Software Engineer - Ground Systems Command and Control

Arxlight; Town of Oakland (WI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Arxlight in Wisconsin is seeking a Ground Systems Software Engineer to design, develop, and field operator-facing software connecting autonomous drone systems to warfighters. You will build ATAK plugins, GCS interfaces, and C2 integration layers for real-time decision making.

You will collaborate with end users to refine UI/UX, test in exercises, and quickly iterate based on in-field feedback. Strong Java/Kotlin skills, Android tooling, and a solid understanding of networking and data flows are

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Proficiency in Java/Kotlin and the Android development ecosystem.
• Working knowledge of TCP/UDP networking, serial communication, and XML-based messaging.
• Ability to reason about the full stack from sensor to display and latency implications.

Responsibilities

• Develop operator-facing software and ATAK plugins for ground systems.
• Contribute to Ground Control Station interfaces for health, missions, and visualization.
• Collaborate with users to design UI/UX flows that reduce cognitive load.
• Deploy, test in exercises, collect feedback, and iterate rapidly in the field.

Skills

Java/Kotlin

TCP/UDP

XML protocols

Systems thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering

Tools

Android Studio

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.