Software Engineer - Ground Systems Command and Control

Oakland on site Until 8/21/2026 5+ years exp First posted April 30, 2026 Last posted April 30, 2026
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.

  • 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

About this role

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

Skills & keywords

Required skills

javakotlinandroid studioadbgradletcpudpxml

Preferred skills

defense ecosystemui ux

Specializations

javakotlinandroid developmentnetworkingprotocols
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Oakland, CA, USA

On-site City