Principal Android Engineer

Responsibilities

Client is hiring a Principal Android Engineer (Tech Lead) to lead development of our RFID mobile experience on Zebra Android handhelds. This is a hands-on, lead-from-the-front role where you'll own the mobile codebase, ship features fast, and guide the team as we build a rugged, intuitive experience that complements our main platform. You'll write code daily, help solve edge-case device challenges and get our mobile app through the DoD's ATO process so it can run on classified and production networks.

This role is equal parts strategic thinker , technical collaborator , and product evangelist . If you thrive in ambiguity, love building something from the ground up, and want to make a tangible difference, we want you.

What You'll Do

• Lead by Doing: Write production-ready Kotlin/Java code daily while guiding mobile development best practices.
• Build for the Field: Develop an Android app optimized for Zebra devices - barcode scanning, RFID reads, offline caching, battery/performance tuning.
• Secure It: Work with our cybersecurity team to get the app through ATO and RMF for deployment on DoD networks
• Stay Close to the Platform: Collaborate with our backend (.NET) and frontend (Vue.js) teams to ensure seamless data sync and UX between desktop and mobile.
• Work with Users: Test in the field, gather feedback, and adapt the app to real-world DoD use cases.
• Own the Codebase: Set code standards, conduct code reviews, and help bring future mobile developers up to speed.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional software development, with strong Android (Java/Kotlin) experience.
• Experience building and shipping Android apps that interface with hardware devices (Zebra preferred).
• Experience working with Android enterprise features like device management, secure storage, and offline mode
• Knowledge of cybersecurity principles and working within RMF/ATO constraints (or willingness to learn fast).
• Previous leadership experience growing and developing high performing teams to solve tough problems.
• Comfortable being the go-to coder and leader for a growing mobile team.
• Strong communication skills - able to coordinate with platform engineers, PMs, and end users.
• Must be able to obtain a Secret clearance. (Secret or TS clearance preferred).

Bonus Points For:

• Previous work with Zebra SDKs or rugged handhelds.
• Background with RFID, barcode, or sensor-based workflows.
• Experience with RMF documentation or app hardening for IL4/5.
• Familiarity with DoD software deployments or secure network environments.