Software Engineer - Ground Systems Command and Control

Arxlight; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Arxlight, a technology startup in Oakland, CA, is hiring a Ground Systems Software Engineer. This role involves designing and developing operator-facing software for autonomous drones, including building ATAK plugins and ground control station interfaces. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering and proficiency in Java/Kotlin. Preferred qualifications include military service and experience with tactical software. The position is vital for those passionate about applying technology for security and safety applications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science or Software Engineering.
• Proficiency in Java and Kotlin with the Android development ecosystem.
• Knowledge of TCP/UDP networking and serial communication.

Responsibilities

• Develop software in Java/Kotlin for autonomous drone systems.
• Contribute to Ground Control Station software development and UI/UX design.
• Deploy systems for field testing and gather user feedback.

Skills

Java

Kotlin

Android Studio

TCP/UDP Networking

UI/UX Design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering

Tools

ADB

Gradle

Job description

Company Overview

We are a rapidly growing technology startup focused on delivering next-generation drones for security and safety applications. Our company vertically integrates hardware and software to create leading edge capabilities in the UAV space, with a focus on saving lives.

Role Overview

As a Ground Systems Software Engineer, you will be joining the team responsible for the design, development, and fielding of the operator-facing software that connects our autonomous drone systems to the warfighter. You will build ATAK plugins, ground control station interfaces, and C2 integration layers — shaping how operators receive, interpret, and act on information in high-stakes environments. This role is uniquely suited for someone who has been on the receiving end of tactical software and knows what "good" looks like under pressure.

Key Responsibilities

• Write software in Java/Kotlin and the Android development ecosystem (Android Studio, ADB, Gradle).
• Ground Control Station Software: Contribute to the development of GCS interfaces for managing ground systems, including system health monitoring, mission configuration, and status visualization.
• Operator Workflow Design: Collaborate with end users to design UI/UX flows that reflect how operators actually work — minimizing cognitive load, surfacing the right information at the right time, and degrading gracefully when comms or sensors are degraded.
• Field Testing & Iteration: Deploy with the system to exercises and demonstrations, collect operator feedback firsthand, and rapidly iterate on the software based on real-world use.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or equivalent professional experience.
• Android Development: Proficiency in Java/Kotlin and the Android development ecosystem (Android Studio, ADB, Gradle).
• Networking & Protocols: Working knowledge of TCP/UDP networking, serial communication, and XML-based messaging protocols.
• Systems Thinking: Ability to reason about the full stack from sensor to screen — understanding how latency, data fidelity, and display choices affect operator decision-making.

Preferred Qualifications

• Military Service: Veterans with experience operating C2, ISR, fires, or air defense systems are strongly encouraged to apply. Firsthand experience using ATAK, FBCB2, AFATDS, or similar tactical SA tools in an operational setting is highly valued. ATAK SDK Experience: Prior experience developing ATAK plugins or working with the TAK ecosystem (TAK Server, CoT, MIL-STD-2525 symbology).
• Defense Ecosystem Familiarity: Understanding of military procurement, interoperability standards.
• UI/UX Sensibility: Experience designing interfaces for high-stress, time-critical decision-making — whether in defense, emergency response, or similar operational contexts.