ATAK Developer

Jobtailor; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking a skilled software engineer to design and deliver custom ATAK plugins for field deployments in low-bandwidth environments. The role focuses on edge ML workflows, on-device decision support, and secure data exchange with TAK Server.

You will work with geospatial data, real-time overlays, and multi-disciplinary teams to refine requirements and ensure DoD cybersecurity alignment. Prior experience with Android development and REST/GRPC integrations is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience building ATAK plugins for field-deployed apps.
• Knowledge of DoD cybersecurity standards and RMF/STIG guidance.
• Ability to optimize for low-bandwidth, contested environments.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deliver ATAK plugins for field deployments.
• Implement Edge ML/Ops workflows for on-device inference.
• Work with geospatial data and real-time overlays for mapping.
• Integrate TAK Server and ensure data exchange with mobile apps.
• Optimize performance on low-resource devices in challenging environments.
• Build secure API integrations (REST, WebSocket, gRPC).
• Troubleshoot distributed systems and intermittent connectivity issues.
• Document designs and collaborate with engineers and stakeholders.

Skills

ATAK Plugin Development

Android Development

API Integration

Edge Computing

DoD Cybersecurity Compliance

Education

Active Secret Clearance

Tools

REST

WebSocket

GRPC

ATAK

TAK Server

Job description

• Design, develop, and deliver custom ATAK plugins that enhance field-deployable tactical applications in disconnected, contested, or low-bandwidth environments
• Leverage advanced techniques to enable Edge MLOps workflows and support distributed, on-device machine learning (ML) for real-time decision support and situational awareness
• Work with geospatial data, real-time location services, and operational overlays to improve mapping and data visualization capabilities within ATAK
• Support and extend functionality for TAK Server integration and ensure seamless data exchange between mobile applications and central server components
• Optimize software to ensure efficient performance on low-resource devices in harsh or contested environments
• Implement and maintain robust and secure API-based integrations (REST, WebSocket, gRPC, or similar) to support real-time collaboration and data sharing
• Troubleshoot complex integration challenges, including data synchronization in environments with intermittent or limited connectivity
• Ensure plugins align with military cybersecurity and STIG compliance requirements, providing DoD-compliant solutions
• Document technical designs, workflows, and processes to ensure replicable, high-quality development and deployment efforts
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams, including software engineers, data scientists, and military stakeholders, to define and refine requirements

Requirements

• 3-5 years of software development experience, including mobile applications, plugin development, or backend systems
• 2+ years of experience developing for Android platforms (using Kotlin and/or Java)
• Familiarity with edge computing concepts, including resource optimization on low-powered devices and intermittent or contested network environments
• Proficiency in API integration and building highly-performant, secure software architectures
• Understanding of military systems, particularly related to aTAK/Tactical Assault Kits
• Knowledge of system security, particularly DoD cybersecurity guidelines and frameworks (e.g., STIGs, RMF compliance)
• Strong debugging, troubleshooting, and performance optimization skills for distributed systems and mobile apps
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within multi-disciplinary teams
• Active Secret clearance (or ability to obtain one)

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in developing custom ATAK plugins and mobile applications, with a strong focus on API integration, performance optimization, and compliance with military cybersecurity standards. Proficient in leveraging edge computing techniques for real-time decision support in challenging environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• ATAK Plugin Development
• Android Development (Kotlin/Java)
• API Integration
• DoD Cybersecurity Compliance
• Edge Computing

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• Software Development
• Mobile Applications
• Plugin Development
• Backend Systems
• Performance Optimization
• Debugging
• Troubleshooting
• Data Synchronization
• Real-Time Collaboration
• Geospatial Data Handling

Soft Skills

• Collaboration
• Independent Work
• Problem-Solving

Certifications & Qualifications

• Active Secret Clearance

Industry Keywords

• Military Systems
• Cybersecurity Guidelines
• STIG Compliance
• RMF Compliance
• Low-Bandwidth Environments

Tools & Technologies

• REST
• WebSocket
• GRPC
• ATAK
• TAK Server