Software Engineer - Android Developer

Talent Locker Ltd; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Talent Locker Ltd is seeking a Software Engineer skilled in Android development with Kotlin and backend technologies like Rust, Python, or Go. This role involves collaborating with a defence team to deliver high-quality engineering and build secure applications.

Candidates must be located in Cheltenham, available for five days a week, with one day for client visits in Herefordshire. Security clearance is mandatory for this position.

Qualifications

• Experience in Android development using Kotlin and Jetpack Compose.
• Experience in backend development with Rust, Python, or Go.
• Familiarity with Git, modern development workflows, Docker, and CI/CD pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Build Android applications using Kotlin and Jetpack Compose.
• Design and ship backend services.
• Work with Docker, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud platforms (AWS/Azure).

Job description

Software Engineer | Android | Defence / MOD

Contract or Permanent | £500pd or £70k

Cheltenham - 5 days a week + 1 day/week Herefordshire (for client visits)

Security Clearance: It is an essential requirement for candidates to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC Level) prior to appointment.

Ever built Android apps that actually feel fast, modern, and clean?

Comfortable jumping between Kotlin, backend services, and cloud-native systems without getting boxed into one layer? Want to work on secure, real-world systems where engineering quality genuinely matters?

This is a hands‑on engineering role across mobile, backend, and cloud. You’ll be building Android applications using Kotlin + Jetpack Compose, designing and shipping backend services in Rust, Python, or Go, and working with Docker, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud platforms (AWS/Azure) in a secure, high‑assurance environment.

You’ll be joining a defence team that values clean engineering, rapid iteration (including PoCs where requirements evolve fast), and strong collaboration through code reviews and Git-based workflows.

You’ll need experience with:

• Android development (Kotlin, Jetpack Compose)
• Backend development (Rust, Python or Go)
• Git and modern development workflows
• Docker + CI/CD pipelines
• API design (REST / OpenAPI)
• Working in secure or controlled environments

Nice to have:

• AWS or Azure experience
• Kubernetes
• Agile delivery experience
• Secure coding awareness

If you like building across the stack, solving real engineering problems, and working in an environment where the tech genuinely matters, this is one to look at.