Android Development Lead

Forterra; Clarksburg (MD); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Premium healthcare benefits

Generous PTO and parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Forterra is seeking an Android Development Lead to advance tactical C2 capabilities for its fleet of autonomous ground vehicles. You will design and implement ATAK plugins, connect Forterra’s autonomy to the tactical edge, and contribute to the architecture and APIs across Java/Kotlin and native components.

You will collaborate with UI/UX, autonomy, networking, and vehicle software teams to deliver secure, high‑performing, degraded‑network communications.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in Java/Android plugin development.
• Experience with SQL databases and Android Jetpack libraries.
• Strong C/C++ knowledge for embedded or mobile contexts.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to design, implementation, and maintenance of Forterra’s tactical C2 capability through ATAK plugin development in Java/Kotlin for Android.
• Architect and evolve the remote C2 system connecting Forterra platforms to ATAK and partner interfaces across DoD use cases.
• Drive API design and data modeling across systems for reliability and performance.
• Collaborate with autonomy and networking engineers to ensure robust communication under constrained conditions.
• Guide development of intuitive user experiences that support situational awareness and platform control.
• Contribute to code reviews across Java, Kotlin, C++, and C for integration and performance.
• Assist with documentation, field validation, and integration with third‑party platforms and government systems.
• Support engineering excellence through mentorship and rigorous design reviews.

Skills

Java

Android plugin dev

SQL databases

Android Jetpack

JNI

Linux networking

Autonomy leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science

Equivalent work experience

Tools

TAK Server

CMake

Conan

Git

Job description

About Forterra

At Forterra, we are unleashing autonomy at scale to transform the battlefield. Our mission is to build the foundational platforms that enable an intelligent ecosystem to coordinate, adapt, and execute with speed and precision even in the uncertainty and disruption of modern conflict. In an era marked by rapid technological change and evolving threats, we design for flexibility, survivability, and operational dominance.

Forterra delivers weapons, sensors, and battlefield effects through integrated autonomous networks reaching operational areas faster, safer, and without placing human lives at risk. Our systems operate with distributed control, dynamic routing, and real‑time responsiveness, enabling sustained advantage across complex mission environments.

About the Role

Forterra is seeking an Android Development Lead to support the development of tactical command‑and‑control capabilities for our fleet of autonomous wheeled ground vehicles. In this role, you’ll be at the forefront of building and deploying advanced ATAK plugins that connect Forterra’s autonomy capabilities to the tactical edge.

You’ll be responsible for contributing to the architecture, development, and integration of Forterra’s ATAK‑based Tactical C2 node—delivering robust, user‑friendly mission software to operators in the field. This includes designing and documenting extensible APIs in Java/Kotlin, interfacing with native C++ and C components, and enabling secure, performant communications over degraded networks.

You’ll join a tight‑knit cross‑functional team that spans UI/UX, autonomy, networking, and vehicle software. The work you do will directly shape how soldiers interact with Forterra’s cutting‑edge technology—and will have a measurable impact on mission success.

What You’ll Do

• Contribute to the design, implementation, and maintenance of Forterra’s tactical C2 capability through ATAK plugin development in Java/Kotlin for the Android platform.
• Architect and evolve the remote C2 system connecting Forterra platforms to ATAK and partner interfaces across commercial and DoD use cases.
• Drive API design and data modeling across systems to ensure reliability, flexibility, and performance.
• Collaborate with autonomy and networking engineers to enable robust communication under constrained and adversarial conditions.
• Guide development of intuitive user experiences that support situational awareness, health monitoring, and direct platform control.
• Contribute to and review code across multiple languages (Java, Kotlin, C++, C) as needed for integration and performance.
• Contribute to documentation, field validation, and integration efforts with third‑party platforms and government systems.
• Support a culture of engineering excellence through mentorship, design reviews, and quality‑first development practices.

Minimum Qualifications

• Deep expertise in Java and Android‑based plugin development.
• Experience with SQL databases.
• Experience with Android Jetpack and Material UI libraries.
• Familiarity with C++ and/or C codebases, particularly in embedded or mobile contexts.
• Experience with JNI development and implementation.
• Strong understanding of Linux development environments, networking protocols, and distributed systems.
• Demonstrated ability to operate autonomously and lead efforts from design through deployment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience integrating with TAK Server, tactical radios, or defense‑grade networking systems.
• Familiarity with build systems (e.g., CMake), package managers (e.g., Conan), and Git workflows.
• Background in defense, robotics, or autonomous vehicle domains.
• Strong systems thinking, debugging skills, and the ability to operate effectively in field environments.
• Experience with gRPC and protobuf.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science (or similar field), or equivalent work experience.
• 7+ years of software engineering experience, with 2+ years specifically focused on ATAK plugin development.
• Experience with designing APIs and handling data transfer over low‑bandwidth, high‑latency networks.

US Salary Range

$150,000 - $220,000

Location

Hybrid in Arlington, VA, Clarksburg, MD, or Palo Alto, CA

Up to 15% travel required

Benefits

• Premium Healthcare Benefits: Three plan options, including an HSA‑eligible plan, with Forterra covering 80% of the plan premium for you and your dependents.
• Basic Life/AD&D, short and long‑term disability insurance plans 100% covered by Forterra, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents.
• Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a winter break in December.
• Competitive paid time off (PTO) offering 20 days accrued per year.
• A minimum of 7 weeks fully paid parental leave for birth/adoption.
• A $9,000 annual tuition reimbursement or professional development stipend.
• Fully stocked beverage refrigerators with all the Celsius your little heart desires.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan, including traditional, Roth 401(k), and after‑tax deferral with company match up to 4%.

Forterra is an equal‑opportunity employer, providing and promoting equal employment opportunity in all personnel practices. Forterrans are unique, talented individuals who are united through a shared passion to deliver autonomous systems that enable national resilience and a robust supply chain.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any factor, including veteran and disability status, and criminal history, in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws.

Forterra is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.

To see Forterra’s candidate data privacy policy, please visit Forterra Legal | Job Applicant Privacy Notice.