React Developer jobs in Technology

React developer jobs are a subset of front end developer jobs, for which the React JavaScript library is used. This component-based library is maintained by Meta and aims to enable interactive user interfaces to be created without difficulty. A front end React developer may be required to work with other platforms and languages such as AWS, Java and Python, often working on web front end development.

In many cases a React front end developer will be assigned to 'greenfield' projects: those built from scratch, without the constraints of existing programming code. A junior React developer is likely to be given a function to complete within this, whereas a senior React developer might have more general guidance, with more autonomy in terms of how they deliver the finished product.

Typical tasks of a React developer

A React front end developer will typically be responsible for designing and building user interface components for JavaScript applications. This may be web front end development, mobile phone apps or similar. Web front end developers may work on page code, incorporating their UI components into the HTML5, PHP and CSS of the page.

The end goal in many cases is to create a contemporary, sleek and modern UI, so an appreciation of aesthetics and usability is essential. You may be tasked with achieving a certain level of user experience (UX) by making your design intuitive, mobile-friendly and accessible to users with mobility problems or impaired vision.

Although many front end React developers work on greenfield projects, in this role you may also be tasked with working on code written by a different developer or development team. Especially in senior React developer jobs, you must be able to interpret other programmers' code quickly, add to it with your own functionality, and streamline pre-existing code bloat to improve performance.

Qualifications required for a React developer job

A degree in an appropriate technical discipline such as maths, physics or electronics is likely to be the bare minimum for many React developer jobs. A high pass at bachelor's or master's level in a computer science or software engineering degree will put you at an even better advantage.

Some junior React developer roles may offer training, but you will be expected to already have significant understanding of React plus programming and user interfaces in general. Many training providers offer certification schemes that help you to demonstrate your level of understanding and ability, which may help strengthen your application if you do not have a relevant degree at 2:1 grade or better.

Hard/soft skills needed for a React developer job

React developers need technical skills including computer programming in a variety of languages, notably HTML5 and CSS for web React developer jobs. You should know the norms and requirements of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) including the elements usually found in a UI and the potential impacts of your designs on UX, usability and accessibility.

Strong organisational skills can help you lay out a GUI more effectively, and will help you to adopt a logical approach to the development side of the project. This is one role where a desire for perfection is a significant strength, as it will help you to deliver UIs that meet the needs of the typical user directly.