (5) years of experience with.  
• Experience with programming languages for mobile applications (i.e. Swift, Kotlin/Java)  
• Experience with Frameworks and Libraries (i.e. React Native, Flutter, Xamarin, etc.)  
• Proficiency with development environments such as Android Studio and Xcode  
• Understanding of design principles for mobile apps.  
• Ability to implement responsive and intuitive interfaces  
• Experience with unit testing and UI testing frameworks.  
• Skills in debugging and troubleshooting application issues.   
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust.  

Requirements

About Vistra:  Vistra Communications, doing business as Vistra and Vistra Federal Solutions, is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) headquartered in Tampa, FL with an office in Springfield, VA providing professional support serviced to Defense, Federal, and Civilian Agencies.  Approximately 25% of our “team member” employees work in the National Capital Region, providing communications, outreach, and organizational transformation services to our public sector customers.  Vistra provides medical, dental, and vision benefits, life and disability insurance, employer matching 401(k) retirement plan, Paid Time Off, Parental and Bereavement Leave, and Professional Development, among other benefits. 

US Citizenship Required: Due to the requirements of the federal contract that this position supports, U.S. citizenship is required. Citizenship will be confirmed via I-9/E-Verify at the start of employment.