Software Engineer - Ground Systems Command and Control

Arxlight • Oakland, CA

1d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

• 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.
• Prior experience developing ATAK plugins or working with the TAK ecosystem (TAK Server, CoT, MIL-STD-2525 symbology).
• Understanding of military procurement, interoperability standards.
• Experience designing interfaces for high-stress, time-critical decision-making — whether in defense, emergency response, or similar operational contexts.

Responsibilities

• Write software in Java/Kotlin and the Android development ecosystem (Android Studio, ADB, Gradle).
• Contribute to the development of GCS interfaces for managing ground systems, including system health monitoring, mission configuration, and status visualization.
• 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.
• Deploy with the system to exercises and demonstrations, collect operator feedback firsthand, and rapidly iterate on the software based on real-world use.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level