Full Stack Android Developer for Autonomous Anti-Drone Systems
Company Overview:
Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a cutting-edge defense startup, founded by two ex-Navy electrical engineers with a proven track record in robotics and software. We are developing a small, autonomous gun turret that employs advanced computer vision and control systems to precisely target and neutralize small drones and loitering munitions. Our innovative approach requires overcoming significant technical challenges, making this an exciting and dynamic environment for experienced engineers.
With an engineering-first culture, ACS values technical excellence and innovation. Fresh off a $200M raise at a $2.2B valuation, we are committed to ensuring that the groundbreaking technologies we develop will have a real-world impact.
About The Role:
We are looking for an Android Developer to join our team, focusing on building performant, real-time Android applications that power our next-generation remote weapon systems. This role requires strong native Android development skills in Kotlin. Experience with game or simulation-style applications on Android is highly desirable.
This is a unique opportunity to work in a fast-paced startup environment with cutting-edge technology and direct impact on product design and function.
What You'll Do:
Design and develop native Android applications using Kotlin for performance-critical use cases.
Build and maintain Jetpack Compose interfaces for Android-based tablets and embedded systems.
Collaborate closely with back-end developers to integrate APIs and ensure seamless communication across systems.
Optimize applications for responsiveness, low latency, and smooth user interactions in demanding environments.
Support game-like interactions such as joystick/gamepad input and visual targeting overlays.
Work with product managers and UX/UI designers to implement clean, functional interfaces tailored for defense applications.
Stay current with Android development trends, continuously improving application architecture and performance.
Participate in code reviews and contribute to improving code quality and team performance.
What You'll Need:
A strong passion for Android development and building responsive, real-time systems.
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
4+ years of experience in Android development with proven proficiency in Kotlin and Java.
Experience with state management using MVVM/MVI patterns, Kotlin Flows, and Jetpack Compose.
Experience with Android Studio and Gradle, including build configuration, dependency management, and build variants/flavors.
Familiarity with game development concepts, input handling (e.g., controllers), and UI/UX for fast interaction.
Experience working with RESTful APIs and WebSockets.
Comfortable with Git, CI/CD workflows, and writing clean, maintainable, well-tested code.
A desire to work in a highly collaborative, fast-paced startup environment.
You'll Stand Out:
Experience with Compose Multiplatform
Experience with Multi Display / Presentation API
Experience building or contributing to Android games or simulations
Knowledge of real-time data handling and performance optimization
Exposure to cloud services like AWS or GCP, and tools like Docker or Kubernetes
Previous work with ruggedized or embedded Android devices
What We Offer:
Competitive salary
ACS Equity Package
Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
Paid Time Off
Allen Control Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer, providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Allen Control Systems prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field
- 4+ years of Android development experience
- Proficiency in Kotlin and Java
- Experience with MVVM or MVI state management patterns
- Experience with Kotlin Flows and Jetpack Compose
- Experience with Android Studio and Gradle, including build configuration, dependency management, and build variants or flavors
- Familiarity with game development concepts, controller input handling, and fast-interaction UI/UX
- Experience with RESTful APIs and WebSockets
- Comfort with Git, CI/CD workflows, and writing clean, maintainable, well-tested code
- Experience with Compose Multiplatform
- Experience with Multi Display or Presentation API
- Experience building or contributing to Android games or simulations
- Knowledge of real-time data handling and performance optimization
- Exposure to AWS or GCP
- Exposure to Docker or Kubernetes
- Previous experience with ruggedized or embedded Android devices
Allen Control Systems Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Health, dental, and vision coverage are consistently listed as employer‑provided across current role descriptions, indicating a solid core healthcare offering. This aligns with the startup‑standard package the company advertises.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid time off is explicitly advertised alongside core health benefits in multiple postings. While accrual details aren’t shown publicly, its consistent inclusion signals baseline time‑off coverage.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — An “ACS Equity Package” is repeatedly called out in job descriptions, suggesting equity grants are a standard component of total compensation. Visibility of equity across roles points to broad access to ownership upside, with specifics to be confirmed.
Allen Control Systems Insights
What We Do
Allen Control Systems is a defense technology company for a new era of drone warfare and to completely change battlefield economics. ACS is developing counter-drone robotic gun systems targeted at neutralizing attacking drone swarms, drones that are pre-programmed with AI, and drones that are non-jammable. ACS was created to lower the cost per kill of a drone to a few dollars. We do this by combining cutting-edge hardware and software that allows us to point an inexpensive gun that already exists in the field more accurately than anyone ever has before. ACS is a remote organization, with our HQ in Austin, Texas, and an office in Alexandria, Va. If you're passionate about our mission, we’d love to hear from you.
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