Software Engineer - Ground Systems Command and Control
Arxlight
Apply to this jobCompany 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.
10-20% traveling to demo and showcase our system
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
5 or more years experience is preferred
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.
Compensation (from employer):
$100K – $200K • Offers Equity
Summary
Develop operator software for autonomous drone control, focusing on UI, system integration, and field testing.
Job title
Software Engineer - Ground Systems Command and Control
Experience level
5+ years
Minimum experience
5+ years exp
Industry
software
Location requirements
Oakland, remote not specified
Salary
$100k–$200k
Management role
No
Required skills
Preferred skills
Specializations
Structured locations inferred from the posting.
Oakland, CA, USA