Front-end & JavaScript Developer Recruitment and Jobs in Ireland

JavaScript used by Front-end Developers is in high demand from our client organisations in Ireland from a broad range of companies both large and small. The cluster of software product companies here are using various JavaScript frameworks such as React. Banks, Insurance Companies, and major Corporations are also embracing Front-end & JavaScript as part of their digital transformation journeys.

These market trends are creating some interesting jobs and projects for Front-end Developers. Angular is a popular technology in Ireland, as is Vue.js. We also have client organisations that use Ember.js and we have opportunities for JavaScript Developers with jQuery.

Some of the complementary tools with Front-end developers include HTML and CSS. In Dublin and Ireland, TypeScript is now gaining presence as a strong programming language that builds on JavaScript and is mostly associated with Angular, React, and VueJS. Libraries include Redux. React Native for mobile applications has emerged over the last few years and some developers have even dedicated their roles wholly to React Native mobile development.

Front-end Developers with cloud experience or knowledge is increasingly important. Archer Recruitment also has jobs available for Full-stack Developers experienced with Java, and we have a page dedicated to Java Jobs. We also have positions for Front-end Developers with PHP and a page dedicated to PHP Jobs. There is also a page dedicated to JavaScript Developers who have experience with Node.js for the backend.

Key Tech in Demand in Front-end & JavaScript Developer Jobs

First and foremost, a deep understanding of the core web technologies – HTML, CSS, and JavaScript – is fundamental for any front-end developer. This includes proficiency in HTML5 and CSS3, as well as ES6 (ECMAScript 2015) and later versions of JavaScript, which introduce many useful features like classes, arrow functions, promises, and async/await.

Proficiency in responsive design principles and frameworks like Bootstrap is also essential, as websites need to look good and function well on a range of devices and screen sizes. Understanding of CSS pre-processors like SASS or LESS can be beneficial as well.

JavaScript frameworks and libraries are a significant part of modern web development. Depending on the job, expertise in one or more of these can be required. React.js is widely used and in high demand, but Angular and Vue.js are also popular choices. Knowledge of state management libraries like Redux (for React) or Vuex (for Vue) can be important for larger applications.

Proficiency in version control systems, particularly Git, is another essential skill. Familiarity with package managers like npm (Node Package Manager) or yarn, and build tools like Webpack or Parcel, is often expected as well.

Many front-end developer roles also require experience with testing frameworks and libraries such as Jest, Mocha, Jasmine, or Cypress for writing unit and integration tests.

For front-end developers focusing more on the JavaScript side, skills in Node.js could be in demand, particularly for roles involving server-side rendering or full-stack development. Experience with Express.js, a popular web application framework for Node.js, can also be beneficial.

Finally, an understanding of performance optimisation techniques, accessibility standards (WCAG), and SEO best practices can set candidates apart in the front-end developer job market.

What is the Career Path for Front-end & JavaScript Developers?

The career path for Front-end and JavaScript developers typically begins with a solid foundation in software engineering. 

Front-end & JavaScript Developers tend to switch in between being Full-stack at some stage. The typical career journey tends to be fast-moving with jumps from a mid-level to a senior-level happening quite quickly. The journey can start from graduate to mid-level, to senior, to technical lead, and then principal and engineering manager or CTO.

Aspiring developers often start their journey by building personal projects or contributing to open-source projects to gain practical experience. These early experiences help them understand how to structure code, solve problems, and work with others in a development team.

The next step is usually an entry-level or junior developer role. In this role, they apply their knowledge and skills in real-world projects, learn about industry best practices, and possibly start to specialise in a particular area, such as a specific JavaScript framework like React, Angular, or Vue.js.

As they gain experience and deepen their expertise, developers can move into more senior roles. In these roles, they handle larger parts of the software development process, including architecture design, code reviews, and often, mentoring junior developers. They may also get involved in decision-making processes like choosing technologies or frameworks for new projects.

After gaining substantial experience, many front-end developers transition into roles like Team Lead or Front-end Architect. In these positions, they make high-level decisions about front-end technologies and designs, oversee the work of a team of developers, and ensure that the front-end code aligns with the overall project requirements.

Some front-end developers may choose to broaden their skill set and move into full-stack development roles. These roles require understanding both the front-end and back-end parts of web development and often involve working with server-side languages like Node.js, and databases.

Alternatively, with a strong understanding of user interfaces and experiences, some front-end developers may transition into UI/UX design roles. In these roles, they design user interfaces and focus on improving the overall user experience.