Software Engineer III (TAK focus)

About the role

Nine Hill Technologies builds counter-UAS (C-UAS) systems for defense and security customers, including Edge Scout, our drone detection platform with deep ATAK/CoT integration. We’re looking for a TAK Developer to help build and maintain our plugin ecosystem that connects Edge Scout’s detection capabilities directly into operators’ situational awareness workflows.

This is a great opportunity for someone who wants hands-on experience with tactical mapping software, real-time geospatial data, and Android development in a mission-focused engineering environment.

What You’ll Do:

Develop and maintain ATAK plugins that surface drone detection, tracking, and alert data from Edge Scout hardware

Implement and troubleshoot Cursor-on-Target (CoT) message generation, parsing, and transmission

Interface with web applications and work with and backend engineers to integrate new detection modalities into the ATAK UI

Support Android app packaging, signing, and Play Store/enterprise distribution workflows

Participate in field testing and demos, translating operator feedback into plugin improvements

Debug integration issues across the device-to-ATAK data pipeline

Write clear documentation for plugin features, APIs, and configuration

What we're looking for:

Professional software development experience (internships, personal projects, and coursework count)

Working knowledge of Java and/or Kotlin for Android development

Familiarity with ATAK, CoT, or similar tactical/geospatial mapping tools (personal projects or coursework welcome — we’ll teach the rest)

Basic understanding of networking concepts (TCP/UDP, multicast) relevant to CoT message transport

Comfort reading and debugging someone else’s code, and a willingness to ask questions

Strong communication skills and attention to detail

A degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field — or equivalent hands-on experience

Docker, Kubernetes, and AWS knowledge

Nice to haves:

Exposure to Rust or embedded systems

Experience with GPS/geospatial data formats (KML, GeoJSON, MGRS)

Familiarity with drone detection, RF systems, or defense/public-safety technology

Prior experience with Android Studio, Gradle, and app signing/distribution

Firm Qualification:

U.S. Citizen - non-U.S. Citizens need not apply

Why Join NHT:

Work directly on a fielded C-UAS product used by real operators

Mentorship from senior engineers across firmware, RF, and software

Small, mission-driven team where your code ships fast and matters

Room to grow into broader embedded, RF, or full-stack roles as you develop

At Nine Hill Technologies, we strive to build a world-class team of intelligent, creative, innovative, and driven engineers that can provide big impacts for our customers. Please consider reaching out to us today to discuss how you can contribute!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $105,000.00 - $155,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Flexible schedule

Health insurance

Paid time off

Professional development assistance

Relocation assistance

Retirement plan

Tuition reimbursement

Vision insurance

Experience:

software development: 4 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

New Hartford, NY 13413 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

New Hartford, NY 13413: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in New Hartford, NY 13413