What to know when looking for full stack developer jobs
The information technology sector offers a wide range of opportunities for people who are able to obtain security clearances. These roles often require working closely with highly classified information, whether this is handling data directly or building and maintaining the mission-critical applications required to manage this information.
As such, values like integrity, trustworthiness and professionalism are often just as important to employers as technical knowledge. However, if you're successful in obtaining high-level security clearances such as Security Check and Developed Vetting, you'll be well-placed for a long and rewarding career in the sector.
What is a full stack developer?
When it comes to building vital web applications, one discipline that's in particularly high demand among employers across all sectors, including those recruiting for security cleared roles, is full stack operations.
What is the job of a full stack developer?
A full stack refers to the entire depth of an IT system, including both the front-end and back-end. As such, a full stack developer is expected to have expertise in everything needed to build a web application, from programming the database and the server to working with the client software.
Therefore, software developers with these skills may find themselves working on all parts of the stack development. While they won't build an entire site by themselves, they'll often manage and oversee the full process thanks to their ability to work closely with every part of the project.
When is a full stack developer needed?
One of the main reasons why businesses want full stack development experts is they provide a wide range of knowledge across several disciplines. They're also adept at problem-solving and multitasking, providing support to colleagues across the software development team.
As professionals whose roles touch every aspect of the process, they're also required to be good communicators and will often take on management tasks.
Who does a full stack developer work with?
As a generalist, the versatile role of full stack development professionals involves working closely with more specialised software developers, with a focus on tasks that will straddle both front-end and back-end objectives.
They may work alongside a back-end developer to implement machine learning capabilities and ensure these are fully integrated with front-end systems, or help put together the visual design and improve end-user functionality alongside front-end developers.
Does a full stack developer require coding?
Yes, a full stack developer will usually be expected to have strong coding skills across several common languages. Hard skills that you're likely to see in any senior full stack engineer job description include:
- HTML
- CSS
- JavaScript
- Database expertise, such as SQL and MongoDB
- Back-end languages such as Java, Python, Node, and PHP
Full stack web developer jobs
Whether you're just getting started in this sector or are looking for senior software engineer roles, full stack professionals are always in high demand. But by showcasing your unique qualities and ability to gain security clearances, you can stand out and find lucrative, engaging positions at some of the UK's biggest and most prestigious organisations.
How do you get a job as a full stack developer?
According to Stack Overflow’s Developer Survey 2022, around half (46.82 per cent) of web developer professionals consider themselves to be full stack developers, so it's a common claim to see on a CV. Therefore, in order to stand out from the crowd, you need to focus not only on your technical abilities, but your softer skill set.
This is where showcasing talents and experience that would make you a good fit for security cleared jobs can be highly useful. Being able to demonstrate the personal qualities these roles require will be invaluable in taking the next step in your career.
How much do full stack developers make?
Because of the versatility and wide range of skills required to be a successful full stack developer, these software engineer roles offer the potential for significant earnings.
According to figures gathered by the Code Institute, full stack developers can expect a salary of around £50,000 - regardless of experience or seniority. Like any position, this will likely vary depending on the location and specific organisation, but it spells good news for entry-level professionals.
In London, the expected salary falls around £68,000 and established professionals in the field are generally compensated in the region of £90,000 to £130,000.
Can a full stack developer work from home?
The nature of the work means most of the tasks required of a full stack software engineer can be done remotely. What's more, a growing number of employers are happy to offer either fully work-from-home arrangements or a hybrid working strategy that allows you to spend the majority of your time away from the office, only coming in when face-to-face chats are needed.
Changes in worker expectations mean you'll find there are many fully remote working opportunities available - in most cases, you can filter your search to only show roles that match this criterion.
Where can you find full stack developer jobs?
The best place to search for full stack developer jobs is on specialised job board sites that are trusted by employers to deliver a strong range of candidates. By using SecurityClearedJobs.com, you can connect directly with recruiters, or even let them come straight to you if you've registered and uploaded your CV for them to find.
If you're looking for roles with organisations that require a security clearance, one of our Security Cleared EXPOs can also help you meet employers in person and understand what unique skills and qualities these firms seek. These take place around the UK throughout the year, so keep an eye out for the dates of the next one near you.
Browse our latest job vacancies today to find what security cleared full stack developer opportunities are available that could offer you the next step in your career.